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The Pangasinan Travel & Lifestyle MagazineHeart of the Gulf, Soul of the HomelandHeart of the Gulf, Soul of the Homeland Explore the beauty and culture of Pangasinan.Explore the beauty and culture of Pangasinan.Luyag:October 20, 2026Issue 01Eco-tourism in the spotlightOff the beaten pathExploring PangasinanCourtesy: See Pangasinan
031013171Preserving history, architecture, and living traditions of Pangasinan.From iconic street eats to high-end regional dining.Uncovering scenic landscapes, pristine waters, and nature spot of the province of Pangasinan.Artisans, local enterprise, and sustainable products.PamanaPananganGalilaLikhaTABLEcontentsof19Spotlighting the awards and major progress that brings pride to the province of Pangasinan.Panagballigi
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF REGINA ELISHA D. MONTEMAYOR PHOTOGRAPHER XANDRIA JANYL BIAGTAS XANDRIA JANYL BIAGTAS MANAGING EDITOR ACE DICHOSO DANIELLE DE GUZMAN XANDRIA JANYL BIAGTAS RYZA MARIA TRAJANO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Luyag: THE PANGASINAN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE2
PAMANA 3 Step back in time to explore the historic halls, spiritual shrines, and cherished folklore that give Pangasinan its identity. From historic provincial landmarks to timeless stories passed down through generations, Pamana honors the roots of our homeland.
HISTORY WRITTEN IN SALT, BRICK, AND BAMBOOS For many years, the Philippines prided itself on its rich cultures that celebrated both the land and its people, which survived despite many influences that merged itself or introduced itself, resulting in the diversity that we see even now. Within the country, there exist different areas– different islands, different regions, and different provinces— that all served many purposes and geographical beauty that exists for making the Philippines a continuously developing country that has reached attention beyond our waters and towards international lands. Located in Luzon, the Ilocos region consists of four provinces: La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and finally, Pangasinan. Across the sprawling fields and coastal areas of the province, history is not only displayed behind air- tight containers and displayed in museums. It is lived, harvested, and woven everyday. The word ‘Pangasinan’ itself carries the heritage on its tongue: “a place where salt is made”. Yet, beyond the salt-drenched fields, anyone who visits the province will find themselves tethered in the past through the architecture that dates back to the Spanish-era, century-old shrines, and traditions that continue to persevere from the pull of modernization. The life of the province lives in old churches, in ancestral homes passed down to families, and preserved practices. Pamana refers to an inheritance. A legacy passed down from one another. Yet, heritage is more than a collection of objects or monuments of those that came before us. In Pangasinan, these legacies tell the stories of a province whose identity has been shaped by time but remains alive through the people who carry it forward. By Xandria Biagtas 4
Beneath these multi-cultural lands lies an ancient spiritual worldview once governed by the supreme creator deity Ama-Gaoley alongside a priestess ‘managanito’. These leaders meditated between communities and the ‘anito’ (nature spirits) that inhabited the Pangasinan landscapes. Revering the natural world was not a symbol, but a dictation of daily life, agricultural cycles, and maritime customs, fostering a deep respect for the elements that sustained the province’s earliest settlements.This ancient reverence for nature seamlessly blends with enduring folk legends and religious traditions that continue to shape local identity today. Fishermen along the Agno River still observe traditional sea rituals to appease coastal spirits, keeping pre-colonial animist roots alive alongside Catholic devotion. Meanwhile, oral histories celebrate the formidable warrior Princess Urduja—the legendary 14th-century ruler of Tawalisi—and honor the miraculous apparition that gave rise to Manaoag, weaving a rich, continuous tapestry where history, myth, and faith coexist.Preserving ‘pamana’ is an ongoing challenge against time, urban development, and changing climate patterns. Restoring centuries-old coral stone churches and keeping labor- intensive crafts like Asin Tibuok economically viable requires active legislation in heritage and eco- cultural tourism. When we honor Pangasinan’s history, we do not simply look back in nostalgia. We recognize that every brick used to build, every thread woven, and every salt harvested carries the spirit of resilient people who know and honor where they come from. MICRO- CULTURES, BELIEFS, AND INDIGENOUS LORE Far from a uniform culture, Pangasinan functions as an intricate mosaic where distinct languages, ancient devotions, and ancestral spirits converge across different areas. While the central plains talk in standard Pangasinense, western coastal communities in towns like Bolinao and Anda preserve Binubolinao, a distinct Sambalic language shaped by centuries of seafaring and trade, while northern and eastern settlements bring the rhythmic cadence of Ilocano into the fold. This linguistic crossroads reflect a province historically accustomed to multicultural exchange, where neighboring identities overlap without erasing one another’s distinct heritage. 5
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, rythmic dances, and deep-seated traditions of our local celebrations where faith, community pride, and rich local history come alive. A thoughtful route can reveal more than a crowded itinerary ever will.6 ed Pangasinan Pista
