Discovering Ilocandia Day 5: Vigan - UNESCO World Heritage City

One of the many old houses in Vigan

Save the best for last! It was a lifelong dream to set foot onto the renowned Spanish-influenced Vigan City. I’ve always imagined walking along the Calle Crisologo Street, riding the kalesa and seeing the famous houses featured in television shows and documentaries. 

Kalesa ride around the city

Our day started with a visit at the Syquia mansion, the house of the wife of the late President Elpidio Quirino. Our guide, Mr. Rusty was a fluent English speaker. He showed us around the house and explained important paintings and artifacts dated back to the times of Chinese emperors.

Inscription at Syquia Mansion

Inside the Syquia Mansion

Syquia Mansion photo courtesy of Myk Cruz

After our museum visit we headed to Baluarte, the turf of Governor Chavit Singson, known for his pet tigers. The place was for animal lovers featuring birds, horses, butterflies, raccoon, peacock, deers and of course, the tigers. Due to the vast area of the place, it is advisable to bring umbrellas or hats during the tour.

Baluarte, Ilocos Sur

Baluarte

We bought our couple shirt on one of the stalls outside Baluarte.

Hidden Garden

Lover's Corner

Lunch at Hidden Garden

It was time for chillaxing as we ate our lunch at the Hidden Garden, a well-landscaped restaurant surrounded by a botanical garden. Entrance to the garden is free.

Re-energized, we tested our talents in pottery. The flourishing pottery business in Vigan provided an opportunity for me to have firsthand experience on the science of making something out of clay. It was another dream coming true. I thought I was a natural in pot-making, been thinking actually of considering it as my next career after retirement.

Ilocos Pottery

Making my first pot

We also went to see the Santa Watch Tower and Quirino Bridge. It's just sad that the place was filled with vandals.

Quirino Bridge

Santa Watch tower

To again replenish our strength, we visited the Vigan Empanadaan to take a bite on the famous delicacy.

Since there was ample time, we decided to have a kalesa tour. For 75 pesos, we experienced 30 minutes of bliss riding the kalesa and seeing the entire stretch of Spanish houses and churches.

Kalesa trip photo courtesy of Myk Cruz

Villa Angela, this place is the location of the horror movie Nasaan ka Maruja?

St. Augustine Church

Bantay Belfry

Our tour took a finale at Calle Crisologo as we dined again in Café Leona to celebrate the birthday of one of our housemates, Lei.

Calle Crisologo photo courtesy of rareimages Robert E. Regala

Cafe Leona dinner with birthday girl, fifth from left, Lei Ferrer

There was so much to see and experience in Ilocos. The five days we spent were not enough yet to indulge to everything the place has to offer but nevertheless, it was an experience worth sharing.  Thanks to our dedicated photographer and tour guide Sir Robert for the unparalleled service and effort. 

Josiah's Express

Given the chance, I would gladly return to the place someday.

For tour/photo-tour packages, you may contact Sir Robert E. Regala at 0918-337-2113.