Bienvenidos a la Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan, Ilocos Sur!
Naimbag nga Isasangbayyo dagiti Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan, Ilocos Sur!
Maligayang Pagdating sa Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan, Ilocos Sur!

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CITY

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/newvigan.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan.jpg

http://www.devcomm.com/5.Philippine%20gallery/viganmodeldoor.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganpic03.jpg




Local and foreign experts describe Vigan as a "place like no other". Its uniqueness lies in its historic townscape which is an architectural blend of Asian, European and Latin American influences. Being the only surviving colonial town in the country, Vigan has more strung along the narrow streets of the old Mestizo District, popularly known in the olden days as Kasanglayan (Chinese Quarters).

Located in the Northern part of the Philippines, Vigan is 408 kilometers northwest of Manila and includes area of the China Sea as a buffer zone on the western side of the town.

Vigan, earlier known as " Ciudad Fernandina" from 1758 to late 19th century, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. It has auspiciously escaped the bombs of World War II unlike its sister cities, Manila and Cebu. How and why it has survived the wrath of war is a fascinating story on its own.

Vigan brings images of antiquated houses, cobbled narrow streets, calesas and friendly faces peering out of large windows; a place where "time stood still". Yet, despite all the romantic images this place provokes, much is still unfamiliar about Vigan.

The name came from the Ilocano word "kabiga-an" pertaining to the plant "biga" abounds. Biga is a tuberous plant (alocadia indica) that once grew along the banks of its rivers.

Vigan was once a thriving center for trade and commerce among the people of Ilocandia and the Cordilleras. It is situated at the delta of the Abra River (now the Mestizo and Govantes Rivers) going to the South China Sea. This position at the mouth of the river most probably afooded its existence as it was a fluvial harbor connected to the China Sea, making trade possible with other islands and with China.

Today, Vigan was recently included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1999 and converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. In partnership with the government of Spain, the Vigan Master Plan is in the process for the revitalization of the historic Vigan.

I remember seeing an Ilocos thread somewhere - but it hasn't been active lately.

i see. but you know it's too good to be boxed with other Ilocano cities, or any philippine city really. :) let's see.

some pics anyway... of my favourite city:


http://www.visit-ilocos.com/images/viganaerial.jpg

http://image20.webshots.com/21/2/6/97/225920697ZlKawZ_ph.jpg

http://image26.webshots.com/27/2/8/65/326720865vGXcCN_ph.jpg

http://image34.webshots.com/34/9/1/81/268390181QdYfzC_ph.jpg

if they can expand this city/district and construct more bahay-na-bato's with the same antique architecture, build a large museum somewhere along the cobblestoned Crisologo street, beautify/expand the Plaza Salcedo, redesign/reconstruct Vigan Cathedral, put more museums, shops, cafes, hotels in the same old architecture and in turn, will encourage more Migrants/Filipinos to this City,

we can make it our Florence, our own little Europa.

http://www.svinicki.net/european%20vacation/florence/images/16.%20Florence%20Street%20Market.jpg

http://arall.aeromech.usyd.edu.au/people/zqsu/EuroSummer/Florence%20Street.jpg

Florence I assume...

In terms of colonial structures what other city still has its Spanish flare?

Nice pics - Vigan looks very atmospheric - especially at night! I hope the local government is doing its best to preserve it from careless developers!

wow manileño, that pic brings back college memories.. :) i had a vacation with friends there once..

wow.. Vigan is indeed beautiful and nostalgic... :D

that is one city in Ilocos that I have missed on seeing during my time when i was all over Ilocos..:D I want to see those Spanish houses...

Is there a law that prevent the buildings there from getting demolished?

Oh some links didn't work.. let me post them again.


some pics anyway... of my favourite city:


http://www.visit-ilocos.com/images/viganaerial.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan01.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan00.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan02.jpg

In terms of colonial structures what other city still has its Spanish flare?


aren't you from the Philippines too?

I guess after Vigan, it's Intramuros, Manila of course. and then Taal, Batangas, then Carcar, Cebu.. and yea, Silay, Negros Occidental.

aren't you from the Philippines too?

I guess after Vigan, it's Intramuros, Manila of course. and then Taal, Batangas, then Carcar, Cebu.. and yea, Silay, Negros Occidental.

I am Filipino, but I am not familiar with others besides Vigan and Intramuros.

:hammer:

Finally, there's a thread on this, it's funny how it became about so late for such a historic and beautiful village zone in the country!

no mac-do though, please, it's gross and we need to put our own first!

In terms of colonial structures what other city still has its Spanish flare?


manileño stated true areas with it's famous spanish/old-world flare, but the truth is that many places throughout the country are made up of spanish/hispanic designs but they aren't spoken of or aren't designated as known areas for this. They can be today's everyday towns and rural areas that are naturally spanish-filipino in character (400 yrs of spain!), but it's not extreme like a Vigan or Intramuros, so that's why they're not recognized. The spanish-filipino setting character is just a part of everyday life. Even some parts of the major cities have pieces of the colonial times as well.

manileño stated true areas with it's famous spanish/old-world flare, but the truth is that many places throughout the country are made up of spanish/hispanic designs but they aren't spoken of or aren't designated as known areas for this. They can be everyday towns and rural areas that are naturally spanish in character (400 yrs of spain!), but it's not extreme like a Vigan or Intramuros, so that's why it's not recognized. The character is just a part of everyday life.

Yeah, I was looking for a Vigan-type village or something outside Luzon.

Here is a cool picture:

http://manalang.com/philippines/images/lrg_philippines_c0040.JPG

These buildings are located just across from San Agustin Church and are examples of the architecture left behind after the Spanish colonial period.

Nice pics - Vigan looks very atmospheric - especially at night! I hope the local government is doing its best to preserve it from careless developers!



i hope it's not just preserved. i hope it expands and grow into a bigger city /centrepiece of Phil. architecture, arts and history. That more people especially artists and writers move in to this city, (i would, someday) and build more heritage houses/buildings, museums, etc.

like a Florence in the making..

or even something that would look like this:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/guanajuato.jpg

That is Guanajuato, Mexico by the way. another colonial/heritage city.

Finally, there's a thread on this, it's funny how it became about so late for such a historic and beautiful village zone in the country!


i know!

manileño stated true areas with it's famous spanish/old-world flare, but the truth is that many places throughout the country are made up of spanish/hispanic designs but they aren't spoken of or aren't designated as known areas for this. They can be today's everyday towns and rural areas that are naturally spanish-filipino in character (400 yrs of spain!), but it's not extreme like a Vigan or Intramuros, so that's why they're not recognized. The spanish-filipino setting character is just a part of everyday life. Even some parts of the major cities have pieces of the colonial times as well.


i agree. but i mentioned only those with OUTSTANDING and really Compact heritage sites/houses/monuments in one city/town. :)

i know! (manileno)

^ I think it's because of a few things. One is that Vigan is located up north from where the action is. Two, it's mostly Intramuros, Taal, etc. and other famous attractions like Boracay that get talked about over Vigan, because for Intramuros, it's not only in Manila, but a lot of famous history is linked with it. But Vigan has always been there, quiet but visited.

no mac-do though, please, it's gross and we need to put our own first!

good thing Maccaz conformed with the architecture though??..Vigan's getting grants from UNESCO right? what are they doing with the money, how r they preserving it exactly?

-dp-

i agree. but i mentioned only those with OUTSTANDING and really Compact heritage sites/houses/monuments in one city/town. :)


Yes so if you want the major and designated colonial places (not counting all the millions of towns/villages that are naturally with colonial influences), it would be what Manileno mentioned: Vigan, Intramuros, Taal, Cebu, Baguio, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Albay, other zones in Manila proper, and don't forget the very Spanish Zamboanga.

there will come a time, believe me. the farther from manila, the better.

the farther North you go, the better. The nearer to China, Taiwan, the more posh it'll be.

In the end, itt's North vs. South usually. Go Vigan!!! :)


Actually, it will be great up north anyways because it's a colonial site in the north part, because most of these things are in the rest of luzon, visayas and mindanao. So it's nice that besides, Baguio, there's something else up in the north. And for that, it'll be a place to go and it's natural poshness will become more posh. Not because of China or Taiwan.

it's actually more than 150 kms farther north from Baguio.

Besides the colonial feel of the city, it is its proximity to 2 other UNESCO World Heritage Sites that makes it promising, a heritage corridor that might as well be converted to a modern museum metropolis in the future.

The 2 other UNESCO WHS are:

Santa Maria Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
and
Paoay Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Of course, Laoag and Pagudpud Beach are another major attractions.

The extension of the modern North Rail to this area should make me pack my bags quick and say adios Manila. (for real!)

Do you guys have to take those tiny cessna type planes to visit Vigan via air?

wow! thanks for the pics. :) I really want to go to Ilocos, especially to Vigan, this year...but sad to say it's impossible to happen. hope that I could fulfill my dream next year. :D

mas foto...



http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganplaza.jpg

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/ilocos_vigan_house.jpg

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/ilocos_vigan_street.jpg

http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04232004.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigannight.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/jollibeevigan.jpg

Vigan's a beauty!