What began decades ago as a modest gathering of local fishermen thanking the guardians of the waters for a bountiful harvest has evolved into the premier cultural tourism event. The coastal stretch alongside the iconic Lingayen Capitol Complex transforms into a livel;y open-air carnival featuring colorful street dance competitions, fluvial parades of boats, sand- castle contests, and traditional coastal sports. 7Courtesy: See Pangasinan & I Love Panasinan pista’y dayatHappening every 1 of May, the coastal shores of Lingayen Gulf erupt in a vibrant celebration of color, music, and coastal life. Pista’y Dayat, literally translating to “Festival of The Sea’ in Pngasinan, is the province’s grandest annual fiesta, honoring the sea as the primary source of life, sustenance, and economic vitality for generations of Pangasinenses. st Beyond the revelry, the festival retains its sacred core: a collective act of gratitude for the gulf’s marine resources, paired with growing modern advocacy for the ocean conservation and environmental protection along the province’s pristine shores. Today, Pista’y Dayat also serves as a living showcase of Pangasinan’s culinary and artisanal identity, bringing together coastal towns to showcase regional specialities like Dagupan’s famed bangus (milkfish) and Dasol’s salt alongside handwoven crafts. As music echoes over the waves and families gather along the shore, the festival brings ancient maritime reverence with modern provincial pride, reminding both locals and tourists that the heart of Pangasinan is always the sea.
Bangus FestivalCelebrating the Culinary Heart of Dagupan City Every April, the streets of Dagupan City transform into a roaring place of flavor rhythm, and pride during the annual Bangus Festival. Conceived in 2002 to promote the city’s thriving fishing industry, this month long celebration honors the milkfish (bangus), revered worldwide for its sweet taste and fine texture, cultivated in the waters of Pangasinan’s river networks. The festival reaches its fever pitch with the Gilon! Gilon! street dancing competition, where performers adornes in fish-inspired costumes mimic the traditional harvest dance of local fishpond workers. Highlights include the well-known Kalutan ed Dalan, where the city streets are lined with thousand of charcoal grills as locals and tourists gather to grill meat and milkfish side-by-side. Coupled with culinary competitions and displays featuring the bangus lumpia, baked bangus, and even milkfish ice cream. the Bangus Festival stands as a vibrant testament to dagupan’s identity as the “World’s Milkfish Capital” and a celebration of the hardworking aquaculture communities that feed the nation. 8
BAGOONG FESTIVAL Every January, the province capital of Lingayen comes alive to honor its siganture culinary export during the annual Bagoong Festival. Dedicated entirely to the savory fermented fish paste, this week-long celebration pays homage to the labor, heritage, and economic vitality of an industrythat has sustained local families for generations. The town’s coastal barangays, particularly Pangapisan North and South, serve as the heartland of this centuries-old craft where fermented monamon (anchovies) in salt- crusted tapayans (earthen jars) turns marine catches into coveted culinary staple. The festivities bring the streets of Lingayen to life through vibrant street dancing competition, float parades that incorporates giant replica jars, trade fairs, and live-cooking showcases featuring bagoong-infused dishes. Beyond the spectacle, the Bagoong Festival serves a deeper purpose: preserving traditional fermentation methods amidst the modern industrial shifts, uplifting local crafts and celebrating deep-seated pride of a community whose identity is bound to the flavors of the sea. 9
10 Pangasinan offers a wide variety ofPangasinan offers a wide variety ofPangasinan offers a wide variety of delicacies, products, and cuisines. Savordelicacies, products, and cuisines. Savordelicacies, products, and cuisines. Savor the rich tastes of the province, from thethe rich tastes of the province, from thethe rich tastes of the province, from the famousfamousfamous bangusbangusbangus (milkfish) of Dagupan and(milkfish) of Dagupan and(milkfish) of Dagupan and artisanal sea salt, to sweet roadsideartisanal sea salt, to sweet roadsideartisanal sea salt, to sweet roadside delicacies. Panganan takes you on adelicacies. Panganan takes you on adelicacies. Panganan takes you on a delicious journey through local kitchens,delicious journey through local kitchens,delicious journey through local kitchens, coastal feasts, and regional food traditions.coastal feasts, and regional food traditions.coastal feasts, and regional food traditions. Pangasinan offers a wide variety of delicacies, products, and cuisines. Savor the rich tastes of the province, from the famous bangus (milkfish) of Dagupan and artisanal sea salt, to sweet roadside delicacies. Panganan takes you on a delicious journey through local kitchens, coastal feasts, and regional food traditions. PananganPananganA celebration of the province’s iconicA celebration of the province’s iconicA celebration of the province’s iconic harvest and coastal bounty. Pangananharvest and coastal bounty. Pangananharvest and coastal bounty. Panganan serves up the authentic tastes of theserves up the authentic tastes of theserves up the authentic tastes of the homeland, featuring time-honored recipes,homeland, featuring time-honored recipes,homeland, featuring time-honored recipes, bustling fish markets, and the artisanalbustling fish markets, and the artisanalbustling fish markets, and the artisanal ingredients that make regional dishesingredients that make regional dishesingredients that make regional dishes unforgettable.unforgettable.unforgettable. A celebration of the province’s iconic harvest and coastal bounty. Panganan serves up the authentic tastes of the homeland, featuring time-honored recipes, bustling fish markets, and the artisanal ingredients that make regional dishes unforgettable.
