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Cape Bojeador watched our bus intently as we entered the north. The lighthouse has been the guardian of the far north since it started operation in 1892. The watchtower has ensured the safe passage in the territory to those who offer their respects. We have been traveling by land for over three hours, from Narvacan, and the sight of Cape Bojeador gave me a sigh of relief that we have finally reached the far north of Ilocandia. But on this side of the north, winter is not coming.  Getting ready to explore the north. The tri-municipality of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud are the homes of the tourism icons of Ilocos Norte. Located along the western shores of the Ilocandia, the three municipalities receive a steady stream of guests both for its natural and man-made wonders. These spots have earned a page in our “Araling Panlipunan” books but nothing beats a face-to-face encounter with these icons that we have seen and heard via our school teachers and social media.
As we found ourselves working on a tight schedule, we quickly hopped onto a tricycle for a quick tour of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud. Playing With The Gods of the Wind in Bangui Our hired tricycle roared along the highway with the wind. On this part of the north, the wind seem to play the game of the gods as they electrify most of the region, literally, with its wind turbines. You get accustomed by the sight of windmills along its rugged coast that stretches from Burgos to Pagudpud.  Playing with the wind with the Bangui windmills at the background. But the picture-perfect spot for playing with the wind is Bangui. This sleepy municipality made its mark in the tourism map of the Philippines for being the home of the first power-generating windfarm in Southeast Asia - the Bangui Wind Farm.  The wind farm of Bangui uses the power of the wind that supplies the electricity to the region. The completion of the initial phase of the project in 2008 gave way to the installation of 20 wind turbines along the shores of Bangui facing the West Philippine Sea. These wind turbines gracefully form an arc that make the Bangui Wind Farm a perfect spot for photos with these mighty giant fans.  The development of the wind farm also opened tourism opportunities for the locals of Bangui. The perfectly lined windmills against the seascape and landscape of Ilocos was definitely impressive. It was not surprising that the Bangui Wind Farm is a hit among travelers because of its story and aesthetic beauty.  Time to make that run in Bangui. It is good to see that not only did it bring environmentally clean electricity in the area but it also gave birth to the tourism economy that Bangui locals can definitely benefit from. The Rock Dragon of Burgos Burgos was the home of fierce Ilocanos who took arms against the Spaniards as soon as they stepped onto its soil. Prior to being named after the Ilocano priest, Padre Burgos, it was called "Nagpartian", meaning a place of slaughter, in reference to the brutal killing of a Spanish priest. Presently, Burgos receives a steady stream of tourists that admire its natural and man-made beauties.  Kapurpurawan Rock Formation from afar. The crowd was overwhelming when we got to the jump off point of the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Judging from the influx of tourists, Kapurpurawan is the municipality's crowd drawer. Carefully sculpted by nature, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a product of years and years of craftmanship of the elements. This rock formation stands out with its white color against its rugged and dark landscape. Its name is derived from the Ilocano word "puraw" which means white.  A closer look at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation from its viewing deck. From afar, the formation looks like a seated dragon facing the sea. The rock formation radiates as the rays of the sun hits its white surface. One can opt to take a horse, for a minimal fee, to get to the formation faster or take a leisurely walk along the trail.
We opted for the latter to enjoy the scenery and the breeze. There are viewing decks along the trail where you get to see the amazing white rock formation and the surrounding seascape and landscape of Burgos. You will also get acquainted with the Ilocano hero "Lam-ang" with his own spot bearing a sculpture of him defeating a crocodile.  The Lam-ang sculpture of Kapurpurawan. You can get up close and personal with the rock formation but trying to get a good spot for a photo without a photobomber can be a challenge. The white surface of the rock formation is unique for its color but its form lacks the "awe" element compared to other rock formations that I have seen in my travels. One of the locals mentioned that the side facing the sea have a whiter shade.  The IG; @thetravelingdada signature pose as we went up close and personal with Kapurpurawan. With a lot of tourist getting close to the Kapurpurawan, I have concerns that these "interactions" may damage the rock formation. The Tame and Fierce Waters of Pagudpud Pagudpud is the northernmost municipality of the Ilocos Region. Most Ilocandia trips would conclude their tours with Pagudpud for its resorts and white sand beaches.  The Welcome Arc of Pagudpud. If Burgos and Bagui are marveled for their earth and air elements respectively, it is safe to say that Pagudpud's strength lies in its water elements. Saud Beach As the sea water crashed onto the shores of the north, it seemed that the waters of Saud Beach was not in the mood to play during our stay. The waves rolled higher than usual that those intending to swim opted to just quit the idea or walked further down the shoreline for tamer waters. I guess, Saud Beach woke up on the wrong side of the bed that day.  Saud Beach is one of the popular beach destinations in Pagudpud.
