Ten things to do in Vigan

Though I stayed for nearly 24 hours in Vigan. I truly enjoyed and learned a lot of history from the people that ive met. Here' a bucket list of what aret to missed if you stumble upon Vigan, Ilocos Norte. By the way, I aboard a horse drawn carriage for 2 hours which cost me P300.00 (150/hr). I strongly suggest this form of transportation not only because it doesnt have pollution but to help the locals.

1. Transport back in time as you walked on the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo.

Calle Crisologo

2. Say a little prayer to the antique St Paul Cathedral. Situated in the center of Vigan in front of Plaza Burgos

St Paul Cathedral

3.Syquia Mansion is home of the former president Elpidio Quirino, the rustic house will give you a glimpse of the lifestyle they used to have.

4. Batay Bell Tower 15 is just minutes ride from the Heritage Village, the Belfry tower has been a silent witnessed of Vigan history since 1591

Bantay Bell Tower

5. St Augustine Church The Neo Gothic Facade makes this church unique.

St Augustine Church

6. Burgos Museum,  humble abode of one of the Martyrs Gomburza. The house of Father Burgos is home of the antiques such as his piano and harp.  

7. Pagburnayan is the old fashioned way of jar making. They're also selling miniatures jars made from Terracotta.

8. Dont forget to satisfy your tastebuds by visiting Cafe Leona Along Calle Crisologo.
9 Complete the Ilocandia experience with the authentic taste of Empanada.

souvenirs along Calle Crisologo

 10 Dont forget to buy pasalubongs and souvenirs.

Bantay Bell Tower and St Agustine Church

 One of the most notable sight in Vigan is the Bantay Bell Tower. Not far from the National Hi-way the Belfry is nestled on top of the hill with a panoramic view of Vigan . It was built  in 1591 for couple of reasons, it serves as the watch tower for possible invaders and as a bell tower for the nearby Church.

Bantay Bell Tower

A couple of yards from Bantay Bell tower is the St Agustine Church it was built in 1590.
The neo gothic style and chocolate brown  facade makes the church extraordinary among others in Ilocos Region. 

St Augustine Church Bantay, Vigan

St Augustine Church Interior

My visit to Bantay Bell Tower and St Agustine Church is included in my two hour calesa ride in the heritage town of Vigan. (150php/hr) 

the picturesque Bantay Belfry

Have a safe trip!

xo  ej

Crisologo Mansion

• Museum hours
• Donations only
• 830am-5:00pm
• Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays

Crisologo Museum along Liberation Avenue, Vigan

Owned by the well off family the Crisologo Museum used to be the ancestral house of the late Floro Crisologo and former Ilocos Sur Governor Carmeling Crisologo found along Liberation Boulevard.

office of the late congressman

table of the late congressman

Not far from the Heritage Village the house turned into a museum displays memorabilia of the family.That includes an old  pink Chevy owned by the couple with couple of gunshots when ex Governor Carmeling survived an ambush last 1961.The famed carriage used by Cesar Montano is also parked adjacent to the Chevy when he shooted the movie Rizal.

carruaje used by Cesar Montano

chevy of ex Gov Carmeling Crisologo

Similar to several  old-fashioned houses in Vigan, the ground floor serves as an office of the late Floro Crisologo.Arising his flourishing career as a congressman. Hats assortments are hanged on the wall, election posters and clothes that he wore when he was shot inside the St Paul Cathedral.

salakot

The second floor boasts the prosperous living of the family. The receiving room is so grand with exhibits of the family photos.The masters bedroom displays the perfume collections of Ex Governor Carmeling.

Living Room

Living Room 2

Master's Bedroom

Bingbong's room

guest room

While, she also has a little imelda in her with her wide variety of shoes and Filipiniana dresses.

dressing room

shoes and bags collection

The dining table is so huge found  in a pleasantly breezed room.The dirty kitchen has a vintage wooden ref and an assortment antique glassware.

dining room

dirty kitchen

antique glass wares

Though I felt a eerie looking on blood stained clothes of Congressman Floro, the place is still full of history,especially that up until now the case is still unresolved.

