‘‘i’m in!’’

White-sand beaches uncrowded with hordes of tourists. Sand dunes that invite all-terrain joy rides. Soaring wind farms that overlook the sky-blue sea. These, and more, are Ilocos Norte’s natural and manmade wonders that seem to ask the jaded traveler, “Are you in?” The northern Luzon province offers many stillundiscovered treasures for visitors, that it was selected by Fiesta In America as the festival’s Featured Destination among local tourist havens.

Because leisure travel is one of the main themes of Fiesta In America 2023, Ilocos Norte was a shoo-in as a destination to be showcased. “Ilocos Norte checked all the boxes for us,” said Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President and CEO.

“It has the makings of the next tourism hot spot that may even rival Palawan and Boracay with sufficient public awareness.”

Governor Matthew Manotoc’s administration has stepped up its promotion of local visitor attractions that are gaining traction in the travel industry. Ilocos Norte’s prime spots include Saud Beach in Pagudpud; Suba Sand Dunes in Paoay; the wind farms in Burgos, Pagudpud and Bangui, the latter being the country’s first wind-power generation plant; Kapurpurawan Rock Formation; Cape Bojeador

Lighthouse; and St. Augustine Church in Paoay, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in the Philippines; and Pannzian Beach. The marketing catch-phase “Ilocos Norte: I’m IN!” justifies the buzz about the province.

For international travelers who put a premium on modern amenities, the 77-hectare Fort Ilocandia beckons with its hotel, resort and casino. The SpanishMoroccan villa was designed by architect Jorge Ramos and built by the Philippine Tourism Authority in 1983. Golf aficionados, meanwhile, can indulge in their favorite sport at the superb course on Paoay Lake, which was designed by the legendary golfer and course designer Gary Player. Other resorts for discriminating tourists include Plaza del Norte and Sitio Remedios.

More than owning a house or a hefty bank account, attaining professional success or making a difference in the world could define the “Filipino american dream.” it may not be the wish of most Filipinos in the united states. But for the 2023 empowerment awardees, being the best in what they do, or doing well as agents of change, transcends wealth and fame –traditional notions of the american dream. The People’s Ball pays tribute to exceptional Fil-am achievers in diverse fields. This year’s glittering gala will be held on august 13 at the Marriott Liberty international airport Hotel in newark. awardees will be cited for accomplishments in business and professional endeavors, public service, and the humanities. Their success reflects on us all.