In God We Trust Tagudinians: Mythical Origin, Treasure, Tourist Spot and Highlight of Tagudin

 

The Municipality of Tagudin

Tagudin is a 2nd class municipality in the Province of Ilocos Sur. Tagudin has 43 barrangays.Tagudin is actually an interesting town that can give you history lessons and interesting trivia. It is the first town in Ilocos when you are coming from Manila via land travel.

Mythical Origin

There are two popular versions of how the town of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur derived its name. One, which is less known, had it that long even before the Spaniards set foot in the area, the village was under the protection of an ancestral spirit named Tagudin. This man-spirit lived on the promontory of that hill overlooking the Amburayan, exactly at the place where the Ilocos abutment of the Doña Alicia Bridge spanning the Amburayan, and kept watch over the town. So it was, that the village was known as the village of Tagudin. The more popular version derived the name Tagudin from the native drying rack (“pagtagudan”) where raw cotton (“sag-ot”) was spread out and brushed into threads with coconut husk. The “pag-tagudan” was rather a common tool during the time when Ilocano blankets were traded in markets as far south as Manila and were well known even to the Igorots on the Pacific side of Luzon. Legend would have it that when the Spaniards came to the place, their “adelantado” inquired as to where they are, to a native who was making cotton threads for the framed blankets. This native mistook the question for an inquiry as to what she was doing, so she answered in the dialect “agtag-tagudak, apo!” When the question was repeated, the native again thought that the Spaniard was asking the name of her rack, so she said, “Tagudan Apo!” The adelantado thus took that Tagudin the name of the village. Since then and up to this very day, the place had always been called “Tagudin”

So now, I have found interesting tourist spots you need to see, or if you are not a tourist, or if you don't want to be called that way, there are "interesting places" you might want to see. Of course, I will give you some important details and reminders and it will be up to you if you want to see the place. So here we go! 

TREASURE

Amburayan River and Amburayan Bridge

A walk away from the Bio view deck is the Amburayan River. It originates from Benguet then terminates in Tagudin. The bridge spanning across the river is called the Amburayan Bridge which connects the two provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur.

SUNDIALS

Tagudin Sundials are Spanish-era structures. The two sundials of Tagudin are the oldest sundials in the Philippines and the only sundial used during the Spanish regime. Tell the time using the sundial: The sundials are still working, so don't miss the chance to know what time is it by interpreting the shadows at the sundial. That would be your challenge.

SAINT AUGUSTINE CHURCH

Tagudin Church is a must-see in Tagudin. It has a Baroque architecture and was completed by Fr. Juan Sorolla in 1832. It also has a belfry situated east of the church which was built with distance from the church as  caution for earthquakes.

TOURIST SPOT

Bio VIEW DECK

The view deck is located in Brgy. Bio which is the southernmost barangay in Tagudin, also the first barangay you have to take in Ilocandia when you are traveling by land from the south. The viewing deck is located at the top of a hill.Enjoy the view: So what to do here?It is a view deck and it will allow you to view the boundary of La Union and Ilocos Sur provinces, the beautiful Amburayan River and the Amburayan Bridge.

Farola LIGHT HOUSE

Farola Lighthouse is one historical landmark in Tagudin. It builds an Ilocos-Belgium connection and it is about 100 years old.

Libtong Filmag

One of the hidden attractions in Libtong,Filmag,Tagudin, Ilocosur Sur aims to recognize, develop, and promote the beauty of nature.You can take Instagramable photos here the trees and beach is perfect to capture. And also the Local Government Unit of Tagudin has recently tested its newest attraction - the banana boat ride. This thrilling activity is being pulled by a brand new fiberglass boat, making the experience even more exciting for thrill-seekers

Bimmanga  BOATING

Boating tourist spots are popular destinations where visitors can enjoy various boating activities in beautiful natural settings. These spots are typically located near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or coastal areas. They offer opportunities for recreational boating, allowing tourists to explore the waterways, admire scenic landscapes, and engage in water-based adventures.boating tourist spots offer a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, appreciate natural beauty, and experience water-based activities that create lasting memories for tourists of all ages.

HIGHLIGHT

TIKANLU FESTIVAL

The Tikanlu Festival is an annual cultural celebration held in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur  a province in the Philippines. It is a vibrant and colorful event that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the local community.The festival's name, "Tikanlu," is derived from the Ilocano term "tikanen dagiti adda manipud lubong" which means "tinubong, kankanen,lubi-lubi".This reflects the festival's objective of bringing together people from various backgrounds to celebrate and appreciate the town's culture.During the Tikanlu Festival, the streets come alive with parades, street dances, and other lively performances. Participants, dressed in traditional costumes, showcase their talents through dance routines and music, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and other instruments.The festival highlights the municipality agricultural roots, with displays of bountiful harvests, farm tools, and livestock. It pays homage to the hardworking farmers and their significant contribution to the town's economy.One of the festival's main highlights is the street dance competition, where different groups from Tagudin compete in choreographed performances that depict local traditions, folklore, and stories. These performances often incorporate vibrant props, colorful costumes, and traditional music, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere.Aside from the cultural activities, the Tikanlu Festival also features trade fairs, food stalls, and various entertainment programs. Visitors have the opportunity to savor local delicacies, purchase handmade crafts and products, and witness other cultural presentations.The Tikanlu Festival serves as a platform to promote and preserve the local heritage, as well as boost tourism in the region/municipality. It allows residents and visitors alike to appreciate the unique foods, customs, artistry, and traditions of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur creating a sense of pride and unity among the community