Hemmed in the towering mountain ranges of the Ilocos on the west and the Cordillera in the east. It is bounded on the north by Ilocos Norte and the south by Ilocos Sur and Mountain Province. Towards the east is Kalinga and on the west, the province of Apayao. As it straddles the Ilocandia and the Cordillera, these landlocked province is a melting pot of the lowland people of dominant Spanish ancestry and the unique ethnicity of the upland Tingguian tribe. Insulated by the Mountainous Gazebo, nature has remained prestine in Abra and life goes on in a relaxed pace away from the humdrum of urban cosmopolitan living. With a land area of 3,180.8 square kilometers, Abra accounts for one-fifth of the regions land area, the largest province in the region. It possesses the most number of municipalities (27) and barangays (324) among the seven Cordillera provinces. The seat of the provincial government is at Bangued, its capital town which is four hours from Baguio City and 10 hours from Manila.
Taal Basilica: The Asia’s Largest Catholic Church
TThe original town of Taal was established in 1572 by Augustinian missionaries, with the first church built in 1575 under Fr. Diego Espinar. Over time, the church was improved but was destroyed in 1754 during the massive eruption of Taal Volcano, which also...
Exploring Miag-ao: A UNESCO Heritage Site
The Miag-ao Church, built in 1786 by Augustinian missionaries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with distinct Filipino elements. Its facade features intricate carvings depicting rural life, such as palm trees and rice...
Exploring Guimbal: The Heart of the Province and Its Historic Church and Adoration Chapel
Guimbal, a coastal town in Iloilo, was established in 1703 and is one of the oldest municipalities in the province. Its name is believed to have come from the word “guimba,” a local drum made from carabao hide, or from “gimba,” meaning a gong. The town played...