TRADITIONAL COSTUME IN LUZON

Barong Tagalog is a clothing worn by men. Having originated in Luzon, this clothing is may be
made of pineapple fiber and is translucent, where an undershirt has to be worn together with dark
pants.

baro't saya
The national costume of the Philippines, the baro't saya, is an elegant hybrid of Filipino and
Spanish clothing styles. The term itself comes from the Tagalong words "barot at saya" or
"blouse and skirt," still the basic components of the ensemble

Different arts and craft of luzon

 PALAWAN BRACELET.
 PALAWAN ARTIFACTS AND SOUVENIRS MANGYAN DESIGN OF
PAKUDOS/BRACELET.
 MARINDUQUE CERAMICS AND POTTERY ROMBLON MARBLE ART AND
CRAFTS.
 PALAWAN FABRIC IFUGAO CLOTHS.
 ABRA ARTS and CRAFTS MOTIFS and DESIGN FROM CAGAYAN VALLE
HIGHLANDS IN LUZON
 These ethno-linguistic groups include: Abra (Itneg), Apayao (Apayao), Benguet
(Kankanaey and Ibaloi), Ifugao (Ifugao), Kalinga (Kalinga) and Mountain Province
(Bontoc and Kankanaey).

FAMOUS PLACES IN LUZON

1. Batad Rice Terraces

A visit to Batad will be a completely opposite experience to your visit to Manila. Instead of
crowded streets and towering skyscrapers, you can expect green rice terraces set in a village with
a population that only manages to reach about 1,500 people.

Take a morning hike up the hills and look down into a tapered valley with immaculately
designed rice terraces glowing with green vegetation as far as you can see. There are quaint
wooden houses scattered around these terraces where the farmers and their families live.

While you’re here, you can stay with a family for a homestay opportunity and hike to a nearby
waterfall with a friendly guide. See a side of the Philippines through the eyes of the people who
life and thrive here.

2. Ta’al Volcano in Tagaytay City

Just three hours away from Manila is the wondrous city of Tagaytay, home to Ta’al Volcano.
This active volcano has experienced over 30 eruptions in recent history and still puffs out smoke
to this day. But that isn’t actually what makes Ta’al so unique.

From the naked eye, you can see that Ta’al Volcano sits in the middle of a lake. Pretty cool. But
look a little closer at the mouth of Ta’al Volcano and you’ll see that the mouth holds a lake, as
well. Look even closer and you’ll see that the lake inside of the volcano’s mouth has yet another
island.

Did you catch all that? You might have to visit for yourself to get the picture.

3. WWII Era Corregidor Island

Source: flickr

Corregidor Island
Just because you don’t have much time to spend on Luzon doesn’t mean that you can’t get out
and explore. From Manila, you can take a guided tour to historical island or Corregidor.

This little island was once a notorious battleground during WWII between the Americans,
Japanese, and Filipino troops. The conflicts left behind relics and reminders of these trying times
that now serve as educational props.

Primarily, this island served as a fortress whose skeleton still remains. You’ll also visit the light
hours, military barracks, and hear stories from your guide.

During your tour, you’ll also be treated to some bird watching and a traditional Filipino lunch.

4. Swimming in Pagupud
Source: flickr

Pagupud Beach
From Manila, you can reach the northern Luzon town of Pagupud by either flying into Laoag
City airport or taking a 12-hour over night bus.

When you reach Pagupud, there will be lots of pristine swimming opportunities waiting to greet
you! One of the most beautiful beaches in the area is Maira-ira Beach. This beach is home to the
popular Blue Lagoon where turquoise water and shallow depths make for the perfect way to
spend the day.

You’ll find plenty of cute little restaurants along the beach that offer a variety of fare and plenty
of cold beer.

5. Private Getaway on Magalawa Island

Source: feel-free-travel.com

Magalawa Island
Looking for a luxurious get away near Luzon? Magalawa Island has got what you’re looking for.

This small island is inhabited by just one resort called Armada Resort. This resort came to
existence as a way to funnel in just the right amount of tourism to the island and to stimulate its
economy.
What does that mean for you? That means that you will be one of the very few guests on this
island and will receive top-class service. This also means that the beaches, water, and nature are
totally unspoiled and have not been ruined by development!

