Stories Covering " [San Quintin - Abra] "


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Stories of town explorations.
The town maybe new to you but I just want to introduce an itinerary the town explorer way. I would mean that this travel guide would not fit every traveler (because each traveler has a style and preference). The things I am going to introduce are not good for senior citizens unless they can ride a motorcycle with ease. If you are a rider or a thrill-seeker, this itinerary would fit you but I just want to clarify that this is only applicable to the town of San Quintin in Abra and you can still visit other towns in the province after doing this.

San

For those who want to spend an ample time exploring the town, I hope this would help. I actually encourage everyone to explore our towns in the Philippines wholeheartedly and that would include understanding the history and the pulse of the town. I believe a town can offer us new discoveries only if we try to explore them.

I also recommend using a motorcycle if you do it because it is easier to do the task but it will still depend on you if you want to use a truck, a bicycle your ferrari or simply alay lakad to death :p.

For the mean time, let's focus first to the town. Before we begin, I would want to first show you where San Quintin, Abra is located just in case you haven't read the previous posts of this series where I also placed this map. For the suceeding map, it will be more specific where in San Quintin those points of interest are located.

San Quintin, Abra Map
Take note that you can still make your own itinerary by including other towns so I am reiterating that this is specific to San Quintin only.

Although I will be making a comprehensive Abra province Itinerary after I will be able to blog all the towns I have explored in Abra, I want to be town-specific first then I will come to compile them all for my upcoming province-wide comprehensive travel guide for the province.

San Quintin, Abra Travel Itinerary and Tourist Spots Map
If you have followed my San Quintin Series, you will learn later that this post will just be a compilation of all the places I discovered in San Quintin. Ok let's begin:
Tangadan
Tangadan Tunnel is I think the most notable landmark in the province of Abra. This will always be the first on the list for the itinerary if you are reaching Abra via the Maharlika Highway then turning to Ilocos Sur-Abra Road because this serves as the welcome arch (no, not really an arch, it is a tunnel). Take your photo here and appreciate the structure. For more information about the historical value of this tunnel, read more...
Pay homage to the greatest heroine of Abra. She is Gabriela Silang, born in the town of Santa in Ilocos Sur but claimed by the people of Abra that she was born in the town of Pidigan in their province. Beside the Tangadan Tunnel is the Abra Welcome Park where this monument is standing. Learn more about Gabriela Silang and the history of this monument: Read more...
Well, there is nothing special about this town hall but it is important that you know where it is because it serves as a guiding landmark. Anyway, when I go to every town, I always make sure to see how their town hall looks like. It mirrors how wealthy a town is (most of the time) and it will give you an idea. The town hall is about 30-40 minutes from the Tangadan Tunnel. Just ask some people along the way where the town hall is located. The town hall requires you to turn left from the main highway so ask some people. Don't worry, they don't bite! Immersing with the local residents is part of the adventure. Read my experience inside the town hall here...
Visiting the Abra River is a must since it offers you a raw beauty. Take note that there are many towns where this river flows and San Quintin is just one of them. This site is located at the back of the town hall. Take a left turn from the road near the town hall (refer to the map above).

Possible activities you can do at this part of the Abra River are picknicking, fishing, swimming and why not do kayaking if you have the equipments, right? Oh no, not surfing, even though you have equipments, no surfing please if you don't want to surf your life, LOL!

If you won't try crossing the Abra River, your San Quintin experience won't be complete. This river crossing is free you know. It is funded by the provincial government of Abra to assist the residents in crossing the river - because there is no bridge to connect the communities. Wondering where to see the boatman? Just focus your eyes to the other side of the river and make a big wave. Be sure the boatmen are looking. They will come to fetch you.

So live like a local resident. But mind you, this is not a cruise ship that all you need is comfort. You need to adjust for the situation and act like a local resident. You can also act like a visitor if you want, that's not a problem but be sure you know how to adjust while on board the boat because it is not all about the comfort, but I would say it is an enjoyable experience. Read my river crossing experience here...
After the river crossing, try to look and identify the footprint of Angalo. Angalo is a mythical giant that forms one of the most popular legends in Abra. From this side of the river where the boatmen have lead you, you can actually see the footprint because it is gigantic.

