Vigan: A Walk Through the Past

PLACES TO VISIT:

Vigan Heritage Village – also known as the Mestizo district, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its preserved Spanish colonial houses and cobble stone streets. Tourists can buy souvenirs or ride a calesa along Plaridel Street and Calle Crisologo

Baluarte – it is a mini zoo privately owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, the admission here is for free as it is dedicated to facilitating education, conservation and protection of endangered species and wildlife.

Pagburnayan – it is a barangay in Vigan where the old and authentic methods of pottery are still being used. Clay pots or burnay are used for storage in fermenting sugarcane vinegar, basi wine and bagoong.

Crisologo Musuem – is the preserved ancestral house of statesman Floro S. Crisologo. It houses the family’s memorabilia and private collection that has to do with Northern Luzon’s history.

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral – built in 1574 by the Augustinian friars, the Baroque-styled church has thick buttresses to support it against earthquakes and typhoons. The church bell tower stands separately 10 meters away from the main cathedral.

Santiago Cove – dubbed as the “Boracay of Ilocos Sur” because of its beautiful stretch of fine sand beach. The cove has a perfect crescent-shaped shore.

Pinsal Falls – located in Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur, it is known for being the largest waterfall in Ilocos region with a height of approximately 85 feet. Pinsal falls is popular location for filming local movies as well as a favorite spot for swimming.

Bantay Bell Tower – built in 1591, it was the tallest point in the town and was used as a watch tower against the enemies during the spanish period as such it was called "Bantay", an ilocano word for both tower and guard.

FOOD TO EAT:

Empanada - turnover with filling of eggs, vigan longganisa and vegetables wrapped in rice flour crust

Tinubong - a stick sweet rice cake that is sold in bamboo tubes

Vigan Longganisa -  small and plump native sausage, it has garlicky taste and is best dipped in sukang iloko

Tupig - glutinous rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and roasted

Pinakbet - a popular ilocano dish which uses bitter melon, squash, eggplant and okra  cooked in bagoong

Bagnet - locally called chicharon, it is a deep fried pork meat, usually mix with their vegetable dish