Often referred to as the “Boracay of the North”, Saud Beach is a popular destination known for its long stretch of white powdery sand beach. Its proximity to the town center of Pagudpud and its wide selection of resorts that cater to all types of travellers make it a popular stop for guests of this municipality. The long stretch of powdery white sand will definitely catch your attention when you find yourself in Saud. Although it is not as white as that of the one’s that you find in Boracay, the seascape will definitely hold your breath. It is a beach spot that offers you the excitement of the crowd and the serenity for those who are soul searching. Kabigan Falls From the sea to the mountains, water seemed to be in abundance in Pagudpud. Our journey further up north brought us to another natural wonder – the Kabigan Falls.  The beauty of Kabigan Falls will captivate you. The 30-minute trek to Kabigan Falls gives you a scenic view of the Ilocos landscape complete with lush greens, a clean flowing river, and rice fields being prepared for planting. It is a scene that is surreal and serene that is simply relaxing for the mind.  We were all out smiling when we started the trek to Kabigan Falls. And if that scene is not yet enough to relax you, wait until you see water cascading from a height of 87 meters into a shallow pool in the midst of the forest. Kabigan Falls exudes a relaxing atmosphere. You hear the waters cascade, but it does not roar, as you enjoy water mists touching your skin. The best part of our experience was we got to enjoy Kabigan Falls without the crowd.  This is the foot of Kabigan Falls. We enjoyed the beauty of nature with our feet dipped into the icy cold waters of Kabigan Falls. The cold waterwas enough to relax our tired soles from the trek while our eyes enjoyed the greens that surround the waterfalls. The sweet sound of the cascading waters was a complete contrast to the rolling waters of Saud Beach. It was simply relaxing.  Kabigan Falls was one stop that really made a mark during our Ilocos trip. Here is a quick tip – the best time to enjoy Kabigan Falls is in the early morning. There is a huge chance that you will get to enjoy it without the crowd. Take note that there are designated areas for smoking that guests ought to follow. Guide Fee: Php100 / Entrance Fee per Person: Php20 Patapat Viaduct The Patapat Viaduct snakes along the edge of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. This is where the mountains meet the sea. We have reached the northernmost tip of the Ilocandia and the view of this man-made structure blending with the rugged landscape made the trip an unlocked achievement.  Welcome to the Patapat Viaduct!
Elevated at 31 meters above sea level, the Patapat Viaduct was built to minimize traffic interruptions caused by landslides. It was opened in 1986 and spans a length of 1.3 kilometers, connecting Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, making it the fourth longest bridge in the country.  The Patapat Viaduct is the fourth longest bridge in the country. The viaduct gives its guests a panoramic view of the Pasaleng Bay. Bantay Abot Cave The geological attraction was a product of an earthquake that hit the area and carved a hole into a rock formation that sits along the shores of Baloi. It was named Bantay Abot Cave with reference to the Ilocano words “bantay”, which means mountain, and “abot”, meaning hole.  Welcome to the Bantay Abot Cave! This rock formation can be accessed from the main road and is a popular stop for those heading to the Blue Lagoon. One needs to traverse through slippery rocks on shore to get to the actual “cave”. One also needs to prepare to get their feet wet with an occasional wave hitting its trail.