I love Vigan and her longganisa! :D

i love vigan 2 and its' bagnet, longganisa, empanada, burnay jars, tiles, furniture and antiques - some of which i hauled all the way to the bay area.

They actually have sidewalks (bangketa) in Vigan. LOL

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan003.jpg


Another view of Plaza Salcedo with the Jose Burgos Monument and Vigan Cathedral (San Pablo Church)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan005.jpg


How cultured Vigan and its people really are!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan004.jpg

Why can't the city fix those houses with new paints or repair the damages? I'm just asking. It would look better too. And, are the houses own by the government or the families that live in that place?

^ I think it adds to the 'old feel' of the place the way it is -- tempered wood, peeling paint. If they add blooming bougainvilleas, the place will look more beautiful and brimming with colors.

vigan is somehow stuck in the old spanish era. very impressive. is the govn helping them to preserve those buildings, may i ask

^ I think it adds to the 'old feel' of the place the way it is -- tempered wood, peeling paint. If they add blooming bougainvilleas, the place will look more beautiful and brimming with colors.

i second that. Although if they're ever gonna repaint them, i hope it's washed white paint (old white) to keep its character/uniformity.

What do you guys have to say about this newly painted house in Vigan?
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan006.jpg


Sucks, no? Should be WHITE!!.. or this house looks relatively new... maybe newer buildings/heritage houses may be painted different color?

very orange :D

Pink and orange!!! What a combination.

I like the rest. They should just paint the walls with the ORANGE with white! I wonder who the heck decided that needs to take an Art appreciation class!

all those other pics are reminiscent of old Cuba. very nice.

Very nice pics! :applause:

I like the rest. They should just paint the walls with the ORANGE with white! I wonder who the heck decided that needs to take an Art appreciation class!

Maybe the person just came from the Carribean, hence, the vibrant colors.

Maybe the person just came from the Carribean, hence, the vibrant colors.

Well, warm colors are okey. It might take awhile but one can always give it a try. :cheers1:

Maybe the person just came from the Carribean, hence, the vibrant colors.


yea i just realized there's more of them:


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan008.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan013.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/cafeleona1.jpg



the newer buildings mostly.

They look nice either way. The old and the new. The tempered wood blends well with the aqua colour.

yea i just realized there's more of them:


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan008.jpg



I like this one! :)

all those other pics are reminiscent of old Cuba. very nice.

eres cubano?

esta es la tercer mas vieja ciudad en Filipinas.

Vigan is the third oldest city in the Philippines, after Cebu and Manila.

Do you guys have to take those tiny cessna type planes to visit Vigan via air?

have you? tried flying to Vigan domestic airport?

Cos most tourists would either take a 6-7 hour bus ride/drive from Manila to Vigan. OR take the plane to Laoag and then drive south to Vigan.

have you? tried flying to Vigan domestic airport?

Cos most tourists would either take a 6-7 hour bus ride/drive from Manila to Vigan. OR take the plane to Laoag and then drive south to Vigan.

Why? What's with the Vigan Domestic Airport? :?

good thing Maccaz conformed with the architecture though??..Vigan's getting grants from UNESCO right? what are they doing with the money, how r they preserving it exactly?



There's a commission handling the preservation of Vigan called Vigan Heritage Village Commission. UNESCO doesn't extend loans/reparation funds. It's a UN agency where the country is a member (hehe--yea almost all countries are members of UN) so it just guides the countries to action towards preservation.

The government of the Philippines through the Department of Tourism provides for 9% of the total budget for the works in the city. It's the Government of Spain through its Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional that actually contributes the most to the budget (31 million pesos or 89% of the total budget.

There's a commission handling the preservation of Vigan called Vigan Heritage Village Commission. UNESCO doesn't extend loans/reparation funds. It's a UN agency where the country is a member (hehe--yea almost all countries are members of UN) so it just guides the countries to action towards preservation.

The government of the Philippines through the Department of Tourism provides for 9% of the total budget for the works in the city. It's the Government of Spain through its Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional that actually contributes the most to the budget (31 million pesos or 89% of the total budget.

So Spain is still contributing to her previous daughter. :) Is that the only thing that they give out money? I read that they also still give money to those Filipinos who are descendants of Spanish officials.

(royal gold military pension - or Escudos - from Spain which are still being sent by the Spanish government from 19th century up to this time)

They actually have sidewalks (bangketa) in Vigan. LOL

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan003.jpg


Another view of Plaza Salcedo with the Jose Burgos Monument and Vigan Cathedral (San Pablo Church)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan005.jpg


How cultured Vigan and its people really are!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan004.jpg

I could imagine most of the Luzon being like this....it's so sad that it isn't :(

^ I think it adds to the 'old feel' of the place the way it is -- tempered wood, peeling paint. If they add blooming bougainvilleas, the place will look more beautiful and brimming with colors.

Is that what they mean by the bagong-luma effect?

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/HEADING1.gif

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/news1.gif

The Crisologo Street is a scenic of a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with
European colonial architecture and planning. These houses, built by the Bigueños of Chinese
ancestry engaged in trade, barter and manufacture of indigo dye, abel (woven) fabric, gold,
tobacco and other goods. Being the only surviving colonial city in the country, Vigan has more
than 180 ancestral houses and historical landmarks tightly strung along the narrow streets of the
old Mestizo District, popularly known then as Kasanglayan (Chinese quarters).

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/fiesta.jpg http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/fiesta8.gif

Vigan City Fiesta
A week long fiesta of the City of Vigan features the festive Longganisa street dancing, carnivals, parades, musical extravaganzas, beauty and popularity contests, and nightly cultural shows, culminating with the celebration of the "conversion" of St. Paul the apostle, the city's patron saint, on January 25.

[QUOTE=manileño]i second that. Although if they're ever gonna repaint them, i hope it's washed white paint (old white) to keep its character/uniformity.

What do you guys have to say about this newly painted house in Vigan?
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan006.jpg


Aray!! ang sakit sa mata! Doling ba yung painter?

Semana Santa (Holy Week)
The observance of the Holy Week is one of Vigan's foremost tourist attractions. Tourists flock to join local devotees in the religious processions with life-size statutes in "carrozas" and participate in the traditional "pasion" and "visita iglesia". Its own share of religious pageantry and the people's public demonstration of sanctity and piety make its local rendering a memorable experience for all.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/semana.jpg

WORLD HERITAGE CITIES SOLIDARITY DAY

Held every 8th day of September, the City of Vigan joins other World Heritage Sites to promote the conservation of natural and man-made heritage for the benefit of mankind. In the entire Philippine archipelago, it is only Vigan City that celebrates this momentous event.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/WHS.jpg

I prefer the colour-scheme in this one: :)



http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan013.jpg

Viva Vigan Festival of THE Arts
In an effort to increase public awareness of Vigan as a unique historic city to be conserved and protected, the Save Vigan Ancestral Homes Association, Inc. (SVAHAI), a local non-government organization involved in the conservation of Vigan Heritage, initiated the 1st Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts in May 1993. With the help of members of print and broadcast media, as well as Manila-based proponents of conservation, the first festival was a success.
Encouraging public response has made festival a yearly activity. It has also proven to be a stimulus for the local tourism industry. Over the past years, the Viva Vigan Festival has become one of the biggest cultural events in the North, attracting domestic and foreign visitors who come to Vigan on a pilgrimage to our heritage.
Viva Vigan is held every 1st week of May. It features a calesa parade, binatbatan street dancing, ramada games, religious rituals, santacruzan, bankathon, exhibits, trade/food fairs, abel-iloco fashion show and other exciting events.

The Tres de Mayo that coincides with the festivity is celebrated with the "Pabitin" and merry-making activities in almost all corners of the poblacion, while most of the barangays outside the poblacion celebrate the anniversary of their patron saints at their barangay fiestas that usually last for three days. In all these events, sports competition has been an indispensable feature.

Calesa Parade
For many years now, Calesa Parade became the main attraction of the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts. It features around 100 calesa (horse-drawn vehicle) decorated with indigenous materials in accordance to the theme of the Viva Vigan.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/calesaP.jpg

Binatbatan Street Dancing

Introduced in Viva Vigan 2002 as one of the highlights of the celebration, Binanbatan Street Dancing is as colorful and interesting as other street dancing in the country. Binatbatan is a dance using a pair of bamboo sticks. Its movements depict the process of producing yarn from the cotton plant which is use in the abel iloco weaving industry. It features the young and old bigueños wearing an abel iloco costume and together dancing across the historic streets of Vigan City.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/binatbatan.jpg

Empanada and Okoy
http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/empanada.gif

Bagnet (Letchon Kawali)
http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/bagnet.gif

Longganisa
http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/longanisa.gif

Pinakbet
http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/pinakbet.gif

[QUOTE=manileño]i second that. Although if they're ever gonna repaint them, i hope it's washed white paint (old white) to keep its character/uniformity.

What do you guys have to say about this newly painted house in Vigan?

Aray!! ang sakit sa mata! Doling ba yung painter?

