"From unknown rice terraces, springs, waterfalls, culture, traditions and people, I believe Abra has more to offer but for it to happen, the province must gain first the trust of travelers and tourists that it is safe to explore whether as a solo backpacker or as a group."
Abra is a province that is usually ignored for tourism. One reason I may connect with this situation is the bad publicity that Abra is known for via media. Abra is known to be a province with high incidence of crime most especially those related to politics.
[BANGUED] Downtown Bangued with Sleeping Beauty Mountain (Background)
ON SAFETY
[BANGUED] Abra Provincial Capitol
Once election in this province comes, it becomes a hot spot of the Commission on Elections because they are expecting that violence may happen.
On my walk along the streets of #BANGUED
PHOTO: Sapilang Falls in Brgy Sagap, the capital of the province, I actually didn't feel a warm welcome from the people maybe because I am just paranoid about the warnings of my parents and the news I was hearing on radio and television.
But per experience, I knew it is safe here, just get rid of anything that is related to politics and be sure to don't act as if you are high and mighty, you might be misinterpreted. Make it sure also that you look friendly and lastly, don't make any enemy here. I don't recommend you to visit Abra immediately before, during and after election and during campaign period.
Within the provincial capital Bangued, major tourist attractions are not plenty and asking the locals themselves, they even don't have an idea where to send me. They simply say awan (a term for "none"). In fact, I already have an idea what to expect about Abra since I went to their Provincial Capitol to ask some individuals in order to be more familiar about the province.
The province is exciting! The culture, the natural and even man-made wonders, the people and the traditions are all amazing but few are known about them -- so Abra remains to be at the bottom of the tourism hierarchy because of some factors related to the province itself.
But just to test how the locals can assist tourists and travelers in exploring their province, I was just disappointed that from the 5 strangers I asked, no one of them can recommend a place to visit and have fun.
There are only few good roads that interconnect the towns, so most of the towns especially at the upland area become isolated during heavy rains.
A town called Tineg is the least accessible that it becomes allegedly a dwelling place for the leftist group NPA.
Some news reporters and military people reach the town using choppers while the locals spend a day or two in returning home from Bangued using horses, not vehicles - due to the absence of good roads to the most remote communities.
However, the shallow portions of this interior town located deep in the mountains of Abra can be accessed by land in either muddy or dusty rough road.
Inside the Provincial Capitol of Abra, I didn't feel any tension, instead I was feeling secured. They have air-conditioned offices and the employees of the Capitol looked decent.
In front of the Capitol, some posh cars were parked and I have an instinct that they are mostly owned by the politicians.
At the third floor of the Capitol, I was aback to see military people inside a public building and it created paranoia at the tip of my hypothalamus.
On my walk along the streets of #BANGUED
#BANGUED
FAST FACTS: Bangued is the capital of Abra province. Majority of the people are Ilocanos. Bangued is a bustling town located at the Abra Valley.PHOTO: Sapilang Falls in Brgy Sagap, the capital of the province, I actually didn't feel a warm welcome from the people maybe because I am just paranoid about the warnings of my parents and the news I was hearing on radio and television.
But per experience, I knew it is safe here, just get rid of anything that is related to politics and be sure to don't act as if you are high and mighty, you might be misinterpreted. Make it sure also that you look friendly and lastly, don't make any enemy here. I don't recommend you to visit Abra immediately before, during and after election and during campaign period.
ON TOURISM
[VILLAVICIOSA] Kimkimay Lake in Brgy Tuquib of Villaviciosa Town
But just to test how the locals can assist tourists and travelers in exploring their province, I was just disappointed that from the 5 strangers I asked, no one of them can recommend a place to visit and have fun.
[LICUAN-BAAY] Wilawil Falls in Baay
A town called Tineg is the least accessible that it becomes allegedly a dwelling place for the leftist group NPA.
Some news reporters and military people reach the town using choppers while the locals spend a day or two in returning home from Bangued using horses, not vehicles - due to the absence of good roads to the most remote communities.
[TINEG] The undiscovered beauty of Tineg town
However, the shallow portions of this interior town located deep in the mountains of Abra can be accessed by land in either muddy or dusty rough road.
ON POLITICS, MILITARY
[BANGUED] Inside the Abra Capitol
At the third floor of the Capitol, I was aback to see military people inside a public building and it created paranoia at the tip of my hypothalamus.
[BANGUED] Municipal Hall of the capital town
Errr... Soldiers? What might have they done here? It suddenly sparked at the back of my mind about the news I always hear that politicians in Abra have military escorts, a very controversial scenario in Philippine politics. Allegedly, military escorts no longer serve the interest of "all the people", but serve the interest of "one."