Bantay Abot Cave is Ilocandia’s window that faces the sea. You get a panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea on one side and the rugged Sierra Madre mountain ranges on the other. You can stand right under the arc to get a full view of both sides. Blue Lagoon and Dos Hermanos Islands From the vantage point, the Blue Lagoon looked like a peaceful sojourn bustling with activities. The view deck offers guests a panoramic view of the lagoon, also known as Maira-Ira Point. It is a popular beach spot in the north for its blue-colored waters and hosts one of the more upscale resorts in the Ilocos.  Pagudpud's Blue Lagoon. The Dos Hermanos Islands can be seen from the view deck. The two islands jut out from its blue waters and seemed to stand as guardians of the Blue Lagoon.  Dos Hermanos Island. As an individual soared above us, you could actually hear his nervous shriek as he zipped down on one of the country’s longest zip lines. POST TRAVEL NOTES The far north of Ilocos is characterized by its rugged landscape that serves as a playground of the elements. The attractions, both natural and man-made, has its own charm that will leave an impression on its guests. The rugged feel of these spots make it more appealing to travellers especially those who are willing to rough it up during their travels.  Anyone up for a Laoag trip? Cape Bojeador watched us closely as we headed back to the south. With a heavy heart, I looked back and felt bad about not being able to visit the famed lighthouse because we didn’t have time to spare to have a personal encounter with this guardian of the north. I promised myself that the next time that I travel up north, I will make time to honor the famed guardian of the north. Getting There: There are direct trips to Pagudpud from the Sampaloc station of Florida Bus Line. Another option is to take a bus for Laoag City. There are more trips that ply the Manila-Laoag route. You can check out pinoytravel.com.ph for bus schedules and ticket reservations. From Laoag, you can take another 2 hour bus ride to Pagudpud. Buses bound for Pagudpud are located along Governor Agcaoili Street, behind the Ilocos Norte Capitol Building. You can then hire a tricycle at Pagudpud to tour you around the tri-municipality of Bangui, Burgos, and Pagudpud. You can contact Kuya BJ at (0909) 7668584 for these tour arrangements. If you plan to spend the night in Pagudpud, you can check out Polaris Beach Resort at Saud Beach. For more of our travel stories, follow us on our social media accounts:
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When the beach beckons, the heart keeps yearning and the only way to temper it down is to just give in. Unlike our provincial counterparts who can hit the beach in less than an hour, Manila-based people are not that privileged. We can easily pack our bags but the road to relief will take us another 2 to 4 hours depending on your driver's skills.  When the beach beckons, you simply got to give in. Calatagan is one of the preferred beach spots because of its proximity to Manila and the selection of accommodations that it has to offer which ranges from the upscale to affordable camping sites. For those who are tight on the budget, the closure of Burot Beach for development was not the end of the camping stories of Calatagan. Another beach spot, Manuel Uy, quickly got attention because of the same offering that Burot once had. As a consequence, it draws the weekend crowd to the brim.  Calatagan is an easy destination in Batangas for beach lovers. But there is a lesser known spot in Calatagan that offers the same and a foot better and without the crowd - Nano Beach Resort. The no-frills beach resort sits a few hundred meters below the Calatagan Lighthouse and stands between private lots owned by some of Manila's prominent personalities. The beach spot has “bahay-kubo” type of accommodation complete with beddings and electric fans and decent restroom and shower facilities. Nano Beach Resort is a perfect beach spot in Calatagan without the crowd. Nano is a perfect spot to beach bum! If you are searching for a quick beach escape, Nano is a perfect spot. I guess chilling by the beach is best defined by this beach because there is nothing much to do except laze around its cream-colored sand and just bask in the sun. The place is simply laid back that with a couple of banana beds under the tree, some cool music playing in the background, and a round of drinks, our group was already enjoying the chill vibe of the beachfront resort.  Beach bumming is the best way to enjoy Nano Beach Resort. Just like Burot Beach, the waters of Nano Beach is not a swim spot. The water level gets a little higher than your knee and that is just it, unless you walk further where the water level drops to the deep-blue kind. So do not expect to swim a lot although kids would definitely enjoy wading into its waters. Just make sure that you wear beach shoes or slippers as a precaution because its seafloor is covered with sea grass. Nano and Its Amazing Sunset By late afternoon, most of us already opted to take a stroll by the beach. Asher (IG: @payatnalaskwatero) was already enjoying the warm waters of Calatagan. We opted to head towards the part of the beach, opposite the direction of the lighthouse.  Guess who is enjoying the waters of Calatagan. The shoreline of Calatagan is rugged and photogenic. There are a couple of trees that had taken its roots at the sea bed making the seascape more dramatic. In one spot, a hammock was installed between two trees by the waters and it is a favorite spot of most guests for their photos because of its creative atmosphere. Even our group spent a lot of time in the area.  A great way to watch the sunset with Asher. Further down the beach are small privately owned coves that are still to be developed. There is a wharf that was constructed there but the sea already reclaimed the area where it once stood.  Trying to blow a little wind to help a sailing boat. One thing that really stood out for me was the amazing sunset view of Nano Beach. The seascape and landscape, with the lighthouse on view, add drama to the fiery orange sun as it sets along the horizon of Calatagan. The view is just simply magical and allows you to play around with your creativity.
