9 Foods and Places to Eat in Tuguegarao

Tuguegarao is such a fascinating place to stay and eat. In our short stay in the city. We were able to eat and dine at the famous delicacies of the city. Although we lack time exploring the city our group made a short list or guide.

Cagayan peanut candy

9.) Tuguegarao or Ybanag Longganisa – It is made with coarsely ground pork, black pepper, garlic, coarse salt. This is best paired with local cane vinegar or sukang iloko. some longganisa are dyed with achuete sold per dozen in market, hotels and pasalubong center.

8.) Kakanins– Tuguegarao is also known for their different kakanins. Among their famous kakains are made from sticky rice, tinupig, corn.

Alcala milk candy – Php 35 per small pack or 3 for Php 100

7.) Milk Candy– There are different kinds of milk candies made from carabao’s milk. One product that stands out is Alcala. It was hard for us to find a decent pasalubong center during our last night in the city. We have to visit a bus station where we bought some milk candies.

chicharabao – chicharon from carabao skin

6.) Chicharabao– This is one of the most common peddled snack in the city. We were lucky to taste the chicharon in small packs which cost Php 25 with home made vinegar. We also bought a generic sopas chicharon which is also common snack item in Metro Manila.

sopas chicharon

5.) Josh Papaitan and Laoya – When you are in Tuguegarao city, try to visit Josh Papitan and try to order their Laoya.

Laoya is carabao meat and bones, innards which is slowly cooked with broth with spices. It is offered in many karinderia, eatery or even in some hotel establishments.  Some establishment would also offer unlimited rice meal along with Laoya.

Address : 152 Lecaros Street, Tuguegarao City

Contact: 0955 497 1238

lugaw

Jacob Mami House menu board

4.) Jacob Mami House – This is an affordable eatery which specializes on mami, lugao, pares, barbecue, lomi and tapsilog meals.

Address: Stall #3 Joaquin Lim building, Diversion Road, Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao City

Billy Jacks -Pancit Batil Patung ( special with chorizo, carabeef and longganisa)

3.) Billy Jacks Panciteria – Although their version of Pancit Batil-Patung caters to the eclectic taste . Try to visit this place for a sample of their pancit.

chopped onions and calamansi

Address: Buntun, Santiago- Tuguegarao road, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province

supreme pizza

2.) Hotel Carmelita – Culinare restaurant is a fusion of Filipino and Italian cuisines. Their pizza was a fave among the locals. Becoming the number one pizza and pasta restaurant in Tuguegarao. Its unique brick oven-cooked chewy pizza is the pride of the town.

Address:  # 9 Diversion Road Balzain, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500

Contact : 0917 572 2777 / (078) 844-1024

1.) Boy Kanin (Tuguegarao) – All new 24/7 restaurant which offers well-loved meals like crispy pata, barbecue, silog among others.

Boy Kanin – Tuguegarao restaurant was designed and build by Architect Cenon Cesar M. Lumor of Tier One Architects. The 6 red tubular pillars symbolize the number of years of Boy Kanin in the business.

One can also play the three types of board games such as Chess or Dama Board, Snake and Ladders, and Maze.

Address: # 9 Diversion Road Balzain, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500

8 Fun Ways to Enjoy Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Piat Shrine

Piat is a town in Cagayan province known their miraculous image of Nuestra Señora de Piat enshrined at the Basilica Minore de Piat.

church facade with bell tower undergoing restoration

The jump off point is Tuguegarao city and it is just between 32.8 to 33 kilometers away from the town. On our second day, We took the chance to visit this famous pilgrim center despite our hectic schedule.

tourist center

The souvenir shop, tourist information center is closed and only one store located near the entrance was open. We arrived past 5:00 pm and few people where around the church.

bas relief of Our Lady of Piat and Piat logo

8 Fun Ways to Enjoy Pilgrimage to Piat

Department of Agriculture -Cagayan Breeding Center with giant boer goat

8.) Land Transportation– We took an hour or so travel via private car from Tuguegarao city to Piat. One can rent a tricycle or AUV vans which ply the capital city to the town.

People’s Integrated Agri-Tourism Center ( PIAT with giant corn)

7.) Scenery –  One would enjoy the leisurely travel by marveling both man-made and natural wonders.

