DiscoverLasam
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Lasam.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Lasam
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Lasam
- To those who intend to spend their holidays to Lasam, Cagayan, the hazy, serene rolling hills and slow life of the town instantly distinguish it against the common fast-paced tourist flocks, allowing the visitors to breathe in the clean mountain air.
- The agricultural lands that encircle the area; stretching fields of corn, paddies of rice and tobacco, provide a living mosaic of a picture that shows how life in rural areas moves along, a visual delight to any guest who visits.
- The heritage of the community and the spirit of the age-old tradition known as bayanihan, when neighbours assist each other in all seasons, can be traced in the traditional Ilocano homes, which are wooden-beamed constructions with modest stone foundations.
- The small Lasam Town Plaza is in the centre of the town and it serves as the meeting point where they conduct markets, festivals and spontaneous dances and therefore it is the best place to observe the everyday communal lives.
- The San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church., which was constructed in a simple and yet elegant architectural design is a spiritual centre and the sound of the church bells reverberate with prayers that have been whispered several decades.
- Lastly, the soft rivers and creeks passing through the municipality promote wonder and calm reflection and fishing by the locals whose melodies add a relaxing musical presence to the scene.
- Capital (of the province): Tuguegarao City
- International airport: No international airport in Lasam
- Nearest commonly used: Tuguegarao Airport
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Ilocano, Ibanag, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The beauty of the holidays to Lasam, Cagayan is enhanced by its rural ambiance which is not well developed so that one is likely to discover the unfinished roads and open skies which offer easy access to the area.
- The spectators can observe the dance of nature and agriculture walking through the cornfields that become golden under the early sun, the beauty to be captured by both photographers and farmers.
- The few heritage sites in the town including the old municipal building, the historic church give an insight into the architectural influences that have fashioned the region through centuries.
- Social spaces such as small plazas and community gardens are places where people get to share storeys, songs and fresh produce creating a whole cultural experience.
- The world pinoy flights booking will offer a cheap and reliable route to the capital of Cagayan, where travellers can be brought by a short ride directly into Lasam in the heart of the city.
- The dry season was between November and May, which ensures clear skies and very easy temperatures, so it is the most appropriate time to go on a countryside ride or even a walk.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The dry seasons of November to May during holidays to Lasam, Cagayan provide the perfect weather conditions with the skies being clear and little rain that proves to be the best time to visit the farms and enjoy scenic hiking.
- The chill season comes in between December and February and gives an excellent break in the hot seasons with hikers having every chance to enjoy the mild hills without getting sweaty.
- The fiesta season is July and August, when festivals are made in honour of patron saints and life in the community explodes into colour, music and feasts.
- The period of the rice planting cycle is a golden period in the late spring before the rainy season when only a few can see the early stages of the process.
- The highest rainfall levels occur during the month of June through October and this is the month when most outdoor activities are stalled and the landscapes and wildlife also become green and colourful.
- The tourists who intend to make their visit culturally enriched need to plan their visit along the dates of the local fiestas to be involved into the cultural palette of traditions and celebrations.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Lasam Town Plaza and Grounds Municipal
- The open space like the plaza is the central nervous system of the community members and farmers come to sell their produce and families come here over the weekend to picnic.
- The name of the town is displayed on a big and sun-beaten wooden sign that stands at the entrance, welcoming the locals and tourists to learn about the history of the town.
- In the distance, children are running around over the broken concrete and their laughter is deafening to the innocence and happiness that fills the vicinity.
- It is a short storey about an old couple who are sitting on a folding chair and talking about the past and the wind is blowing through the loosely scattered palm leaves.
- A small fountain at the middle of the plaza also brings a coolness on hot afternoons and it forms a cool break to the people passing by.
- Lanterns are hung around the edges at night giving a warm effect making the plaza a meeting point in the evening to enjoy conversations and music.
San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church
- It has a plain and yet elegant exterior and is painted white and has a sloping roof, which begs those who are curious and those who believe, to come in and experience the calmness of worship.
- The altar is decorated with candles and local religious icons within, each having a storey of faith that spans the generations.
- The bell tower of the church is a small structure, which sounds in the early mornings, summoning parishioners to praying and showing the beat of the day.
- Locals hold relics, which are contained in a small sanctuary, back of the church, and are evidence to the long historical beginnings of their faith.
- The adjacent cemetery, with its crumbling stones and vines, provides a cool spot to reflect and remember the ancestors.
- Festivals are also a time when the church is adorned with flowers and banners making the church a canvas of pride and devotion amongst the people.
Rolling Hills and Farmlands
- The mellow hills and valleys with irrigation canals across them show a tapestry of greenery, which varies with the seasons, yellow cornfields where once stood green rice paddies.
