Chasing Light at Darapidap-Paypayad Hanging Bridge in Candon

Darapidap-Paypayad Hanging Bridge In Ilocano, there’s a poetic word, “ Darapidap ,” describing how wave...

Darapidap-Paypayad Hanging Bridge

In Ilocano, there’s a poetic word, “Darapidap,” describing how waves gently whisper as they meet the shore. This word perfectly reflects the calm and laid-back vibe of this coastal barangay in Candon City. I stumbled upon this serene corner of Ilocos Sur while joining Picture Book’s “Shoot for a Photobook” photo tour, led by veteran photographer Noli Gabilo. The Darapidap-Paypayad Hanging Bridge was one of our shooting locations, allowing us to capture the area in magical light.

The hanging bridge connects the two baranggays Darapidap and Paypayad.

Surprising Candon City

I’ve often passed through Candon City on my way to northern Ilocos. Still, curiosity led me to join this photography-focused tour to see what lay beyond the highway. It’s been a while since I traveled just to capture a place’s essence in an ideal light. What little I knew of Candon was that it’s a major producer of tobacco, with vast plantations.

Upon arrival, though, I found Candon unexpectedly charming. It has the provincial feel I expected but with upscale accommodations like the luxurious Hotel Van Gogh and a large coliseum for sports and concerts. There’s also plenty of buffet dining and a unique restaurant, Café Bossa Candon, in the heritage district.

Top view of the bridge

Busy bridge in the afteroon.

The Darapidap-Paypayad Hanging Bridge

With several rivers winding through Candon, hanging bridges are a convenient and direct way for locals to travel between villages. The Darapidap-Paypayad Hanging Bridge stretches 200 meters over an islet, connecting Barangay Paypayad with the coastal barangay of Darapidap. Only bikes and pedestrians are allowed—no motor vehicles here.

Duwey taking photos at the bridge.

We visited in the afternoon when the bridge was bustling with activity. Locals were fishing, students and workers were crossing, and the foot traffic to and from the Darapidap promenade added a lively energy.

Kids sightseeing at the bridge

As sunset approached, the colors deepened, casting beautiful shadows and silhouettes. Birds became more active, and I even spotted a few Brahminy Kites in flight—a fleeting, beautiful moment.

Fishpens near the river mouth

Later, we enjoyed a buffet dinner at Francisca-Francisco’s Place. We’d hoped to capture some Milky Way shots afterward, but the clouds had other plans.

Mornings at Darapidap

Being photographers, we made sure to wake up early to shoot. It's not every day I get such an opportunity, especially living in the city. We headed back to Francisca-Francisco’s place and took a short walk to the bridge. Just a few stars were still visible as dawn’s light began to take over.

Early morning at Paypayad

Mountain gradients

What fascinated me even more were the fishermen, gliding silently in their boats over the calm waters, with the beautiful mountain gradients—including views of Tirad Pass—and the shifting colors of the clouds. The promenade was starting to come alive with joggers and cyclists, adding to the peaceful yet active morning scene.

A fisherman tending the neats early morning under the bridge

I flew my drone to capture the boulevard, the lighthouse, and the sweeping landscape of Candon City—a mix of greenery, meandering rivers, and rural charm. It was a deeply satisfying experience to finally immerse myself in Candon and witness the gentle whispers of the sea at Darapidap Beach.

Darapidap Beach and Boulevard