Located along the scenic coastline of Sabang, Cabugao in Ilocos Sur, the Sabang Boardwalk project was envisioned as a welcoming public space that would serve both locals and visitors year-round. Sabang is widely known as a popular surfing destination during the day, while in the evenings it transforms into a calm and serene coastal retreat. The boardwalk was designed to support this dual character. Active and vibrant by day, peaceful and inviting by night, through a carefully considered lighting strategy led by LIGHT PLAN INC, with products supplied by LightGraphix.
The project team faced several critical challenges from the outset. First, the timeline was non-negotiable: the boardwalk needed to be completed and operational before the Christmas season, a peak period for community use and tourism. Second, the coastal location demanded strict marine-grade specifications. All lighting fixtures and components had to withstand salt air, humidity, and exposure to extreme weather conditions common in the region. Finally, the most crucial lighting elements. The wall-mounted step lights installed along the balustrades required surface-mounted housings that were not only durable and corrosion-resistant but also readily available to avoid delays in installation.
LightGraphix played a key role in addressing these challenges by supplying a range of high-quality, marine-grade luminaires, including the LD175, LD10235, LD10237, and LD10238. Their product selection offered the durability required for a harsh coastal environment while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic suitable for a public boardwalk. Equally important was LightGraphix’s commitment to the agreed schedule. By ensuring product availability and consistent quality, they supported the lighting designers in meeting the tight project deadline without compromising performance or design intent.
Since completion, the Sabang Boardwalk has been warmly received by the local community. Residents and visitors alike have noted the strong visual impact of the lighting, particularly from late afternoon into the evening. The lighting improves visibility and safety along the walkway, encourages nighttime use, and enhances the overall atmosphere of the shoreline. The illuminated boardwalk now guides people comfortably along the coast, creating an inviting environment for walking, socialising, and quiet relaxation. While some residents have expressed concerns about long-term durability given the area’s exposure to typhoons, the lighting has already proven to be a valuable enhancement to the public realm.
“The Sabang Boardwalk lighting was designed to balance functionality, safety, and atmosphere. Working with LightGraphix allowed us to achieve a reliable, visually cohesive solution within a very tight timeframe, while meeting the demanding requirements of a marine environment.”
— Jinkie De Jesus-Tiaoqui, Principal Lighting Designer, LIGHT PLAN INC.
The Sabang Boardwalk project demonstrates how thoughtful lighting design, combined with dependable, high-quality products, can transform a coastal space into a vibrant yet tranquil destination after dark. By partnering with LightGraphix, the design team successfully delivered a solution that met technical constraints, environmental challenges, and community expectations. The result is a boardwalk that not only supports Sabang’s identity as a surfing hub by day but also enriches its nighttime experience, strengthening its role as a cherished gathering place for both locals and tourists.
Credits:
Principal Lighting Designer: Jinkie De Jesus – Tiaoqui
Senior Lighting Designer: Joanna Castillo
Junior Lighting Designers: Celjie Kylle Manalang, Jaz Papa, Nicole Sacbibit
Lighting Design: LIGHT PLAN INC
LIGHT PLAN INC
