Sands of La Paz: from movies to tourism

Last week, I went home to Ilocos Norte to write about the tourism as affected by the development of adventure sports in the La Paz sand dunes. The article got side-tracked as 2 typhoons came over the country and news on calamities and tragedies were given priority for publication. This morning, I got a message from our editor saying that my article FINALLY got published. Much to my dismay, some of the texts were edited out and only one photo was published. Nonetheless, it was a box story and the photo was relatively big-ass.  

And so, I decided to post my original article and the rest of the photos here for everybody's full appreciation

Laoag city – The La Paz sand dunes in Ilocos Norte has recently gained attention as one of the most viable shooting locations for movies that demand a setting similar to middleast countries for its wide coastal deserts at a cheaper cost. Such movies include "Temptation Island", Ang Panday series and the Hollywood film "Born on the fourth of July" starring Tom Cruise to name a few. However, during the past 2 years, La Paz sand dunes has also boomed into a famous hotspot for adventure sports, luring more tourists to Ilocos Norte. According to the Department of Tourism, tourist arrivals in Ilocos Norte increased from 181,295 in 2008 to 192,654 in 2009 and 191,300 in 2010.

The La Paz sand dunes is a geological feature that is unique in the country. It is an 85-square-kilometer coastal desert with scattered sand dunes ranging from 10 to 30 meters high. The steep slopes, contours and the quality of the sand makes La Paz uniquely suitable for various adventure activities. Its proximity to the Padsan river and South China sea opens the possibility for water-based activities as well.

The La Paz sand dunes used to be a parched land enjoyed mostly by locals who own 4x4 vehicles and motorbikes but for the past couple of years, a local non-government organization called Laoag Eco-Adventure Development (LEAD) Movement has developed and promoted new sports to further utilize the sand dunes and promote the province’s tourism. “The sand dunes in La Paz is unique in our country so we must utilize and highlight it; so we can have something unique to offer” says Ericke Tan, young member of the LEAD Movement.

On August 2009, the group launched sandboarding as a new tourist attraction in Ilocos Norte. Sandboarding is a variant of snowboarding which uses similar equipment except that it is done on sand. “The sport owes its popularity to bloggers who wrote their experiences through the internet” says Tina Tan, member of the Lead Movement. According to Tina, sandboarding only took off after 6 months by marketing through the internet. Eventually, it started to gain recognition and was featured in local and international TV shows such as Shanghai TV.

Sandboarding is uniquely in Ilocos Norte. The closest you can experience sandboarding is in Dubai. “Nandito ka na nga (sa Pilipinas), hindi mo pa susubukan” says Czar Manangan, another young member of LEAD Movement. “It’s not an easy sport but that adds to the thrill. You only need balance and the courage to conquer your fear. After 2 drops, you’ll get the hang of it. It’s a good exercise and you get a different kind of adrenaline rush” he adds.

Manangan also assures that the sport is safe. “Falling down is part of it but there is little possibility for injuries since our sand is fine therefore acts as shock absorber.” Nonetheless, Tina Tan says that members of LEAD Movement are knowledgeable of first aid in case of emergency. “Our equipments are of high standard; our sandboards were patterned from original sandboards” she also adds.

Because of the development and promotion of sandboarding in the province, locals have also bought or created their own sandboards.

Aside from sandboarding, adventurous tourists can also try dune bashing where they ride 4x4 vehicles across the dunes, rapidly climbing and descending steep slopes.

The LEAD Movement believes that the inclusion of additional activities will give potential for tourists to spend the entire day at the dunes which could lead to an adventure-filled day for them. “Most visitors would not want to limit themselves to a single experience, opting rather to try most, if not all, that is available” they added. This is why the group is also developing other adventure sports such as mountain biking and kayaking to offer to tourists.

The group offers cruiser bikes for adults and BMX bikes for children. “Biking in La Paz is relaxing because of the fresh air and there is no traffic or pollution” says Ericke Tan. “You will also forget your problems as you go around the peaceful place” adds Manangan quickly. More importantly, biking helps tourists learn about the livelihood of locals in La Paz as they get to see the fishing villages as well, says Reny Tan, president of LEAD Movement. Sandboarding and biking in La Paz is said to be best experienced early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sunlight

Kayaking on the other hand is also an additional activity in La Paz that the group is currently developing. Lorna Patoc, a resident of Sitio 33B San Gabriel La Paz is enthused at the idea of their sitio becoming a tourist destination. “We like it! That would be something new and we, especially the children can get to watch and enjoy as well”, she exclaims.

Packages at discounted prices combining the different activities can be prepared to cater tourists. “Rates are very flexible and can be customized for big groups” says Reny Tan.

Tina Tan also emphasizes the accessibility of the sand dunes for tourists. “It’s very convenient! Vehicles can pass through the Ventura highway and drop tourists right on the area. No need to walk or treck a mile. Plus, it is near the airport” she explains.

LEAD Movement believes that the availability of sports and adventure tours in the unique La Paz sand dunes will further encourage more tourists to come to Ilocos Norte and boost the livelihood of local businesses. “When you talk about tourism, it has a domino effect. When tourists come to La Paz, the carinderias, tricycle and calesa drivers, down to the sari-sari stores are benefited” shares Reny and Tina Tan.

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I would like to thank LEAD Movement, The Tan Family and Mark Czar Manangan for the accommodation. If you have inquiries or would like to schedule/book any of the aforementioned activities, you can visit leadmovement.wordpress.com or contact them through facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ilocos-Sand-Boarding/

You can contact me too if you want ;)