Manila: The five-day R.A.N.I.A.G. (Rediscover Artistry, Nurture Identity, and Accelerate Growth) creative tour is giving new life to local arts, crafts, and traditions by connecting them directly to the tourism sector. The immersive tour, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ilocos regional offices, is described as a “fresh way to promote local creatives by tapping into the tourism strengths of La Union and Pangasinan.”
According to Philippines News Agency, DOT Ilocos Region project officer Gay Nora Marie Gapas stated that the initiative aims to bring people closer to the source. By doing so, it not only gives creatives more visibility and access to markets and collaborators, but also helps tell the region’s story in a meaningful way. The tour’s name, which translates to “light,” “brightness,” or “radiance” in Ilocano, gathered over 30 participants, including artists, chefs, influencers, and tourism stakeholders, to explore the region’s creative economy.
The journey of creative discovery commenced with a breakfast at Casa Amarillo in Rosales town, Pangasinan. Participants sampled local dishes and engaged in activities like origami and glass painting. The tour then proceeded to Manaoag, a faith tourism hotspot, where participants visited the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Proceeds from the basilica’s souvenir shop support a scholarship program, adding a layer of community contribution to the experience.
In Pozorrubio, the group visited Deswordzman, a shop known for its high-quality knives and movie replica swords. Established in 1989, the shop serves both local and international markets. Bladesmith Weslie Rivera, who has been crafting for 25 years, shared insights into the physically demanding yet rewarding nature of his work.
The tour also ventured into La Union, stopping at Hashems Wood Artistry and Furniture in Pugo town. Daniel Gano, a woodcarver with over two decades of experience, expressed gratitude for the tour, noting its role in helping him pivot his business from carving to furniture-making after losing his export market due to the pandemic.
Additional highlights in La Union included wine tasting at Uvas Caf©, dining at the award-winning Halo Halo de Iloko restaurant, a pottery-making workshop at the Taboc Mannamili Association in San Juan, loom weaving at De Castro’s Loom Weaving in Bangar, and silk weaving at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). Participants also visited Bahay na Bato in Luna town, an open-air art gallery set against a pebble beach backdrop.
Reynaldo Valenzuela, president of the Taboc Mannamili Association, highlighted the positive impact of pottery on the community, stating that it has helped many families progress in life. The tour also featured local delicacies, including bangus (milkfish) and dried fish from Pangasinan, along with grape-infused products and La Union’s famous halo-halo. Participants concluded the tour by crafting personal souvenirs.
The initiative supports the objectives of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (Republic Act 11904) and aims to establish the Ilocos Region as a leading creative destination. Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Marco Sales expressed hopes to showcase more industries, benefiting from the rising number of tourists in the province. The annual event, set to occur every September, is projected to enhance the visibility of at least 33 local creatives and MSMEs by connecting them with new customers.