I had a problem with this particular color too. It just screams ORANGE! :runaway:

They need to check the color wheel:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/images/Color%20Wheel%203.gif

:jk:

Exactly, Animo! :lol: Ok, purple is my favourite colour, but that doesn't mean I want my house painted in that colour - yikes!

I miss longanisa - I had no idea it came from Vigan!

I miss longanisa - I had no idea it came from Vigan!

What is the difference with Longganisa and Chorizo de Bilbao (my dad's favorite)?

I miss longanisa - I had no idea it came from Vigan!


most provinces have their own version of longaniza.

me personally, i like Longaniza de Vigan the most. (sweet but not too sweet)
Longaniza de Pampanga is next.(very sweet) followed by Longaniza de Lucban (soury/salty and oily served with vinegar mostly)

[I][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Empanada and Okoy
http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/empanada.gif





argghh, i miss those empanadas!!! fried empanadas that you sawsaw with vinegar. yummm!!! they're sold in abundance all over Plaza Salcedo.

The Vigan Houses
The Vigan ancestral houses were built by Chinese taipans who made fortunes out of indigo dye, abel fabrics, gold, tobacco and other export items. The massive brick and plaster houses with red tiled roofs and imposing doorways, grand staircases, broad narra floorboards and piedra china, sliding capiz windows and ventanillas and cool azotea reflect the artistic and technological craftsmanship of the 18th and 19th century native artisans who developed an architectural style adapted to the earthquake-prone tropics.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/OldHouse-2.jpg

Calle Crisologo

Further south of the Cathedral, one finds the stretch of Calle Mena Crisologo lined with ancestral. These houses, built by the Biguenos of Chinese ancestry engaged in trade, barter and manufacture o findigo dye, abel (woven) fabric, gold, tobacco and other goods. Being the only surviving colonial city in the country, Vigan has more than 180 ancestral houses and historical landmarks tightly strung along the narrow streets of the old Mestizo District, popularly known then as Kasanglayan (Chinese quarters)

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/calle.gif

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral was build by the Augustinians 1790-1800 in distinctive "Earthquake Baroque" architecture. It has three naives , twelve altars and a choir loft. Chinese influence is evident in its baptistry altar, China-forged brass communion handrails, a pair of Fu Dogs and moldings on the facade. Most of the original church interior features and artifacts are still in place. The octagonal church belfry is located 15 meters south of the cathedral.
Just recently, its museum Museo San Pablo was opened to public which showcases ecclesiastical artifacts and other religious crafts of the past.


http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/cathedral.gif

Arzobizpado de Nueva Segovia (Archbishop Palace)
Completed in 1783, the arzobizpado is the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia. The only surviving 18th century arzobizpado in the country, the palace served as the headquarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 and the invading American forces under Col. James Parker in 1899. Its Museo Nueva Segovia showcases ecclesiastical artifacts, antique portraits of bishops, a throne room, archdiocesan archives and other religious paraphernalia gathered from various colonial churches all over Ilocos Sur.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/Arzobispado.jpg

argghh, i miss those empanadas!!! fried empanadas that you sawsaw with vinegar. yummm!!! they're sold in abundance all over Plaza Salcedo.

Plaza Salcedo
The elevated elliptical plaza west of the cathedral features the 17th century Juan de Salcedo Monument, the oldest of its kind in northern Luzon. It was in Plaza Salcedo where Gabriela Silang was executed by public hanging in 1763.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/plza.gif

Plaza Burgos
The other major plaza of historic Vigan, Plaza Burgos is flanked by the the cathedral and the old "seminario" (which burned down in 1968). Its ambiance and the presence of kiosks offering local delicacies make Plaza Burgos a favorite promenade for local folks and visitors alike. It is a landmark tribute to the Vigan martyr priest, Father Jose P. Burgos. On the east end of the Plaza is the newly renovated, large stage where important events are held. The Plaza has an adequate and attractive lighting system, clean surroundings and mini Children’s Park. At the northwestern portion stands the century-old Bell Tower of Vigan Cathedral. The plaza’s special attraction is the Plaza Burgos food court which offers sinanglao, arroz caldo and miki in the morning and the mouth-watering empanada and okoy in the afternoon and late evening.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/plazaBurgos.jpg

Padre Burgos National Museum
Among the notable structures in the city that still assert their presence is Burgos House, the birthplace and home of the priest patriot Father Jose Burgos. Located near the provincial capitol and adjacent to the Vigan Metropolitan cathedral, the two-storey house attracts Vigan City's many visitors.

The ground floor houses the Ethnological and Historical exhibits such as Ethnic Artifacts, weapons, kitchen utensils, basketry, wooden sugar milling equipment, rig (horse-drawn vehicle) or locally called "calesa", Burgos Memorabilia, tri-dimensional dioramas showing two important events in the colonial history of Ilocos Sur, and a mini library. Upstairs are original furnishings, pottery, religious and secular arts, and period jewelry and costumes. Also on display are the 14 priceless Villanueva paintings depicting the Basi Revolt and illustrated vaunted Ilocano nationalism and valor.

Beside the museum is the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail, where the late Pres. Elpidio Quirino, the first Ilocano President, was born particularly at the Warden’s Office.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/BurgosM.jpg

Syquia Mansion
The ancestral home of Dona Alicia Quirino, the Syquia mansion was a venue of official and public functions during the administration of the late Pres. Elpidio Quirino. Now a museum, it features an impressive collection of presidential memorabilia.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/SyquiaM.jpg

Crisologo Museum
The Crisologo Museum is an old two-storey building of durable concrete and hardwood, with colintipay windows at the second floor, and thick walls made of bricks, iron and steel window grills at the ground floor. Besides various exhibits on natural history, it has rich collection of articles of historical value, antique furniture, santos (icon), ethnological pieces, and Congressman Floro Crisologo's memorabilia.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/CrisologoM.jpg

Leona Florentino House
Leona Florentino, mother of local hero Isabelo delos Reyes, was the first Filipina poetess to gain international recognition. The Florentino house has been designated as the Provincial Tourism Center. Her monument is in a triangular park across the street.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/leonaHouse.jpg

Playa de Oro Beach Resort
A government-owned beach resort, this is an ideal place for tourists who wish to experience relaxation and comfort. The clean beach, picnic sheds, and comfortable overnight accommodation for budget tourists make one feel the joy of being away from home.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/playa.gif http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/beach.gif

BURNAY INDUSTRY (Vigan Jar)
The burnay is an earthenware jar crafted by a potter’s hands with the aid of a potter’s wheel. It uses fine sand (anay) as a tempering material and fired at a high temperature in a huge brick-and-clay ground kiln that makes it is harder and more durable than other terra cotta. The local bagoong (fish sauce), sugarcane vinegar and basi wine would not taste as good if not fermented in stoneware burnay jars.

Burnay technology was brought to Vigan by Chinese artisans, who, according to Vigan folk historian Damaso King, came from Kwi-Sao, Chun-chiu province in Mainland China. As such, it may have existed in the area even before the coming of the Spaniards in 1572. These Chinese artisans who set up this cottage industry depended on the natives for their clay supply and labor.

Fidel Go, owner of the Ruby Pottery and descendant of the first Chinese potter who came to Vigan, has his own account of the burnay industry’s history in Vigan.

According to him, burnay technology was introduced to Vigan around 1890 by Pedro Go, a Chinese settler from Chinkang, in Fukien, Mainland China. He set up his camarin (jar factory) along what is now known as Rivero Street in Brgy. VIII. Around 1916, Ongkai Go, son of Pedro Go’s brother, came to the Philippines and worked with him, then went back to China to marry when he was 18 years old.

Ongkai came back to the Philippines around 1922, now with his cousin Igan Go, to set up their own jar factory, which is now known as Ruby Pottery. At such time, there were five (5) burnay factories in Vigan – that of Pedro Go, of Igan Go, and of relatives Ramon Go (owner of RG Jar Factory), Buki Go, and Domingo Go. The separate camarin of the last four (4) were all along what is now known as Gomez Street in Brgy. VII.

Fidel Go is the son of the late Ongkai and inherited the Ruby Pottery from Igan Go. He was awarded the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Folk Artist Award) of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts in 1990 for continuing the craft he inherited and for himself knowing all the rudiments of the craft. He claims that between the two (2) surviving Chinese-owned jar factories, he is the only one (now with one of his sons) who still does pottery himself.

Zosima Amistad, wife of Pedro Amistad, the proprietor-potter of NP Jar Factory, supplies supplementary information to Fidel Go’s story.

She remembers that there used to be seven (7) jar factories (presumably at a time when Pedro Go’s camarin already went out of operation). Aside from the four (4) already mentioned, there were those of Filipinos Jovencio Adora along the present Katipunan Street, Nicolas Amistad, and Evaristo Amistad whose camarin were near the southern end of Rizal Street.

Nicolas Amistad and Evaristo Amistad were the son and nephew of Iban Amistad respectively. Iban Amistad learned the craft while working as cook of one of the Chinese factory owners. According to Zosima, Iban learned to mold jars in the potter’s wheel while his Chinese master went away to gamble. He then taught his son Nicolas who later set up the NP Jar Factory. Nicolas’ son, Pedro Amistad, inherited the said jar factory and like Fidel Go, himself molds jars, sometimes with the help of one son.

