Santa Ana, Philippines

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Santa Ana, Philippines

Region: Cagayan Valley

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Geographic Coordinates: 14.580000, 121.012000

Climate: Tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season runs from June to November, while the dry season runs from December to May.

Population: 203598

Language: Tagalog

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Santa Ana is a municipality located in the northeastern part of the province of Cagayan, Philippines. It is situated at the tip of Luzon Island, Facing the Pacific Ocean. The town covers a land area of 1, 174.80 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 27, 000 people. Santa Ana boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the country such as Palaui Island and Anguib Beach. These beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand that attract both local and foreign tourists.

Palaui Island was also featured on Survivor US Season 27 as one of its filming locations. Aside from its beautiful beaches, Santa Ana is home to several natural attractions such as Cape Engaño Lighthouse which offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Dos Hermanos Islands – two small islands that resemble twin peaks rising from the sea. The town’s rich history can be traced back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by native Ivatans who were skilled in fishing and boat-making.

During Spanish colonial rule, Santa Ana became an important trading port due to its strategic location near China and Japan. Today, Santa Ana remains an important center for fishing with its abundant marine resources including tuna, Lapu-lapu (grouper), Mud crab, Shrimp among others that are exported throughout Asia.

The town celebrates several festivals throughout the year including Aggasi Festival which honors St. Catherine de Siena – patroness saint of fishermen; Tuguegarao City Patronal Fiesta which commemorates Sts Peter & Paul; Feast Day Celebration for Our Lady Of Piat – patroness saint not only in Cagayan but also across Northern Luzon region; among others. Overall, Santa Ana offers visitors a glimpse into Philippine history through its cultural landmarks while showcasing nature’s beauty through stunning landscapes like pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters making it an ideal destination for tourists who want to experience the best of both worlds.

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1. Santa Ana Church
2. Palaui Island
3. Cape Engaño Lighthouse
4. Anguib Beach
5. Crocodile Island
6. Punta Verde Dive Resort
7. Siwangag Cove
8. Nangaramoan Beach
9. Mabuno Peak
10. San Vicente Port

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1. Santa Ana, Philippines is primarily an agricultural town with rice, corn, and fishery as the major industries.
2. The town also has a small number of businesses in retail and services such as sari-sari stores (small convenience stores), carinderias (local eateries), and repair shops.
3. Additionally, tourism is becoming a growing industry in Santa Ana due to its beautiful beaches and natural attractions such as the Palaui Island National Park.

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1. The town was founded in 1572 by Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo.
2. During the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, Santa Ana became a center of resistance under the leadership of General Manuel Tinio.
3. In World War II, Santa Ana was occupied by Japanese forces and was liberated by American troops in 1945.
4. The town is known for its agricultural products such as rice, corn, and bananas.
5. Notable people from Santa Ana include:
   • General Manuel Tinio, a revolutionary leader during the Philippine Revolution.
   • Jose Lingad, former governor of Pampanga province and founder of Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital.
   • Carlos P. Romulo, diplomat and former president of the United Nations General Assembly who spent his childhood in Santa Ana.
   • Father Jose Burgos, one of the three Filipino priests executed during the Gomburza incident in 1872 who had served as a parish priest in Santa Ana before his execution.

Overall, Santa Ana has played an important role in Philippine history and has produced notable individuals who have contributed to various fields such as politics, diplomacy, healthcare, and religion.

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1. Santa Ana Church is a historical church built in the 18th century.
2. Anguib Beach is a stunning white sand beach with crystal clear waters.
3. Cape Engano Lighthouse is a picturesque lighthouse perched on top of a hill overlooking the sea.
4. Palaui Island is an untouched island paradise with pristine beaches and scenic hiking trails.
5. Callao Cave is a massive cave system located in nearby Tuguegarao City.
6. Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center showcases the rich history and culture of Cagayan Valley.
7. Magapit Suspension Bridge is an iconic bridge that spans across the Cagayan River.
8. Buntun Bridge is another famous bridge that connects Tuguegarao City to other towns in Cagayan Valley.
9. Our Lady of Piat Basilica Shrine, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Northern Luzon, known for its miraculous image of Our Lady of Piat.
10. Cape San Vicente Lighthouse situated at Nangaramoan Beach offers panoramic views of Babuyan Channel and Pacific Ocean.

