My trip to Ilocos this term break happens to be my only third trip of the year after Cebu and Calaguas. This blissful discovery of the northernmost part of the Philippines which is a fusion of relics from the past and the bounty of nature that necessitates eyes to see and its present glory! Prodded by my sole delight to come across the list of various points of interest in each of the places, I travelled by land to Vigan on October 26, 2012 around 9 0’clock in the evening and arrived almost exactly 8 hours after.
CALLE CRISOLOGO: Heritage Village
After disembarking, we hailed a tricycle that transferred us to Calle Crisologo where we finally witnessed the grandeur of the lit-up old houses which reminded me of the same scene and ambiance of George Town in Penang, Malaysia, two years ago, comparatively a UNESCO World Cultural City, too. The old, preserved and refurbished buildings that were brought to life by converting them into hotels, shops, offices, restaurants and the like, rekindled the ghosts and sweet memoirs of yesteryears for its new-look and for posterity’s sake. The only thing that we could do as it was still dark was to go on with our picture-taking until morning has broken along Calle Crisologo. There we availed of a cheap tricycle tour for Php 250.00 to nearby places in our first stop, Ilocos Sur.
BANTAY CHURCH AND BELL TOWER
The bell tower made of bricks stood proudly on a hill. It is just a few meters away from the church and its sight is truly remarkable. A morning mass was in progress while we were busy taking our desired shots from the church compound. As expected, there isn’t much to see and do when you are in a church. Churches are always part of the itinerary especially when it is century old and the design is extra-ordinary.
PABURNAYAN
It was an ordinary place where jars and pots are made. Burnay is an Ilocano word that means “jar.” We didn’t chance on the actual making by the national artist since it was early then and it was his birthday. I sampled some of the miniature souvenir items including a wee little jar with Vigan printed on its golden body. Fridge magnetic souvenirs made my collection as it is always handy and inexpensive.
HIDDEN GARDEN
This garden's beauty in repose is aesthetically relaxing. Its amenities and ambience are its winning points. The place was worth-visiting while relishing the beauty of its surroundings. You will also see some wild animals and birds in captivity. The end of your short walk is a cozy restaurant. It was almost 8 am when we decided to have our breakfast and tried their Vigan longganisa on a Longsilog combo. It was yummy, indeed. It was not an ordinary kind of local sausage for the meat used is lean and the taste was perky. The food was slightly pricey for me at 110. Satiated a bit, we dashed to the vehicle and headed to Baluarte.
BALUARTE NI CHAVIT
The giant dinosaurs and the mammoth letters for BALUARTE are but the most conspicuous structures and the golden building on a hill which might be a hotel or a residence or show rooms. I didn’t bother to ask. I was just content with any small pleasure or offer that they have for tourists. No inward grumblings at all. The only outrageous thing that I did was to pose with the albino snake placed behind my neck and shoulders. A bamboo whistle that requires a small amount of water to create a chirping sound of a bird caught my fancy. It was new and made the collection of souvenir items from Vigan.
SYQUIA MUSEUM, CRISOLOGO MUSEM AND BURGOS MUSEUM, ARE NATIONAL MUSEUMS
Apart from the Heritage Village are museums found within the city. At Syquia, a blown-up portrait of former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino greeted us and a horse-drawn carriage, a status symbol of the rich and famous during his time, was next to it. There was no guide so we searched around according to our liking. At the door, a gabi plant was planted, locally called as Bigaa, thus the city’s name was derived.Crisologo Musuem showcased the exploits of Congressman Crisologo and his family. Martyred priest Jose Burgos has a museum, a national museum also situated at the heart of the city. It contains many Ilocano relics and implements including the wooden coffins. My visit cost me nothing for it was within the National Museum Week, meaning the entrance fee was waived.
Before noon, I left Vigan going North and taking with me the good impression about the place and how things have been preserved for the next generation. A half day tour of Vigan is doable and affordable.
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