Welcome to the Ilocos Region, a
captivating gem in the northern
Philippines renowned for its rich history,
vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.
Comprising four provinces—Ilocos Norte,
Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan—
this region offers a blend of Spanish
colonial heritage and traditional Filipino
charm.
One of the most celebrated aspects of Ilocos
culture is its culinary delights. The region is
famous for dishes like bagnet (crispy pork
belly), empanada (savory pastries), and
longganisa (local sausages). The vibrant street
markets and food festivals are a testament to
the region's rich gastronomic heritage.
Bangui, Ilocos Norte Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte
Calle Crisologo, Ilocos Sur Tirad Pass, Ilocos Sur
Agoo Basilica, La Union Pindang Festival, La Union
José Palma: Born in Tondo but with roots in the Ilocos
Region, José Palma was a key figure in Philippine literature.
He is best known for writing the lyrics to the "Lupang
Hinirang," the Philippine national anthem. His work
reflects the nationalistic sentiments of the time.
Carlos Palanca Awardees: Writers from the Ilocos Region
have been recognized in the Carlos Palanca Memorial
Awards for Literature, one of the most prestigious literary
awards in the Philippines. Their works often reflect the
region's culture, history, and social issues.
Ilocano folklore encompasses the rich tapestry
of myths, legends, and traditional stories passed
down through generations among the Ilocano
people of the northern Philippines. These
folktales reflect the values, beliefs, and history
of the Ilocano community, often conveying
moral lessons and cultural wisdom.
"Biag ni Lam-ang" (The Life of Lam-ang) is a significant piece of Ilocano
literature and one of the oldest surviving epics in Philippine history. It is a pre-
colonial epic poem that recounts the adventures and exploits of its hero, Lam-
ang, and provides valuable insights into the culture, values, and traditions of
the Ilocano people.
"My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" by Manuel E. Arguilla is a
notable short story in Philippine literature that captures rural Filipino
life and explores themes of family, cultural clash, and acceptance.
"Bigong Pag-asa" is a notable work by Leona Florentino, a prominent
Filipino poet and one of the leading figures in Philippine literature
during the 19th century. This poem is part of her larger body of work
that explores themes related to Filipino identity, social issues, and the
complexities of human emotions.
"Samiweng ni Ayat" by Ruben Ilaga is a contemporary Filipino poem
that delves into the theme of love, exploring its emotional depth and
impact.
Samiweng ni Ayat by Ruben Ilaga
Ti agpudno ti umuna a rangtay
kas na ti saan a makadaniw
ken agnanayon a padaya
a mapukaw ti sanga ti tawen.
Ti sipnget ti agpayso a lawag
a sumagmamano nga al-aliaw
ti alad dagiti parikut
iti agsar-sarita.
Panawen a kitaen dagiti turay
a nagtaud kadagiti aglawlaw
a siten kadagiti pangulo
a malukag a dumawat ti ayat.
Kasano nga agbannog dagiti kararag
ken maiparugian ti maysa a gunglo
a naipannakdaar a nadaganan
nga ragsak a magun-od dagiti tao.
Tay aglawlaw ti agur-uray
a makapasublak a maid-anay
ti agdama ken kasasaad
ti panagbiag a kabusor.
Echoes of Love
The truth of the first bridge
is like a silent farewell
and an enduring delay
until the end of time.
The darkness of the true light
that brings scattered thoughts
across the barriers of trials
in an endless conversation.
Moments to see the trails
originating from distant lands
through leaders’ guidance
that craves for love.
How to struggle with prayers
and begin a united call
from the cherished joys
that humans aspire to achieve.
That space waits
to return in a faded light
the present and state
of life’s challenges.
Balay ni Ana,
maymasa ti
adigi na.
Nagpintas nga
babai,
kankanen na ti
bagi na.
Lima nga
agaadi,
maymasa ti
adigi na.
Ania iti
pinarsua iti
Dios a balin
suec a
maturog?