Ilocos Norte Tour Guides League Inc.

21/01/2026

21/01/2026

𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐋𝐀: 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐌 𝐁𝐘 𝐉𝐔𝐀𝐍 𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐀 (𝟏𝟖𝟖𝟒)

This monumental masterpiece, painted by Juan Luna y Novicio in 1884, stands as the most iconic and largest oil-on-canvas painting in the Philippines. A centerpiece of the National Fine Arts Collection, it was formally designated as a National Cultural Treasure for its profound historical and artistic significance to the Filipino identity.

Luna’s Spoliarium depicts a harrowing scene in the basement of a Roman amphitheater, where fallen gladiators are stripped of their worldly possessions and dragged away to an uncertain end. Beyond its literal Roman subject, the painting is widely interpreted as a powerful allegory of the suffering of the Filipino people under three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Its dark, dramatic chiaroscuro and raw emotional intensity captured the attention of the European art world, earning Luna the first gold medal at the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts.

This historic win, alongside Félix Resurrección Hidalgo’s silver medal at the same exposition, was hailed by national heroes like José Rizal as a turning point in the struggle for Filipino recognition. It proved that genius was not the sole province of any single race, fueling the intellectual fire of the Propaganda Movement. Originally a gift of Spain to the Philippines, the painting remains a sacred relic of the nation’s artistic and revolutionary heritage.

Source: National Fine Arts Collection, National Museum of the Philippines.

Artist: Juan Luna y Novicio (1857–1899).

Credit: Photo by Bengy Toda III.

Disclaimer: This image is a digital reproduction of a historical masterpiece from the National Fine Arts Collection. Any presentation or educational commentary provided is intended to promote Philippine cultural and historical awareness. We do not claim ownership of the original artwork; all rights remain with the National Museum of the Philippines and the Filipino people as part of their national heritage.

11/01/2026

20/11/2025

24/09/2025

Celebrating New Leadership!
We are thrilled to announce the newly elected officers of the Region 1 Professional Tour Guides Association following the inspiring 2025 Region 1 Tourism Summit! 🎉

A special congratulations to the dedicated members of the Ilocos Norte Tour Guides who have also stepped into key roles within the association’s leadership.

Together, these passionate professionals are committed to driving service excellence, fostering collaboration, and elevating tourism standards across our beloved Region 1.

Their vision aligns with the goals of the Regional Tourism Council, promising innovative strategies and unwavering dedication to showcasing the rich culture, history, and beauty of our region.

Here’s to a future of unity, growth, and unforgettable journeys! 🚀💫



The newly elected officers and representatives of the Region 1 Professional Tour Guides Association are

President: Xavier Mercado (La Union)

Vice President for External Affairs: Ena Hazel Portia A. Domingo (Ilocos Norte)

Vice President for Internal Affairs: Glenn de Peralta (Ilocos Sur)

Secretary: Joy Ann Gurtiza (La Union)

Assistant Secretary: Almira Pagaduan (La Union)

Treasurer: Gerald Montero (Ilocos Sur)

Assistant Treasurer: Joys Ann Datuin (Ilocos Norte)

Auditor: Franz Gerald Tabian (Ilocos Norte)

Public Relations Officer: Lorie Jane Rosales (La Union)

Representatives:
Reynaldo Livara, Jr. (Pangasinan)
Daniel Lilan (La Union)
Eliseo Contillo, Jr. (Ilocos Sur)
Jesusa Badua (Ilocos Norte)

13/09/2025

Congratulations to our very own Richie Cavinta as one of the National Finalists - Regional Tour Guide Category during the 1st Philippine Tourism Awards held on September 8, 2025 at Okada Manila.

The Philippine Tourism Awards is the highest and most prestigious citation for the tourism industry in recognition of outstanding efforts, innovation and unwavering dedication of industry players in the country.

During the awarding, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said to the finalists and awardees that “your success is our nation’s pride. You are proof that the Fiilipino spirit of hospitality, innovation, and perseverance can carry our nation forward. Today, we honor you, but in truth, it is our country that is honored by your work. You are the pride of Philippine tourism.”

Richie Cavinta is the Tourism Officer of the Heritage Town of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte where he passionately initiated sustainable cultural heritage and tourism development programs.





Department of Tourism Region 1
Department of Tourism - Philippines

16/06/2025

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆

In celebration of National Tour Guides’ Day, the Department of Tourism proudly honors the passion, perseverance, and excellence of our tour guides who bring the beauty of the Philippines to life for millions of visitors every day.

As frontliners of the tourism experience, tour guides are vital to our mission of fostering a deeper engagement with the Philippines, based on respect for our culture, fueled by our desire for tourism to foster national pride and community development.

We are grateful for your service, and we honor your sacrifices driven by your boundless love for the Philippines!

Daghang Salamat sa tanang tour guides sa Pilipinas!