Cablaawan Dacayo Amin!
Greetings!
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Pagtarusan is a quaint Ilocano-style house uniquely made of native and modern materials that reflects its humble history and the rich culture of Ilocos. Be invited to rest and relax in our simple, cozy rooms from a long and tiring journey. In our garden, take a sip of organic bignay wine while viewing the serene Cordilleras, smell the flowers in bloom, gaze at the star-studded Bangui skies, feel the warm summer breeze or even experience some chilly Siberian winds that visit this windy town from November to February!
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The Tradition
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Pagtarusan is a house located in the town of Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The Ilocano word 'pagtarusan' roughly translates to a boarding house or lodge. Just after World War II, the provincial high school in Bangui was the only one of its kind up north. To go to this high school, students from the area had to commute from their localities to find boarding houses in this town. It was so practical because there was no reliable transportation then. Students boarded with families in Bangui and the small Flores residence was one which accepted them at no monetary cost.
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Students used all types of tables to do their homework in kerosene-lit areas. Family members slept not only in the bedrooms and the living room was converted into a sleeping area at night mostly by the students who used woven mats and mosquito nets. They helped with daily chores like cleaning and cooking the foodstuff which they brought to share with everybody.
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In this setting, the concept of 'pagtarusan' emerged. About twenty years later, the provincial high school in Bangui became nationalized, local campuses were opened in Pagudpud (which became a town in 1954; and it's worthwhile to mention Burgos town earlier in 1914), Pansian, Banban, and Lanao. Even the Flores children left home for higher education in Metro Manila and eventually worked overseas.
The Transformation
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Two years after the youngest Flores child retired in 2001, he finally developed an original Iloko-designed house. The siblings supported the project and the only Flores daughter suggested that it should be named 'Pagtarusan' which shortly became a Department of Tourism-Accredited Tourist Inn. By then, the roads leading to Bangui from Metro Manila was drastically cut to a fraction of what it used to take. Vehicles for hire to Bangui became readily available at reasonable costs.
The New Pagtarusan
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Today, Pagtarusan's 11 rooms accommodate a maximum of 40 guests with amenities like air conditioners, fans, heated showers, water pump, generator (for lights and fan only), satellite TV at the café/lounge, wireless internet access.
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At our secured, gated and landscaped garden, take a breather and enjoy sunny mornings, lazy afternoons, cool sunsets and peaceful nights while listening to the rolling waves of the nearby Bangui Bay.
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Our tropical huts (the only smoking areas) are available for prearranged catered events, seminars, special occasions, group retreats exclusively to suit your purpose.
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​We look forward to your visit!
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