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Although some domestic spots have reopened, traveling remains to be a challenge as we grapple with all the health and safety protocols in place.

The good news is that technology has made it easier for us to access at least local products from nearby and faraway provinces.

Biyahe ni Drew did exactly that in a recent episode featuring picturesque Ilocos Norte.

Host Drew Arellano, unfortunately, was not able to personally visit the province.

Picking up the slack was Biyahero Correspondent Ancher, who gamely showed viewers around the wonderful spots to visit including the Engkantadora Falls, Kadilian Beach, and Umok ni Siwawer Eco-Tourism Nature Park.

Drew though was able to take a piece of action even if he was stuck at home in Metro Manila.

How? By getting his hands on authentic Ilocos-made products and delicacies through the power of the internet.

Thanks to Buy Ilocos Norte, Drew was able to order proudly Ilocos-made items and food treats delivered to his doorstep.

“Buy Ilocos Norte, or Buy IN, is an online platform that aims to assist local businesses' in strengthening their digital brand presence and generate sales. Also to feature the resiliency of the Ilocanos during this pandemic,” said on its Facebook page.

Ilocos coffee

Source: Biyahe ni Drew

The province of Ilocos produces quality coffee beans recognized at home and internationally. Drew got his authentic Ilocos coffee from Coffee+. The brand sources its beans straight from Ilocano farmers. Different varieties are available for coffee lovers to choose from.

Fashion items

Source: Biyahe ni Drew

Drew was able to get his hands on stylish Ilocos-made fashion items and accessories like a cap, body bag, jacket, and shirt from Ubra Enterprise, as well as an rubbing alcohol pouch, vegan leather mat, and women's bag from Nina Leather PH.

Source: Biyahe ni Drew

Ilocano tradition shines through thanks to ilove.abel with its hand-woven face mask, passport holder, bolero, and travel blanket. The items are made from inabel - a textile that is distinctly Ilocano in origin.

Chichacorn

Source: Biyahe ni Drew

A bag of Ilocos goodies would not be complete without chichacorn. By description, chichacorn--a combination of the words chicharon and corn--is a fried puffed corn snack made from glutinous corn or waxy corn that is mixed with lime before frying.

It's a famous pasalubong treat from Ilocos and Drew got his bags of chichacorn from Nana Rosa, of Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Local delicacies

Source: Biyahe ni Drew

The truth is you don't need to travel north to take a bite of Ilocos's signature delicacies.

Drew sampled the province's signature empanada courtesy of Lola's Ilocos Empanada, which has a shop in Sampaloc, Manila. The eatery also offers other empanada-based treats like the mozzarella topped empanada and empanachos inspired by the popular Mexican snack.

Source: Biyahe ni Drew

Drew's food trip didn't end there as he was also able to sink his teeth into other local dishes like longganisa, bagnet, and bagnet bacon--all ordered online and delivered frozen to maintain freshness.

Ilocos Best and Ilocaneza are two of the recommended shops that sell these meaty delicacies online. Both brands get their products direct from suppliers from Ilocos Norte.

Longganisa / Source: Biyahe ni Drew

So, there you have it. You don't have to fly or go on a road trip to enjoy what Ilocos Norte has to offer.

All you need is to go online and you will have a taste of the north in no time. That would do for now until such time that we can all travel again without hitches.

To find out more on how to travel during the pandemic, watch Biyahe ni Drew every Friday at 9:15 P.M. on GMA News TV.