- These hills are served by a web of dirt roads and cyclists and hikers are welcome to explore the hidden corners of the valley at their own speed.
- During early mornings, mist covers the hills giving the atmosphere of a dream which is almost ethereal.
- The fields are usually cultivated by local farmers, who often bring their livestock along and showcasing some of the oldest methods of agriculture, which have made the area to be what it is today in terms of agriculture.
- The hills are a natural background to the sunrise photography where the horizon is tinted with a shade of pink and orange a sight that is soul-grabbing to the rural life.
- The ones who come here are able to stop on a tiny outpost, take a deep breath of the fresh air and get a sense of belonging to the earth that supports the community.
Lasam Museum / Cultural Exhibitions
- Its collection can be rather small, still the museum contains the artefacts that trace the development of the agrarian society of Lasam, having both the ancient farming tools and the modern agricultural machinery.
- A showroom of woven canvasses brings in the traditional fabrics of the region with every item representing the storeys of the local clans and their craft.
- They have historical photographs on their walls that detail the life in the early 20 th century which provides a visual account of the development and struggles.
- The museum has its main attraction which is a replicated homestead where visitors get to go back in time and relish the everyday activities of an ordinary Ilocano family.
- Interactive screens make younger visitors get the idea of the significance of the principle of sustainability and of the fragility of the process between nature and cultivation.
- A small souvenir shop is provided at the end of the tour which sells handcrafted items to allow the travellers to take a part of the heritage of Lasam back home.
Reason 05
Discover More
Barangay Viewpoints
- The hilltop of every barangay provides a panorama of rolled farmlands which extend to the horizon making the patchwork of colours created by the crops depending on the season.
- The perspectives are usually bordered with fruit trees, including banana and mango, whose sweet smell mixes with the smell of the soil.
- The children go out to play with the butterflies, and the local elders often sit together in these places and tell storeys, in an energetic and communal effect.
- The tourists may buy homemade snacks at the local stalls and enjoy simple delicacies such as toasted corn or fresh coconut water.
- The soft breeze passing over the view brings to it the sound of a neighbouring stream, and provides a good accompaniment to the picture.
- When the sky darkens down to dusk, it becomes fiery orange, and lightens up the farmlands in the warmth that is ideal in sunset photography.
Riverside & Creek Spots
- Lasam has small streams that wind across it, giving fresh, chilled water, which you can use to have a cool swim or have a quiet moment of reflection.
- There are benches made of the local wood scattered throughout the banks on which visitors can be seated and observe families fishing with a bamboo rod.
- The fog is produced by the water in the mornings giving the almost mystic atmosphere that tempts early-risers to come and find out.
- The vegetation around it bears a diverse range of bird species such as mangrove roots, ferns, and this makes it a popular place among amateur birdwatchers.
- There are times when a local fisherman may tell them one or two storeys about the history of the river, and in this way enhance the cultural experience of the traveller interested in it.
- The rush of water makes a natural lullaby that is ideal to those who need to relax after spending the day on the adventure.
Tobacco & Corn Farms
- The tobacco fields, that are neatly rowed, reflect the contribution of tobacco in the region in terms of producing quality tobacco that is consumed locally and also traded.
- The towering ears of corn farms depict the farming activities that support the staple food of the community, and so a glimpse into seasonal changes.
- Visitors are also usually taken through the fields by the guides where they will learn how the leaves of the tobacco are planted, harvested, and cured.
- In the corn fields, the farmers occasionally give visitors permission to harvest a few ears, which gives them a real-life and close experience of farm harvest.
- The open plains are covered with long grass and few rocks and give the impression of the spaciousness and openness of the countryside of Cagayan.
- The signage of every farm includes dates and varieties that are cultivated, which is educational to those who are interested in agricultural science.
Conventional Homes and Community Walks
- A visitors to barangay streets can find traditional houses built of wood, bamboo and thatched roof, some centuries of local crafts.
- The community walk discloses the reasons why houses are constructed to suit family and livestock and how this is a way of combining functionality and cultural identity.
- The resourceful use of locally sourced materials is emphasised by simple furnishing inside, i.e. woven mats and stone basins.
- The feeling of belonging is usually brought home by the fact that neighbourhoods are usually organised around the central plaza where the family share their meals.
- Small stalls selling fresh produce, homemade sweets and local crafts cover the streets to give it a marketplace feel.
- The low light in the setting sun passes through the bamboo lattices to cast dancing shadows that depict the close association between people and their surroundings.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The Ilocano culture that is mostly used is a mixture of Catholic religion and native custom, and thus, their festivals are characterised by processions, folk dances and communal feasts.
