Exploring Luzon and Manila, Philippines

• Luzon is a strategically located tourist destination in the northern Philippines.
• Luzon is accessible via air, land, and sea.
• As the largest island, Luzon offers beaches, mountains, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage sites.
• Luzon's attractions include rice terraces, caves, and windmills.
• Active volcanoes, scenic mountains, beaches, and islands contribute to Luzon's popularity.
• Rich culture and heritage, friendly locals, and vibrant culture make Luzon a great place to explore Filipino culture.
• The Philippines is divided into 17 regions for resource distribution, containing provinces, cities, and towns with attractions.

National Capital Region

• The National Capital Region (Metro Manila) is the seat of the Philippine Government.
• Key offices are located here, including the Malacañan Palace, Supreme Court, Senate, and House of Representatives.
• Metro Manila encompasses Manila and 15 surrounding cities.
• Most international visitors arrive via Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
• Sea travelers can enter through Manila Seaport.
• Metro Manila has accommodation, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.
• A mix of cultures, traditions, and culinary delights are on offer.
• Key attractions include Intramuros, Luneta Park, Binondo (Manila Chinatown), SM Mall of Asia, and Manila Bay.

Cordillera Administrative Region

• The Cordillera Administrative Region is centered on the Cordillera Mountain range.
• It is the only land-locked region in the Philippines, mainly highlands inhabited by indigenous tribes (Ifugaos, Ibalois, Kalingans).
• Baguio City is the main tourist hub and commercial center.
• Temperatures are colder than Metro Manila, making it ideal for escaping the heat.
• Baguio City is recognized as the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
• The mild weather is conducive for growing strawberries, for which Baguio City is famous.
• Other products include peanut brittle, ube jam, and sundot kulangot.
• Key attractions include Camp John Hay, Mansion House, Banaue Rice Terraces, and the Panagbenga Festival (February).

Ilocos Region (Region 1)

• The Ilocos Region is located on Luzon's northwestern coast, facing the South China Sea.
• It comprises four provinces: Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.
• The region is known as the home of the Marcoses.
• The Tourism Department has promoted its natural and manmade attractions.
• The Ilocos Region features historical sites, beaches, and food.
• Pagudpud Beaches are some of the best.
• Surfing is popular in La Union's southern towns.
• Local delicacies include bagnet, longganisa, empanada, and pinakbet.
• Key attractions include Vigan City (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bangui Windmills, La Paz Sand Dunes, Fort Ilocandia, Paoay Church, San Juan, La Union (surfing), and Hundred Islands, Pangasinan.

Cagayan Valley (Region 2)

• Cagayan Valley is situated between the Sierra Madre and Cordillera Mountain Ranges.
• It is the largest region in the Philippines, including the islands of Batanes and Babuyan.
• The Cagayan River, the longest in the Philippines, runs through the region.
• Cagayan Valley is agricultural.