Banayoyo

Welcome to Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur, a peaceful and charming inland town where tradition thrives and every day feels like a breath of fresh provincial air. Nestled in the heart of the uplands, Banayoyo may be small in size, but it’s big in character, known for its warm people, deep cultural roots, and scenic simplicity. This is the perfect escape for those craving authenticity and Ilocano soul.

Banayoyo is surrounded by lush hills and farmlands, making it an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature. While it may not boast grand tourist traps, that’s the magic, the town’s laid-back lifestyle, rice fields, and historic charm are its own form of luxury.

• Banayoyo Public Market – A slice of local life where fresh produce and handmade goods fill the air with Ilocano energy
• Banayoyo Municipal Hall and Plaza – The town center where community life, celebrations, and smiles converge
• Old Church Ruins – Remnants of history that survived both colonization and calamities

Banayoyo holds on tightly to Ilocano traditions, including folk healing, storytelling, and ancestral farming practices. The town is rich with bayanihan spirit, neighbors helping neighbors, and a love for panagdadapilan (sugarcane milling) during harvest seasons.

Ilocano is the language of the land, spoken proudly in homes and markets. While Tagalog and English are understood, nothing beats a friendly “Naimbag nga aldaw!” (Good day!) to get you a warm reply.

• Inabraw – A vegetable stew with bagoong that showcases Ilocano flavors
• Tupig – Sticky, smoky, and sweet rice delicacy grilled over open coals
• Pipian nga manok – A rich chicken dish with ground rice and spices, unique to the Ilocos interior
• Sugarcane-based sweets – Made during milling season, a true local treat

• Town Fiesta (January) – A grand celebration with parades, dancing, and food that turns the entire town into one big family reunion
• Harvest Season Traditions – Locals gather for old-style sugarcane processing and rice rituals, often with music and merriment

Folk songs like Pamulinawen and traditional Ilocano ballads still echo during community gatherings. Locals play rondalla, kulintang, and even homemade bamboo instruments to bring their stories to life.

• Traditional sugarcane milling and farming
• Strong Ilocano heritage and rural charm
• Friendly locals and deep community ties
• Natural countryside views perfect for eco-tourism
• Cultural resilience through the decades