6. Explore Mt. Mayon in Legazpi

Source: flickr

Legaspi City Harbor and Mt. Mayon

Mayon Volcano National Park is a breathtaking experience full of adventure and exploration.

There are many ways to get up close and personal with Mt. Mayon including a hike around it’s
base with bright green plains, rice fields, clean creeks, and rushing rivers. There are tons of trails
to hike with varying levels of difficulty and observation decks that give you amazing views of
the surrounding valley.

For a more heart-pounding adventure, sign up for an ATV tour or a mountain biking tour with
guides who know where to find the best views.

You can also climb up nearby Lignon Hill Nature Park where you can take a 320-meter zip line
down with incredible views of the mountain by your side.

. Hanging Coffins in Sagada

Source: flickr

Hanging Coffins in Sagada

There is a strange tradition in the town of Sagada where instead of burying their coffins in the
ground, they attach them to the sides of cliffs where they remain on display forever. This
tradition gives off an eerie vampire feel but actually is just a way to get their loved ones closer to
heaven.

Outside of this odd attraction, visitors enjoy trekking in the forest, hiking to waterfalls,
rappelling and spelunking down cliffs, exploring caves, and enjoying the scenery in this
mountainous village. Sagada is certainly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

8. Stay in the Village of Adams

Source: flickr

Anuplig Falls, Adams

In the northern province of Ilcos Norte lies a small, isolated village called Adams. The village
population is just over 1,000 people, almost all of which are farmers and fishermen. These gentle
people warmly open their homes to the few tourists that come to visit and provide homestay
opportunities.
When you stay in Adams you can look forward to trying their local specialty, tropical wine, and
dining on fresh fish raised in their tilapia farm. But the real joy of staying in Adams is the ability
to chase waterfalls all day.

There are 18 waterfalls in Adams with beautiful nature hikes and charming hanging bridges to
cross on your journey. A local guide will be happy to take you.

9. Spanish Colonial Town of Vigan

Source: flickr

Vigan, Philippines
Ever wanted to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage down cobblestone streets between tall
Spanish colonial buildings? Now’s your chance- and in the Philippines of all places!

Vigan, located in northern Luzon, used to serve as the unofficial political capitol during the
1950’s Spanish occupation, hence the throwback to Spanish colonial times.

Vigan’s infrastructure has been well preserved from Spanish times. Go shopping in the Mestizo
District where you can buy hand-rolled cigars. Visit Plaza Salcedo, the site of the public hanging
of a resistance leader or Plaza Burgos to try some Spanish empanadas.
10. Hike around Subic

Source: flickr

Pamulaklakin Forest
Located in the Zambales province of Luzon is Subic. This coastal town used to be home to a US
Naval base and is still used as a port today. However, that’s not what draws in waves of tourists.
Rather, it’s the Pamulaklakin Forest.

Nature lovers come to explore the Pamulaklakin trails where they can adventure through the
rainforest along rivers, over rolling green hills and under hundred-year-old trees. The vegetation
includes tropical flowers and indigenous plants. Better yet, the trees are filled with singing birds
of all kinds that play melodies while you walk.

There are trails for every level including hikes that last 30 minutes and some that can stretch up
to 3 hours.

11. Visit Burias Island

Source: flickr

Burias Island
One moment you’ll feel like you are on a castaway island with only white sand beaches and
crystal clear water at your feet. The next you’ll be in a cozy municipality scattered with
guesthouses restaurants, and a bit of souvenir shopping. You really get the best of both worlds on
this island off the coast of Luzon.

Burias Island has a couple of smaller islands scattered around which make for a fantastic day of
island-hopping. Hire a local boat that will take you to deserted islands with out-of-this-world
stunning beaches and strange rock formations.

To get there, use the town of Pasacao as your jumping off point. From there, you’ll take a two-
hour boat to Burias Island and your adventure will begin.

12. Art in Island in Manila

Source: seektheworld

Art in Island Manila

Add some dimension to your travel photos- literally.

Art in Island is a 3D art gallery where you make each piece come to life. Get creative while
posing on top of a birthday cake, inside the mouth of a shark, or off catching some killer waves
on your surfboard. There are tons of scenes to choose from as it is the biggest 3D art gallery in
all of Asia with the highest quantity of paintings!

