Binge Queen in Isabela

Freeway going to Cabagan, Isabela

At last! After 4 long years! Hello, Isabela! San Roque, Sto. Tomas!

Since I started working I never had the chance or enough days off work to visit my parents' home town. Going home to Isabela especially during Fiesta season and Holyweek has been our family's yearly tradition since we were little kids.

Isabela is located in Northern Luzon in between Nueva Viscaya and Cagayan Valley. Majority of the locals speak Ibanag or Ilocano. It is one of the biggest rice producers in the country and home of the delicious Pansit Cabagan.

Folks there make the best rice desserts like Binalay, Natata (local suman) and their version of a Pinoy favorite bibingka topped with generous  heaping of sweet macapuno! I always make sure to include tinolang native na manok, crunchy dinuguan and Carahay (lechon kawali in Tagalog) to my "To Eat" list when I'm there.

It's really great going to far places like this. The long travel time, stop-overs, the rough bus ride, and the distinct probinsya fresh air, all of these I miss! And even if there are flights going to Isabela now, I'd still want travelling via land. Vacation in Isabela is one of the most anticipated holidays of the family. Everyone's excited to get there and have their well-deserved bakasyon.

Scene: The Bukid

Its tobacco harvest time!

I have a lot of fun childhood memories in my parents' humble barrio. I used to chase pigs and chickens and ask my Lolo if  I can have them as my pet though unsuccessful, I remember bringing home a duck instead. I also tried riding a cow going around and even fetch water using poso or deep well. I really love how the Ibanags can keep a simple life. And sometimes, I envy them. They seem be contented and happy.

Lunch: Native chicken & Ginisang Monggo w/ Malunggay

Below are some facts about my favorite probinsya:

• Travel time: 10-12 hours.
• Transportation: Bus companies like Victory, Dalin and Florida offers trips to Tuguegarao. 
• Night trip is best due to long travel hours.
• Weather: Scorching hot during daytime and super cold during night time.
• Stop-over favorites: Gas station in San Jose has a spacious and clean comfort rooms and a strip of local stores for the motorists and Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya stop over for the jumbo hotdogs!