Today’s Barangay VII is still more popularly known as Pagburnayan, which literally means “place where burnay is made”. This section was so aptly called because all the burnay camarin (cottage factories) were located in this southwesternmost part of the poblacion.

But about 15 years ago, there were only four (4) burnay factories left in Vigan. Three (3) belonged to Barangay VII’s jurisdiction, and one (1) under Barangay VIII, but all were neighbors.

However, one of the burnay factories (that within Barangay VIII) ceased its operations in the last decade. Presently, three (3) burnay factories remain: RG Jar Factory, Ruby Pottery, and NP Jar Factory. These burnay factories are the only ones found throughout the country.

At present, a variety of burnay products are made, mostly for decorative functions. These are jars of different shapes, sizes and designs, plant pots, ashtrays and others.

These are marketed within the country and abroad. The factory owners’ business contacts, other local and foreign traders order the jars with specifications or purchase these on the spot. About four (4) traders from Bulacan and some others from Manila frequent the jar factories in Vigan. It is said that the Bulacan Garden in Manila is the strongest dealer of burnay. Other Filipino and foreign exporters also patronize the Vigan burnay jars.

Volume purchases or orders are bought at discounts and are transported to other places by hired freight service. In one instance, Ruby Pottery delivered three freight loads of jars to an international shipping line to satisfy the order of a foreigner businessman who would take these to Belgium. While exportation is not yet regular, demand continues to expand to other foreign countries (e.g. Great Britain).

Local and foreign tourists also buy jars directly from any of these factories. Since Pagburnayan is a must-see section in Vigan tours, jars, especially the miniatures, are easily sold. The miniatures have a potential for expansion as they are bought and resold with some value added, as in converting these into painted decorative items.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/burnay.jpg http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/burnay.gif

interesting info and pix, sinjin :)

ABEL-WEAVING and ABEL ILOCO
Abel-weaving is one of the few surviving traditional crafts in Vigan. Historically, the high demand for the famous handwoven abel Iloco nearly killed the Spanish weaving industry during the galleon trade era. At least three (3) barangays in the city still have abel-weavers, best-known of which is Barangay Camangaan as it produces much of the local abel products available in Vigan’s souvenir shops located along the Crisologo Street and the Vigan Public Market. The other two (2) barangays with abel-weavers are Mindoro and San Pedro.

Abel-weaving involves the use of a wooden handloom and other accessories. The wooden handloom was the equivalent of a sewing machine in the past, and it produced most of the fabrics used in the homes, including clothes, blankets, and pillowcases. The material used to make the abel fabrics was cotton yarn (sagut). As it is known, the northern Philippines, particularly, grew cotton plants whose flowers were then intricately and lengthily processed in the homes to produce yarn.

On the whole, abel-weaving follows a very intricate process – from preparing and dyeing the yarn, to arranging different colors of yarn to produce the desired design, and operating the wooden handloom with the synchronized movement of both hands and feet.

Abel Iloko products included blankets and bed covers, pillow cases, mosquito nets, bath towels and robes, hand towels, place mats and table napkins, runners, hand towels and other fabrics for clothing material. Traditional colors and designs, which had similarities with the Cordilleran designs, were used in these products.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/abelbaket.jpg http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/abel.gif

DAMILI (Red Clay Industries)

The damili is one form of terra-cotta craft which is considered indigenous to a number of communities in Vigan City. Seven barangays in the city are known for this industry, namely: Bulala, Paratong, Pong-ol, Barraca, Salindeg, Paoa, and Ayusan Sur. Notably, all these barangays are situated around the Vigan hills in whose immediate surroundings the Bantog clay, which is the main material used in the potteries, is found.

Damili craft is home-based and is done in the homes’ yards. In most cases, all the members of the family, from the eight-year olds to the parents and grandparents, are engaged in the craft. Partnership between men and women through the whole process, and support among nearest relatives during the firing of clay products is most noteworthy.

Damili craftsmen produced cooking pots (banga), water vessels (karamba), firewood and charcoal-fed cooking stoves (dalikan, pagugingan), water and animal-feeding basins (bakka, paso), plant pots (masetera), pipes used as well sidings (lusob) and the most in-demand among the various damili clay products, the Vigan Tiles.

The Vigan tile became much-sought in the late 70s and early 80s, mostly due to the iconization of the Vigan ancestral house and of anything resembling antiquity and “pedigree”. The Vigan tile boom literally started when they were used by the Marcoses (late 70s and early 80s) in restoring the Sarrat Church and in building the Fort Ilocandia, both in Ilocos Norte, among others. Since then, an increasing number of damili craftsmen spent most of their time and skill making Vigan tiles to meet the seemingly-insatiable demand for the product, that in fact, there are those who learned only the tile-making trade, and not the making of traditional products.

The backyard production of terracotta Vigan tiles, bricks, pottery, traditional stoves and well sidings is a must-see activity in the picturesque setting of Bulala and neighboring barangays.

http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/images/Tiles.jpg

interesting info and pix, sinjin :)

Thank You! ^^ All of those are from www.vigancity.gov.ph So you may visit the site if you want to know more info. :)

What is the difference with Longganisa and Chorizo de Bilbao (my dad's favorite)?


i think ours is sweet, and chorizo de Bilbao is kinda salty, spicy a bit? although Longaniza de Lucban is kinda like that. it depends, there are many different kinds and versions of longaniza all over the country.. i can only remember 3?

Let's put up some more pics..

VIGAN MUSEUMS AND OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST *Not to be missed


1. Crisologo Museum

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologomuseo.jpg


2. Burgos House and Museum (Birthplace of Martyr Priest Jose P. Burgos)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/burgosmuseum.jpg


3. Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia (Archbishop's Palace--Vigan was the seat of Nueva Segovia Diocese)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/nuevasegovia.jpg


4. Syquia Mansion (house of wealthy Chinese Mestizo Bigueño Tomas Syquia)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/syquiabldg.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/syquia.jpg


5. Quirino House (Birthplace of Pres. Elpidio Quirino)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/quirinohouse.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/quirino.jpg


6. Baluarte de Gov. Singson (Gov. Chavit Singson's Manson and Zoo)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/baluarte.jpg


7. Capitolio ti Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol -- Vigan is the capital of Ilocos Sur)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/capitol.jpg


8. Ciudad Fernandina Souvenir and Antique Shop

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/ciudadfernandina.jpg


9. Vigan Bell Tower (outside downtown Mestizo district atop a hill)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigantower.jpg



10. Quirino Bridge (20 kms south of Vigan, a welcome treat to visitors from Manila)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan012.jpg



MANILA LOVES VIGAN!

what happen to the third set of bridge.

what happen to the third set of bridge.


it fell (due to storm i believe).. im not sure.

http://www.imagesphilippines.com/images/011305_101601.jpg

What is the difference with Longganisa and Chorizo de Bilbao (my dad's favorite)?

Completely different!! Chorizo is spicey and not at all sweet! It is also bigger and fatter and somewhat oily :)

Completely different!! Chorizo is spicey and not at all sweet! It is also bigger and fatter and somewhat oily :)

Okey, they all look the same to me when cooked. :)

Vigan is really a beautiful city :-)

I didn't discover Vigan's beauty if not for Vigan's official website,
www.vigancity.gov.ph

and the pics posted by our beloved forumers. ;)

VIGAN DINING


1. Vigan Plaza Hotel, Plaza Burgos (& patio dining)
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan019.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganplazahotel.jpg

2. Cafe Leona, Plaza Burgos (& patio)
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/cafeleona.jpg

3. Grandpa's Inn Restaurant
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/donato.jpg

4. Cafe Uno
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/cafeuno.jpg

5. Plaza Maestro (modern shopping and dining)
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/plazamaestro.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/plazamaestro01.jpg

Jollibee Vigan
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/22-006.jpg

McDonald's
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/mcdovigan.jpg

There's also Chowking, Cafeteria del Maestro, etc. and SHOPS!
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganshops.jpg







VIGAN - Live with Culture.

anyone have any photos of laoag airport with all those international airlines arriving from macau, taiwan, china ???? that would help to underline vigan´s importance as an international gateway and tourist haven in northern philippines.

http://bridgestravel.com/fort_ilocandia/Images/map.jpg

How do I get to Vigan?

You can either fly or drive to Vigan.

From Manila there are a number of buses that travel to Vigan and return or you can catch the bus to Laoag and jump off at Vigan. The trip will take you all of seven hours maybe more.

Flights from Manila to Laoag are serviced three times a week from Manila and will take you about an hour. From Laoag you can catch a bus or hire a mini van to take you the eighty kilometres to Vigan.


Laoag International Airport

Laoag International Airport services regular flights from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and chartered domestic flights.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/laoagia1.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/laoagia.jpg




VIGAN. World Heritage City

Seat of Nueva Segovia

http://p.vtourist.com/1787194-St_Pauls_Cathedral-Vigan.jpg

Description:
The church was built between 1790 and 1800, shortly after the transfer of the seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia from Lal-lo, Cagayan. While most churches in Ilocos are made of massive rocks or bricks, Vigan Cathedral is painted in yellow and creme, giving it a modern look.

