ABRA

Abra is a landlocked of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative in Luzon. Its capital is Bangued and it borders Ilocos Norte and Apayao on the north, Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province on the South and Ilocos Sur on the west and Kalinga, Apayao on the east. The first inhabitants of Abra were the ancestors of the Bontocs and the Ifugaos. Theses inhabitants eventually left to settle in the old Mountain Province. Other early inhabitants were Tingguians or Itnegs, as they also known.  In 1598, a Spanish garrison was established in Bangued to protect Christian Ilocanos from Tingguians raids. Originally the area was called El Abra de Vigan (The Opening of Vigan). During the British occupation in the Philippines, Gabriela Silang and her army fled to Abra from Ilocos and continued the revolt begun by her slain husband, Diego Silang. She was captured ang hanged by the Spanish in 1763. The revolutionary Marxist Priest, Conrado Balweg who fought fotr the rights of the Cordillera tribes, began his crusade in Abra. After successfully negotiating a peace accord with Balweg’s group in 1987, the Phillippne government created the Cordillera Administrative Region, which includeds Abra. Abra is hemmed in by the towering mountains ranges of the Ilocos in the west and the Cordillera Central in the East.(source: wikipedia)

BANGUED

Haven't seen any travel blogs from this province and I wonder of how this place looks like. And what always excites me if I'm new with the town is that I seek churches, museums, old houses, beaches, falls and the local dishes of course. But sadly, it was my worst or should I say the stupid(lol) idea that I did when I went there because it was a month of summer and it was really friggin' hot! Rumor says that this place is very dangerous, lots of New People Armies or NPA's are wandering  or people here very oppressive or harsh and if you'll make a mess to someone you'll be dead but once you get to know them they are really nice, friendly and very kind. There's no other way to go out passing this province but to take the only way back to the Main road.  

How to Get there:

Take Viron bus in Cubao fronting JAM Liner (opposite side if you're heading north)

Manila-Bangued Fare is roughly Php620.00, Travel time takes 10-11 hours, I advise you to travel at night so you wouldn't feel the backbreaking and exhausting 12 hour trip.

It was nearly 7:00AM when we get to the town of Bangued. We took another ride going to La Paz since I'll be staying from a friends house. Jeepney fare is Php 25.00.I didn't wastes any time when I get there. I asked them where to go and what is the best things to do du. I asked for Bagnet if there are stores selling by that time but then I realized that it was holy week and yeah I was disappointed because I was so eager to bites those crunchy meat.

PINSAL FALLS, ILOCOS SUR

Getting there:

Take jeepney from LaPaz to Bangued. Fare is Php25.00. Then take a bus from Bangued to Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur (If you're coming from Metro Manila, take a bus going to Laoag then drop off at Sta. Mania). Bus Fare from bangued roughly Php60.00 to 80.00 /one way then take tricycle at the back of SM Supermarket to Pinsal Falls. Fare is 40.00/per person. There's no cellular network/connection at the falls, when you get there, do not forget to tell the driver to pick you up back in town if you don't have your own car.

 (Best month to visit: June-Dec)

( at the top of the falls) 

 I was really sad when I get here.

STA. MARIA OLD CHURCH

Situated at the western cost line of the Island of Luzon, Sta. Maria is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. It lies in the central part of the province of Ilocos. It is bounded to the north by the Municipality of Narvacan, to the east by Municipality of Pilar, Abra province.(wikipedia)

LUSUAC SPRING, ABRA

Lusuac Cold Spring is located at the Municipality of Lagayan, Northen part of Abra(tip portion). This is a running water and is safe to drink, that, if no one is diving or swimming the pool. Entrance Fee is 200.00.

(Jeal,Jeson, Bekay & Eldy)

I'd like to thank these people for feeding me for 3 days and for letting me to stay at their house in La Paz. Thank you so much!