I was not able to see it up close because you need to take a longer boat ride to reach the actual place. Learn more about this footprint here...

[7] The Cabaruyan Falls Challenge


I was not able to see the Cabaruyan Falls, also called the Hidden Falls in Brgy. Labaan but I will leave this to you as a challenge to explore it, the challenge to find your direction here and the challenge to share a travel guide here. To give you an idea how this natural wonder looks like, I have found a video here.

That's it! I hope you'll enjoy your town exploration in San Quintin soon! Please inform me if you have seen the waterfalls. As of now, I am still planning to go there for me to update this post.

How to Go to San Quintin, Abra


From Manila: Take Partas Bus or Viron Busline, they have daily trips from Manila to Abra. These bus companies pass through San Quintin. Travel time is about 8-9 hours.

From Vigan: Go to Vigan Bus and Jeepney Terminal. Take a Vigan-Bangued bus. Most buses that take that route are non-AC and are most of the time old-type mini-bus. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.

Narvacan Junction: If mistakenly took a north-bound bus that goes directly to Laoag or Vigan, drop at Narvacan Junction. Abra-bound buses all enter in this junction.

Travel Notes


The river crossing is available only from 8am to 4-5 pm. Once you crossed the river, be sure to be back before 4-5 pm if you have nowhere to sleep or else you're stranded and wait for tomorrow's schedule.

Staying here overnight is not recommended unless you have relatives or friends you trust where you can stay the whole night. Day tour is recommended. Accommodations near San Quintin are located in Narvacan (Ilocos Sur) and Bangued, Abra.

For a more comprehensive list of tourist attractions in the whole province of Abra, follow the following link: [ABRA] Tourist Spots, Attractions and Must-See Destinations

[ABRA] Tourist Spots, Attractions and Must-See Destinations

TEASER: "To those people who are afraid to visit Abra, think twice. Abra is the place with real best-kept secrets."

. NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.

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Stories of town explorations.
As I left this town, I knew myself that I would cherish all the memories it gave me. I don't know when I should be back, but I am sure San Quintin has been written on my heart.

» I saw that hill (or possibly a mountain) projecting itself as the background of a white structure sitting on a platform overlooking the mighty Abra River.

» ...it has allowed me to experience, and I think that it’s worth a space on my online diary.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » ABRA
SAN QUINTIN, ABRA TOWN HALL

It is a town with hopes and dreams for its people, teeming with great natural wonders that can set you free. It’s an unhurried town, laid back, quiet, and simply beautiful. I am referring to the town of San Quintin in Abra. My posts about the town may have seemed to be endless. Forgive me for that. I just couldn’t keep myself from writing many stories about the town because of the many experiences and beautiful encounters it has allowed me to experience, and I think that it’s worth a space on my online diary.

As I crossed the Abra river back to where I came from, the other side of the river revealed another wonderful scene. On both sides of the river, beautiful views displayed. Actually, a 360-degree rotation is a paradise unknown.

 ►  Backstory

Swipe/drag to left or right to view more vertical photos. Tap or click the photos to enlarge.
SAN QUINTIN, ABRA TOWN HALL
SAN QUINTIN, ABRA TOWN HALL
SAN QUINTIN, ABRA TOWN HALL
▲ ▲ ▲ You may also click/tap the circles above to navigate the photos.


This town exploration in San Quintin is part of a larger scheme of things in 2012. From Vigan, my brother and I rode our Honda Beat 2009 model to Abra, and this moment forms a portion of that scooter adventure.

As I entered Abra, we visited several locations before arriving to this area—the Abra River.



 ►  Best Location



I saw that hill (or possibly a mountain) projecting itself as the background of a white structure sitting on a platform overlooking the mighty Abra River. The structure did not look special, but its location was unusual. The fact that it situated itself at this magnificent location gave me big smile.

SAN QUINTIN, ABRA TOWN HALL
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » (2012) We crossed the Abra River back to where we came from, and the town hall of San Quintin presented itself a beauty from different vantage point.
SAN QUINTIN, ABRA TOWN HALL
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » (2012) San Quintin town hall looked grand and mighty in its location.
Of all the hundred towns I have visited, this town hall is located in the most beautiful location I've ever seen—per the subjective judgment of my naked eyes. Most town halls are located along the main road or highway, but this one is located at the end of the road with the Abra River as the backyard—at the foot of those lovely mountains.



