The provinces of Apayao, Kalinga, and Abra in Cordillera Administrative Region are the most elusive provinces in our bucket list of 83 provinces in the entire Philippines.
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The province of Apayao is located within the inner part of mountains in Cordillera, either coming from Kalinga in its southeastern side, or from Abra coming from the western side.
The province of Kalinga is geo located in between provinces of Isabela in the east, Apayao in the North, Abra in the west, Mountain Province in the Southwestern part, and Ifugao in the South.
The province of Abra can be easily reach from the west via Ilocos Sur, and from the east via Kalinga coming from the east side passing national roads that were mostly not yet built.
To push the envelope a little bit bigger, the plan was to conquer all the three provinces in one traverse rides – from east (via Isabela going to Tabuk, Kalinga), to Kabugao, Apayao, and all the way to the west of Kalinga going to Bangued, Abra, and finally exiting in Ilocos Sur, down to La Union's surfing capital in Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union.
The main inspiration is to visit the capitals of all 3 provinces in Tabuk (the capital of Kalinga), Kabugao (the capital of Apayao), and Bangued (the capital of Abra).
Tambahay Food Hub~Petron, San Jose, Nueva Ecija.
The best place to refresh yourself from Angeles City is here in San Jose, Nueva Ecija going up to Isabela with Tabuk in mind via Tabuk~Quezon Road.
The food hub offers gas fill-in, hot coffee, and food for breakfast. We were always stopping here for some great Filipino dishes - and comfort rooms, of course.
This bell from the 1900's is often unseen but it's quiet historical.
And the entire place so somewhat amazing to regain composure to push for more up in the north.
In fact, there was no chance that we never stop there to refill and enjoy the food while refreshing ourselves.
Isabela~Nueva Vizcaya Border.
Reaching Nueva Vizaya ~ Isabela Border in Cordon Isabela under the sheer heat of the sun is not an easy ride after almost 4 hours at about 150 kilometers from Tambahay, in San Jose, Nueva Ecija.
At this point, we were already hungry again - and very tired.
Rufino's Dinner, Santiago, Isabela.
One of the best places to eat and refreshen up again in Santiago, Isabela is in Rufino's Dinner.
A well-designed place to get the best feel with natural ambience while enjoying the food inside a kubo hut, is what Rufino's Dinner becomes unforgettable.
Mang Inasal, San Mateo, Isabela.
The only way we can regain strength is to rest, eat, and rehydrate - we were here in Mang Inasal to savor the chicken inasal plus palabok.
San Mateo, Isabela is just about 60 kilometers away from the Kalinga Welcome Arch, passing thru Quezon, Isabela after the very long stretch of road in about an hour of thrilling rides.
I was very exhausted at this point - the best way to relieve is to eat hahaha
Kalinga Welcome Arch.
It was so nice reaching the Kalinga~Isabela Border for the first time.
We were only 22 kilometers away from our first goal of reaching Tabuk as the provincial capital of Kalinga province.
I was on the air for the first time to celebrate this wonderful moment.
We were also very surprised that brothers and sisters in Alpha Phi Omega are present in Kalinga - by putting a mark of APO's presence in the province.
We were in a province where people whom I share ideals and principles are present and (perhaps) happily residing.
St. William Cathedral, Tabuk, Kalinga.
The best place to seek for safety and blessing from God is to visit a church.
The architectural design of St. William Cathedral is utterly surprising - it entices you to stop and be amazed of how majestic it was designed and built.
According to a local guide's post, this is the grandest Catholic Church in the far north of the Philippines.
There was a wedding ceremony when we got there - so we decided not to go inside and - and prayed from outside.
Kalinga Provincial Capitol.
Located in Capitol Hills, Tabuk, Kalinga, the provincial capital building of Kalinga is surrounded by trees.
Tabuk City was once called the "Valley of Gamonangs", the Kalinga tribe who had dominated Northern Kalinga some centuries ago, as written by one of the early Spanish Missionaries.
I was up again in the air for the 2nd time to celebrate with my happiness.
Brothers in Alpha Phi Omega in Kalinga.
Indeed, APO's presence in the Cordilleras was easily felt.
Upon passing a police checkpoint before entering Conner, Apayao, brothers easily notice a sticker of APO seal and coat of arms - we were welcome so warmly by brother Police Capt. Freiddie Micu of Province of Apayao PRO CAR and fellow brother Police Capt. Oliver Molintas, now assigned in the Province of Kalinga PRO CAR - even offered a cup of locally brewed coffee and requested to stay for a few minutes of frat talks sharing college frat life experiences.
We were also guided on who to go and seek help when in Kabugao, further assuring our safety.
Kabugao, Apayao.
The peaceful municipality of Kabugao, is a 1st class municipality and de jure capital of the province of Apayao.
