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Yaw i Tuguegarao: The Heart of Cagayan's Culture and Traditions

Growing up in Tuguegarao City, I’ve always felt a deep sense of pride for our home, not just because of the hot weather (yes, we all know how famous it is!), but because of the rich culture and warm traditions that make us who we are as Tuguegaraoeño. There’s something special about this place, and it’s not just in the heat, it’s in the people, the customs, and the shared sense of community.

Our Traditions Make Us Unique

Tuguegarao is not just a place you pass through; it’s a place where tradition lives and breathes. Every August, we celebrate the Pavvurulun Afi Festival, a time when the whole city comes together. Rooted in the traditions of the Ibanag people, the festival’s name translates to “burning fire,” with Pavvurulun meaning “unity” and Afi meaning “fire.”

The music, street dancing, and food stalls bring so much life to our streets. It’s more than just fun, it’s a way of showing love for our city and honoring our roots.

I actually joined the street dancing, also known as TugSayaw, back in my elementary and high school days. It was a great experience to take part in the celebration of the feast of our patron saint, Saint Hyacinth.

Family, Food, and Faith

What I love most is how Tuguegaraoeños deeply value family, food, and faith. You can’t visit a home without being offered something to eat or drink, usually sokolati or tsokolate, a traditional hot chocolate made from tablea: discs of pure cacao that are fermented, roasted, ground, and molded into tablets. It’s often served with the famous bibingka from Triple M, which is owned by my grandmother’s sister. It’s located right beside our house here in Libag Norte.

Another must-try food in Tuguegarao is pancit batil patung, a beloved noodle dish that’s more than just comfort food, it’s a cultural icon of the Ibanag people. Batil means “beaten egg,” referring to the egg-drop soup served on the side, and patung means “toppings,” because the noodles are generously loaded with them.

We also take time to attend Mass, say our prayers, and reflect on our blessings in historic churches like the St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral Parish. This 18th-century cathedral is one of the largest in the Cagayan Valley region and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao.

Its origins trace back to 1604, when Dominican friars established a mission in Tuguegarao and built the first structure of the church. Years later, construction of the current cathedral began and was eventually completed in 1768. Over the centuries, the cathedral has stood witness to many significant events and has undergone several restorations, especially after sustaining damage during World War II.

The Meaning of “Yaw i Tuguegarao”

“Yaw i Tuguegarao” means “This is Tuguegarao”, and to me, it’s more than just words. It’s a proud reminder that our city is full of history, heart, and homegrown warmth. We may be known for the heat, but I believe it’s the people, culture and traditions that truly make Tuguegarao shine.

Why I’ll Always Be Proud

No matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry the spirit of Tuguegarao with me. It’s in the way we smile at strangers, help our neighbors, and honor the ways of the past while moving forward.

Yaw i Tuguegarao. This is my home. This is my pride.