Isabela's rich agricultural landscapes — rice fields and farmlands
Historic Churches
San Pablo Cathedral
The seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilagan, this cathedral features a striking Neo-Gothic facade and serves as a spiritual landmark in Isabela.
Saint Matthias Parish Church
Located in Tumauini, this church is famous for its unique brick Baroque architecture and the only cylindrical bell tower in the Philippines.
Our Lady of the Pillar
A historic church dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Pilar, featuring beautiful Spanish-era design and a rich cultural heritage.
Our Lady of Atocha
Located in Alicia, this parish church is known for its well-preserved architecture and devotion to Our Lady of Atocha, a beloved patroness.
Local Cuisine
Pancit Cabagan
A signature noodle dish from Cabagan, Isabela, made with thick miki noodles, savory broth, and topped with boiled eggs and meat.
Binallay
A traditional Isabela rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.
Inatata
A sweet sticky rice delicacy from Isabela, similar to suman but with a unique texture and flavor from coconut milk and brown sugar.
Moriecos
A traditional Isabela snack made from ground rice and coconut, shaped into small cakes and fried to a golden crisp.
Bambanti Festival
Isabela's Grandest Festival
The Bambanti Festival is the premier festival of Isabela province, celebrated every month of May. The festival's name comes from the local word "bambanti" meaning scarecrow, symbolizing the province's rich agricultural heritage as the "Rice Bowl of the North".
One of the highlights of the event is the Street Dance Competition, where contingents from different municipalities showcase their creativity and cultural pride through vibrant performances. Dancers wear colorful costumes inspired by scarecrows and agricultural themes, moving to the rhythm of traditional Gaddang and modern music. The competition is a spectacular display of Isabela's rich cultural heritage, with each performance telling stories of farming life, harvest celebrations, and community unity.
Bambanti Festival 2024 — Street dance competition and cultural performances
Folk Music
Gaddang Love Song — "Ope Mangke Wayi"
A traditional Gaddang love song transcribed, arranged, and performed by Hari Bayani.
"Ope Mangke Wayi" is a traditional Gaddang love song from Isabela province. The title translates to "Where are you, my beloved" and expresses themes of longing, heartbreak, and separation. It is one of the preserved cultural treasures of the Gaddang indigenous people, along with other folk songs like "Natalofu" (It Bloomed).