Nueva Era: A Hidden Gem of Ilocos Norte

A treasure nestled in the mountains

I’ve came to cross and Instagram post by a Portuguese when I’m scrolling down my feed last week, with a caption that says “When you think you’re owning the mountain, in the end you realize the mountain owns you”. That really strikes me that pushes my itchy feet to pack up my bags and kicks this weekend and drive home to Ilocos! 

Yes, it’s always good to have back up plans! Me and my partner were planning to explore Solsona but for a second thinking, it’ll going to be way too hard for him to push it through, but instead we go for a shorter drive and steer the wheels going to Nueva Era! 

Heading up north and explore most of this spot! Welcome to Nueva Era (coined from Spanish words, Nueva which means “new” and Era which means “age”)

Before entering the town proper, you will be passing their Instagram worthy bridge (but be sure to take photos without trike and cars running down the bridge, para mas madrama, but if you can’t, just download Snapseed and heal all wounds haha)

Dubbed as the "Little Baguio" of Ilocos Norte but this unfamiliar spot has a charisma of its own. The VIEWDECK is a brief drive from your home, and a perfect spot for your go to place road trips and picture perfect destination. Plus chasing an incredible waterfalls situated at the rolling and mountainous terrain of Nueva Era, province of Ilocos Norte and is bordered by Kalinga Apayao, Abra and Ilocos Sur on the east, southeast, and south –The ABOT FALLS. 

Wild berries at the highlands of Nueva Era

With our amazed, these flowers we're scattered in every corners, playing as "ligaw na damo" when in fact they are as awesome as red roses.

The local refer this as "berries" and when it's ripe, it turns into color black.

 It's the madness of colors and sounds (referring to the red soil, pine trees and the sound of chirping birds that makes us feel calm

The view up above is really rewarding

  

Pine tress aligns like a desktop background

There is no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this.

BRIEF HISTORY OF NUEVA ERA

(Photo taken at the boundaries of Ilocos Norte and the province of Abra)

Nueva Era is situated along the provincial borders of Kalinga, Apayao, Abra and Ilocos Sur on the east, southeast and south, bounded by Marcos Espiritu on the north and Pinili-Bado-Espiritu on the east. A flat, rolling and mountainous terrain, the municipality has a total land area of 644.70 square kilometers and is the biggest town in the northern part of the province. As of 1995, it has a population of 6,224 with most of its people speaking the Tinguian dialect.

This site had been a Spanish settlement as early as 1672. A local historian claimed that it was originally peopled by 800 Tingguians who came from Abra. It was believed that they were the progeny of the missionaries and other foreigners like the Calibug Bulawa, Kapitan Tico, Santiago Duyan and Cipriano Acnam.

The town was created out of the union of nine Rancherias, namely; Padsan, Cabittauran, Paor, Patoc, Pagpagong, Bugayong, Uguis and Tabangran. The conversion into a municipality was sought in a petition by their Itneg settlers, led by Calibog, their chieftain. The approval of the petition came on New Year’s Day, hence, the town’s name, which means new age.

The early town development started with the leadership of Ulpiano Acuam, who became the town Mayor in 1960. The highway from Nueva Era to Laoag City and the construction of roads connecting Nueva Era to the Provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra were two of the major projects that were completed. Education was also the priority of Acuam’s administration, a municipal high school was opened and all barangays of the town were provided with elementary and primary schools.

Most of the people in the municipality are engaged in farming, with rice, garlic, and tobacco as their primary products. One-fourth of its land, which lies at the foot of the Cordillera Mountain ranges, is irrigated by several rivers such as Badoc, Padsan and Bongo, Although, a prominently agricultural town, some of its inhabitants are also involved  in small businesses.

The town has bewitching scenic attractions to offer. The Cacanan Falls, Papa Dam, Tree Park, Mine Site, and the Piaw Falls are among the ideal sites for natural love excursionists and travelers. Also, the view from a high-lying municipal building’s viewdeck provides sightseers a panoramic vista of the mountain town.

The opportunity to see upclose to one of their hidden gems is a plus. With that we came to chased an incredible waterfalls situated at the rolling and mountainous terrain of Nueva Era, province of Ilocos Norte and is bordered by Kalinga Apayao, Abra and Ilocos Sur on the east, southeast, and south –The ABOT FALLS. 

The trail going to the magnificent Abot Falls, that is well maintained and is easy to follow. 

Secluded places always fascinate me and seeing things from a different view become very rewarding.

Nature as you can feel it staring at you. Here are some of the best nature views going up and down the falls:

The trail going to the magnificent Abot Falls, that is well maintained and is really easy to follow. 

Finally touching the waters of Abot Falls

Doing the blogger's pose, haha!

It's a long road but it's all worth it. The very main reason why I love and savor to travel during weekends. 

Finally hitting the trails, and here comes the Abot Falls.

According to our guide, the name Abot Falls was dereived from an Ilocano word, "Abot" which means, "hole". On the prestine cold water of the said waterfalls comes a deep circled hole. 

This is the coolest thing ever! I was literally speechless for a full five seconds when I saw these waterfalls. Did slip and fall, hike and bang up my legs, but all is worth it! Abot Falls took my feet could ever wander.

The cold and clear waters of Abot Falls

How can this not get any more perfect?

A view that one can never get sick off!

What an amazing view to simply say good morning Ilocos!

I always have my granola with me every time I travel

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Laoag City, take a jeepney heading to Nueva Era (If interested to catch a morning schedule, transpo starts at 6:00 in the morning) via Dingras road at P. Soriano St. Drop off to the Municipal Hall, it’s advisable to take a whistle-stop at their Tourism Office for more updates and information regarding the said place since it’s not yet fully developed.

Travel Time: 1hour

From Manila, take either Florida Buses, RCJ, Partas, Maria de Leon Transit, Fariñas, etc. Drop off to their terminals and ride a tricycle going to the Nueva Era Jeepney Terminal at P. Soriano St. Drop off to the Municipal Hall

Travel Time: Manila to Laoag -8-9hours, Laoag to Nueva Era -1hour

In our case, we took our car instead of public transportation for a hassle-free tour (We’re from Badoc), but be sure to have your own “connections” there (referring to the locals of the town). Thanks to Ading Wenslette Imee Cabildo Balauro for the guide, and Adaelade Tuquib-Bal Sarmiento for the company! 

Trekking takes 10-15mins. from the road to the falls (depende sa tagal mong kumuha ng mga pictures, the views are worth to post kasi), mabilis lang, kasing bilis ng pagiwan nya sayo.

Level of Trekking Difficulty: 2 out of 10 (wag ka lang maarte), pero humanap ka ng matibay na makakapitan nang di ka mahulog kasi wala naman sasalo sayo dun.

Best Reminder: Always bring with you your bottled water and snacks (but don’t be trashy), laging dapat handa sa kung ano man ang mangyayari, ng di masaktan 

Take pictures, dito bes bawing bawi ang feelings mo!

Where to eat: There's an eatery right infront of the Municipal Hall (Rating: 8/10)

This adventure is the coolest thing ever! If only I had a steady stream of bucks and didn’t go for an eight-hour office work, I’d probably be chilling in some places like this for the rest of my life.

Never been this genuinely amazed, Ilocos!

Wherever you go, go with all your heart

-Confucius

#cjourney

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