This is a fantastic art museum and gallery for families. Kids find each and every scene to be
hilarious and it’s a great opportunity to capture some family-friendly photos for the ages.

13. Eat Traditional Dishes

Source: flickr

Lumpia’s
As Luzon is home to dozens of booming cities with lots of workers that come from all over the
country, you can expect to find the best dishes to represent every corner of the Philippines.

In every city you visit, follow the office workers to lunch! You’ll often find food stalls with
plastic chairs and tables are the most crowded around noon. These kinds of restaurants often
offer authentic dishes out of giant pots. Point to what ever you’d like and fill up your plate with a
little bit of everything.

Some traditional dishes to try in the Philippines are deep fried egg rolls called Lumpia, chicken
vermicelli noodle soup called Chicken Sotanghon, and for a snack, deep-fried pork skin called
Chicaron.

14. Mount Isarog National Park

Source: flickr

Malabsay Falls, Mount Isarog National Park

Imagine if the movie ‘The Lion King’ was set a tropical region with rice fields, rainforests, and
mountains instead of the desert. Where you could stand atop a hill and see as far as the sun
touches with clear blue skies against emerald green landscape. Mount Isarog National Park is
just that gorgeous.

This thriving natural environment is home to plenty of endemic animal species such as the Isarog
Shrew rat, the Isarog Cloud Frog, and the ultra-rare Mt. Isarog Forest Skink found only in this
region.

Hike, bike, and climb around the national park where you can visit hot springs and cold springs,
waterfalls, and get in touch with your wild side.

15. Roam the National Museum in Manila

Source: flickr

National Museum, Manila

The history of the Philippines, Luzon Island in particular, is one filled with twists, turns, and
shocking upsets that have all contributed to the rich culture it carries today.

At the grand National Museum, you can catch a glimpse into what this country and its people
have endured and overcome in the past few centuries.

As you wander from case to case and exhibit to exhibit, you’ll see paintings depicting the
Japanese arrival in World War II and learn about the Spanish occupation via artifacts and
sculptures.

The National Museum also pays tribute to the beauty of its people and culture via pottery, hand
drawn pictures, and more.

MUSIC IN LUZON

There are different folk songs in lowland Luzon.

Five of them are the followings:

 Paru-paring Bukid.
 Kuratsa.
 Carinosa.
 Bakya mo Neneng.
 Tinikling.
Philippine Folk Dances from Luzon
 1. Banga

Tribe: Kalinga

The Banga or pot dance is a contemporary performance of Kalinga of the Mountain

Province in the Philippines. This dance illustrates the languid grace of a tribe
otherwise known as fierce warriors.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7cF8kY8LD8

2. Maglalatik

Maglalatik was originally performed in Biñan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that

demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or
coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also shown to pay tribute to the town’s
patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do4GyUk3XKc

3. Pandanggo sa Ilaw

Pandanggo sa Ilaw - The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance
“fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾
beat. Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy,
or oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of
grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLuWHNNi_Ug

Other dances in Luzon:

4. Balse

Balse was a popular dance in Marikina, Rizal during the Spanish times. Balse (valse in
Spanish) means waltz. This dance was performed after the lutrina ( a religious
procession) and the music that accompanied the dancers was played by the musikong
bungbong (musicians using instruments made of bamboo).

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlq8tSrN_QQ

5. Jotabal

It is derived from the words Jota and valse. Jota is a popular dance introduced in the
Philippines by the Spaniards. Valse means waltz, a step or a dance in 3/4 time. This
lively festival dance originated in Camohaguin, Gumaca, Quezon (formerly Tayabas).
 Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H82gEiViPkk

6. Makonggo

 It is a comic dance from Santa Maria, Bulacan. Makonggo is

derived from the Tagalog word chonggo or unggo which means
monkey. In this dance, the dancer imitates a monkey - its
characteristic movements, gestures, grimaces, etc. when it is in a
happy, playful or angry mood, while it is playing, eating, or
resting. Only one man performs this dance. Most of his movements are
his own improvisations.
 Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKuMkVkC4vU