Every year my family makes it a point to visit at least one new local destination. It makes for great bonding time and creating wonderful memories.
This year, we got the opportunity to visit a province up north – VIGAN CITY!
Visiting Vigan City is something that I have been planning to do for the longest time. And making this a reality with my family and a few good friends is truly one for the books.
Exploring Vigan City
Vigan City is a World Heritage Site and one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines where its structures remain intact.
The city is famous for its Spanish architecture.
Cobblestone streets.
Laid back vibe.
Vigan City is a magnificent place that celebrates past and present. And it does so in the most amazing way.
The moment I set foot at Calle Crisologo at 12mn, my jaw dropped as to how beautiful Vigan City is.
The next morning, another spectacular view greeted me.
And during sunset or what they call the “magic hour”, Vigan City suddenly takes on a whole different yet equally breathtaking appearance. Calle Crisologo at 6PM.
I was mesmerized by its beauty.
Go around by foot or travel the traditional way – ride a Calesa.
In the afternoon, spend time enjoying a couple of drinks in the company of family and good friends.
VISIT
For a day tour, visit some old mansions that have been maintained.
QUEMA MANSION
This historic landmark along Calle Encarnacion was built in the 1820s and is open to the public. This house with capiz windows and high ceiling is livable until now.
The mansion has been preserved.
Old school doorbell.
And a vintage cooling storage device. Cool!
Back in the olden days when CCTVs weren’t invented yet, this tiny glass window on the floor of the Quema mansion served as your overhead “CCTV” to see people below and to know the people coming in and out your house.
The afternoon and setting was too nice to pass up. Hence, this photo.
RG JAR FACTORY
This factory started the “burnay” business in the Philippines in the 1820s.
Burnay is unglazed earthen jar.
Some are small, some used to store water or rice grains.
Even the bits and pieces that were purposely smashed after is used for salt and fishpond beddings.
Contact Details
Gomez St.
Vigan, Ilocos Sur Philippines
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
St. Paul’s Cathedral or the metropolitan Cathedral is a famous landmark in Vigan City. The original structure was built in 1574, then became a church in 1641 and was completed in 1800.
Contact Details
Burgos St.
Vigan, Ilocos Sur Philippines
T: (075) 722-2644
PLAZA
In the evening, head out to the Plaza and watch the spectacular laser light show. It is similar to light and fountain shows in Las Vegas and other neighboring countries. A must watch.
EAT
When in Vigan City, eat Empanada!
Had a few orders of Special Pork Longganisa Empanada at Irene’s Empanada. I took advantage of it while we were there!
TRIVIA: Irene’s Empanada was voted as the best empanada in 2013.
Ilocos Sur Empanada is different from those made in Ilocos Norte. Sur has a light orange colored shell with papaya filling. The thin shell breaks like glass hence, it is crispier and lighter. While Norte’s empanada is saltier, has a dark and thicker shell with papaya and mung beans filling. In terms of taste, I prefer Norte’s empanada better.
Contact Details
T: (075) 722-8239 / (075) 722-0581 / (075) 7231517
For some gastronomic delights, head over to Bigaa Gastropub.
Bigaa Gastropub serves dishes with Ilocano staples like bagnet and longganisa. I have tried several of their dishes and here are my top picks in case you plan to visit them.
Poqui-Poqui Pizza (Php350.00)
Not your typical pizza flavor. Poqui-Poqui Pizza uses a famous Ilocano salad of mashed eggplant, tomatoes and onions. I love Poqui Poqui and usually eat it with steamed rice. But eating this on a pizza crust was equally satisfying and delightful.
Longganisa in a Blanket (Php185.00)
Bigaa Pasta (Php150.00)
The flavors of the ripe mangoes, tomatoes, bagnet, bagoong sauce and cheese blended really well. You get sweetness, saltiness and some acidity in one perfect bite!
Longganisa Panizza with Alfalfa (Php350.00)
Classic Rusangis Pasta (Php190.00)
Rusangis is a local shellfish that they use as the main ingredient for this pasta dish. This savory specialty is one of Bigaa’s tastiest dishes. Take one bite and you’ll agree.
Contact Details
Located at Vigan Plaza Hotel,
Mena Crisologo Street,
Vigan, Ilocos Sur Philippines
C: 0917-4771907
Traveling to Vigan City? Take the SCTEX AND TPLEX roads. It will now only take you 6 1/2 hours travel time, shaving off a good 4 hours from the older route. Thank goodness for the new roads! Roads going to Vigan are tourist friendly now. Perfect for road tripping.
TOLL FEES:
Balintawak Toll – Php45.00
Dau Toll – Php173.00
SCTEX: Php104.00
TPLEX: Php216.00
*SCTEX Speed Limit: 100 max / 60 min.
With its laid-back lifestyle, Vigan City is the perfect destination for a summer sojourn.
You have to experience the place yourselves to understand its beauty!
Vigan City was also officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities alongside other beautiful cities around the world. Once you step foot in Vigan City, you will immediately know why.
During your visit to Vigan City, make sure to book a room at Hotel Luna. In my opinion, this has got to be the city’s most charming hotel hands down.
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