Address: Poblacion

Directions:
Across the street to Plaza Salcedo and Archbishop's Palace.

Hail the rooster

http://p.vtourist.com/1776356-St_Pauls_Bell_Tower-Vigan.jpg

Description:
The bell tower is typical of the others in Ilocos towns - few meters distant from the church. Its color scheme of yellow and creme is in harmony with that of the cathedral's, and looks modern, too.

What makes it unique is the presence of the rooster at the top. Nobody could explain its presence there, so I'm still doing some research on it. Care to help?

Address: Plaza Burgos

Directions:
Across the street to St. Paul's Cathedral and Plaza Salcedo.

[QUOTE=manileño]http://bridgestravel.com/fort_ilocandia/Images/map.jpg

How do I get to Vigan?

You can either fly or drive to Vigan.

From Manila there are a number of buses that travel to Vigan and return or you can catch the bus to Laoag and jump off at Vigan. The trip will take you all of seven hours maybe more.

Flights from Manila to Laoag are serviced three times a week from Manila and will take you about an hour. From Laoag you can catch a bus or hire a mini van to take you the eighty kilometres to Vigan.


Laoag International Airport

Laoag International Airport services regular flights from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and chartered domestic flights.

hi malinenio,
these are the first pics posted of laoag international, SALAMAT PO !
any more ?

Does this mean Laoag is actually bigger than Vigan? I'm just wondering why the airport is not in Vigan....

Monument and pond in the main square, Vigan City, Philippines

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganMonPondCch5207.jpg

Pond and white obelisk monument in the main square Vigan City in the Philippines

Vigan City model in the main square

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganModel5207.jpg

This model of Vigan stands in the main square of the city and illustrates the Hispanic style grid layout.

Vigan City Philippines, model of London's Big Ben

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganBigBenMdl5207.jpg

In a garden in the main square of historic Vigan City are models of famous buildings from around the world, including, here, the tower of Big Ben in London.

Hispanic style bell tower seen through gate Vigan

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganBellTwrGate5207.jpg

Looking through an old gate towards the restored red brick bell tower in Vigan, oldest Hispanic-style city in Asia. Vigan is a Unesco World Heritage site.

The view through the gate towards the Spanish-style tower is pleasing as it leads your eye into the picture.

Philippines: Vigan Hispanic-style bell tower

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganBellTwr5208.jpg

The Spanish-style bell tower in Vigan is one of the oldest of its type in Asia. Renovation work is progressing in Vigan, a World Heritage city. Here, the gardens surrounding the tower are being re-laid.

It's always remarkable to see Spanish style religious architecture from hundreds of years ago in the Philippines.

Bell inside bell tower Vigan City Philippines

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganBell5207.jpg

Bell inside the ancient hispanic-style tower near Vigan city in the north west Philippines.

Vigan City Philippines calesa and 'Vaya con dios' gate

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganCalesaVaya5207.jpg

A ride in a horse-drawn calesa is a great way to see the historic city of Vigan in the north west Philippines. Vigan is the best preserved Hispanic style city in Asia. At one of the exits from the city is the Spanish style greetings 'Vaya con Dios'.

Philippines Vigan Cathedral at dusk

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganCathDsk4_5207.jpg

Vigan Cathedral stands at the end of the main square. Here it is seen at dusk. Vigan is the best preserved Hispanic-style city in Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Model of a traditional Vigan-style house, main square Vigan city

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganHseMdl5208.jpg

The main square in Vigan has models of famous landmarks from around the world. Vigan is represented by a rectangular house, typical of those in the city.

St Augustine's Church near Vigan, side view

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganStAugB5208.jpg

Side view of St Augustine's parish church, Bantay, just outside Vigan, Ilocos Sur province, Philippines.

The church has a remarkable facade unlike any other I've ever seen. It reminds me of a cake made of dark and white chocolate.

Restored St Augustine's Church just outside Vigan

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganStAugCch5207.jpg

Red brick and white stone St Augustine's Church, and two calesas. The church is located next to the historic city of Vigan in the north west Philippines.

The churches of the Philippines never cease to be amazing with their splendour and variety.

St Augustine's Church Bantay Philippines historical inscription

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganStAugInfo5208.jpg

Inscription in English on the history of St Augustine's Church, Bantay near Vigan, Philippines. I have transcribed the first paragraph:

"Shrine of Our Lady of Charity Saint Augustine Parish church, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. St Augustine Parish Church of Bantay one of the oldest churches of Ilocos Sur, was built in 1590 with Fr. Montoya Osa as the parish priest. It was named after St Augustine the patron saint by the Augustinian friars. The church was damaged during World War II but was reconstructed in 1950. The restored facade is of neo-gothic design mixed with pseudo-romanesque elements. The site of the church was the scene of fighting during the uprising led by Diego Silang in 1763."

Zoom view along main square Vigan City Philippines

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganCathZm5208.jpg

Zoom view across the main square in Vigan City Philippines, with the facade of the cathedral of St Paul, and ornamental vase.

View from cathedral tower of main square Vigan City Philippines

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganSqTwrVw5207.jpg

Looking down at the main square in Vigan City, Philippines, at dusk.

Historic street in Vigan Philippines

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganStCalesa5207.jpg

Classic view along one of the historic Spanish style streets, with horse and calesa. Vigan is the oldest Spanish style city in Asia, and a UNESCO world heritage site.

The old houses are wonderful but many are in need of renovation.

[QUOTE=manileño]

hi malinenio,
these are the first pics posted of laoag international, SALAMAT PO !
any more ?


ill try to search for more. I'm not really from there but i have been there and fell in love with the place. :)

beautiful pics Animo, gracias por su contribucion.:)

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganSqTwrVw5207.jpg


Awesome! i see lots of potential.

Does this mean Laoag is actually bigger than Vigan? I'm just wondering why the airport is not in Vigan....


Of course Laoag is bigger than Vigan. Laoag is like the commercial center of Ilocos. It's all good tho that the International Airport is not in Vigan itself or the city might have lost its serenity and old world charm. 80 kms drive along scenic Ilocos towns from Laoag won't take that long and it's definitely worth it. I heard tho that there is a local runway in Vigan for small planes/chartered flights. Maybe when preservation work is over, and Vigan becomes a Florence we can set up an intl airport there ehehe.

So Spain is still contributing to her previous daughter. :) Is that the only thing that they give out money? I read that they also still give money to those Filipinos who are descendants of Spanish officials.

(royal gold military pension - or Escudos - from Spain which are still being sent by the Spanish government from 19th century up to this time)


Im not sure if they really are giving out money to Filipinos of Spanish descent. What i do know is that these Filipinos who have Spanish ancestors can apply for and be granted Spanish citizenship/dual citizenship.

Spain is also providing scholarships and grants to Filipino students and professionals for undergrad/post-grad/masteral studies in universities all over Spain.

The Philippines is the largest beneficiary of Spanish loans and financial aid in Asia (Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional).

The Philippines is also the only Asian country with an Instituto Cervantes and i heard about their plan to expand and branch out the Spanish Language institute to other places outside Manila.

Spain also is active with the town of Baler, Aurora (site of the historic stand of 'Los Ultimos de Filipinas', and recently been active with Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day celebrations every June 30th.

Last year, Iloilo City hosted the Dia de Amistad. I also heard about Spanish assistance to the revival of Filipino soccer (futbol).

[QUOTE=Animo]Vigan City Philippines calesa and 'Vaya con dios' gate

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganCalesaVaya5207.jpg

Dapat sana 'Vaya con Macoy' - ooops sorry :jk:

Vigan City Philippines, model of London's Big Ben

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/PlpViganBigBenMdl5207.jpg

In a garden in the main square of historic Vigan City are models of famous buildings from around the world, including, here, the tower of Big Ben in London. [/QUOTE]

a bit kitsch - but good fun! :)

[QUOTE=manileño]Im not sure if they really are giving out money to Filipinos of Spanish descent. What i do know is that these Filipinos who have Spanish ancestors can apply for and be granted Spanish citizenship/dual citizenship.

You can just imagine how many Filipinos will claim to be mestizos! :)

LIGHTS IN VIGAN

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganpic01.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganpic02.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganpic03.jpg


ES UN SUEÑO.
VIGAN WORLD HERITAGE CITY.

Back to Vigan...

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/rainyvigan.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologo018.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologo017.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan021.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/viganplaza010.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologo013.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologo014.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologo012.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologo015.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/crisologo011.jpg

^^ I hope the government can restore some of these structures to preserve such wonderful works of art.

^^ exactly!

Thanks for the pics manileno! viewing those pics give me chills...stig!

OMG .. your city is very beautiful. :)

how about the pics of plaza maestro mall? do u have it?

My greatgranma's city is aging gracefully. Beautiful pics :applause:

Wow ganda ng mga pics!!! :applause: :applause: :applause:

I prefer the colour-scheme in this one: :)
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/vigan013.jpg

This is actually a "Mexican Style Color scheme". This is an accepted architectural character. Though this doesnt work in Vigan coz it stands out too much. While in Mexico, during those days most if not all houses are painted this way, striking and clashing colors...but they look unique and beautiful.

