By Mary Joy F. Javier| June 23, 2026

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) — Every journey eventually reaches its destination, but some experiences leave lasting impressions that continue long after the trip ends.

On June 19, participants of the five-day Lakbay-Likha: A Creative Tourism Experience Circuit, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Cagayan Valley in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cagayan Valley, spent their final day immersing themselves in the rich culture, flavors, and creative traditions of Nueva Vizcaya before heading home.

Their first stop was the People’s Museum and Library of Nueva Vizcaya in Bayombong, housed within the historic Old Provincial Capitol Building constructed in 1906. Recognized as an Important Cultural Property, the museum preserves and showcases the province’s rich heritage, from indigenous traditions and cultural artifacts to relics from the Spanish colonial period and significant moments in history.

Walking through its galleries offered participants a journey through time, deepening their appreciation of Nueva Vizcaya’s cultural identity and the generations that helped shape it.

Adding to the experience, participants learned the basic steps of the province’s renowned Amungan Festival dance and tried playing traditional musical instruments under the guidance of the provincial tourism staff.

For a closer look at Nueva Vizcaya’s growing creative economy, the group visited ROST Coffee House in Solano. Founded by coffee enthusiast Alfred Daniel De Guzman, the specialty coffee destination offers more than premium brews.

Through the Coffee UNFLTRD Cupping Workshop, participants explored the art and science of coffee evaluation, learning how aroma, flavor, acidity, and body contribute to the distinctive character of every cup.

The journey continued at Domz Coco Café, a nature-inspired destination nestled within a coconut farm. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes, the café showcased the versatility of coconuts through a variety of innovative dishes, beverages, and desserts, demonstrating how local resources can be transformed into unique tourism experiences.

Perhaps the most meaningful lesson of the day awaited at the final stop—Aban’s Handicrafts in Bagabag.

There, participants encountered a living tradition carefully preserved through generations. Led by cultural bearer Myrna Aban, the enterprise continues to promote the intricate weaving and beading practices of the Gaddang people.

Thread by thread and bead by bead, visitors witnessed how indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship are transformed into handcrafted bags, coin purses, traditional attire, and Filipiniana-inspired creations, each reflecting the community’s rich cultural heritage.

Before concluding the circuit, participants shared their observations, insights, and recommendations to further improve the destinations and experiences featured throughout Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya.

DOT Region 2 Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Romeo G. Caranguian Jr. underscored the importance of gathering feedback from participants, emphasizing that their suggestions are vital in enhancing tourism products, services, and visitor experiences.

“These insights will serve as our guide as we continue refining the circuit and strengthening the overall visitor experience,” Caranguian said.

He added that the dry run is a crucial step in preparing the creative tourism circuit for its next phase, including familiarization tours involving national tourism stakeholders and partners.

Meanwhile, Lakbay-Likha Project Focal Person Hans R. Casauay encouraged stakeholders to continue working together in showcasing the unique stories, talents, and destinations of Region 2.

He emphasized that the success of creative tourism depends not only on the attractions themselves but also on the collective efforts of communities, cultural bearers, local entrepreneurs, government agencies, and industry partners in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural and creative assets.

As the Lakbay-Likha journey came to a close, participants departed with more than photographs and souvenirs. They carried with them a deeper appreciation of the stories, traditions, and creative spirit that make Region 2 a destination worth discovering—and revisiting. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)