6.) Food and Souvenir Items– One must not missed the “Pawa” a type of local delicacy which probably influenced by the Chinese. The steamed ground sticky rice is filled with ground and sweetened peanuts. They are sold in packs of 9 or 10 pieces per pack. They are best eaten when freshly cooked.

two kinds of Our Lady of Piat statue ( 10 inch) made from fiber resin

I was fortunate to have bought one Our Lady of Piat statue made from fiber glass from an old man manning the religious/ sari-sari store. There were t-shirts, key chains and magnets for those interested. This was the only store that remain open during our visit  to the shrine.

According to our tour guide/ companion/ diver for this tour. I was able to get a big bargain for the Our Lady of Piat statute which normally cost between Php 500 to Php 550.00.  I was able to buy the 10 inch statue for just fraction of the quoted price.

Our Lady of Mercy Reconciliation Chapel

5.) Bukal na Buhay – There was a spring located at the back portion of the Minor Basilica according to one of the caretakers of the place.

4.) Basilica Pilgrimage Inn, Museum and Inn – This is like a one stop facilities for those planning to visit the center.

staircase

religious / souvenir store located within the church

museum

There is a small museum which features religious carvings, statues and church vestments. The souvenir store which sells religious images, t-shirts, books among others is close. A portion of the sales goes to helping seminarians and indigents.

3.) Stations of the Cross – life-size statues, garden, an area to lit candles and place admire the place.

marker

2.) Santo Domingo Parish -is located within the premises, with centuries-old bell.

Santo Domingo parish with centuries-old bell

Basilica Menor de Nuestra Señora de Piat interior

1.) Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat– ( Basilica Menor de Nuestra Señora de Piat ) This is a must visit pilgrim site dates back to 1604 when Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary was brought from Macao to Manila. The image is dark complexion made from paper mache probably originated from Goa, India.

The dark skinned image resemble the Indians of Goa which is also a Portuguese colony. One can admire the church grounds and immediate vicinity.

Place to Stay : Our jump off point is at Hotel Carmelita in Tuguegarao City.

Note: We would like to “Thank” the local lay sister which took the time to welcome the group invited us to stay and tour around. But our group is such in hurry to go back to Tuguegarao.

10 Interesting Places to Visit and Stay in Tuguegarao

Tuguegarao is the capital city of Cagayan province. There are a lot of historical places, museum, churches and natural wonders for any visitor or tourist visiting the place.

The fastest way to visit the city is via air by taking domestic flights. While the most interesting and scenic places can be captured via land routes.

Van Gob statue near Robinson’s Mall -Tuguegarao

We took the exciting 9 hours trip from Cubao, Quezon City to Tuguegarao City with one stopover at San Jose City, Nueva Ecija province.Land travel from Metro Manila may vary from 8 hours to 12 hours depending on how fast or slow the driver due to ( road construction and traffic).

In our short stay in the city, We managed to visit these places.

10 Interesting Places to Visit & Stay in Tuguegarao City

Buntun Bridge and Cagayan River

10.) Buntun Bridge and Cagayan River – This is considered as the second longest bridge in the country with length of 1,369 m (4,491 ft) with 15 spans. It also provides panoramic view of the Cagayan river which is the longest and widest river system in the country.

Boy Kanin at the WOW Tuguegarao standee

WOW Tuguegarao standee at night

9.) WOW Tuguegarao Standee–  This is an iconic landmark to get a selfie or groupie when you are within the city. The standee is located near two important fast-food restaurants and mall.

tricycles

8.) Tricycle and Calesa ride – We managed to ride in one of the colorful tricycles which ply the major streets in the city.

7.) Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center- This is located within 5 kilometers within the city’s centro district.

Ms. Lorie I. Decena (Museum Researcher I -Cagayan Museum and Research Center)

The museum and research center was conceived by the Provincial Board in 1971 and became operational on its inauguration on August 15, 1973 during the traditional Aggao na Cagayan.

stone age tools and animals found in the province

Homo erectus skull replica

The museum is divided into several sections and theme

primary and secondary burial jars

Homo luzonensis

farming tools

religious statues, ecclesiastical items and vestments

ethnic group

portion of the building which used to be jail

fountain area and outer courtyard

This is one of the few buildings in the country which used to house a jail  with free guided tour service when one visit the city. There is no entrance fees collected in the museum.

Address: Otis corner and Aguinaldo street, Tuguegarao, Cagayan

Operations – Mondays to Friday 8:00 am to 12:00nn and 1:00pm to 5:00 pm

Contact: (078) 846-73-37

6.) Plaza Rizal and Monument- This monument was erected more than 100 years-ago in August 17, 1918 during the incumbency of Governor Honorio Lasam. Dr. Jose Rizal’s had an overcoat and at the foot of the statue had four Filipina ladies in period costume which represents (virtues): Prudence (Katalinuhan), Justice (Katarungan), Fortitude (Tibay ng Loob) and Temperance (Pagtitimpi).

details at the base of the monument

The design was inspired from the design of Mr. Carlo Nicoli. The base of the monument was made from adobe stones.

