The Pinacanauan River is no tongue twister and it is one of those bodies of water that I would not mind cruising often. Stunning vistas, ancient cave complexes, a natural dusk flight attraction as well as spectacular limestone walls make this route memorable.

While it was a few months ahead of the semana santa, we did a visita iglesia during our North Luzon tour visiting nine churches of which 6 are colonial era while two are contemporary churches.

Imagine, having lunch or early dinner outdoors. But not just an ordinary open air venue but one where you’re surrounded by spectacular mountains, crisp and cool air, with a waiter dressed in tux decanting wine while a chef in toque and all, whipping up your dish. This in the great Cordilleras of Benguet.

Away from the standard karting circuit, Bokod in Benguet provides a worthwhile diversion for the karting aficionado while riding on a rough road and stunning mountain backdrops.

From a distance, Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet looks like a mirage. An apparition amidst the ruggedness of this part of the Cordillera. But it’s thunderous waters crashing below the dam’s gates nudges you back to reality.

The beautiful Capitol of Lingayen in Pangasinan, built in 1918 during the American colonial period, is an outstanding piece of neoclassic state architecture that has survived the ravages of World War II.

The Hundred Islands off Alaminos in Pangasinan is one of the Philippine’s major and famous natural attractions that is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

Surfing in La Union is ideal. It’s the closest one to Metro Manila, ample public transport system, good roads and the waves caters to all levels from beginners to well seasoned pros. It even has an inviting night life.

I’m familiar with the usual attractions in Ilocos Norte having traveled to this part of the country many times. Except for Paoay Church, the two other stops: Paoay Lake and Mair-ira Cove was something new to me.

Sandboarding at the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes is one of the newest attractions in the area. While this adventure sport has been around and is in fact popular in many desert areas, here in the Philippines, its a new and exciting sport.

Paete in Laguna is known for its expert wood carvers and during Holy Week, it’s carving prowess is shown by the number of carrozas bearing lenten images. It has also one of the most unique santo intierro, the dead Christ laying in state that is jointed and undergoes a very unusual ritual akin to Cordillera death rites.

The Friday before Holy Week, another image, that of the crucified Christ undergoes the same ritual but with lesser people and done below the belfry of the church.

The Ilocos Norte Sand Dune is one of the best places to go for a wild 4×4 offroad adventure with its wide expanse of sand dunes that stretches for kilometers before bordered by the sea. Of all the places we’ve visited in our Lakbay Norte tour, this was the best experience.

Ilocos Norte is just more than churches, gigantic wind turbines and empanada. At it’s western coastline, a desert like landscape awaits the traveler who is bold enough to go to this out of the way geographic wonder. But once you get face to face with the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes as it unfolds before you, just prepare to be bowled over.

My Busuanga aerials that I featured before will be in a unique exhibition. Entitled Earth & Art, this is Net 25′s Tribe offering for the environment. As one of the featured artist/photographer, I will be showing my work, “Busuanga: From Forests to Farmlands.”

Last January 2010, I was invited by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau to join a media tour of travel writers and bloggers to experience North Luzon for seven days starting in Cagayan province all the way to Pampanga to sample the various local cuisines and experience the attractions offered by the various provinces along the route.