Northwest Luzon
URDANETA
Urdaneta, 123km northwest of Manila and 25km southeast of Dagupan City, is sometimes called the Dodge City of the Philippines because of it's vivid cattle trade. Cattle traders from all over converge in Urdaneta to buy and sell. More and more municipalities are adopting and applying Urdaneta's method of marketing cattle in an effort to match the town's success in this area. In the cattle market, dealers trade about 1,500 head weekly.
Before the earthquake of July 16, 1990 it was, however, much overshadowed by the larger Dagupan City. But as Dagupan City was widely destroyed during that earthquake, a large number of businesses have transfered from Dagupan to Urdaneta.
Urdaneta holds the distinction of having the largest number of barangay schools north of Manila. Which is not unexpected as the town is the birthplace of the barangay high school system. It was here the late Dr. Pedro T. Orata, internationally renowned educator, developed and experimented with his now popular concept of bringing education to the people.
There are 39 public and three private elementary schools, 20 public and two private high schools, four colleges; two public and two private, and a dozen special schools including technical institutes and computer centers.
One tourist attraction of the town are the Cabaruan Hills, which was the site of fierce fighting between US and Japanese forces during WW II.
Urdaneta holds its fiesta over eight days from December 1 to 8 in honor of its patroness saint, the Immaculada Concepcion, and highlights it with colorful parades, beauty pageants, popularity contests, cultural presentations, agroindustrial fairs, religious activities and sports festivals.
SAN CARLOS CITY
San Carlos was founded by Fr. Francisco dela Rama May 23, 1587 and first named Binalatongan, referring iin the local dialect to the abundance of Mongo beans in the town. In 1666, the Malong revolt headed by Andres Malong erupted during which the whole town was destroyed. However, as the visitor can see for himself it was since rebuilt.
BONUAN BLUE BEACH
The long, gray sand beach at Bonuan, 3km (2mi) from Dagupan, was the landing place of MacArthur in Pangasinan. Today it is a common picnic area for local tourists, with sun shades, tables and cottages for rent; however, the cottages are not for overnight stay.
Acc: Tondaligan Beach House Bonuan
sgl/dbl 140/160 (ac,tb); rest, clean
AROUND SAN FABIAN
Most resorts and infrastructures of San Fabian were destroyed or severely damaged by the earthquake of July 16, 1990. A number of barangays sank 1 to 2m.
Closest to San Fabian is Center Beach. Another developed long beach is found near Bolasi, 4km (2.5mi) from San Fabian towards Agoo. Both have gray sand, are suitable for swimming and wind surfing, and are accessible by tricycle.
Accommodation on Center Beach
Holiday Village Beach Resort (41)
cot 120 (tb); rest, quiet, nice cottages
Breman's Resthouse (42) beach house
dbl 140; rest, simple
Center Beach Resort (43) totally destroyed in July, 1990 quake
Lazy "A" Resort (44) totally destroyed in July, 1990 quake
Accommodation at Bolasi
Presidential Rest House (45)
dbl 488671 (ac,tb,hw)
suite 1,952 (2 bed rms, big sala, ac,tb,hw)
This was the place where former President Marcos and First Lady Imelda rested during their travels through Pangasinan. The complex is situated in a big garden on the beach. All rooms are in splendid native design.
San Fabian Resort (46) (form. Bahong Lipuna)
dbl 372 (ac), 434 (ac,tb)
rest, swpl, 4 tennis courts
Windsurf Beach Resort (47)
cot 250 (tb,sala); rest, newly constructed cottages in a nice garden, windsurf boards for rent, good value
More on Northwest Luzon:
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/philippines/philippines_islands_northwest_luzon8.htm
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