We stayed overnight in Pattag Lodging House, in Iyapan Heights, Kabugao, Apayao.
The place has some flora and fauna and was a perfect place to rest - and drink some beers.
Riding 477 kilometers from Angeles City in about almost 12 hours to reach Kabugao is not a simple feat.
After a good night sleep, our goal was to finally visit Abra via the infamous no-roads in Pinukpuk whom police brods warned us not to pass.
This 2nd day was a very bright day hoping no rains will ever impede us to reach our goal for that day.
The weather was partly sunny and rain free at least in Kabugao for this day, June 11, 2023.
And for the 3rd time, I was up again in the air to express my gratefulness of reaching the 2nd provincial capital in this traverse rides.
Conner, Apayao.
The municipality of Conner is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Apayao.
The roads there from Tabuk to Kabugao (passing Conner) was so nice to ride at speed - the corners are waiving riders to enjoy the smooth curves in as much lean angle as one can carry in the fast corners.
Gagay was enjoying this 2nd day rides in Conner, Apayao.
And again, for the 4th time, I was up in the air to express the happiness in my heart.
As I was contemplating during that stop in the mountain in Conner, the Tabuk~Kabugao road is a great place to organize an annual touring rides - those "kamotes" in other places can show their best moves in the zigzag of Tabuk~Kabugao roads.
Conner Bridge, Conner, Apayao.
Gagay requested to stop in this interesting bridge in New Poblacion, Conner, Apayao.
The river under this bridge is splitting down to the Lapu Nabuangan River going west, and forming the Cupis River going South.
Once again for the 5th time, I was on the air to relieve my endless excitement in traversing Apayao, Kalinga, and Abra.
Apayao was still pristine, undoubtedly not for mainstream tourist.
Apayao~Kalinga Border.
This is the point where in, we have to ride to Balbalan in 2 choices: via Tabuk for 81 kilometers, or via Pinukpuk for only 57 kilometers.
Our spirit was high due to a favorable weather - not raining.
We were not expecting any major obstacles because in google map there were roads clearly seen.
For the 6th time and more, I was again up in the air... LoL
However, if you haven't been in this part of Kalinga, please do not make the big mistake (that we did) in saving 1hr @ about 34km by taking the short cut to Balbalan via Pinukpuk passing Dao-Angan, Balbalan, Kalinga.
Take the road via Tabuk and I think you will be very fine not summoning the God's and evils in you passing the Dao-Angan no-Road - yes, there were parts that there was no roads at all..!
Maling, Balbalan, Kalinga.
If you did turn right in the Apayao~Kalinga Border going to Pinukpuk, the end of the road is here in Bgry. Maling, Balbalan, Kalinga - "mali-ng" means "wrong" in Pilipino language. This was in fact the most difficult road that we ever had pass in the entire Philippines.
And on rainy days, you cannot pass the very stiff and muddy road going up to the "still under on-going construction" shortcut road to Ableg - bypassing the treacherous national no-road in Dao-Angan.
We have no other choice but to go back and take the risk in passing Dao-Angan instead of going back to the Apayao~Kalinga border and on to Tabuk, circling 95km around to reach Ableg in almost 3 additional hours of rides.
From here the fuel is only half full, and there is no way I will cross Dao-Angan without enough fuel in the tank - so we go back and look for a store selling fuel in 1-liter coke bottles.
We have found an store and refill the gas tank with 5 more liters fuel - assuring that there was enough fuel for us to reach Abra confidently.
Dao-Angan, Balbalan, Kalinga.
Located between Balbalan and Pinukpuk in Kalinga, Dao-Angan has the most thrilling and dangerous roads in traversing Abra from Apayao and Kalinga. The locals referred to this road patch as “shortcut” and still part of a national road with only road patches, some parts with only gravel and mud up in that mountain roads.
If you will see the photos, you will have great dismay that a national road connecting 2 provinces were in that condition.
Only the bravest of motorcycle riders are encouraged to take this road as shortcut to Abra from Apayao and Kalinga, leading to Ableg, and goes down to Balbalan Public Market.
Balbalasang~Balbalan National Park, Kalinga.
The mountainous road that run through in the Balbalasang~Balbalan National Park and connecting Kalinga to Abra is shared between Balbalan, Kalinga and Daguioman, Abra.
The national park that comprises of Barangay's Balbalasang, Tololang, and Puntikian has the highest elevation of 2,600 meters ASL.
Almost the entire zigzag roads were mostly under the jurisdiction and maintenance of Kalinga province which is within the 3rd class municipality of Balbalanan.
The weather seems unpredictable in Balbalasang~Balbalan National Park, and we were so thankful that somehow, we managed to conquer the roads in Dao-Angan, and safely reach this point, on our way to Abra.
If you reach this point, you are just 31km away from the breathtaking Abra~Kalinga border.