Burgos Museum Vigan

Burgos Museum

 The two-storey residence owned by the Burgos family is placed nearby  the provincial jail of Vigan where former president Elpidio Quirino was born

capiz shell ventana

Carruaje

kitchen utensils

Galleons

The house turned into a museum was considered as a National Landmark in the suburb. From Plaza Salcedo it may take ten minutes to reach the museum.

Veranda

Showcasing the way of life of the Burgos family Century ago.The receiving area,kitchen, dining area and bedrooms are situated in the second floor.

Living Room

Old Piano

century old Harp

century old mirror

Personal belongings and memorabilia of Father Burgos are also displayed, some are antiques statue of Mother Mary.

Dining Area

Rich with history the well maintained abode should be included in the must see attraction in Vigan.

guest room

Father Burgos Dormitorio (bedroom)

Yours truly visited the place through a horse drawn carriage included in my two-hour Vigan tour.

Tip:

• Entrance fee is Php10.00 for adult Php5.00 for student
• Museum Hours 830:am-5:00pm
• Open from Tuesday to Sundays

Where To Stay in Vigan

Vigan Accomodation:

To complete the rustic ambiance
Villa Angela is still on top of the list for accomodation

photo credits to villangela.com

Sleeping in their four poster canopy bed will surely transport you back in time.

Address: #26 Quirino Boulevard, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur,
Contact number:(077)722-2914


For budget friendly lodge:

 Yours truly spent the night in the newly opened Henady Inn located along the National Hi-Way for 200php.

• Henady Inn is adjacent Caltex petrol station and infront of the Vigan Arch and Petron
• Economy rooms are for 250php if you check inn before 9pm
• From 9pm to 12nn rates  starts at 200php (fan room) with free wifi

Contact Numbers:

• (077) 722-8001
• 0917-515-8001

economy room Henady Inn, Vigan

lockers and catv

How To Get To Vigan:

By Land

• Partas Bus 605Php for the de luxe bus and 689Php for first class. From Manila. travel time is 6-8 hours

• Dominion, Aniceto and Viron busses also plies daily toVigan from Manila. Fare should be around 500php-600php

• Farinas, Maria De Leon, RCJ Bus and Florida  also pass through Vigan before heading to Laoag in Ilocos Norte

 By Air

Laoag's airport (1.5 hours by car), the Laoag International Airport. Philippine Airlines flies to from Laoag everyday of the week from Manila. Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express flies daily from Manila.

The Timeless Calle Crisologo

Welcome to Vigan!

My fondness for heritage and cultural sites brought my fascination in Ilocos Sur.Transporting me back to 1500's is what I felt when I started my morning tour in Calle Crisologo. Century old homes, cobblestones street, terracota bricks and horse drawn carriages are the notable sights in Vigan.From St Paul Cathedral I crossed the road going to the Heritage Site.

Leona Florentino Monument accross is Cafe Leona

Calle Mena Crisologo

The rich history is visible as I passed through the street.The well preserved colonial houses and its peculiar architecture reveals the prosperous trading industry between Spanish and Mexican colonizers that transpired over a century ago.

Colonial House Calle Crisologo

Bahay na Bato( stone house) Calle Crisologo

rustic bench along Calle Crisologo

Presently, merchandisers selling affordable souvenirs and antiques are situated along Calle Crisologo.
Cordillera Hotel owned by the Crisologo's is also laid along the street. While for the authentic Ilocano cuisine Cafe Leona is the place to be. Recognized for their Bagnet with KBL and Pinakbet this rustic restaurant will make you reminisce the Spanish Era.

affordable souvenirs along Calle Crisologo

Salamat sa camera timer =)

I missed to witness Calle Crisologo at night since I have to travel up north but, that give me a reason to go back.

Horse drawn carriages is definetly a hit to visit attractions around the villages. I paid 300php for a two hour ride. At around ten in the morning he dropped me in front of Henady Inn where I spent my first night in the Ilocos Region.

TIP:

• To tour around the villages calesa ride will cost you 150php per hour.
• From Partas bus station the trike ride is only 20php to any hotel.
• Empanada is a must try with a distinct taste of sukang iloco 65php per piece