^^Olineil - I think we should have this colour scheme in Legazpi! We have too many grey buildings!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0151working.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0136working.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0064working.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0035working.jpg

My greatgranma's city is aging gracefully. Beautiful pics :applause:

You speaK Ilocano Jefferyi ?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0151working.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0136working.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0064working.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0035working.jpg


Incredible images

beautiful. anyway the ilocanos out there can take over this thread. please :)

^^Hola Manileno, que tal?
Yup it's been inactive recently. Where are they?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/j5_DSC0136working.jpg


Love the pics especially this one! it has this pure old world feel, it seems like it was taken in its hayday :)

I think Laoag is the biggest town in Ilocandia.

I didn't know the Syquias came from Ilocos.

Kulang na lang we put a cityland there in Vigan :jk:

Such a nice place, haven't been there in decades , must be a pretty big town now.

^^ Just look at the wide open spaces. Incredible.

You speaK Ilocano Jefferyi ?
Unfortunately I dont but would like to learn so I wouldnt have a hard time demanding my share of inheritance from my lost relatives. :hahaha:

^^ :lol:

Naimbag a paskua yo amin! :) Laoag is a city bustero :) i was born there.

Animo.. those are postcard-quality pictures!!! great job!:)

i wonder if my ilokano ninunos have been to this place. ok my wishlist now:

batanes
vigan
palawan

Love the pics especially this one! it has this pure old world feel, it seems like it was taken in its hayday :)

I like that one too. The cable wires aren't really seen so its good!

Animo.. those are postcard-quality pictures!!! great job!:)

Thanks really nice photos online.

Unfortunately I dont but would like to learn so I wouldnt have a hard time demanding my share of inheritance from my lost relatives. :hahaha:
:D Oh i see! If those relatives are rich then it's time for a crash course in Ilocano!
You seem pretty fluent in Cebuano though

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/vigan_tower.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/vigan.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/sepia_street.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/kalye_crisologo1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/church-sunset.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/17_streets_of_vigan_ii.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/12_streets_of_vigan.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/sun_dial.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/bell_tower.jpg

^^What does the dial monument commemorate?

^^What does the dial monument commemorate?

Its supposed to be a sun dial, probably the date it was made.

:D Oh i see! If those relatives are rich then it's time for a crash course in Ilocano!
You seem pretty fluent in Cebuano though

Born in Mandaue City, I am a proud Cebuano but like most everyone, I find Vigan's charm so enchanting probably because the city harkens back to the old glory days of the Philippines, in my opinion. Having a personal connection to Vigan by having an ancestor come from the place makes it more special to me. So to you doc, my friend, and fellow countrymen wherever you may be, I would like to propose a toast :cheers1: that may our fair and fragile city we call "Vigan" provide inspiration not only as a remembrance of our glorious past but also as a beacon for all Filipinos to strive for the bettermentof the Philippines as a whole, from Aparri to Jolo, for as long as God wills her to exist! :drunk: iViva Ciudad Fernandina! iViva Las Islas Filipinas! :tyty:

Born in Mandaue City, I am a proud Cebuano but like most everyone, I find Vigan's charm so enchanting probably because the city harkens back to the old glory days of the Philippines, in my opinion. Having a personal connection to Vigan by having an ancestor come from the place makes it more special to me. So to you doc, my friend, and fellow countrymen wherever you may be, I would like to propose a toast :cheers1: that may our fair and fragile city we call "Vigan" provide inspiration not only as a remembrance of our glorious past but also as a beacon for all Filipinos to strive for the bettermentof the Philippines as a whole, from Aparri to Jolo, for as long as God wills her to exist! :drunk: iViva Ciudad Fernandina! iViva Las Islas Filipinas! :tyty:

I second your toast Jefferyi! Brindemos por Filipinas! :cheers:

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2004/mar/explorer_2.jpg
VIGAN merienda fare (clockwise from top left): miki, turrones de mani, royal bibingka, tinubong, kalamay, balikutsa, empanaditas, Café Leona longganisa burger, masa podrida, canatillos and chocolate de Vigan.

IN VIGAN, Ilocos Sur, some things are certain: Adda ti load ken signal, so no worries for visiting cell-phone freaks from the big city (or anywhere else in this country). But even better, adu ken naimas ti mak-makan.

Diak maawatan, you say? We bet our Nokia you understood the first statement about "load" and "signal." The second simply means there is a lot of good food in the touristy city up north. And that's motivation enough for any food-loving traveler to patiently sit through the eight-hour drive from Manila amid eerie tales of ghost sightings in the old mestizo town.

Vigueños are firm in their resolve to keep the distinct and Old-World spirit of the Heritage Site of the Unesco. But it has not prevented the influx of popular burger joints, housed in Vigan-style edifices adjacent to the town plaza.

No matter, the sidewalks are still filled with stalls selling the town's famed empanada (rice batter rolled thinly and filled with vegetables, eggs and the famous Vigan longganisa)-quickly prepared and crisp-fried right before your eyes. The empanada is dipped in-or drenched with-spiced sukang Iloko. A very filling snack, it sells at 5 pesos for the regular variety (vegetables only) and 20 pesos for the special (with a whole longganisa and an egg). There's also the okoy, crispy shrimp cakes dipped in vinegar, too.

Life in the fast lane

Business is brisk at dusk, but younger Vigueños, laments a resident, now prefer to hang out in the new fast-food joints. Even vendors no longer squeeze out the sausage filling directly from its casing like they used to. "Now some of them just spoon giniling (ground meat) into the mixture!" she complains.

But for ravenous tourists who don't know any better, the bottom line is taste. And there seems to be no problem in that department.

Ilocano dishes are down home and fairly simple, but each meal is quite an experience. In Vigan, seriously hearty dishes (like the ginger-spiced porkloin soup lumo-lumo and the kamias- and bile-flavored sinanglao soup of beef tripe and entrails) are normally served for breakfast, along with the garlicky longganisa, the fish bagoong-flavored vegetable dish, dinengdeng, and kinirog (fried rice). The meal is washed down with cups of rich chocolate de Vigan.

We personally don't understand the big fuss over the cholesterol-rich bagnet, plainly the local version of litson kawali. But no one, and we mean no one, is immune to its sinful chicharon-crisp goodness. Ilocanos like it served with a side dish of KBL (kamatis, bawang, lasona), or mixed with fresh veggies and bagoong for pinakbet.

Ilocanos also take pride in their version of the menudo called igado-basi vinegar-simmered porkloin and liver garnished with red bell pepper and guisantes. The popular Kapampangan sisig takes on an Ilocano form as the spicy dinakdakan. Well, sort of-the recipe for the latter calls for mayonnaise.

Ilocanos have quite a variety of seafood and meat kilawin, including the "jumping salad" of live shrimps.

Native chicken dishes include the interesting orange pipian, a thick kamias-flavored soup made of ground rice. In another dish, sapsapuriket, chicken blood is mixed into the soup. Cooked generously with siling haba, the dish has a nice, welcome kick perfect for cold, rainy days.

Ilocanos like to brag that the secret to their long life is that they consume lots of vegetables despite the bagnet and longganisa. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say they know how to cook their vegetables-simply and as close to the original taste as possible, usually flavored only with fish bagoong or saut‚ed with aramang (dried shrimp). Grilled fish is occasionally added.

There's no shortage of merienda and pasalubong in Vigan-from flavored corniks/chichacorn to kalamay to the well-loved royal bibingka (sticky rice cake topped with grated cheese). Unique to Ilocanos is the tinubong, ground sticky rice mixed with coconut meat and milk, and tagapulot (molasses) or brown sugar cooked in bamboo tubes.

Sweet selection

Homemade fresh noodles, or miki, cooked with chicken meat, shrimps and egg, and colored with achuete, is also popular. In Vigan, they like it topped with chicharon. For the sweet-toothed, there's the ultra-sweet balikutsa (panutsa) or the Ilocanos' own take on turrones de mani. The turrones are chubbier than most we have tried, and the ostia-like wrapping is not as delicate, but the chewy honey-and-peanut filling is a winner.

It's a long way to Vigan but the banquet that awaits a visitor can truly make up for all the stiff and cramped muscles. There's also no shortage of places to sample all that the city has to offer. And if you have to call and ask Mom what she wants you to bring home, you can be confident, diay Vigan, adda ti load.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2004/mar/11-02.htm

WHILE Asia was celebrating the Chinese Lunar Year of the Wooden Monkey on Thursday, the heritage city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur province was parading a different animal.

Copying the lion dance, a young man carried a large pig's head to dance along the cobbled Crisologo Street, even as four young men propped the pig's "body," made of a long brown blanket.

The start of the Chinese New Year also meant the start of the festival of the Vigan longaniza, the city's most famous delicacy.

Young and old women paraded across the Heritage Village using the Vigan longaniza, bite-sized pork sausage, as garlands, necklaces, headbands, belts, buntings, buttons and scepters.