Ponnod, Sesec-An, Balbalan, Kalinga.
People in this part of Sesec-An, Kalinga are very kind and accommodating. We were offered free coffee (yes, coffee is free here in Kalinga) and served with bread plus liver spread, it was an instant relief.
This small community are mostly traders and truckers of goods from Tabuk and painstakingly transported here by heavily modified trucks with the body of a custom-made jeepneys or XLT's.
JM's Bakery is located just after the bridge elevated on the left side when facing Abra - the owner was very accommodating to us.
After a few minutes of rest to ensure our safety in crossing the treacherous zigzag roads ahead, we were more than ready to continue the rides.
Abra~Kalinga Border.
In so many borders of provinces in the entire Philippines that we have crossed, this Abra~Kalinga border in Balbalan National Park is perhaps one of my most breathtaking and unforgettable...!
The weather in this part of the mountain was heavily foggy and continuous raining most of the time, according to the road workers that we met there.
The clouds were so amazing at the level of the roads.
The riders from Ilocandia and Cagayan Valley choose the safer and longer route via Pagudpod~Sanchez Mira~Aparri Road, instead of crossing this treacherous pass. All the same, I was up in the air for the 7th times there.
Only a few dares to cross the Abra~Kalinga Road from east to west and vice versa - they don't trust weather in the mountains, according to the riders from Ilocos Norte whom we met in Isabela~Kslinga border.
We were soaked in wet and mud after crossing the Abra~Kalinga Border, and hardly survived the on-going road construction in Abra side that was full of mud and utterly terrible.
Nagpaoayan Valley, Licuan-Baay, Abra.
This was perhaps a big breather after the grueling experiences in the mud - reaching this part of the mountain where the clouds were almost everywhere.
We were already safe at this point somewhere in Nagpaoayan Valley where the view was awesome with the reassuring blow of the cold mountain winds.
The view of the mountain ranges was spectacular to watch with my mouth wide open to my disbelief.
And there was the 8th jump that I always did to restart and reassure my brains that I am still alive after passing Dao-Angan.
Packed with all the dirt and mud from Kalinga to Apayao, back to Kalinga, and now in Abra, Xcy is overloaded with the added weight of debris from all 3 provinces in the Cordilleras.
Laay, Laganggilang, Abra.
I was here that we realize how important the added 5 liters of fuel in the mountain of Pinukpuk before crossing the treacherous border.
If we decided to push without adding 5 more liters of gas, we will not reach this point, and perhaps we are stucked beside the road with empty fuel tank on top of the mountains overnight.
Upon loading fuel to full tank, we could have been 2~3 liters of gas short in the border before reaching this point.
And it was too terrible to imagine what could have happened to us in the mountain helpless and stranded.
We were now safely going smoothly to the capital of Abra, in Bangued.
Don Mariano Marcos Bridge, Abra.
A world-class bridge and the 3rd longest bridge in the entire Philippines, you cannot help but to stop and take photos in this magnificent bridge in the north, entering Bangued, Abra.
Connecting Dolores and Tayum in Abra, and crossing the mighty Lagben River, this bridge was constructed in the early 1970's and completed in 1974 - a year before I was born.
The Provincial Board and the Mayor’s League of Abra inked a resolution on 08 February 1974 to “name the new bridge, Don Mariano Marcos Bridge. And I was up in the air for the 9th time, yeaaaah!
In memory of the man, who, during those critical days of the Japanese occupation, saved a lot of people in the Ilocandia and Cordillera by sharing his fortune.
Abra Provincial Capitol, Bangued, Abra.
The road from the infamous bridge in Tayum to Bangue, Abra was surprisingly above expectations - the newly laid asphalt road, beautifully painted with road lines, and protected with roller barriers on both sides.
We arrived in the provincial building of Abra in the early afternoon.
I was able to immediately fly the drone and jump for the 10th time with full of happiness.
Bangued is the capital of the province of Abra - a very quiet and clean town.
My maxi-scooter "Xcy" stood the challenge of the most elusive provinces in the Cordilleras from here on.
Saint James the Elder Cathedral, Bangued, Abra.
Located at the middle of Bangued, in Taft Avenue, the Saint James the Elder Cathedral is so serene.
One of many stunning churches influenced by Spanish designs, this cathedral is a-must to visit and be very thank full for, when in Bangued, Abra.
Bangued Town Plaza, Abra.
The town plaza in between the provincial capitol building and the cathedral in Bangued.
I wouldn't want to miss this chance to be up in the air again for the11th times, yahoooo!!
People may look at me and say I am crazy, but they don't understand that we were traveling for 2 days from Angeles City passing 7 provinces just to be here.
Victoria Park, Bangued, Abra.
This awesome park on top of the ridge is just 800m away from the cathedral.
In the viewpoint, you can see the town of Abra and the Abra River.