Expect to see military people at the entrance Tunnel of the province and during election, they are scattered everywhere.
ON PHYSICAL ASPECT
Geographically, Abra is a landlocked province and it is a part of the CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
PHOTO: Lang-ay Festival in Bontoc, Mt Province: A gathering of all tribes of the province. (CAR).
CORDILLERA
FAST FACTS: This is Northern Philippines' mountainous region composed of 6 provinces with numerous tribes, sub-tribes, dialects, distinct culture and heritage. The provinces included are Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain ProvincePHOTO: Lang-ay Festival in Bontoc, Mt Province: A gathering of all tribes of the province. (CAR).
[DAGUIOMAN] Rice fields of Daguioman town in Abra
Abra is not at all mountainous. There is also a lowland part. The capital Bangued is nestled in a valley drained by the Abra River which originates from Mt Data in MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
PHOTO: A marker at Mount Polis, near the boundary of Mt Province and Ifugao draining to the West Philippine Sea via the towns of #BANTAY
PHOTO: Old Quirino Bridge in Banaoang: This bridge used to connect Bantay to the rest of the south. It's no longer in use. A new bridge has been built to replace it. and #SANTA
PHOTO: Church of Sta Catalina de Alexandria in ILOCOS SUR
PHOTO: Pinsal Falls (taken during dry season): Said to be the largest in Ilocos Region..
Abra has an extremely rugged terrain with mountains and hills rising along its perimeter and interior.
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
FAST FACTS: This province is known for the cave connections and hanging coffins of Sagada, the burial caves and rice terraces of Bontoc and for being a center of a vibrant Igorot culture and heritage.PHOTO: A marker at Mount Polis, near the boundary of Mt Province and Ifugao draining to the West Philippine Sea via the towns of #BANTAY
#BANTAY
FAST FACTS: Bantay is home to the Bantay Belfry built in 1519 where several TV show and movie scenes have been taken.PHOTO: Old Quirino Bridge in Banaoang: This bridge used to connect Bantay to the rest of the south. It's no longer in use. A new bridge has been built to replace it. and #SANTA
#SANTA
FAST FACTS: This coastal town located at the Abra River delta is believed to be the birthplace of Gabriela Silang, a revolutionary Filipina fighter during the great World War..PHOTO: Church of Sta Catalina de Alexandria in ILOCOS SUR
ILOCOS SUR
FAST FACTS: This province has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Sta. Maria Church and the Heritage City of Vigan.PHOTO: Pinsal Falls (taken during dry season): Said to be the largest in Ilocos Region..
Abra has an extremely rugged terrain with mountains and hills rising along its perimeter and interior.
THE PEOPLE
Early inhabitants of Abra are the Tingguians or Itneg. The Ilocanos traded with the Tingguians and eventually learned that Abra was a good place and upon occupation, the Tingguians are forced to flee to the mountains.
[TUBO] Old women of the Maeng Tribe of Tubo with colorful hair beads
[MANABO] Young generation of Muyadan Tribe in Manabo town
[DAGUIOMAN] With me is an elder of the Banao Tribe of Daguioman
[MALIBCONG] Photo-opp with a golden couple of the Banao Tribe
Majority of the people of Abra is Ilocano. Some other minor groups living in the province are the Itneg or Tingguian people.
I also learned from a resident in Bucay, Abra that there are some communities or villages there with different dialects. At one area, a group of people is speaking one dialect while the other group of another area speaks another dialect. Asking why this is the case, she answered that those groups belong to different tribes, thus different dialects too. One tribe, one dialect, united with one identity, amazing!
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Abra is actually an amazing place but full of challenges for you to explore because most of the towns are remote but for sure once you reach those hidden towns, I know it will be worth seeing a pure beauty without a touch of commercialism.
From unknown rice terraces, springs, waterfalls, culture, traditions and people, I believe Abra has more to offer but for it to happen, the province must gain first the trust of travelers and tourists that it is safe to explore Abra whether as a solo backpacker or as a group.
[TINEG] Said to be the Cordillera's murder capital
The name of the province, being almost synonymous to politics-related killings and violence, my father called me immediately when he learned that I am in Abra, speaking with extremely angry voice on phone wanting me to go back home ASAP because of fear I might be harmed. So this is what I am talking about. It is the challenge to change the image of Abra for good, my father is one of those people restricting their friends and family members to explore Abra. In light of the foregoing, there is a big task of changing the image of Abra as a peaceful place waiting out there./end
Abra #TownExploration Series
Map showing the Location of Abra
Click map to view latest articles covering Abra
MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: *SOCIETY*
[PANGASINAN] Flesh-Eating Disease: of Prophecy, Hipocrisy and Politics
TEASER: "...though media are very entertaining and informative, our role is to become critical thinkers."