 ►  Everything has an ending



I would say that this moment sealed the finale of my San Quintin town journey, but the mountains appeared like they're expecting me to be back soon. This separation anxiety made me want to stay here longer, but this last river crossing that faced the beautiful location of the town hall marked the end of my adventures here.

As I left this town, I knew myself that I would cherish all the memories it gave me. I don't know when I should be back, but I am sure San Quintin has been written on my heart.

SAN QUINTIN, ABRA TOWN HALL
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » (2012) San Quintin town hall looked grand and mighty in its location.
If you have followed the series, you know how San Quintin captivated my soul; but everything has an end—and needs to end. In every single journey, there is always an end; but the memories will make the journey to last forever in your heart. ■ END OF SERIES

This is Part 7 of the series: "My First Abra Ride Adventure in 2012"

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7


LATEST STORIES COVERING SAN QUINTIN • SEE ALL IN A SEPARATE WINDOW


MORE BLOGS YOU MIGHT LIKE. SEE TABS BELOW.

▼ ABRA ▼ LANDMARKS ▼ TOWN HALLS

 ►  More 'Abra' Blogs



MORE STORIES COVERING 'ABRA' | SEE OLDER STORIES

 ►  More 'Landmarks' Blogs


MORE STORIES COVERING "LANDMARKS" | SEE OLDER STORIES

 ►  More 'Town Halls' Blogs


MORE STORIES COVERING "TOWN HALLS" | SEE OLDER STORIES

MORE TOWNS OR LOCATIONS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE:
V S B A I L B B SM L

UPDATE HISTORY FOR THIS BLOG POST

2025-April-29
• YouTue video added in the article. 2025-April-11:
• The article was rewritten, proofread, and revised (injecting both 2012 and 2025 perspectives). 2025 lay-out update applied.

2012-October-17:
• This post was published.
NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.

Some netizens liked, commented, and shared this. Share your comment. Mag-reply ako once mabasa ko.
Stories of town explorations.
This legend forms a part of the living culture and the richness of the traditional oral literature not just in this little village but also in the rest of the Ilocandias.

» Once upon a time, there were two giants who inhabited the planet named Angalo and Aran. These two giants were believed to be the first two inhabitants of the planet.

» When we arrived in Brgy Palang, no one could help me go near the footprint.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » ABRA
TUGOT NI ANGALO

In the presence of modern technology, under a digital ecosystem where children engage the world through digital citizenship, I reached a quiet village engulfed by mountains and isolated by a great river. The village is called Brgy Palang which could be accessed by crossing the Abra River in the town of San Quintin in the province of Abra. From this village, you could visualize a geolological feature that is associated with a local legend—especially for Ilocanos.

This legend forms a part of the living culture and the richness of the traditional oral literature not just in this little village but also in the rest of the Ilocandias, and it intertwines with the trajectory of the world to modernity. In this part of the country, there exists the most legendary of all the footprints of Angalo: a mythical giant. This giant footprint is related to the local folklore of Angalo and Aran (characters of an Ilocano mythology).

In 2012, I had this perception that only a few are knowledgeable of the existence of this footprint. Even a quick Google search back then wouldn't give you plenty of blogs about the Tugot ni Angalo. So where is this legendary footprint?

 ►  Backstory

Swipe/drag to left or right to view more vertical photos. Tap or click the photos to enlarge.
ABRA RIVER
TUGOT NI ANGALO
TUGOT NI ANGALO
TUGOT NI ANGALO


I remember the person who talked to me at the San Quintin Town Hall. He said that the Angalo footprint is the most famous landmark in this town. The only predicament I had to face at that time is the fact that reaching the place would be difficult. However, he said to me that as I cross the river (which I just did), I would be able to visualize the footprint.

