Authentic, it’s the perfect word to describe Vigan. It’s almost automatic to call as such for what it sets out to be. But not so fast, if or when you get there, you’ll be amazed on how Vigan stretches that perfect description.
Evidences of the colonial times still exist and modernism hasn’t spread all over the place. Calle Crisologo is the main attraction. It’s a famous cobblestone street lined with antique and souvenir shops where people can walk through history with the old and in disrepair houses. Boarding on a carriage, as one of the many stops, me and my girlfriend, Edith, toured Former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino’s old Syquia mansion.
Vigan is genuine and true to its root. One major influence from the Spanish colonization is Catholicism. Certainly committed in keeping history and traditions, Vigan lives up to that area of expectation as well.
Our last stop was St. Augustine’s Cathedral. The views here are not only incredible from the outside but also from the inside looking out. We climbed atop the belfry and got rewarded with the bird’s eye view of the town.
Pottery industry still runs as good business. You can ask the carriage driver to make a quick stop to a pottery market. Maybe you can buy one like I did. Livelihood in Vigan sure is basic. You don’t have to physical see the authenticity of Vigan, you can just feel it from the atmosphere and from people. Life is simple there, and it’s highly visible. The garden part of the tour was an off-set for anything Vigan, but a pleasant stop nonetheless.
Authenticity is written all over Vigan’s restaurant’s menus, its antique looks and their bucolic way of living. Vigan and the rest of Ilocos region has their own culinary style and tastes. They pride for their distinctive quality of food. Vigan’s one of a kind empanda is my most craved food of all my travels. See my post here. Also, don’t miss going to Baluarte where the zoo offers plenty of animal interactions unlike others. Vigan remains pure and unerring. The Baluarte Zoo is not abused and rules are highly respected by its visitors.
Plaza Burgos
Tourism certainly has not been swayed and exploited by too much commercialism. It is untouched by corporate world, not congested with big companies and no big cheese walking around. I hope that, like their ancient houses, everything stays as it is. It’d be nice to know for Vigan to remain… with valued, and appreciated well-kept authenticity.
- A fellow blogger, who I met before, recommended Grandpa’s Inn. We certainly enjoyed our accomodation. -
This post is part of Flashback Friday.
—————————————-
FEATURED BLOG
Here’s to a very memorable blog post I know. Also a flashback post, Photo Flashback, this time last year, Kate presented these remarkably fine portraits of a Brazilian family she visited living simply and peacefully in a rural location. Kate Anthony Photography may not blog as much as everyone else. But when she does, rest assured that her blog posts and her impressive images are done with sheer brilliance and excellence.
—————————————-
Last Calls…
.
A lovely tour with you and your loved one…thank you for sharing Vigan as it is always great to learn about new places.
It sure isn’t as popular compared to our beaches… But actually it’s a great part of it.
Ahh that’s such a lovely photo of you with Edith
Thanks. She will love reading the comments on this one.
Tgis place lok really cosy
great shots! i’m from region 1 but havent been anywhere Ilocos, your post reminds me to alot a few days for it in my IT this december, thanks!
Cool! I wish I can say the same. I’ve wondered what if I had lived my childhood days in rural areas. Have fun and travel safe!
You and Madhu are the consummate tour guides and keep me adding to my bucket list. With your stunning photos and heartfelt description of Vigan, who wouldn’t want to visit? Lovely post Rommel and still lovelier photo of you and Edith.
OH NO! I can never reach Madhu’s. She’s got so many travel histories. Thanks for the compliment anyhow.
Vigan sounds like just the kind of unspoilt destination we love! And that photo of you and Edith is truly beautiful
Ahhh … I know this. I have your blog in mind when I was composing this post.
never been to, a nice place to explore… on my bucket list if ever I get to visit.
great photos btw.
Keep it there in your bucket list. Maybe someday. Maybe someday.
Thank you so much for mentioning my blog- I’m SO flattered at your kind words! Beautiful pictures on your behalf as well! Keep up the good work!