One group even copied the tiara of the Statue of Liberty, but instead of the sun's rays, the tiara had spears of the longaniza.

But as they say, no real Vigan longaniza was hurt in the parades.

Mayor Eva Marie Singson Medina said that last year, the dancers used real longaniza and because of the heat, the smell and oil permeated on the skin and clothes of the performers.

Using stockings, papier mache and brown paint, about 300 performers from six different schools and five women's organizations held a paean to this calorific delicacy which had become popular only recently.

"In 1995, stores here sold only 30 dozens of longaniza a day. Now they sell from 150 to 200 dozens," said Medina. "Tourists have discovered the difference."

The difference is the use of sukang Iloko (comparable to the expensive imported balsamic vinegar in tartness) and the Ilocos garlic added to ground pork. The local garlic is considered more potent than the Taiwanese variety, which has flooded the country.

"I always relish the food, especially the longaniza," said Christian John "CJ" Suarez, the current world bowling champion. Suarez, whose mother is from Vigan, was selected as the "Vigueño of the Year."

Because of the current pork shortage, Vigan is having a hard time keeping up with demand. About 60 pigs are slaughtered daily, most of which are used to produce longaniza and bagnet or deep-fried pork rinds, another Vigan delicacy.

Vigan entrepreneurs hope to export the longaniza using the freeze-dried technology, but the local market is already enough to keep them busy.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2004/jan/28-04.htm

What a nice city! it looks like some Colombian colonial cities.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2003/dec/1210a.jpg
ST. PAUL Metropolitan Cathedral.

THE ARCHITECTURAL landscape in one of Northern Luzon's most famous provinces is rapidly taking shape. Albeit sustainably refurbishing its colonial aura, Vigan's inevitable growth has spawned a new breed of builders fresh with new ideas in architectural brevity. A blend of modern design and pre-colonial-inspired structures now juxtapose Vigan's built-out areas.

Famous for its red clays, Vigan's centuries-old craft continues to adorn the exterior and interiors of almost every city block.

Quite famous for its clay tiles, the dry kilns of the "damili" craftsmen in barangay Bulala, in the city, produce almost all the architectural needs of builders.

The industry of Vigan tiles, being an indigenous craft, contributes to the socio-economic development of the artisans and likewise in fueling the city's economy.

The Vigan tile industry boomed during the restoration of the Sarrat Church and the construction of Fort Ilocandia in the early 1970s. Foreign visitors to the two Ilocos provinces were awed by the abundance of red clay bricks and tiles, comparing it to those found in modern and medieval European structures.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2003/dec/1210b.jpg
OBELISK at Vigan park

The demand for Vigan tiles and bricks has doubled since then and a number of Bulala craftsmen started to venture in the clay business. Since then, Vigan tiles and bricks were exported to Europe and the US where the demands are high.

"When Vigan gained its cityhood in 2001, development took place and contributed to the growth of the clay industry," said Arnaldo Basa, one of Vigan's enterprising clay producers. "Foreign demand poured in."

Much of Vigan's neo-classical heritage can be traced to the days long before the Spaniards set foot on Philippine soil. Settlements along the coves, called looc, were progressive trading posts frequently visited by Japanese and Chinese seafaring traders of lore.

In pre-Spanish Ilocos, the Ilocano clay jar called burnay was already in used for storing the local vinegar, local wine (basi) and bagoong (fish sauce) that attracted well to the foreign traders of old.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2003/dec/1210c.jpg
QUIRINO Bridge

Located along the western coast of Northern Luzon, the early Vigan settlements were called "Ylocos" which extended from Bangui (Ilocos Norte) in the north to Namacpacan (Luna, La Union) in the south were discovered during the expedition led by Juan de Salcedo, grandson of the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, on June 13, 1572.

Salcedo decided to establish his headquarters in a settlement along the Mestizo River, then called "Kabigaan" because of the gabi-like plants abundantly growing by the bank of the river, and made it the capital of his encomienda (fiefdom) for services rendered to Spain. Salcedo's territory included what are now the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and parts of La Union.

The capital, later known as Vigan, became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in 1758 after it was transferred from Lal-lo, Cagayan Valley. During the Spanish era, Vigan was called "Ciudad Fernandina" in honor of King Ferdinand.

The Spaniards effort to Christianize the whole region was never completely successful owing to the abusive conduct of the Augustinian friars, as well as government and military personnel, that led to several uprisings by the locals.

On February 2, 1818, a Royal Dutch Decree was signed splitting the Ylocos into two provinces -- Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte -- and also annexing Lepanto and Amburuyan in Mt. Province. Act 2683 in 1917 by the Philippine Legislature defined the present geographical boundaries of Ilocos Sur.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2003/dec/1210d.jpg
ONE of Vigan's ancestral houses

The unique architectural styles the Spaniards and the locals have left behind are now a continuity of style among modern-day Ilocanos. Quite noticeable are the new structures being constructed along the busy streets of Vigan. Their aged designs boast a mixture of the old and the new. It has also become inherent to Ilocanos to preserve what heritage has brought upon them and the prospects of belonging to a more progressive style of the future.

The Kamestizoan District of Vigan is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tile roofs, massive mahogany and narra hardwood flooring, balustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.

Tourism has been playing a major role in Vigan's progress. Just outside the city's boundaries is the municipality of Cervantes, home to Bessang Pass and a haven for eco-tourism enthusiasts. The place offers beautiful sceneries for mountain trekking. A dozen waterfalls flow through its verdant mountain tributaries. It has a predominantly hilly terrain. Visitors can take a glimpse of the old Spanish trail and Japanese foxholes and dugouts while savoring the scent of pine forests, grasslands, highland meadows and a variety of orchids.

At present, Ilocos Sur's land area of 2,579.58 square kilometers is home to 32 municipalities and two cities. Magnificent Vigan still remains the capital of Ilocos Sur after it was chartered into a bustling micro-city in 2001.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2003/dec/10-01.htm

Personally I'd like to see new houses in Vigan looking like these although not really built very near the heritage area. The roofline is inspired from Bahay-na-Bato houses, the siding materials on second floor are engineered banig-pattern shingle sidings, elements from Aguinaldo House like that small adornment ontop of the pediment are added, burnay pottery for ground adornments, long amphora-like pottery used as light fixtures, local limestones and river rocks used in the first floor, false balcony for hanging bougainvillas,...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/sandwalker206/DSC00776.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/sandwalker206/DSC00792.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/sandwalker206/DSC00790.jpg

^^ Your design reminds me of a Grims-fairytale setting.

^^Im not so sure if that as a complement but I'll assume that it was hahaha so thanks:) I intended for them to be beach houses actually. But do you see their Filipino elements there? :)

amazing photos! :applause:
i wanted to visit Vigan since year 2000. lagi nlang cancelled. kainis. sana sure na this summer!

I've never been to Vigan ever! I hope this city will convince the Filipinos to be proud of their Spanish heritage and start speaking Spanish! (Why do I keep on insisting that?! Oh well, at least it's better than Pilipino.) I can't wait to see the city. How far is it from Baguio?

Personally I'd like to see new houses in Vigan looking like these although not really built very near the heritage area. The roofline is inspired from Bahay-na-Bato houses, the siding materials on second floor are engineered banig-pattern shingle sidings, elements from Aguinaldo House like that small adornment ontop of the pediment are added, burnay pottery for ground adornments, long amphora-like pottery used as light fixtures, local limestones and river rocks used in the first floor, false balcony for hanging bougainvillas,...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/sandwalker206/DSC00776.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/sandwalker206/DSC00792.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/sandwalker206/DSC00790.jpg

the bahay na bato is awesome but my mind wonder to the trees first :D
ure truly talented, ano ba major mo architect

^^ This one reminds me of the house done in bahay na bato architechtrue I found in my neighborhood back in Marikina.

@tigs: Salamat manoy
@askal: Im glad that my drawings still kinda look familiar or Filipino to you because that was what I was aiming for. I just hope that developers like Ayala use the Bahay-na-Bato architecture for their future projects because that is very much a Filipino identity IMO even though there are obviously foreign influences in them but isnt that what being a Filipino is all about anyway?
@mods: Sorry Ive gone off topic. hehehe

@tigs: Salamat manoy
@askal: Im glad that my drawings still kinda look familiar or Filipino to you because that was what I was aiming for. I just hope that developers like Ayala use the Bahay-na-Bato architecture for their future projects because that is very much a Filipino identity IMO even though there are obviously foreign influences in them but isnt that what being a Filipino is all about anyway?
@mods: Sorry Ive gone off topic. hehehe

I totally agree. :)

VIGAN CITY—The Spanish ambassador to the Philippines has acknowledged the great potential of this northern city as a tourist destination because of its history, natural resources and potential for tourism facilities.

Ambassador Ignacio Sagaz was here recently to inaugurate various infrastructure projects, amounting to about P300 million, funded by the Spanish government through the Agencia Española Cooperacion Internacional.

The projects include a materials recovery facility in Sitio Nalasin, Barangay Camanggaan; a potable water supply in Barangay Raois; a new concrete water reservoir at the Filipino-Spanish Friendship Park in Barangay Pagburnayan and two fish hatcheries in Barangays San Pedro Sur and Mindoro.

