Delicious and garlicky Alaminos longanisa

Through the invitation of Micamyx, fellow travel blogger who hails from Dagupan, a bunch of us bloggers went to the northwestern province of Pangasinan to enjoy and discover what this beautiful place has to offer. It was morning in Alaminos, Pangasinan, when we woke up at the Islandia Hotel. And what greeted us for breakfast was the famous Alaminos longanisa. Like its Ilocano cousins, this humble native sausage is garlicky. And delicious. Just how I like it.

The days me and some travel blogger friends spent primarily in Dagupan, Lingayen, Alaminos and Bolinao, Pangasinan were quite hectic but fun. But on my own, I also visited other areas specifically for their churches and heritage structures in preparation for an upcoming personal survey.

Pangasinan is such a big and beautiful province and the few days we were there was not just enough. There’s good food, native delicacies like Bolinao’s binungey which is best eaten with ripe and sweet yellow mango. Dagupan, despite its thick urbanity has pigar-pigar that locals take time out in Galvan St. For dessert, Calasiao has delicious puto calasiao, kutchinta and, for those who wants fast and cheap meals from a homegrown resto, Plato Wraps Dine-in (renamed Panaderia Antonio Bakery and Restaurant) is there.

Lads resting at the cottages near the beach in Lingayen

The belfry of Alaminos Cathedral

In terms of architecture, Pangasinan has a lot to offer, mostly heritage structures. As mentioned already, the province has several Spanish colonial era churches that are still intact. In Lingayen, the capitol complex is a beautiful example of American colonial period government buildings. In Bolinao, an old lighthousewith its weather beaten building beside provides a gorgeous seascape.

For natural wonders, there are long stretches of beaches, be it from historic Lingayen beach near the capitol grounds or Bolinao with its beautiful Patar beach and rocks. The municipality has also a beautiful waterfall.

And of course, after all the travels and stops, restful sleep is offered at its many resorts of which Puerto del Sol provides a relaxing stay.

We just scratched the surface of Pangasinan and a follow up trip should follow soon!

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has contributed to local and international publications including CNN Go, National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.