 Sun-kissed in Calatagan. After giving myself a fill of sunset shots, I simply sat down to enjoy the breath-taking moment of watching one of nature’s amazing free shows. Ang Nano at ang Parola One can actually see the light beacon of the Cape Santiago or the Calatagan Lighthouse from Nano Beach. The century-old lighthouse is perched on an elevated parcel of land that overlooks the coastline of Calatagan. The lighthouse is just a 20-minute walk along the shoreline from Nano Beach Resort.  The light beacon of Cape Santiago peaking through the thick shrubs. This is our second time to have come face-to-face with the Calatagan Lighthouse. The first was when we camped out at Burot Beach in 2016.
The Faro de Punta Santiago is a Spanish period lighthouse that started operations in 1890. The land on which the 51-feet round tower stands was donated by Don Santiago de Zobel hence the name of the lighthouse. The lighthouse, complete with its annexed building and fenced courtyard, is still operational to this day and guides sea vessels along the Verde Island Passage.  The Cape Santiago's front part.  The beautiful Cape Santiago viewed from the sprawling lawn behind it. Apart from appreciating the historical structure, climbing up its old winding stairs to its light beacon is a thrilling and dizzying activity, especially for those who have fear of heights. You get to see the whole coastline of Calatagan from that vantage point. It gives you a bird’s eye view of Calatagan, the properties of prominent Filipinos, and its surrounding waters.
A visit to this historical landmark is a must when you find yourself in Calatagan. Just make sure that you coordinate with Kuya Junior, the lighthouse caretaker, on the best time to visit so you can maximize the Cape Santiago experience. POST TRAVEL NOTES When the beach beckons and you got to give in, Nano Beach is Calatagan is definitely a good option to camp out and experience that beach chill atmosphere. The place is laid back and a perfect weekend spot for that quick thrill of lounging around the sand, under the sun. And when boredom strikes, one can easily enjoy a stroll by the beach or a quick trek to Cape Santiago to enjoy history and scenery of Calatagan.  Now this blog makes me want to head to the beach again. I guess the best part of the stay was that Nano Beach did not have the deluge of weekenders so we got to enjoy the place without the crowd and photo bombers. While everyone were trying to find their spot at the nearby beach, we were already settled and enjoying a crisp weekend in Nano. O Nano pang hinihintay ninyo? Getting There: The fastest and easiest way is to take a van to Calatagan. The terminal is at the back of Kabayan Hotel in Pasay City. Fare is at Php180. You can ask to be dropped off at the Calatagan Public Market. You can then take a tricycle from the public market to Nano Beach Resort. Our tricycle and resort contact in Calatagan is Dominick Velilia who can arrange everything for you in Calatagan including a side trip to the Calatagan Lighthouse. You can reach him at (0926) 5457371. For more of our travel stories, follow us on our social media accounts:
The weather in the metro has been bipolar lately. You get all the sun and the heat in morning and then, in just one big flash, heavy rains start pouring in as if there is no tomorrow. For some, the rainy season marks their break from all the traveling as it becomes their “ipon-ipon muna” season where they save up for the next summer escape.  The rainy season is just another reason to travel and discover the Philippines. When some of my friends ask for my travel advice on where to go during the rainy season, I always tell them that this is the best time to explore the beautiful cities of the Philippines. This is the time when majority of our mornings are hot and dry and the afternoons are cold and wet and most of our Philippine cities have destinations and activities that are well-suited for this kind of weather.  This is the best time to explore the colorful stories of the cities of the Philippines, like Vigan. Vigan is one city destination that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. This city located north of Manila is a popular destination known for its well-preserved Spanish-era mansions that gives you a glimpse of the country’s rich cultural and historical background. Interestingly, Vigan was once an island detached from mainland Luzon but because of the heavy siltation of the rivers that surround it, it was connected to mainland Ilocos Sur.  A typical morning in Vigan. At present, the city is the economic and government hub of the province and is a popular destination for its rich history and appetizing gastronomic delights. Join us as we take a day trip to Vigan to experience the great Ilocano hospitality. VIGAN’S MEZTIZO DISTRICT The best way to experience Vigan’s historical core is by taking an early morning walk around the city. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll at a time of the day when the chances of rain is relatively lower.  The City Hall of Vigan is part of the city's Meztizo District. Padre Burgos’ Birthplace Built in 1788, the two-storey “bahay-na-bato” is one of the prominent heritage structures in Vigan. It is in this house where Padre Jose Burgos was born in 1837. He is one of the three martyred priests, known as GomBurZa, who were executed at Bagong Bayan (now Luneta) for mutiny.  This "bahay-na-bato" is one of the prominent historical landmarks in Vigan. Padre Burgos was born in this house. The ancestral house is now a museum under the management of the National Museum. On display are the artifacts from the Iloco-Kankanay-Itneg culture, records and dioramas of historical events, Basi Revolt paintings of Don Villanueva, and the personal memorabilia of Padre Burgos.  The house is now part of the National Museum complex in Vigan. Unfortunately, we were not able to check out the exhibits as it was still too early and we were also pressed for time. But checking out the exhibits in the afternoon is ideal especially when the weather gets a little wet. Old Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail Behind the Ilocos Provincial Capitol Building and just a few meters from the ancestral home of Padre Burgos is the old provincial jail. The former jailhouse now forms part of the museum complex as an art center of the city.  The old Provincial Jail was the birthplace of another prominent Ilocano, former President Quirino. The jailhouse was built in 1657 and is a mute witness to the lives behind bars of prominent Ilocano personalities. Interestingly, the place was also the birthplace of former President Elpidio Quirino who was born on the second floor of the building in 1890 when Mariano Quirino was serving as a jail warden.  The Philippine Historical Committee Marker that honors the mother of former President Quirino. Ilocos Sur Capitol Building Standing majestically at the city center is the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol Building. It is the seat of power in the region and it is one of the oldest provincial capital after it was established in 1576.  The Ilocos Sur Capitol Building stands out in the city's historical core with its American Colonial architecture. The building stands out among all structures in the area because of its American Colonial architecture and its massive size dominates the skyline of Vigan. Plaza Salcedo At the heart of the city is the famous Plaza Salcedo. It is a central piece of Vigan from the past to the present. It is also a mute witness to the city’s rich and bloody history since it was established in 1576 as Villa Fernandina.  Plaza Salcedo is a hallowed place for Philippine heroes. This was the execution site of Gabriela Silang. It is historically significant as the plaza was the site where Ilocana heroine, Gabriel Silang, was publicly executed by Spanish officials as a warning to Filipinos about dissent. Apart from its rich history, the plaza also has memoriam installed around its hallowed grounds in honor of great Filipinos like President Quirino and Jose Rizal.  Plaza Salcedo comes alive in the evening with its light and fountain show. Salcedo Plaza is popular as an evening spot with its colourful light and water fountain show. Unfortunately, we were not able to catch the show as we opted to spend the night in Narvacan. Arzobispado Nueva Segovia Within the city center is an 18th century Archbishop’s residence – the Arzobispado Nueva Segovia. The residence is the only surviving Archbishop’s residence of its age. I had the chance to explore its receiving area with its massive pillars and staircases leading to the second floor. On display on its walls are historical records which also show the area that was under their jurisdiction during the Spanish times.  The Arzobispado Nueva Segovia is the only Archbishop's residence existing of its age. Apart from its religious significance, the Arzobispado also has historical significance. It once served as Emilio Aguinaldo’s headquarters in 1898 and an American Garrison in 1899. Within its premises is a museum that houses eccelesiastical artifacts from the region. Vigan Cathedral Just right across the Arzobispado is the city’s center of Catholic faith – the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle or the Vigan Cathedral. The present church was built in 1790 to 1800 by the Agustinians.  The Vigan Cathedral is the center of faith in Vigan and Ilocos Sur. The cathedral has an earthquake baroque architecture with large buttresses on its sides. The cream-colored façade of the church is highlighted by the image of St. Paul. Its perimeter fence are adorned by image of different saints as if guarding the hallowed structure.  