11 At the heart of Pangasinan’s rich food culture lies its coarse asin, a hand-harvested coastal sea salt that anchors the province's heritage by fermenting local condiments, curing meats, and boosting the natural flavors of everyday home-cooked dishes. Known across the country for sweet, clean meat and rich belly fat, Pangasinan bangus is a staple on every table, whether simmered in sinigang, grilled over coals, or fried as daing. In the coastal kitchens of Pangasinan, no dining table is complete without Lingayen bagoong, a local staple born from preserving extra fish, perfect for enriching stews like pinakbet and kare-kare or dipping with green mangoes.
12 A popular Pangasinan dessert, binuburan features creamy, naturally fermented sticky rice soaked in its own sweet, fizzy juice that delivers a rich flavor and a slight warm kick with every spoonful, balancing a smooth alcoholic tang with a deep, lingering sweetness. Known as a world-class symbol of Pangasinan, San Carlos City’s Carabao mango turns from a crisp sour bite into a smooth sweetness as it ripens, celebrated every April at the Mango-Bamboo Festival Nothing beats picking up hot tupig from roadside stalls, an iconic Pangasinan kakanin sold in warm, blackened bundles along major bus stops and municipal borders as the ultimate take-home pasalubong.
GAlilaBy Regina Elisha D. Montemayor Courtesy: See PangasinanEscape into the natural and historical wonders of Pangasinan.13
he Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, a cherished landmark that draws pilgrims and tourists from across the country. Known for its spiritual significance, beautiful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, the basilica offers visitors a meaningful glimpse into the province’s religious and cultural heritage. At the center of devotion is the revered image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, affectionately known as *Apo Baket*. For generations, devotees have come to offer prayers, express gratitude, and seek blessings. Beyond its religious importance, the basilica14Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag T provides an opportunity to appreciate historic architecture, local traditions, and the enduring faith of the Filipino people. A visit to Manaoag is more than a sightseeing experience. It is a journey into the heart of Pangasinan, where faith brings people together and centuries of devotion continue to inspire. Whether seeking spiritual reflection or cultural discovery, every traveler can find something meaningful within this treasured sanctuary.
15Patar White Sand Beach (Bolinao)Hundred Islands National Park (Alaminos City)One of the most visited beaches in Pangasinan is the Patar Beach, with clear blue waters embracing a long stretch of fine white sand in Barangay Patar in the town of Bolinao. The islands, totaling 124 at low tide and 123 at high tide, are scattered in Lingayen Gulf covering an area of 16.76 square kilometers (6.47 sq mi). Only four of them have been developed for tourism: Marcos Island, Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.0201best places to visitBy Regina Elisha Montemayor Photography by See PangasinanThe best journeys leave enough room for curiosity to change the plan.