The monument is erected just in front of the Cagayan Museum and Research Center,Tuguegarao Cathedral, schools, sports complex and important historical areas within the city.

Sources: Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center, Historical Marker
Cagayan Heritage Conservation Society (Mr. Prince Wilson Macarubbo and Mr. Kevin Domingo) Ms. Lorie Decena.

5.) Tuguegarao Horno– This is a place where bricks kilns are made and fired during the Spanish colonial regime. Most of the bricks were used in the churches and government buildings of the city.

Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral

4.) Tuguegarao Cathedral- Also called Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral. This was built in the mid-18th century with bricks, adobe, mortal and stones.

historical marker

facade

High relief pilasters with alternating smooth and Solomonic/swisted design

bricks

The cathedral sustained a lot of damage during the second world war during the aerial bombings by the Japanese forces on December 8, 1941 and during the liberation of the city in 1945.

Address: Rizal Street, Barangay Centro 10, Tuguegarao City

Lighthouse Cooperative

3.) Lighthouse Cooperative and Financial district – Lighthouse cooperative is located within the city ceter, One can buy products made in Tuguegarao or within the province.

Tuguegarao City

2.) Ancestral Houses, Post Modern Mid-Century Buildings -There are few ancestral houses and mid-century buildings located within the downtown area. This is due to many factors, One is the city was heavily destroyed by the Japanese during the second world war, destructive fire and typhoons which destroyed many old buildings and houses.

mid-century ancestral house

According to our tour guide, Typhoon Lawin left a big portion of the province without power for more than two months.

1.) Hotel Carmelita– is located within the heart of the city. The hotel is just beside a bus company and features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, garden, convention place, venue place, swimming pool and 24 hour Boy Kanin restaurant.

All of these places are accessible within 15 to 20 minute drive or commute from the hotel premises.  WOW Tuguegarao standee is just 10 minute walk from the place.

Several well-known celebrities like Mr. DJ Durano and other personalities had stayed at the hotel.

Contact: 0917 572 2777 / (078) 844-1024

Address: # 9 Diversion Road Balzain, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500

Boy Kanin Opens in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Boy Kanin had a grand opening at the premiere and cultural heritage district in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province.

Boy Kanin at WOW Tuguegarao marker

The big day started past 10:00 am with a grand motorcade within the historical centro district, capitol grounds and along the commercial center of the city.

motorcade

tricycle paraded within the city

Boy Kanin mascot together with tricycle drivers of the city

BOY Kanin Grand Opening

 Boy Kanin’s CEO and President Mr. Ronald Allan Callao together with Mr. Tristan Jarvis Tolentino ( franchisee),Ms. Nastassia Euperio (Miss Tuguegarao 2019),important local officials, friends, family, motorcycle association, bicycle group and the general public graced the occasion.

Miss Natassia Euperio together with her friends and co-employees

Miss Natassia is Miss Tuguegarao 2019. She is also the city’s ambassador of goodwill

ribbon cutting

After a short prayer and ribbon cutting ceremony, The general public were able to dine-in at the first 24/hour full service restaurant in the region.

Affordable Price

 The restaurant is known for their all time favorite, well-loved lugaw, all day almusal, chicken pinoy barbecue, crispy pata,tocino, pinoy burrito and their new pinoy spaghetti.

sizzling sisig with rice

Boy Kanin rice meal

crispy pata

The restaurant had a stylish interior which can accommodate between 80 to 100 customers. Unlike other fast-food restaurants which limit students to study within their premises.

friendly staff

Boy Kanin had a friendly atmosphere that also caters bakadas, office mates, entire family to come and enjoy playing games while eating at the place.

well lighted dining area

Stylish Interior

second level

Second level had a cozy sit down place. One can enjoy playing board games, FREE access to pillows and bean bags.

Hotel Carmelita

The branch is located within the Hotel Carmelita which is more than the usual place to visit, when you are in Tuguegarao. It is just few meters away from Five Star Bus company and major city center.

Boy Kanin -Tuguegarao branch

Address: #9 Diversion Road, Balzain, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province

Contact : 0917- 572 2777

Operations : Everyday 24 hours