The famous and best tasting Bagnet of the North

Bagnet is one of the well-known and well-liked food of Filipinos. In other towns, bagnet is also called "sitsaron" or "chicaron," but it's just synonymous to the bagnet of Narvacan.  Bagnet is very popular in Ilocos Sur, particularly in the town of Narvacan where the Bagnet Festival is celebrated every year in the month of December. The agricultural town of Narvacan is a well-known producer of various great quality products such as  tobacco, rice, onion, corn and the so-called golden leaf. But apart from that, the town is also the home of one of the best-tasting treats in the Philippines, the Bagnet. 

Bagnet is a versatile food that is edible with or without condiments. It is usually dipped in vinegar or fish paste with garlic.  It is a favorite dish of many Filipinos indeed. 

You can also cook bagnet in many ways, such as Bagnet con ampalaya, Bagnet paksiw, Bagnet adobo, Bagnet pakbet, Bagnet na siopao or Bagpao, and many others to try and discover. These are some of the popular cusines and specialties of the of Ilokanos.

The business of producing Bagnet runs from generation to generation.  In fact, the local government of Narvacan has registered Bagnet to the Department of Trade and Industry as their One-Town-One-Product (OTOP).

According to a local story, bagnet was the first served to Captain Juan de Salcedo, Spanish conquistador, during the discovery of the town.

Bagnet Recipe

• First, dry the pork under the sun within 1 hour.
• After drying the pork, cut it into pieces you desire and put the cut meats in a large pot then start boiling it.
• Dip the pork in a hot and boiling oil until it has bubbles. The skin will start stiffing and popping.
• After 20 minutes, remove the pork in the pot.
• Repeat the process until the skin of the pork becomes more blown out.

Kinds of Bagnet

Bagnet has its three kinds.

First - Meat and skin of pork, which is the most expensive. It is sold per kilo.

Second - Bagnet knots that are sold by the piece.

Third - Bagnet crumbs - these are grated from the side of a couldron used. It is also sold per kilo and can be put in pakbet.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Bagnet Festival

Last year's celebration of the Bagnet Festival, December 2012, was its third year. The festival of celebrating the bagnet started on December 2010 under the administration of Mayor Zuriel S. Zaragoza when Narvacan celebrated its 434th founding anniversary and fiesta celebrations. The festival showcased the culture and tradition of the Narvacaneos.

The festival aimed to promote their rich heritage, culture and tradition of the town, looking forward to invite more investors who can help boost the economic growth of Narvacan.

The celebration included many colorful and exciting activities but the highlight of the event is the Bagnet Culinary Competition wherein about 50 participants battle featuring Bagnet as the main ingredient.

The town is not just known for its historical attractions but is now popular for its Bagnet Festival. Narvacaneos continue to move and inspire with their vivacious and active dedication in upholding, promoting and developing their unique heritage.  

Just like the other festivals, the Bagnet Festival is also being adopted by other localities in the Philippines.

Narvacan Town

Narvacan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The town is the gateway to the Cordilleras and the Heart of Ilocandia.

Narvacan Tourism

Narvacan is also host to many natural attractions, such as white-sand beaches and historical sites.

Sulvec Beach is popular among the beaches that can be visited in the town. Narvacan Tourism Lounge can accommodate visitors during their vacations.

Tourists can also visit and take pictures with the Suvlec Watchtower. It is a brick tower that was built by Spaniards to warn the town of pirates coming from offshore.

Narvacaneos

The people of Narvacan are known as a strong people and are proud of their glorious past.