16Daang Katutubo (Aguilar)The Daang Katutubo in the town Aguilar is said to be one of the most scenic roads in the Philippines. The road trails across the rolling hills of Pangasinan, giving visitors seemingly endless picturesque stretches of land and greenery. The estimated 24.22km road also leads to another known destination in Aguilar—the Mapita View Deck. The construction of the Daang Katutubo is also said to help indigenous communities reach the town proper faster, easier and safely. The Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, housed in the historic Casa Real in Lingayen, invites visitors to discover Pangasinan’s rich history and cultural heritage. Built in the mid-19th century, Casa Real once served as the province’s first Provincial Capitol and was declared a National Historical Landmark in 2002. Today, Banaan preserves the stories and traditions of Pangasinan, offering travelers a meaningful journey through the province’s past.0403 The Provincial Capitol Building of Pangasinan is a neoclassical structure built in 1917 under the supervision of architect Ralph Harrington Doane during the term of Governor Daniel Maramba, the province’s seventh governor who was also known as the Grand Old Man of Pangasinan. The Capitol Building was deemed as one of the Eight Architectural Heritage treasures of the Philippines, which is now more than a centennial treasure.05 Banaán Pangasinan Provincial Museum (Lingayen)Pangasinan Provincial Capitol (Lingayen)
Celebrate the skill and creativity of local artisans and modern creators. From handwoven bamboo and buri crafts to boutique coastal spaces. Likha spotlights the master weavers, potters, growers, and visionary entrepreneurs whose dedication drives the province's local economy and creative culture.17 likhaBy Regina Elisha Montemayor Courtesy: See Pangasinan A tribute to local ingenuity, craftsmanship, and enterprise.
Buri palm leaves are carefully harvested, dried, and woven into intricate patterns, creating beautiful mats, baskets, and other handicrafts.18 From generation to generation, buri weaving, a craft handed down by ancestors, has now become a way of life. OLLY+FELY is a Filipino fashion and lifestyle brand owned and managed by Precious Cayaon and her husband, Jeff Cayaon, through their Bolinao-based enterprise, Kawayan Nature EcoFriendly Product Trading. The brand is known for creating fashionable and sustainable bags and other products using buri and other indigenous Filipino materials. Its products combine traditional handwoven craftsmanship with contemporary designs, allowing local Filipino materials to reach modern consumers and international markets.
Binuburan In the heart of the Filipino kitchen, white rice is the quiet, comforting canvas designed to soften the bold flavors of a rich main dish. But step inside the bubbling realm of binuburan, an ancient fermented rice dish, and that standard dynamic completely flips. Here, cooked rice is inoculated with local yeast, sealed under fresh banana leaves on woven bamboo bilao trays, and left to rest. As microscopic organisms convert humble starches into a sweet, tangy, and aromatic elixir, the rulebook is rewritten—proving that with time and natural alchemy, rice no longer merely accompanies the meal, but becomes the feast itself. Binuburan In the heart of the Filipino kitchen, white rice is the quiet, comforting canvas designed to soften the bold flavors of a rich main dish. But step inside the bubbling realm of binuburan, an ancient fermented rice dish, and that standard dynamic completely flips. Here, cooked rice is inoculated with local yeast, sealed under fresh banana leaves on woven bamboo bilao trays, and left to rest. As microscopic organisms convert humble starches into a sweet, tangy, and aromatic elixir, the rulebook is rewritten—proving that with time and natural alchemy, rice no longer merely accompanies the meal, but becomes the feast itself.Bagoong At the heart of Lingayen's iconic food heritage lies a delicate craft driven by simple ingredients and patient aging. The journey of authentic bagoong begins with fresh catches of small fish—such as monamon, galunggong, and padas— thoroughly tossed with natural crystal solar salt harvested from the salt beds of Dasol and Bolinao. Artisans strictly avoid iodized salt, relying entirely on pure, mineral-rich sea salt to protect the natural biological environment required for proper curing. Bagoong At the heart of Lingayen's iconic food heritage lies a delicate craft driven by simple ingredients and patient aging. The journey of authentic bagoong begins with fresh catches of small fish—such as monamon, galunggong, and padas— thoroughly tossed with natural crystal solar salt harvested from the salt beds of Dasol and Bolinao. Artisans strictly avoid iodized salt, relying entirely on pure, mineral-rich sea salt to protect the natural biological environment required for proper curing.19Asin In Pangasinan, seawater is channeled into shallow salt beds called banigan, where intense sun slowly evaporates the water to reveal sparkling white crystals. Farmers perform backbreaking manual labor to scrape the beds and gather the pristine harvest entirely by hand. Using traditional wooden shoulder poles, they carry heavy baskets weighing up to 30 kilograms each to local warehouses for storage and processing. The resulting salt is exceptionally clean, sharp, and crisp- tasting, making it a favorite for everyday cooking. Crucially, this high-quality salt serves as the secret ingredient behind Pangasinan’s famous bagoong, crafted from fresh coastal fish. Asin In Pangasinan, seawater is channeled into shallow salt beds called banigan, where intense sun slowly evaporates the water to reveal sparkling white crystals. Farmers perform backbreaking manual labor to scrape the beds and gather the pristine harvest entirely by hand. Using traditional wooden shoulder poles, they carry heavy baskets weighing up to 30 kilograms each to local warehouses for storage and processing. The resulting salt is exceptionally clean, sharp, and crisp- tasting, making it a favorite for everyday cooking. Crucially, this high-quality salt serves as the secret ingredient behind Pangasinan’s famous bagoong, crafted from fresh coastal fish.
