Get a taste of their healthy dishes epecially seasoned with “bagoong”, a fermented fish that is substitute for salt for a more umami flavor. Not just that, be amazed with their white sand beaches and ancestral houses.

Proud that he is an Ilokano, Jae of San Jose had this tattoo on his chest as a symbol and commemoration of his ancestors.

Friz (Hawaii)
Ilokano by Garden Isle Tattoo
“Aloha. Additional half sleeve under construction. I’ll post it when it’s done.”

Provinces of Ilocos, derived from Spanish word looc meaning sheltered coves, are well-known for tourist spots that are haven to many. There is La Union, the surf capital of the Philippines. The colonial houses in Vigan City. Pagudpud’s white sand beaches and crystal-blue sea water and more. Albeit the provinces’ abundant gold mines, beware of the Ilokanos for they are known as the frugality terrors.

And so, he calls himself Ilokano rather than Filipino. This one online survey mentions that an unperturbed Ilokano returns from Hawaii with coolers of what they call marunggai. I wonder if he’s one of those and what marunggai is.