Area code: (77)
Currency:Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TRIVIA St William’s Cathedral, the most visited church in Laoag, was built in 1612. It was damaged by a hurricane in 1640, by an earthquake in 1706 and by fire in 1843. It was then restored in 1880.
TOUCHDOWN You can hire a van, jeepney or tricycle from the Laoag airport to get to your destination. An eco-friendly means of getting around is the calesa or horse-drawn carriage.
BY DAY Go sandboarding at the La Paz sand dunes. This latest adventure sport to hit Laoag was pioneered by the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement. Tel: +63 (77) 772 0538
BY NIGHT Sample avant-garde Ilocano cuisine at Saramsam Restaurant. Must-try dishes include the Saramsam Pasta, Dinardaraan Pizza and Dinakdakan. Rizal corner Hizon Street
SLEEP Though rustic and reminiscent of an old Filipino house, Balay da Blas Pensionne House has modern amenities such as cable TV and Wi-Fi. www.balaydablas.com
LOCAL LIFE
Yhen Solsoloy
development communicator
Best breakfast
Longsilog at La Preciosa in Laoag City. The longganisa is really good
Best night out
Enjoy drinks and music at Engineer’s Bar, 365 Mall, San Nicolas
Best dinner
You can rely on a grea dinner at La Espana located at Fort Ilocandia
Best buys
Ilocos vinegar, cornik (chichacorn), bagnet or deep fried pork meat, biscochio of pasuquin
Best souvenirs
Inabel blankets are great gifts. Nothing beats the comfort of these
Must-do experience
Batac’s nightlife at Riverside. Try the Batac miki, empanada and longganisa
Must learn…
“Agyamannak” means “thank you” and “Sagmamano” means “how much?”
Insider tip
Say manang for older women, manong for older men, and ading for younger people
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