I discussed the story of the legend of Angalo in a ▼ PREVIOUS POST

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SUDIPEN » (2012) Angalo Footprint at Amburayan River by a Mythical Giant

, where I narrated how I encountered one of the footprints in Sudipen, La Union. However, like what I said, this one in San Quintin is the most famous footprint. The other famous footprint is located at the higher cascades of the PINSAL FALLS. This footprint I was chasing at that time in San Quintin is the right foot. Meanwhile, the other one in Pinsal Falls is the left foot. I have to say that this is the most famous pair. Yet, there are many footprints scattered in different towns up north.



 ►  Did I See the Giant Footprint?



So now, I would tell a story like an elder, as I narrate the story of Angalo and Aran: an Ilocano folklore that has been passed from generation to generation. These two giants are the Ilocano version of Adam and Eve. The notable difference, though, is that they are super-sized.

Once upon a time, there were two giants who inhabited the planet named Angalo and Aran. These two giants were believed to be the first two inhabitants of the planet.

Unfortunately, the woman (Aran) was missing; and so the giant male Angalo's longing to see the woman was infinite. He continually searched for Aran; and to be able to look for Aran, he roamed the whole Ilocos Region.

Along the process of his search, he left massive marks; and these are the gigantic footprints carved into the young earth. Angalo also drank from the springs of what is known now as Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and he had to kneel, thereby creating other depressions. Those depressions are now the natural pools on top of the waterfalls, and the largest of those natural pools with the shape of a footprint is claimed to be the footprint of Angalo.

In San Quintin, the footprint was carved in a village called Labaan. The place was still far from the place where I was standing at that time. Even so, the man I talked with at the town hall assured me that I could see the footprint by going to Brgy Palang. I pursued the adventure.

That seemed like a very gigantic footprint. Angalo must have been very super-sized man!

ABRA RIVER
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » We crossed the Abra River to reach Brgy Palang.
ABRA RIVER
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » Where is the giant footprint?
When we arrived in Brgy Palang, no one could help me go near the footprint. So, I had to stay at the riverbanks to see the footprint from afar. Nonetheless, I still longed to see it up close. According to my local sources, the depression is about 3 meters deep, five meters wide, and 15 meters long!

Using my camera, I zoomed in; and I noticed a depression in the area.

TUGOT NI ANGALO
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » I zoomed in my digicam from the distant barangay of Palang.
My bad, that's the only photo I could post mean time; but I hope this would facilitate our appreciation to this unwritten Ilocano mythology. Its story has been passed through oral medium. Mind you, there are more footprints in various towns; and that makes this myth more interesting to probe.

I borrowed some photos from a username "jojof" who captured that landmark in a closer scale. It was originally uploaded on the defunct Panoramio website.

TUGOT NI ANGALO
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » Closer photo of the Tugot ni Angalo
TUGOT NI ANGALO
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ SAN QUINTIN » Closer photo of the Tugot ni Angalo
The search is not over yet. This is only the second footprint, and I am still warming up. The search for the other footprints would be more epic I suppose.

As I crossed the river back to where I came from, I observed one thing that was as interesting as the Angalo Footprint. I noticed this one after I saw the footprint from afar. To be continued...

This is Part 6 of the series: "My First Abra Ride Adventure in 2012"

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

LATEST STORIES COVERING SAN QUINTIN • SEE ALL IN A SEPARATE WINDOW


MORE BLOGS YOU MIGHT LIKE. SEE TABS BELOW.

▼ ABRA ▼ GEO FEATURES ▼ GEOLOGICAL FORMATION

 ►  More 'Abra' Blogs



MORE STORIES COVERING 'ABRA' | SEE OLDER STORIES

 ►  More 'Geo Feature' Blogs


MORE STORIES COVERING "GEO FEATURES" | SEE OLDER STORIES

 ►  More 'Geological Formation' Blogs


MORE STORIES COVERING "GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS" | SEE OLDER STORIES

MORE TOWNS OR LOCATIONS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO EXPLORE:
V S B A I L B B SM L

UPDATE HISTORY FOR THIS BLOG POST

2025-August-21:
• The article was rewritten, proofread, and revised (injecting both 2012 and 2025 perspectives). 2025 lay-out update applied.

2012-October-12:
• This post was published.
NAGUSTUAM DIAY NABASAM/NAKITAM? MABALIN MO MET I-LIKE.