Celebrating the triumphs, major milestones, and remarkable progress of Pangasinan. Panagballigi honors the outstanding of our communities, local leaders, and visionaries.By Regina Elisha D. MontemayorSpotlighting the awards and major progress that brings pride to the province of Pangasinan. 19 Pana gbal ligi
20 Woven in pangasinan, showcased to the world There is a quiet, soulful poetry in the way Pangasinan’s artisans turn the raw elements of the land into timeless design. From October 15 to 17, 2026, the bustle of Pasay City’s World Trade Center gave way to a rich display of northern culture as six of the province’s most creative micro, small, and medium enterprises took center stage at Manila FAME. Representing the true heart of local ingenuity, Crafter’s Joy Cornhusk Products, Bandulf Industries, Gemma’s Souvenirs, E-Kawayan Factory, Lapey Loom Weaving, and Olly & Fely brought a refined, lifestyle- forward perspective to the national trade floor. Together, they transformed everyday coastal and agricultural materials, pliant bamboo, dried cornhusk, natural fibers, and handwoven textiles into contemporary treasures that bridge rural heritage with modern living spaces. For the modern traveler and design enthusiast, these handcrafted pieces serve as more than mere decor; they are tangible keepsakes of the Pangasinense countryside. Backed by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and its partner development agencies, this showcase provided a national runway for provincial weavers, woodworkers, and artisans to share their craft with global buyers and trendsetters. Every intricately woven thread, sculpted bamboo, and carefully finnished accent bears the touch of a community whose heritage continues to eveolve, proving that the story of the homeland can travel beautifully into homes and around the world.By Regina Elisha D. Montemayor
Shaping Tomorrow’s Luyag 21 Nestled in the historic and breezy coastal capital of Lingayen, a quiet revolution in education is reshaping the future of the northern homeland. The Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) founded as a visionary initiative by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, stands as a beacon of inclusive growth, community empowerment, and modern opportunity. Located right along Alvear Street near the iconic Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center. This homegrown higher education institution bridges the gap between traditional provincial roots and future-forward global competencies, offering deserving youth a gateway to sustainable careers without having to leave the province. Nestled in the historic and breezy coastal capital of Lingayen, a quiet revolution in education is reshaping the future of the northern homeland. The Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) founded as a visionary initiative by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, stands as a beacon of inclusive growth, community empowerment, and modern opportunity. Located right along Alvear Street near the iconic Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center. This homegrown higher education institution bridges the gap between traditional provincial roots and future-forward global competencies, offering deserving youth a gateway to sustainable careers without having to leave the province. Walking through the campus reveals an academic environment designed with purpose and contemporary flair. PPC houses specialized schools tailored to the evolving demands of the regional and global economy, including the School of Creativity and Design, the School of Business and Management, the School of Public Policy and Governance, and the School of Health and Human Development. Far from a traditional, purely theoretical academy, the college champions applied, skills-based learning where creativity meets practical industry needs. Whether it is nurturing local design talents, equipping future business innovators, or training community leaders, PPC pulses with the youthful energy of students eager to give back to their communities.Courtesy: Province of Pangasinan
By Regina Elisha D. Montemayor Courtesy: University of the East Pangasinan22 EASTEASTBeaconBeaconof the Set against the lush greens and tranquil backdrop of Binalonan, the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) stands as a proud symbol of academic distinction and community transformation in eastern Pangasinan. Established as a pioneering local university, UEP has steadily built a reputation for cultivating high-caliber professionals while staying deeply committed to accessible, values-centered higher education. The campus acts as a thriving ecosystem where diverse disciplines intersect. From solid programs in teacher education, criminal justice, and business administration to cutting-edge courses in information technology, and nursing, the university nurtures a culture of holistic excellence, research, and civic responsibility. Students are encouraged not just to excel academically, but to actively participate in countryside development and local leadership. Beyond its academic rigor, UEP plays a vital role in the lifestyle and cultural fabric of eastern Pangasinan. The influx of bright, ambitious minds breathes constant energy into the town, fueling local cafes, creative spaces, and community-led initiatives. For visitors exploring the inland beauty of Pangasinan, the University of Eastern Pangasinan represents the inspiring future of the province, a place where provincial heritage seamlessly blends with big dreams and transformative education.
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