On the Road: Vibrant Vigan

Spanish regime in the Philippines have retained vast impact on its history, culture, current lifestyle and most importantly, through our veins. But, before we dig into that huge topic, let me tell you, we're not going to talk about those unfortunate battles and wars years and years ago, we're going to talk about what beauty it has given to us.

I have heard from my friends and from social media how beautiful Vigan is. I also have seen pictures and did some research about the place and oh boy, I wish I read a lot of history books! It is deemed as a world heritage by UNESCO which is pretty cool. I've always wanted to go but for some reasons I don't know why I didn't manage to go. Recently, my sister and I have been able to go. After a long and tiresome 8 hours on Partas bus from Dau bus station, we were able to arrive safely to this wonderful city.

 

We then hit the road around the city riding on this Calesa as if we didn't travel for 8 hours. We paid 150 pesos per hour which is pretty cheap. It was refreshing. I was amazed that motorbike riders doesn't use helmets! It bothered me so I asked the calesa driver. I later knew that they run on very slow speed so there's no need of helmets. really?

This is the main street called Calle Crisologo. This is some 250 meters long cobbled street dated back 1500. This is the spot where people hangout because of its well preserved buildings giving it that picturesque view.

On this street we had some good empanadas which this city is known for aside from bagnet- a marinated deep fried meat. This little restaurant is a lone empanaderia along that street and is very well visited by tourists and locals. They have wide menu of empanadas. I tried beef empanada dipped in a garlic, onion and red chili vinegar, it tasted just as good to keep you wanting more.

After a little snack we head back to our hotel which is about 400 meters away from Calle Crisologo. It was night time so we took a tricycle for only 20 pesos. As you can see we stayed at the Metro Vigan Regency Hotel which I booked through Agoda.com. Just like most of the hotels I and my friends book with them, I had a good deal with it. They have an excellent 24/7 customer support making them one of the most trusted and reliable site you can find online. 

The next morning we went to this place called Hidden Garden. It is indeed hidden because it's far from the whole city. It was far but it didn't seem like it. People were so nice and greets you on the way. The weather was so perfect, the wind was so cool. I figured out that Vigan is surrounded by mountains.
 

This is the entrance of the hidden garden. Inside this is obviously a garden hehehe.. a beautiful one though. It was all decorated with holiday lanterns of different colors. There are also lots of nipa huts to rest at. Along the way are pictures of the food on their menu and drinks from the bar. All of them 

looked so good especially when you're hungry strolling around the garden.

This is the restaurant called Lilong and Lilang which means Grandfather and Grandmother's restaurant where they serve their very own bagnet- a marinated deep fried meat. It's quite delicious and it can be mixed into other dishes like pinakbet- or mixed vegetables. With some plain rice and a cold drink of coconut shake, we had some really good and filling Filipino lunch.

After our lunch we head back to roam around  the town. This is the Bell Tower built in 1591. This tower was seen in many Filipino movies and teleseries like Kampanerang Kuba. We also visited the church, the house of Father Crisologo turned in a museam and the park where Gabriella Silang was put to death :-( I know it's sad. Went some souvenirs shopping too and the rest of the time was spent on taking some nice pictures.

Vases: colors edited by me :-)

This City is also known for pottery. Here you can enjoy making your own clay pots and vases for a reasonable price.

Christmas decorations

My sister hand washing from a very nice faucet :-D

On a Friday night at Calle Crisologo.

This city has more to see and much more to offer but we had limited time. Vigan is definitely a place worth a visit. It's time to head back home not looking forward to the long trip ahead because we had but a good memory and we had lots of fun!