[IFUGAO] Giving the Children of Ifugao a Bright Future
TEASER: "If the smile of your crush or your loved one can make your day complete, I would say a helping hand that will make the children of the rice terraces to continually smile will mean a lot."
[VIGAN] Let's Support Vigan City for the New 7 Wonders Cities
TEASER: "Live with the people of Vigan and love it. From there, you will learn that there are just culture and traditions that can not be explained in words and can not be showcased in festivals that you have to actually experience it for a considerable length of time for you to understand.""/span>
Tags: Profile of Abra | Abra blog | Abra Overview | Blog about Abra | Abra tour
i totally agree... it had a fair share of bad news, just like Basilan and Siquijor... but i think, like other provinces, you'll realize that those might just be bad publicity once you get to visit the place... just my 2 cents... :)
ReplyDeletehaven't been to Abra but I'm planning to go there very soon! thanks for sharing some info and your experience...
sa Bangued pa lang ako nakakapunta dyan. Wish ko lang maging stable pulitika dyan.
ReplyDelete@Pinoy Adventurista. Correct. Abra is beautiful in it's own way I swear, and the beauty of Abra and the political culture is not at all directly proportional at all. Abra has it's own unique beauty in different aspects. The only thing that affects tourism activity is the bad publicity, you are right!
ReplyDelete@killerfillers, oo nga. It's time for Abra to move on and shine! Naka-ungos na ang ibang provinces sa Cordillera in terms of tourism and development and Abra is now being left behind. We need selfless politicians :)
ReplyDeletei know Abra by heart coz it was where my oldest brother lived with his family for two years since Bangued is my sister -in -law's hometown. also my other sister-in-law, wife of my other brother is from Salapadan. For two years I've been back and forth Abra and didn't feel the unrest and have seen those terraces and sights and experienced the hardships in reaching the other towns because of unfinished road. But my sister in law and her family (plus my brother) is quick to admit about the political killings.so it is not at all media hype. it really exists. so i asked my brother to come back to manila and live here. i couldn't be more happier that they have been here for a decade now.
ReplyDelete@Atty Mhe-Anne, thanks for sharing your experience. I really hope that Abra will gain peace and order ASAP.
ReplyDeleteIs the province doing something to promote itself in the helm of tourism? I'm sure there are more to the killings or political unrest, there is beauty, there is tranquil and fun, only it's yet to be discovered!
ReplyDeleteI hate places with so much tension and I sure hope Abra at present (or will always be) is one of the safest places on earth.
ReplyDeleteWow, interesting post. I learned a lot about Abra through your post.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Abra does not get tourist attraction at all. In fact, I never heard about it as a tourist destination.
Clearly, there is much work to be done here before we can tag it as more fun in the Philippines. I think posting entries like this for social awareness can help in that initiative.
Joy Calipes-Felizardo on April 27, 2012 12:30 AM said...
ReplyDeleteIs the province doing something to promote itself in the helm of tourism? I'm sure there are more to the killings or political unrest, there is beauty, there is tranquil and fun, only it's yet to be discovered!
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Joy, there is! :) There is an effort but usually it comes from the people of Abra themselves :)
YANI on April 27, 2012 4:08 AM said...
ReplyDeleteI hate places with so much tension and I sure hope Abra at present (or will always be) is one of the safest places on earth.
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LEt us hope so Yani, I am sure the people of Abra can do it!
Argee on April 27, 2012 1:56 PM said...
ReplyDeleteWow, interesting post. I learned a lot about Abra through your post.
You're right, Abra does not get tourist attraction at all. In fact, I never heard about it as a tourist destination.
Clearly, there is much work to be done here before we can tag it as more fun in the Philippines. I think posting entries like this for social awareness can help in that initiative.
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Indeed so much work to be done, Abrenians will reap the fruits of their efforts if they'll be successful -- my full support to them.
Ngayon ko lang nalaman na may lowland parts pala ang Abra. :D
ReplyDeletethe isolated word seems to scare me a lot but really wondering how people can live in that place if its really scary for the sake of everyone. at least everyone have read this info! xx
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for this comprehensive peek at the "hermit" province of Abra. :)) I say hermit cuz the province seems to be a black hole. All the other provinces around it are well-known and heavily visited by tourists. It's too bad that the province's own politicians created this stigma. Shame on them really.
