After a 4-hour delay, we finally made it back to Cagayan. We’re on the second leg of Lakbay Norte 2, and we’re going to explore more of North Luzon.
First stop: Cagayan Museum
Tuguegarao
Due to the delay, we had limited time to spend in the Cagayan Museum at the provincial capitol complex. Just enough time to eat a Cagayan favorite: pancit batil patong. I love pancit and the unique twist they put in this favorite noodle dish. It’s just noodles sauteed with sauce topped with chopped onions, poached egg, pork broth, and seasoned with calamansi or vinegar and soy sauce.
It doesn’t look enticing, but Pancit batil patong is really quite good
We were also given paoa, a local delicacy that is similar to the Japanese mochi. Locally made snacks like chicharabao (chicharon made with carabao [water buffalo] fat) and chichacorn.
Gonzaga
Matara coral reef and white sand beach, a marine protected area is located in the town of Gonzaga. It was a shame that we got delayed because it was dark when we got there. Very dark since there was no electricity, the area lit only by car headlights and generator-powered lights.
Mayor of Gonzaga sharing some words with the crowd
While we weren’t able to see how gorgeous the place is, we felt the fine sand on our feet and relished the fresh seafood served for dinner.
Gonzaga definitely warrants another visit.
Sun City, Sta. Ana
Inside our villa at Sun City
Rising in the middle of nowhere is a 7-hectare property with 99 luxury villas and a casino. Formerly opened only to Chinese nationals, this Cagayan Economic Zone Authority operated resort will soon be opening its doors to locals soon.
The bedroom at our Sun City Villa
The villa we stayed in last night has 2 rooms with 2 toilet and baths, a dining and living area. The rooms were decorated in warm, cozy tones. The beds and pillows were super comfortable, specially after a long day of traveling.
I’ve been to Tuguegarao once, sadly di ko natry ang pancit batil patong. Pagnakabalik ako for sure will have a taste of that
hai mis pinay try mo batil patong masarap po xa talaga..
its so beautiful here at santa ana…
Any other delicacies worth trying out? Our group is planning a trip North this April?
Try the local longganisa in Cagayan, as well as the milk candies.
Hi!
I’ve been following your Lakbay Norte posts and I hope I can also visit those places soon. Anyway, is Lakbay Norte a group of bloggers? or is it invitational only to join?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Martin,
The Lakbay Norte tour is organized by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau, whose aim is to promote tourism in the north. The tour is by invitation only, and is not limited to bloggers. Aside from us, there were also travel writers from travel & lifestyle magazines, inflight magazines, daily broadsheet. This year’s tour also included a television crew for a lifestyle and travel show.
I hope this answers your question
Thanks for the reply. =)
I always check out your blog and read your entries. I hope to meet you in the near future and maybe gain helpful insights from you. All the best on your future travels!