- The value of coming together is seen in the daily practises of sharing work with the concepts of panagkakadua (unity) and bayanihan (mutual help).
- Annual San Vicente Ferrer fiesta, which is normally organised on late April or early May, features processional prayers, live music, and various local delicacies that are inviting to the surrounding towns.
- The dances of fiestas are usually directed by the use of many costumes and movements that are choreographed and reflect the historical accounts of the area.
- Family takes centre stage in social life, the aged are honoured and young later learn to attend to communal rituals.
- The local handicrafts are able to maintain the art of weaving and pottery making and they are able to produce handcrafted things that mirror the traditional culture of the area and also offer genuine souvenirs.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- The local cuisine is based on the fresh farm products with the main products like corn, rice, tobacco being used both in the daily meals and the offerings at the feast.
- A breakfast favourite, "tinuno" is a grilled meat or fish dish flavoured with simple herbs, which reflects the local taste of freshness and simplicity.
- The soup of local greens, such as dinengdeng or inabraw, bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) thickened, is an example of how the local folds can be used and the typical taste of Cagayan and its fondness of tangy.
- Although less popular is the cup-shaped crispy pork known as bagnet, some restaurants still serve it and the meat is cooked with a combination of local spices to give it a crunchy and savoury flavour.
- River fish, which are taken in local streams, is generally steamed, or grilled, with recently cut chilli pepper, and a squeeze of calamansi to add an invigorating zest.
- The roadside eateries or small family owned carinderias are where one is better placed to experience the authentic dishes, as their menu is based on time expectations of the recipes that are passed down the generations.
Fun
- The main attraction is rural sightseeing and photography, the untouched landscapes offer unlimited chances to take a photograph at sunrise over cornfields or a hazy valley at sunset.
- A visit to the town plaza, the church, and the municipal grounds will be an immersion into the local culture that will reflect the lifestyle of the population, local market, and community practises.
- Farm and local road exploration may be transformed into a mild adventure and one can learn more about the farming activities that keep the people alive.
- The fiestas or barangay annuals are part of the must do events because they are a colourful combination of music, dancing, and communal feasting which showcase the local practises.
- Having seen the ways of farming and cooking in a traditional manner, one is given the idea of how the community still uses its heritage of agrarian community in spite of the modernism.
- To people who like to listen to the running water, rivers and creeks will provide a chance to go fishing with minimal effort or just sit back and listen to the flow of water, which is quite calming.
Fashion
- During the hot dry season, light breathable clothing can be used whereas a light jacket or sweater could be required during colder seasons or in the early mornings.
- Firm walking shoes or sandals that have good support are necessary to provide comfort over the rough farm roads and local paths.
- Travellers holidays to Lasam are safeguarded against the intense tropical sun by sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and polarised sunglasses particularly when on a hiking trip at midday.
- The modest clothes are expected when going to churches or formal communal activities, in line with the local traditions and religious feelings.
- Bring a good amount of Philippine pesos to Lasam because there are few ATMs and online payment methods, and you will need to use cash to get meals, transport and minor purchases.
- A little first-aid kit and a reusable water bottle are useful additions which can keep the tourists healthy as they conquer the rough environment.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The area is filled with hills that are gently emerging out of plain lands creating panoramic scenery that evokes awe and gives the photographer reason to think before taking a photograph.
- Freshwater fish, amphibians and species of birds can be found in the local rivers, tributaries, and small creeks that are found in the natural habitat.
- A variety of farm animals are raised on the fields: cows, pigs, chickens, which contribute to the pastoral image and provide the learning experience to the animal lovers.
- In the early mornings when the cool mist coming up out of the hills gives a refreshing feeling one may feel the coolness in every breath.
- Little industrial activity in the area means that wildlife is not disturbed much, and therefore a good destination to individuals who like to listen to the quietness of nature.
- The hills are particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset and the colours are reflected on the fields and form an animated canvas to the trekkers and photographers.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The flagship event of the town, the feast of San Vicente Ferrer, includes a lantern parade, altar candles, and a local choir that sing all throughout the streets.
- The celebrations in Barangay fiestas have their own celebrations which are localised giving them a more localised experience and various other celebrations such as street dancing, games and communal feasts of local dishes.
- The Holy Week in Lasam is celebrated by solemn processions and role-playing of the biblical narrations which enable the visitors to observe a spiritual aspect of the community in a very serious way.
- The community work is celebrated with music, dancing and sharing of harvested crops particularly after the planting season in harvest festivals.
- The colourful "Paraw" boat race on the rainy season gives the local calendar a vibrant happening, it demonstrates the perfect handicraft, and teamwork.
- Both holidays to Lasam festivals are a chance to enjoy locally cooked delicacies, meet the local people and get the cultural cloth that glues the town.