That post is so memorable. It is embedded in my brain. Sometimes, it hunts me on my sleeps. I even once almost get into a car crash thinking of it. Hehehehe Well-deserved. You can really tell true photographers from posers like me. Hehe
Beautiful place.
You and Edith toured Former Philippine President, Wow! It’s wonderful to see how people keep the authenticity. Edith is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing the precious picture, Rommel!
Only his old mansion. Hehe. Vigan is authentic in so many ways.
What a beautiful place… So much to see, so little time.
Thank you for checking in during the Hurricane… your kind wishes were appreciated!
Hoping for NJ’s survival. And I’m also hoping people around the world start realizing the effects of global warming.
Same here… I live in NY and my best friend lives in NJ! Hoping everyone affected recovers…
There is a wonderful vibe to this place that really comes through your photos. It reminds me of a little village I was whisked off to in Puerto Vallarta. I rode on a stool in the rusted out remains of a clunker. No one spoke ANY English and I was the only blonde I think most of them had ever seen. It was awesome. Great photo of you too. Very dramatic. I like.
Ahhh Mexico. How I wish to go there. I’m just not allowed.
Go to Philippines, and all eyes on you.
I never thought of climbing that belfry! lol. now, I regret that. What a lovely couple you make! A very nice way to end the post. =>
Why? Oh why!? Fear, didn’t know/realize? Ow well, there’s plenty of stops for Vigan tour.
What a lovely photo of you and Edith! And what a great city. The churches are so beautiful and with such a great history and past. I really enjoy seeing this beautiful city through your eyes!
Oh, I love Vigan! I can taste the empanada, the bagnet and the longganisa right now just looking at your pictures. This post brings back lovely memories as well…
Vigan empanada is my most craved food out of all my travels.
Rommel, this is such an interesting post — the first photo is especially striking. As you pointed out, the Spanish influence is quite strong in Vigan. I’ve never visited the Philippines, but I’ve always been curious about the country. Definitely, I’ll live vicariously through your blog and photos! Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by and following Travel Oops! Steph
A lot of commentators say that!? Living vicariously through my blog.
Well live vicariously away!
I love your post. I’ve never been to the Philippines, but have a friend who visited there, and came back with his beautiful wife. They now have two small children. You pictures are wonderful. The red and white building that you took from inside is stunning. The colors, the framing, Fab. You and Edith are adorable, too. Perfect place for a romantic picture.
Ilocos always seem so rustic in pictures. Too bad I didn’t push through with my trip this year. Hopefully, I get to see what you have also seen next year.
Next time, YOU SHOULD!
Yes sir. It’s among the top of my priorities.
wow these photos are wonderful. I really want to travel more internationally. Thanks for sharing! I’m digging the new blog layout btw.
I really want to travel more internationally, too.
Your layout is impressive too. Seriously, it urged me to try it on my blog. Just not for me. But it is very neat.
Nice entry Rommel! and what lovely day with your special one!
Will visit Vigan early next year 
WEEE! Well, have fun and travel safe!
Ow, when or if you do, do come back and let me know.
Gorgeous tour!! And really love the shot of the two of you at the bottom…great capture!
Nina
As always, great photo series, the first one is my favorite though, hehe! I’m really drawn to black & white shots. I’ve always wanted to see Vigan, now I just can’t wait.
Black and White is best for Vigan authentication.
How did tou manage to place the 3 photos side by side without ruining their arrangement?
I used external collage apps, one that is not from WP. WordPress needs to improve theirs. hehe. Thanks for the visit.
Could you tell me exactly what the name of the app is? hehe I know, WP needs to work on theirs. You’re welcome.
Wonderful selections of photos.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Your photography certainly make me want to visit the Philippines — and that’s the mark of a good photographer.
There’s really no place like home. Bro, your new site is really a charm; it really makes the pictures vivid and that makes the viewer appreciate them all the more.
amazing tour, thanks!