ISABELA | Inside Isabela’s Seat of Power
Ilagan City, Isabela: It might be one of the most overlooked tourist destinations in the island of Luzon. But undoubtedly, It still holds untouched gems that only the brave of hearts will pursue to rediscover.
Follow Transit Pinas on his Isabela day trip as part of his three-day Biyaheng Norte solo backpacking adventure.
Bambanti
Isabela’s name was derived from then reigning Queen Isabella II of Spain during the Las Islas Filipinas era. Also, it was consisted of nine towns of which were formerly part of Cagayan.
However, as of today, it is now detached as a sole province. Many groups were opposing to change the province’s name into something that is directly related into its historic roots.
Nearly half the hour past 09:00 in the morning, I alighted from the passenger bus that I hopped into from Cauayan City. The Queen Isabela Park on the opposite side has kiddie rides and Ferris Wheel since the Bambanti Festival has been recently concluded last January.
Held annually in the month of January, the award-winning Bambanti festival has become a key factor in nurturing the cultural identity of Isabela.
From all the provincial capitols I have visited, Isabela has the biggest capitol grounds area. In fact, it even has a lake dividing the Capitol, an astrodome and ampitheater. I can already imagine how this place looks during the night of festivals and other events, lit!
Queen Isabela
One that will immediately get your attention is the statue of Queen Isabela straddled right in front of the highway.
It is a 17-feet sculpture of Queen Isabella II of Spain at the center of a mini park. Moreover, it is surrounded by sculptures of the former leaders and heroes who served and fought for the province.
Joel Paragas, UNESCO artist and park consultant, is the one who designed the monument.
Isabela Provincial Capitol
Along the capitol grounds, mascots of each municipality are lined up in front of the capitol building, called as the Bambanti Village. In addition, a Bambanti or “Scarecrow” has become a symbol of the celebration because of its historic ties to farmers and their crops.
The Bambanti symbolizes the diligence, resoluteness, and the enduring spirit of the people of Isabela. This village is open and lively during Fridays where products and pasalubongs are available. Weekend nights end with live bands and food trucks along the park.
After spending quite some time, I got back at the main highway to visit the Giant Butaka in sentro of Ilagan City.
Giant Butaka
But I was even unlucky to find out that the Pavilion where the giant armchair is taking refuge was under construction. As a result, I just hailed another van bound for Marana also in Ilagan City for the next leg of adventure inside the Fuyot Springs National Park.
How to Get There
- The City of Ilagan, 427 kilometers north of Manila, is located in the province of Isabela, between Cauayan City and the town of Tumauini (known for its Church and its cake-like bell tower)
- From Manila, take any bus bound for Tuguegarao via Victory Liner or Five Star Bus. (Travel time: 8-9hrs depending on traffic conditions, Fare: 600++ php airconditioned bus)
- If coming from Tuguegarao, take any bus bound for Manila or UV Express Vans bound for Ilagan City and alight at the Provincial Capitol
- Moreover, if coming from Cauayan City, it is just half an hour away and take any van bound for Tuguegarao City, and alight at the Provincial Capitol
- Nearest airport is in Cauayan City, flight takes 1hr and 10mins, Cebu Pacific flies regularly to Cauayan City. After that, take another van bound for Ilagan City which will take you atleast an hour, fare range is around 50php+
2018 Biyaheng Norte Solo Backpacking Adventure – Isabela
