First-time in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I was browsing through the internet about Philippine sights and came upon a section about Vigan, known for its old houses.  I became nostalgic of my trip many years back to this northern, quiet Philippine city. (Check www.vigancity.gov.ph for more info).  But I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to return I later to this hisotric city. (READ: First Solo Trip to Vigan.)

My Vigan trip took place with my former office mates.  It was an out-of-the-blue trip, realizing there was a long weekend that month of June.  And as a birthday gift to myself, I agreed to join them.  We started our journey at the wee hours of the morning, lining up for bus tickets in a Cubao terminal at just a little past midnight.  That’s after we went to bus terminals in Manila and found that the buses were already gone.

Still, with less sleep and so much hassle at the terminal, I looked forward to a visit in Vigan.  Who wouldn’t?  Vigan has been declared a historic site by the Philippine government because of its historical relevance that is almost equal to Manila’s Intramuros.

It is a small, quiet city that speaks of a lot of stories of the olden days of the Philippines depicted by the Spanish colonial architecture and baroque churches.

Upon arrival at Vigan, we immediately checked in at Aniceto Mansion (#1 M. Crisologo St., Vigan City; Telephone #: (6377) 7222383) which is a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral.  Aniceto Mansion is like an old house that was built during the Spanish period. The antique look and facilities are true to Vigan’s baroque ambiance. There are family portraits that hang on the walls, which gives visitors a glimpse of the owners’ past. It may seem a bit eerie to be staying in a very old mansion, but the staff’s jovial and welcoming behavior, plus modern amenities, provides a warm and non-threatening ambiance.

We walked through the preserved cobblestone street where antique shops were found and where most tourists had their photos taken. Since it’s a small place, it is safe and enjoyable to have a tour of the city in a horse-driven carriage called the “calesa”.

We went to the ruins of the old church and climbed the bell tower along with other tourists. We proceeded to the local pottery makers and saw how they make beautiful jars out of their bare hands. After a day of walking around the city, we relaxed at the plaza where a man-made lagoon could be found and a miniature relief map of the city was displayed. We sat for hours talking about everything and marveling at the beautiful facade of the Cathedral.

There are lots of museums in Vigan, like the Crisologo Mansion and other old houses of renowned people. The small stalls that sell native delicacies are a great place to have a snack. There are also Filipino and multinational fast food chains in the city.  But the most famous is the Crisologo St. with its cobblestone pathway.

You can spend just an hour or two in this street.  At the end of the street, you can dine at Cafe Leona with its sumptuous local meals.  It’s also open at night and you can have a drink or two.

With so much time left in our stay, we spent the night away playing billiards in one of the local pubs.  You can see Vigan in a day or two.  It’s a place where everything’s not a rush and you can take your lovely time enjoying every scenery and every detail of the historic city of Vigan.