ReplyDeleteAs for people not knowing any place to recommend to a visitor, it's not just an Abra problem. I was in Candaba, Pampanga and many people didn't even know where the Candaba Swamp was! I've had other experiences of asking locals and getting confused looks instead of information. I think our DOT should also disseminate info to locals. They advertise points of interests but when the townspeople in those places are not even aware of them. Such pity, right?
Anyway, it's admirable that you usually feature places that are off the radar for most Pinoys. You truly are a Pinoy travel blogger in the real sense of the term. :)
RM Bulseco on April 28, 2012 2:14 PM said...
ReplyDeleteNgayon ko lang nalaman na may lowland parts pala ang Abra. :D
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Now you know Renz :), The capital Bangued is located at the Abra Valley:)
MaryJane Tauyan on April 28, 2012 6:46 PM said...
ReplyDeletethe isolated word seems to scare me a lot but really wondering how people can live in that place if its really scary for the sake of everyone. at least everyone have read this info! xx
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Could it be, but there is also a positive side for Abra that is not being publicized because people are overwhelmed with the bad publicity...
As for people not knowing any place to recommend to a visitor, it's not just an Abra problem. I was in Candaba, Pampanga and many people didn't even know where the Candaba Swamp was!
ReplyDelete---
With these two cases we discovered, I think the locals are not yet ready to embrace a tourism industry boom in the Philippines, the locals themselves should be the tour guide but disappointing to know that even in Candaba, the locals don't know about that famous swamp I always dream to visit and explore...
I've also heard about a place called Tabuk in the Cordillera region having the same perception as Tineg. Honestly, i felt scared.
ReplyDeleteThe last pic reminds me of our trip to Sagada :)
Berylle, I understand you... Calling the attention of the Abra leaders, how can we change this mindset.. hehehe,
ReplyDeleteplace looks pristine...
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing violence in Abra for the longest time I hope all of them would be resolved sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteI recall a contact of mine in facebook posting beautiful pictures of Abra and its nature. I'll check it out and share it here. ^_^
I just hope that the province will not be left to nothingness when it comes to political legacy. As what you have observed, tourism should be enhanced for the benefits of the place itself.
ReplyDeletedimaks
http://the-urban-walker.blogspot.com/
It's really quite sad how the bad publicity became a hindrance for Abra's tourism growth
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited the place yet, I'll dig your post if we planned too
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think I really remembered Abra because of the political killings. Yet it should not be the reason as to why people should not go to the place.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, the water looks really serene. :) Great shot. :)
agree. every place has its on beauty.
ReplyDeleteI envy you because you could travel all you want. I miss travelling! I wish to travel again real soon!
ReplyDeletemarkpogi on April 28, 2012 10:28 PM said...
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing violence in Abra for the longest time I hope all of them would be resolved sometime soon.
I recall a contact of mine in facebook posting beautiful pictures of Abra and its nature. I'll check it out and share it here. ^_^
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Let's cross our fingers Marc, there is hope for Abra..
I just hope that the province will not be left to nothingness when it comes to political legacy. As what you have observed, tourism should be enhanced for the benefits of the place itself.
ReplyDelete---
Couldn't agree more skamid, Abra is a paradise hiding behind the shadow of fear and some powers..
It's really quite sad how the bad publicity became a hindrance for Abra's tourism growth
ReplyDelete---
:(
ChrisAir Seneba on April 29, 2012 7:59 AM said...
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited the place yet, I'll dig your post if we planned too
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You can dig it now Air, why procrastinate. LOL!
athena on April 29, 2012 2:40 PM said...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think I really remembered Abra because of the political killings. Yet it should not be the reason as to why people should not go to the place.
On a lighter note, the water looks really serene. :) Great shot. :)
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Thank you Athena :)
msairrapingol on April 30, 2012 4:57 AM said...
ReplyDeleteagree. every place has its on beauty.
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True :)
Traveler on a Shoestring on April 30, 2012 2:13 PM said...
I envy you because you could travel all you want. I miss travelling! I wish to travel again real soon!
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Get back soon on the road Cha!
people just ought to get informed before they jump into conclusions outrightly. Thanks for this and the enlightenment :)
ReplyDeleteAbra looks similar to my province. Lots of remote places and simple living din talaga kahit sa municipality pa.
ReplyDeletevery informative post, sana nga someday people can come to abra without fearing for their lives.
ReplyDeletei like ur province,i love it.....this is very beautiful!...
ReplyDeleteFor someone who don't live in Abra, you describe it best. It was like that, it is still like this, and it will still be the same or worse in the foreseeable future. It is my province though and I love this place no matter what.
ReplyDelete