I've been to Vigan 3 times already. But believe it or not, this was the first time i was able to take photos of (and have photos with) this marvelous world heritage site. Silly, but that's very true. Thanks to Pamela, Sheryl and Anthony for granting my request to drop by to Vigan on our way home from our Pagudpud trip just to take some photos for souvenirs. And so here, i have the photos for this blog.. Hope you like it..
Imagine the sound of the horse's hooves pulling calesa while moving across the cobblestone street, and the 5 centuries old houses lined-up along the famous Calle Crisologo. Now, who will not agree if i say stepping into this place is like being transported back to the time when the sentry of Spaniards are seemed immovable at our country's doors?
Established in the 16th century, Calle Crisologo in Vigan City is a famous destination in Ilocos Sur which according to unesco.org, "the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia."
With its unique architectural design and features that has withstood the test of time, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed it as one of the World Heritage Sites.
It can be a little disappointing though to see that many of these old houses owned by private individuals have now been renovated and converted into museums, restaurants, tourist inns and other commercial establishments. Another thing to be mindful of is the numerous souvenir shops that is common along the street wherein merchandise like t-shirts and bags are being hung everywhere that somehow affects the natural beauty of the old structures. Yes, these can be an added attraction to tourists to enjoy their trip wherein they can shop for Vigan's best products like antiques, woven products, basi wine, burnay, chichacorn, jewelry, woodcrafts, vinegar, sweet products and others, but let us not forget our responsibility in preserving this gift of culture for our next generation to see.
Nevertheless, there are some houses that have been completely preserved. These are the houses turned into antique shops where the structure complements to the shop's concept.
Strolling around can be tiring. If you want to see the whole stretch of the street and the marvel of this Spanish colonial town, you may opt to hire a Calesa to enjoy your visit. The current rent for the Calesa is P150 per hour. Other places you may explore includes the pot factory, the Plaza Burgos, Crisologo Museum and the old Church and the Bell Tower.
I heard a lot of times that a walk at Calle Crisologo at night is magical. I wish one time i will be able to experience it as well as getting up from bed as early as 5:30 in the morning to feel the serenity of the place.
Of course we did lot of poses..
THE ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
If you are a Roman Catholic, take a visit at the St. Paul's Cathedral. It is considered a major religious landmark not only in Northern Luzon but the country as well and the center of Roman Catholic Devotion in Vigan City.
The church as it stands now was completed in 1800. The original structure was built in 1574 upon the
command of the Spanish founder of Vigan, Juan de Salcedo. It was a mere chapel then, made of wood and thatch. In 1641, the chapel was replaced by a church.
How to get there
By land, Vigan City is approximately 8-9 hours ride from Manila.Dominion Bus Line, Viron Transit, and Partas operate terminals in Vigan and offer regular trips from Manila-Vigan and vice versa. Florida, Farinas Trans, Philippine Rabit and other bus line companies that offer regular trips from Manila to Laoag also stop at Vigan City.
If you hate long hours of traveling by land, Vigan can also be reached by air via SeaAir that fly from Manila every Fridays and Sundays at 2:30 pm. Cebu Pacific Air and other airline companies fly to Laoag City daily, which is an hour and a half ride by bus or other arranged vehicles to Vigan.
Credits: unesco.org, wikipedia, vigan.ph
Date of Experience: October 22, 2011
With Pamela Mallorca, Anthony Lorenzo & Sheryl Erpelo
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