The intricate and beautiful altar of the Vigan Cathedral. The simple interior of the church complements its exterior. The church has a single nave with two side aisles flanking it. The church is highlighted by a two-tiered retablo with the Virgin Mary as its central image. Vigan Bell Tower Just right across the street stands the Vigan Bell Tower. This 25 meter bell tower has a weather rooster installed on its top that symbolizes St. Peter.  The Vigan Bell Tower with its iconic Rooster Weather Vale. It is one of the bell towers in the country that stands separately from the church’s structure. Plaza Burgos Plaza Burgos is one of the two major plazas that you will find in Vigan. The plaza is adjacent to the Vigan Bell Tower and was named in honor of the martyred priest, Padre Burgos. At the center of the plaza is a memorial in honor of Vigan’s favorite son with an image of him installed at the heart of the plaza.  The Burgos Plaza is the second largest plaza in Vigan that honors Padre Burgos. Apart from the spot being a favorite afternoon spot for locals, this is where you can also find horse-drawn carriages, known as Kalesa, lined up along the side. They offer a quick tour of the Meztizo District in a more authentic feel.  Horse-drawn carriages known as Kalesa are lined along Burgos Plaza. They offer a tour of Vigan the old-fashioned way. Plaza Burgos is also a great place to start your food adventure with local food stalls that offer authentic Ilocano cuisines. Don’t forget to try out their empanada which is a favorite afternoon snack in Vigan. Calle Crisologo I have been to Vigan a couple of times and a trip to this city is never complete without walking the streets of Calle Crisologo. It is the tourism icon of Vigan and it is the one responsible in putting Vigan in the country’s tourism map.  Welcome to Calle Crisologo - Vigan's premiere destination! Named after a prominent Ilocano, Mena Pecson Crisologo, the street is a repository of well-preserved Spanish-era “bahay-na-bato” mansions of affluent Ilocanos. These heritage houses, complete with the street’s cobblestone floors, give you a glimpse and the feel of how it was like to walk this famed street during the Spanish colonial period.
Every now and then, a kalesa would stride by and you can close your eyes and hear the “klippity klop” sound of the horse’s shoes on the cobblestone street to get a complete Spanish-era sensory feel of Calle Crisologo.  Calle Crisologo is a well-preserved collection of Spanish bahay-na-bato owned by prominent Ilocano. It is a photographer’s playground. I have taken so many shots of Calle Crisologo and the place seem to not run out of angles that you can play around with. Calle Crisologo is very photogenic. It is a timeless place where you can tinker around with your creativity and imagination.
One setback though is that with the flood of tourists that swing by the street, you can expect the usual photobomber every now and then. Getting a clean shot of Calle Crisologo can be a challenge.  Despite the numerous times that I have visited Calle Crisologo, I will never get tired of its beauty. Here is a tip that I discovered on this trip, you can head off to the farthest end of Calle Crisologo, near Liberation Boulevard, way ahead of the other tourists. While most guests are on the starting block and flocking along the rows of souvenir shop, you will get better chances of getting a “clean” shot without the flock from this vantage point. Crisologo Museum Another popular heritage house turned museum in Vigan is the Crisologo Museum along Liberation Boulevard. The modest “bahay-na-bato” was turned into a museum to honor the heritage of the Crisologo clan of Ilocos as it showcases the personal memorabilia of the family.  The Crisologo Museum is another Vigan landmark. Interestingly, the man behind the conversion of the heritage house to a museum, Floro Crisologo, was a local political figure who was assassinated inside the Vigan Cathedral. His death and legacy are now immortalized in one of the corners of the house where he grew up in. Simbaan A Bassit Overshadowed by the Vigan Cathedral, the Simbaan a Bassit, along Liberation Boulevard, is a small church that also stands as a mute witness to Vigan’s colorful history.  The Simbaan A Bassit is a small church under the shadows of the Vigan Cathedral. Built in the 1850s, the small church was probably built as a Campo Santo where the final mass is held before the remains of the dead are interred in its final resting place. This is a common structure in century-old cemeteries similar to the ones that you find in San Joaquin in Iloilo, Roxas City, and Taguig City. So do not be surprised that the small church is surrounded by tombstones.
