Featuring: PANGASINAN Province

Everyone is amazed of the Pangasinan province to its shape, and the form that has rapidly progressed in country’s growth and modelization. We cannot deny that Pangasinan is one of the visited places in the Philippines because of its popular tourist spots.

About PANGASINAN

The crescent-shaped province of Pangasinan is one of four provinces in Ilocos Region. It is the third largest province in the Philippines. The province’s name means “the place where salt is made" It is derived from the prefix pang, meaning "for", and the root word asin meaning "salt”, and suffix an, signifying "location." This name originates from the rich and fine salt beds found in coastal towns along the province western coastline, which were a key source of livelihood for its inhabitants. The province was also known by an ancient name, Layug na Caboloan, after a native species of bamboo called bolo that grew abundantly in the inland plains.

Industry for the livelihood of Pangasenense

When it comes to industry in the province of Pangasinan, Dagupan Bangus or milkfish is the best-loved by most people in Pangasinan. The fishing industry in the Dagupan is an ideal reflection of the town’s character and economic progress. A Bangus Festival was also conceptualized to encourage people, tourists to experience, or rather taste the famous bangus.

Indigenous people of the province of Pangasinan

We may be invisible to our eyes in the busy streets of the city, or we may be deaf to hear their heartfelt chants and songs yet they constitute an important part of the country's population which paved the way to establish our identity as Filipinos. These fellow indigenous people who opted to live by their traditions, customs, and life ways, which were faithful to their beliefs and environment, which lived up protecting their home lands deserve, even to the point of experiencing oppression, exploitation and discrimination deserve such recognition. However, these people are the part of the Pangasinan heritage. They should be given a chance to take a peek of their invaluable talents, skills and accomplishments prove they definitely are worth knowing for.

Famous people’s residence is somewhere in Pangasinan

Pangasinan Literature is well known in the Philippines because of these famous people.

·        Fidel V. Ramos- the 12th president of the Republic of the Philippines.

Pangasinan people came to the fore in the public arena 1992, when the first president of Pangasinan origin was elected. He is the the first Protestant Philippine president.

·        Gloria Mapagal Arroyo- 14th president of the Republic of the Philippines.

Former president Arroyo whose mother was from Binalonan, Pangasinan

·        Jose de Venecia, Jr. - former speaker of the house.

He who was born in Dagupan City, Pangasinan

·        Fernando Poe, Jr. - the late actor and presidential candidate.

            Whose father was from San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

Summer Events in Pangasinan

Bangus Festival is the most awaited time events in Pangasinan. The Float Parade or the Bangus de Carosa which reveals the ability of the Pangasenense to be the creative. There will also be a parade of bancas from Calmay to Babaliwan, with Lingayen-Dagupan. It would be exciting travelling riding a boat. The Kalutan ed Dalan Street Party will be held evening. Part of A. B. Fernandez Avenue and Perez Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic for the party, and several bands will be performing simultaneously at the stages strategically located within the two main commercial districts.

The Provincial Government’s Summer Triple Treat is the Agew na Pangasinan, followed by the annual Pista’y Dayat, and the Palarong Pambansa. These events should not be missed by everyone because these full-fledged tourism events attract thousands of visitors every year. Falling on the 1st of May, Pangasinenses and out-of-towners simply cannot make their Labor Day complete without a visit to the beach. Pangasinan has an entire coastline of beaches of every conceivable character and ambiance, from the white sandy beach stretches of the west to Lingayen beach with its offerings of history and culture. Since Lingayen is the capital region of Pangasinan, the summer centrepiece of tourists must be attractive, relaxing and casual. This week long affair, tourist visits the trade and tourism fairs for bargains and interesting local items as souvenirs.

Places to amaze in Pangasinan

·       Lucap, Alaminos-Pangasinan

People who comes here for a short visit has one thing in mind 'Island Hopping" and this is where the action begins at a small Barrio called Lucap which is part of the Lingayen Gulf in the South China Sea. It is in the same Gulf where the US Forces under Gen Douglas MacArthur made its famous landing to recapture the Philippines from the Japanese Forces of Gen Yamashita in January 1945. The water is so clean and pristine and this is now a National Park listed in the world heritage and maintained by the Philippine Govt. Tourists are allowed to visit and stay however the boat will give you a trip for a glimpse and photo shoot of other islands. There are also a lot of dolphins popping out every now and then following the boat. The cost of boat trip varies depends of how much you want to see and whether you want to stay in any of the cottages in the 3 islands. Food is also provided in the islands but if you're only doing a day trip it would be a good idea to bring cold drinks. At the Boat station there is a tourist information centre where you can buy your tickets also book accommodations in the islands. But there are also cheap accommodations for backpackers at the boat station in Lucap. The food is so cheap in Barrangay Lucap and it is not that bad. They specialize mainly in fresh sea foods and they cook and grill in front of you in those numbers of mini eateries lined with the souvenir.

·        Churches in Pangasinan

Having been under the colony of Spain for more than 500 years, the Philippines practically have at least one church in every town and city. Some have lasted for centuries while some were literally rebuilt from rubbles and ashes when they were destroyed during the World War. Marvel at the architecture and learn the story behind each of these churches as you visit every town and city in Pangasinan.

·        Take your pick. Bolinao, Anda, San Fabian, Dagupan, Lingayen...

There are lots of beaches in Pangasinan being a coastal province. Although sands are not white as that of Boracay or Puerto Galera, you'd enjoy the fine sand of the beaches. The downward slope towards the sea is very gradual and you'll find yourself far from the shore with the water still at your waistline. Being inside the Lingayen Gulf, you'll be surprised at how calm the sea is compared to the other shorelines such as La Union and Ilocos which makes it ideal for kids.

·        Shop for Veggies and Fruits at Villasis Bagsakan

On the town of Villasis Pangasinan, right on the highway, you will find the Villasis Bagsakan. If you are looking for fresh vegetables at good prices, this would be a place to buy it. I find the fruits too costly though as some are not native to Pangasinan. If you do what to sample the different fruits in the Philippines for a particular season, you'd finally find that in the market also. We also found dried fish, "bagoong" and boneless bangus being sold.

“Love of the country”

We love to travel, going out, and explore something new. But Pangasinan is a big province to explore with. So if your province residence is Pangasinan, you do not need to ride beyond this place because you could explore many beautiful spots in your own home province. You would see and inspire that Pangasinan is progressing and improving.