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1. Basketball – The most popular sport in the country with a rich history of success at international competitions.
2. Boxing – The Philippines has produced several world champions like Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.
3. Volleyball – Both indoor and beach volleyball are popular among Filipinos with several local leagues held across the country.
4. Football – Although not as popular as basketball, football is gaining popularity among young Filipinos with a growing number of local clubs and leagues.
5. Baseball – Santa Ana has a strong baseball culture thanks to its American colonial history, and it is still played by some communities today.

Overall, Santa Ana has a vibrant sports scene with many talented athletes competing at various levels in different sports.

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1. Sinulog Festival is a religious and cultural festival that takes place every January to honor the Sto. Niño de Cebu.
2. The Santa Ana town fiesta is celebrated annually from May 1-3 and commemorates the town’s patron saint, St. Joseph.
3. Araw ng Santa Ana is observed every August 4 in celebration of the town’s founding anniversary.
4. The Feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is a religious festival held on September 8 to honor the Virgin Mary as the patroness of seafarers.
5. Pasko sa Santa Ana is an annual Christmas celebration featuring parades, caroling competitions, and other festive activities.
6. Kuraldal Festival is a religious event dedicated to St. Lucy, who protects against eye diseases and blindness.
7. Binabayani Festival honors bravery and heroism through street dancing competitions during the May town fiesta.
8. Banaag Festival showcases various cultural performances such as dance presentations featuring folk dances from different regions in the Philippines; it usually occurs in December or January (depending on schedule).

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• Pancit Cabagan – a stir-fried noodle dish with meat and vegetables.
• Adobo – a Filipino classic dish made with meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices.
• Lechon Kawali – deep-fried pork belly that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Seafood dishes – Santa Ana is known for its fresh seafood such as grilled squid, shrimp sinigang (sour soup), and fish kinilaw (ceviche).
• Kambingan sa Tabok – a restaurant that serves goat meat dishes such as kaldereta (stewed goat), sinampalukang kambing (sour soup with goat meat), and adobong kambing.
• Balay Cuyonon – a restaurant that offers traditional Cuyonon cuisine such as linapay (fish soup), ginataang alimango (crab in coconut milk), and binakol na manok (chicken cooked in coconut water).
• Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant & Bar – serves Ilocano cuisine like bagnet or crispy fried pork belly, pinakbet or mixed vegetable stewed in fish sauce.
• Cafe Uno – offers international cuisines like pasta dishes, pizzas etc.
• Bistro Amarillo – has an extensive menu of continental cuisines including Spanish paellas , Italian pastas etc.
• Sunflower Cafe & Restaurant- serve Filipino comfort food like adobo flakes rice bowl , sisig nachos etc along with burgers,pizzas etc

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Parks and Recreation

1. Santa Ana Beach: This beach boasts clear water and white sand, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
2. Palaui Island: As a protected marine sanctuary, Palaui Island offers snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities to see a variety of fish species and corals.
3. Anguib Beach: Another stunning beach with crystal-clear water and a long stretch of white sand that is ideal for swimming, surfing or kayaking.
4. Crocodile Island: A small island off the coast of Santa Ana where visitors can go on a boat tour to see crocodiles in their natural habitat.
5. Cape Engaño Lighthouse: This iconic lighthouse provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its hilltop location.
6. Mabuwaya Foundation Conservation Center: Focused on protecting Philippine crocodiles through research, education, and community outreach programs.
7. San Vicente Marine Sanctuary: Home to various marine life such as sea turtles, dolphins, whalesharks etc., this marine sanctuary located near Anguib Beach is an ideal spot for snorkeling or scuba diving enthusiasts.
8. Tuguegarao Cathedral Museum & Parish Church – The cathedral museum houses artifacts from the Spanish colonial era while the church itself is considered one of the oldest churches in Cagayan Valley region dating back to 1761 AD

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Go Where The Road Takes You.

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