Aparri

Welcome to Aparri, Cagayan, the legendary town at the northern tip of Luzon where the mighty Cagayan River kisses the sea and where history, culture, and coastal charm unite in one breezy destination! Known as the “Gateway to the Pacific”, Aparri is more than just a name dropped in the iconic Eat Bulaga theme song, it’s a place rich with character, flavors, and Filipino spirit.

Aparri lies where the Cagayan River empties into the Babuyan Channel, making it a haven for fishing, boating, and riverside strolls. Once a major Spanish trading port, today it mixes old-world tales with laid-back provincial living. With its picturesque seascapes, colorful sunsets, and quiet beaches, it’s a place to unwind while taking in timeless stories of the north.

• Aparri Delta (Boca River) – Watch the drama of river and ocean meeting, perfect for drone shots and picnics.
• Aparri Breakwater – A scenic walk along the waves, great for sunrise and local fish market vibes.
• San Pedro Telmo Parish Church – A heritage church built in the 1600s with a distinct baroque façade.
• Fuga Island (nearby) – For the adventurous, this remote paradise offers powdery white sand and clear waters.
• Aparri Port – Historic dock once buzzing with galleon trade and now a peaceful site to reflect.

Locals, called Ibanags, speak Ibanag and Ilocano, with Filipino and English commonly understood. The community is warm and welcoming, proud of their roots and seafaring traditions. Aparri’s culture is woven with stories of fishing, faith, and fiestas, a beautiful blend of the sea and the soul.

• Ludong (President’s Fish) – A rare and prized seasonal fish found in the Cagayan River.
• Bagnet Ilocano Style – Crispy pork belly with a northern twist.
• Pansit Cabagan Aparri-style – A saucy noodle dish topped with egg and meat.
• Inabak na Tulingan – Tulingan fish cooked with local spices in banana leaves.
• Don’t miss native kakanin like tinudok and inasim at the local market!

• Aparri Town Fiesta (May 1) – A lively celebration of San Pedro Telmo with parades, street dancing, and fluvial processions.
• Paskuhan sa Aparri – Christmas by the river lit with lanterns, carols, and community joy.
• Ludong Festival (proposed/seasonal) – A tribute to the rare Ludong fish, sometimes celebrated with cooking competitions and exhibits.

Aparri loves its Ibanag folk songs, kundiman, and modern videoke nights by the bay. Local youth often jam to OPM with the sound of waves in the background. Music here is heartfelt and connected deeply to stories of family, love, and the sea.

• The mouth of the Cagayan River, the Philippines’ longest river
• Being the northernmost significant town in Luzon
• Rich fishing grounds and Ludong
• Historic role in Spanish maritime trade
• Its name featured in pop culture, especially in Eat Bulaga’s theme song