ABRA, PHILIPPINES (Tourist Spots, Geography, History, Food, People, Cities) #philippines #tourism

Summary

Abra, a landlocked province in the Philippines, is nestled in the country's northwestern region. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culture, it features majestic mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and historical sites. The province, home to diverse ethnic groups such as the Tinguians, boasts local specialties like Abra Mickey and exotic dishes. Key tourist spots include the stunning Sapilang Twin Falls and the Apow Rolling Hills. Despite its isolation, Abra's people are known for resilience, and the province is gradually boosting its tourism. However, the region was severely affected by the 2022 earthquake, highlighting both its vulnerability and the enduring spirit of its residents.

Takeaways

• 😀 Abra is a province in the Philippines, located in the Northwestern part of the country, with an area of 4,165 square kilometers, making it the 32nd largest province.
• 😀 It is landlocked and bordered by Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur, surrounded by towering mountain ranges.
• 😀 The province is known for its pristine and undisturbed natural sites, including mountains, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, caves, and fertile valleys.
• 😀 The name 'Abra' comes from the Spanish word 'abre', meaning opening, referring to a path above the Banawang Gap where the river exits the mountains.
• 😀 The indigenous Tinggians, the first inhabitants of the province, still live in remote areas today. The province also has a rich history of revolts and uprisings.
• 😀 Abra has 27 municipalities, with Bangued being the capital. It is known for agriculture, producing crops like rice, corn, coffee, tobacco, and coconut.
• 😀 The Tinggian people of Abra have unique craftsmanship, making products from bamboo, rattan, and tree bark, including ropes, baskets, blankets, and pottery.
• 😀 The province has a growing tourism industry, with attractions such as waterfalls, the Abra River, hiking spots, and scenic landscapes like the Apow Rolling Hills.
• 😀 Famous figures from Abra include Filipino songwriter Snafu Rigor, Taekwondo athlete Kurt Brian Barbosa, and national hero Gabriela Silang.
• 😀 Abra's cuisine features unique twists on popular Filipino dishes, like Abra’s version of lechon, and exotic foods such as adobong biowak (monitor lizard) and pipian (frog meat).

Q & A

What is the geographical location of Abra in the Philippines?

Abra is located in the northwestern part of the Philippines. It is bordered by Apayao to the northeast, Ilocos Norte to the northwest, Kalinga to the east, Mountain Province to the southeast, and Ilocos Sur to the west and south.

Why is Abra considered a basin, and what effect does this have on its geography?

Abra is considered a basin because it is enclosed by mountain ranges, including the Cordillera Central and Ilocos Mountain Range. This geographic feature causes rainwater from the mountains to collect and flow into the river system of the province, creating fertile valleys while the rest of the province consists of rugged mountains and sloping hills.

What are the two major rivers in Abra and how do they impact the province's landscape?

The two major rivers in Abra are the Abra River (also called the Lakben River) and the Tinic River. These rivers flow from opposite sides of the province and converge in the middle, creating fertile valleys. The river system also shapes much of the province's land.

What is the historical origin of the name 'Abra'?

The name 'Abra' comes from the Spanish word 'abre,' meaning 'opening.' It was originally used by the Spaniards to describe the area above the Banawang Gap where the river exits the rugged mountains and enters the coastal plains of Ilocos Sur.

Who were the first inhabitants of Abra, and what is the name of the main indigenous group still residing in the province?

The first inhabitants of Abra were the ancestors of the Bontocs and Ifugaos. The main indigenous group in the province today is the Tinguians, also known as the Itnegs, who continue to live in the far-flung areas of Abra.

What notable historical event took place in Abra during the Spanish era?

During the Spanish era, the people of Abra actively participated in the national uprising in 1899, establishing a revolutionary government. The region also became a refuge for Gabriela Silang, the 'Joan of Arc of the Philippines,' who continued her revolt in Abra after her husband's death.

How did Abra gain its status as an independent province?

Abra was initially part of Ilocos Province, then Ilocos Sur, before it gained its status as an independent province on March 1917, after being briefly re-annexed to Ilocos Sur in 1905.

What are some of the key agricultural products of Abra?

Abra's economy is predominantly agricultural, with major crops including rice, corn, and root crops. The province also produces coffee, tobacco, and coconut, and livestock is raised in its grassland and pasture areas.

Which famous Filipino personalities were born in Abra?

Famous individuals born in Abra include Snafu Rigor, a Filipino songwriter; Kurt Brian Barbosa, a Taekwondo athlete; attorney Quentin Paredes, a politician and statesman; and Jesus A. Villamore, a WWII fighter pilot.

What is one of the unique dishes in Abra, and how is it different from other versions in the Philippines?

One unique dish in Abra is their version of 'lechon.' Instead of using lemongrass, locals use 'karimbuaya,' a species of cactus, which gives the dish a unique slightly sour flavor. This version is distinct from those found in other provinces like Cebu.

What are some of the major tourist attractions in Abra?

Abra is home to beautiful waterfalls, such as Sapilang Twin Falls and Kaparkan Falls, as well as scenic spots like the Apow Rolling Hills and Mount Balu Yen rock formations. Other attractions include the Bellini Hot Spring, Piwek Rock Formations, and historical sites like the Gabriela Silang Museum of Fine Arts.

What challenges did Abra face due to the 2022 earthquake?

The 2022 earthquake in Abra caused significant devastation, resulting in 11 deaths and 615 injuries. It also caused extensive infrastructure damage, with over 400 houses destroyed and more than 13,000 houses partially destroyed. Several historical churches were also affected by the earthquake.