Oh yes, I was up in the air again for the 12th time...!
We were so thankful that we had no major issues nor obstacles arriving at this point - this was something to be grateful to God, for allowing us this chance to ride and travel a lot safely.
Tres Marias Residences, Bangued, Abra.
A young guy tips this place of her aunt to us - a very nice place to stay in Bangued, Abra.
The Tres Marias Residences offers superb luxury with newly built rooms at relatively cheap price considering the best in our comfort.
The restaurant offers us honey glazed flavored chicken pellet served with apple juice for early dinner.
The crew were so kind suggesting to us their best-selling flavors.
On the 2nd floor just outside our beautiful room, there was this comfy area to drink beers and celebrate being in Abra for the first time.
In the balcony for smokers, we met Cavite's Eagles Club ladies, also there in Abra for a seminar and community works and services with the Eagles in Abra.
The 2nd day ended so well passing the 3 provinces, from Kabugao, Apayao all the way to Bagued, Abra - taking too many risks and conquering challenging roads (and no-roads) passing Dao-Angan, Kalinga.
3rd Day in Bangued, Abra.
My maxi-scooter "Xcy", took me into too many provinces in the entire Philippines - so before taking our breakfast, I decided to give Xcy a well deserving full shower in Bangued, living most of the dust and mud from Apayao, Kalinga, and Abra behind.
There will always be a Chowking in most towns and cities in the Philippines - chowpan with steamed siomai plus pancit canton is more than enough.
After taking breakfast, I went outside - I was wondering how beautiful Bagued is - very clean, quiet, and so relaxing.
The people are kind and accommodating - unless of course if you are into politics - that will make your life with no easy life.
In general, the people in Tabuk, Kabugao, and Bagued, the capitals of Kalinga, Apayao, and Abra, are hospitable and calm because people in the Cordilleras are deeply rooted ancient highlanders from their ancestral heritage, even up to this point.
Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
Bangued is just 33 kilometers away from the center of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
Narvacan is a 2nd class municipality in Ilocos Sur, and famous as the bastion of Manung Chavit Singson, a businessman, investor, the former Governor, and now the Mayor of the town.
And for the 13th time, I was again up in the air for the first time in this 3rd day, LoL.
Ilocos Sur~La Union Border Arch.
Reaching this point, we were now leaving Ilocos Sur, and now about to enter the province of La Union.
Most riders and travelers alike stop there for some photo shoots before going up to the Ilocandias, to Abra, or to Cervantes via either Bessang Pass or Quirino Skyline.
This was my 14th jump, dishing out some energies and calming myself before the highspeed rides down to Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union.
There is a karenderia just after the welcome arch, serving many Filipino dishes, very cold soda, and hot soup bulalo.
Eating while resting is the way to go when riding long distances - trust me on that - just don't get too sleepy in full stomach because it becomes very dangerous - normally, I would nap before riding again.
San Juan Surf Beach, La Union.
Whether we were going up to the north, or going back down to Angeles City, we always stop and spend a moment in this beautiful surf beach of Urbiztondo, San Juan, in the province of La Union.
It’s the Boracay, Puerto Galera, and Alona Beach in the north of Luzon, with its nightlife full of excitement in the beach with live bands, alcohol drinks, and so many foods to choose from in Beach Bum Food Hub.
It's very exciting here simply watching the waves and the salty wind blowing in your face - and it feels like you are in Baler's Sabang Surf Beach, or in Bagasbas Surf Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte.
And finally on this 15th jump in the air - perhaps, this was my best jump in this 3-days traverse rides.
My wifeY was so delighted reaching the waves of Urbiztondo safely after 2 grueling days of riding in the Cordillera mountains.
At this point, we visited an acquaintance that is twice we met - Sir Enrique Matthew de Dios of Ramenrique.
He loves the waves of Urbiztondo and put up a food hub near the beach inside Monaliza Surf Resort whom we preferred to stay when in Urbiztondo.
Ramenrique offers gyoza, kaarage, bonitofu, spicy miso ramen, tantamen ramen, tsukumen ramen, and many others to choose from, prepared in-house by Sir Enrique himself.
Home Sweet Home, Angeles City.
We were speeding fast from San Juan, La Union to Angeles City, Pampanga via TPLEX and then SCTEX, exiting in Clark South, entering Clark Special Economic Zone, exiting Friendship gate, and up to this church.
We always give thanks to Him for keeping us safe in the nearby Jesus, the Eternal Word Parish.
We ride for 3 days and 3 nights for a total range of 1,109 kilometers, passing 10 provinces: Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, then back to Pampanga, to complete this amazing Apayao ~ Kalinga ~ Abra traverse rides.
Special thanks to all the people that we met and helped us during these 3 days of pure fun and excitement - you know who you are... cheers!
Byahe lang..!
2023 June 10~12 | Apayao Kalinga Abra
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