The church was dedicated to Apo Lakay whose image is the centrepiece of the altar. The image was saved from a Spanish Galleon that sunk near the waters of the city. It is believed that the image of the Black Nazarene saved the city from the plagues of 1756 and 1882.  I was in awe with the art work at the altar of Simbaan A Bassit. One thing that stood out for me are the wall and ceiling artworks of the church – the one in the altar to be exact. I am amazed by the intricate details of the painting. It really reflects the painstaking work by the artist behind the paintings. AROUND VIGAN Beyond the Meztizo District of the city, there are a number of attractions that you can check out when you find yourself in Vigan. These notable attractions are close to the city center but one would need to hop on a tricycle to get to these destinations. With a few hours left before we headed off to nearby Narvacan, we opted to check out two familiar tourist spots around Vigan. Baluarte Some 10 to 15 minutes from the city by tricycle is a sprawling land owned by former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson where you can enjoy close encounters with wildlife. The zoo has a variety of animals, both real and unreal, that appeals to all ages. The best part of it is that entrance to the place is free.  The Baluarte is a property owned by former Governor Chavit Singson that is one of the premiere attraction of Vigan. Guests can enjoy observing animals from different parts of the world up close. Tigers, ostrich, deer, peacock, camels, and even life-size dinosaur statues are just some of the animals under their care. Baluarte is further expanding with its Marina Point that will feature marine animal shows. It is definitely something to look forward to in the future. Hidden Garden of Vigan Far from the city’s buzz is a garden that has slowly claimed a spot in the tourism map of Vigan. In the past years, the Hidden Garden evolved from being hidden to a not-so-hidden tourist destination in Vigan.  Vigan's Hidden Garden is no longer hidden. Hidden Garden started out as a personal venture that later on bloomed to open its gate to tourists in 1991. From then on, the place welcomed thousands of tourists, both popular and the not-so-popular. The place will definitely appeal to those who have a green thumb as it is teeming with varieties of plants that you can’t help but admire as you walk along the garden path and under the green canopies.  Hidden Garden has a wide selection of plants that a person with a green thumb will definitely enjoy. Landscaped into the garden is a restaurant that has a homey atmosphere with its native Filipino design surrounded by the greens. Their menu offerings are Ilocano favorites and one thing that you should not miss out is their empanada. POST TRAVEL NOTES A wedding invitation gave us the opportunity to wander around Vigan, mostly on foot. Unlike my previous visits, I had more time to “read” through the colorful history of the city despite the limited time. Vigan stays true to its tourism brand promise of giving its guests a glimpse of Philippine history in the most interesting way. The city’s historical core is a delight to all the senses. It teaches the lessons of the past and the importance of understanding the value of what makes us Filipinos, through our colourful history.  Where are we headed next? A day is not enough to experience the whole of Vigan but it is enough to imbibe in one’s heart the pride of being Filipino. Vigan gives you an interesting brief of our story as Filipinos which, in the end, will make you yearn for more. So is anyone up to head up to Vigan on a weekend? Getting There: Heading up to Vigan is relatively easy as most bus lines to the north make a stop in Vigan. The fastest way to get a roundtrip bus ticket is through pinoytravel.com.ph. Bus fare ranges from Php580 to Php806 depending on the type of bus service that you prefer. I suggest that one takes the De Luxe buses for a more comfortable 10 hour trip. I also suggest that one takes the evening trips. Once in Vigan, you can walk around the historical core of the city. You can take the tricycle to head up to Baluarte and Hidden Garden. For cheaper accommodations, you can call Casa Virginia Romana at (0927) 4903895 or (0935) 2006757. For more of our travel stories, follow us on our social media accounts:
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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May 2025
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