Mayor Ferdinand Medina and Vice Mayor Francisco Ranches Jr. assisted in the inauguration of the Spain-funded projects.

The Spanish government invested in these projects in Vigan City to boost the tourism industries and the livelihood of residents.

“I can tell you that success in tourism industry will not come overnight,” Sagaz said, relating how the tourism industry in Spain boomed only after 30 years of investment in infrastructure, hotels, roads, airports, entertainment and good services.

Records show Spain is the biggest tourism revenue collector in the world, next to France and even ahead of the United States.

“Tourism industry came in 30 years, the secret is when the visitors leave, he will want to come back,” he said.

According to Sagaz, Spain entertains 42 million tourists every year, 2 million more than its population of 40 million.

Tourism, he said, depends not only on good food, hotels and promotion, but on memorable activities for the tourists after sunset.

To further improve the tourism in Vigan City as well as other parts of the country, Sagaz said Spain trains a selected number of Filipinos each year on better techniques in tourism industry.

“I can tell you that one of the very successful programs of cooperation between the Philippines and Spain centers on tourism. Every year, we select Filipinos and bring them to Spain to teach them more sophisticated techniques in promoting tourism in the different regions,” he said.

“It has been a successful program. By teaching you how to fish, it is very beneficial for the Filipino in tourism industry,” Sagaz added.

He also said financial assistance from Spain was not given as a loan package, but it was more of a grant.

“The Spanish came here not as conquerors but as friends. Today, we can say that we have already accomplished our task of providing assistance to this World Heritage City,” Sagaz said.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2004/dec/10/yehey/prov/20041210pro3.html

^ If I were a producer, I would produce a film about a Pinay who fell in love with a Spaniard but he has to go because the Treaty of Paris was already lifted and blah blah blha, Vigan would be the backdrop! off-topic naman. I'm glad Spain is helping it's small Brother, thanks big Brother!

VIGAN,THE FACE OF HISPHANIC PHILIPPINES

^^ kung meron films na Milan, Dubai and etc, dapat meron din VIGAN or Pilipinas :lol:

^ If I were a producer, I would produce a film about a Pinay who fell in love with a Spaniard but he has to go because the Treaty of Paris was already lifted and blah blah blha, Vigan would be the backdrop! off-topic naman. I'm glad Spain is helping it's small Brother, thanks big Brother!

I know right, a historical ang setting parang memoirs of the Geisha.

VIGAN CITY--Every so often, an "FBI" or a full-blooded Ilocano will have a hankering for inabraw, a soup dish made of ampalaya (bitter gourd) leaves, mushroom (locally known as uong) and grilled fish, particularly bangus (milkfish) or hito (catfish). This comfort food is not only healthy but evokes the simple Ilocos life.

Inabraw, or rather its ingredients, is the newest business venture of fisherfolk here and in nearby Caoayan town, through the help of a Spanish non-government organization, Accion Contra el Hambre (AcH or Action Against Hunger).

The AcH had set up the Vigan-Caoayan fisheries project (VCFP) two years ago to make local fisherfolk economically reliant and independent from their harvest from the sea. Although the AcH project will end this month, all indications show that the fisherfolk will be in for a good harvest.

Take the bangus, for example.

Fisherfolk in Barangay Fuerte in Caoayan harvested more than 1,700 kilograms of bangus in February while those in the Villamar aquaculture project, also in Caoayan, harvested more than 400 kg.

Fuerte, the biggest and most crowded barangay in Caoayan, had been in for a run of bad luck since typhoon Feria struck three years ago and destroyed their houses.

Replacing their houses with semi-permanent shacks, the residents decided to make another living from the river that can be their worst enemy when it floods.

With the help of AcH, the men trained on how to build a bangus fish cage from available materials. Although the AcH made two floating cages, the men made another cage on their own and are set to from at the end of the month.

It was also their first time to culture oysters which previously grew rarely in the area.

Crispin Quiamno, chair of the Fuerte Oyster Growers and Bangus Raisers Association, said the oyster project started last October with with training and stocks brought by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

In February this year, they made their first harvest of cultured oysters ever--450 gantas of oysters worth almost P15,000, Quiamno said. AcH said the Villamar fisherfolk also earned about P2,000 from oysters.

Quiamno says they would expand operations next year. AcH had taught them to make their business sustainable through training in marketing and alternative trading.

Whatever they earned would be given to the operators and to the seed fund that would be used for the next seeding and setting up of equipment. What is left is equally divided among the members, Quiamno says.

The communities in Vigan, which are relatively far from the sea, have set up their micro-hatcheries for tilapia.

In February, about 75,000 fingerling stocks were distributed in the villages of Mindoro, Raois, Barraca, San Pedro, Pantay Laud, Ayusan Sur, Cabalangegan and Pantay Fatima.

"Fishing is such an uncertain livelihood," Quiamno said in Ilocano. "But with these alternative livelihood projects, we hope our family would never go hungry."

His only lament was that the women were left out. But AcH had taken care of that in other areas.

The Pantay Daya Fishermen's Association in Vigan inaugurated in January its mushroom house.

Run by the women, the house has 16 two-layer mushroom beds set initially for straw mushrooms.

The beds were made from water hyacinths, which choke up the river anyway. These were impregnated with mushroom spawn and after two weeks, the mushrooms were ready for harvest. The women harvested 4 kg of mushroom per meter of the bed. The mushrooms were sold for P100 to P120 a kg, Perla Desaluna, AcH technical coordinator, said.

She said the mushroom house is environmentally friendly as it not only uses water hyacinths, which are considered weeds in the river, but also siling labuyo (chili) and soap to ward off ants and termites.

In March, some of the women were trained on fish processing. Because of this, the VCFP now sells smoked fish, marinated boneless bangus, dried fish and bagoong (fish paste).

In line with their philosophy that "organic is better," only local fresh fish are processed. They use achuete to color the smoked bangus, for example, instead of chemical preservatives and artificial flavors.

Sawdust, lumber refuse, rice hull and sugarcane bagasse are used in smoking bangus, galunggong and tilapia.

Because these aquaculture projects depend on sound ecosystem, the fisherfolk became champions of the environment. Quiamno says not have only their members stopped illegal forms of fishing, like using cyanide and dynamite, but they also initiated regular coastal cleanup.

The projects became a venue for so-called "collective leadership" where anybody could act as leader because the members got their fair and equal share from the profits.

As a result, the different fisherfolk organizations formed federations to unite and attain a single goal.

The 14 such associations in Caoayan, for example, formed their federation to fight illegal fishing within their area and also help establish a lambaklad or a fish corral.

A Filipino version of the otoshi-ami fishing method of Japan, it is operated like a deep-sea fish corral set with nets and harvests are done daily.

But then a diet of fish alone may be monotonous and when there is another hankering for inabraw, the other ingredients are just around the corner.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/se...5/jun/09-03.htm

Thanks to port80: http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/port80/

Paoay Church
Next we visited another UNESCO Heritage Site, the Paoay Church. The old church is picturesque outside but they said it does not look as good inside (the church was closed when we got there). Apparently, no repair or restoration has been done to this church, not a single beam or window has been replaced.

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Marcos Museum

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Fort Ilocandia

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Antique calesa at the mall

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Vigan's mall - Plaza Maestro

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The old and the new - Vigan Cathedral's belfry and the golden arches of McDonald's

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Calesas at Plaza Burgos

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St. Paul's Church / Vigan Cathedral

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Vigan Cathedral belfry

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History

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Inside Vigan Cathedral

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St. Augustine Church, the oldest church in Region I

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St. Augustine belfry

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Statue of the Virgin Mary and the St. Augustine belfry

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Inside St. Augustine

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Stained glass at St. Augustine

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At the Crisologo Museum

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The late Governor Carmeling Crisologo

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Photos of the slain governor inside the Vigan Cathedral and the pants and shoes he was wearing when killed.

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Ancestral home of the Crisologos

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Ancestral home of the Crisologos

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Ancestral home of the Crisologos: the dining room

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Ancestral home of the Crisologos: the dressing room

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Villa Angela Heritage Hotel

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Calle Crisologo of the Heritage Village at daytime

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Plaza Burgos

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Calle Crisologo at night

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Vigan Cathedral at night

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Calle Crisologo of the Heritage Village at daytime[/QUOTE]

I love this picture, so scenic.

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St. Augustine belfry[/QUOTE]

That's a very nice shot! :)
Btw, why is this belfry separated from the church??

VIGAN does not really need another tourist attraction. Listed in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site -- one of five in the Philippines -- the capital of Ilocos Sur has more than enough to delight any visitor.

The city's accomplishment, which qualified it to join the elite group of heritage sites, is its having "the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia." Established in the 16th century, the city has brought together exceptional Asian and European cultural elements.

That distinction, however, did not stop former ship engineer Francis A. Flores from developing yet another crowd drawer, albeit a contemporary one. Tucked behind the workshop where the family conducts its regular business-the making of terracotta products-and not visible to passersby, Flores has nurtured a lush garden of bromeliads, ferns, palms, bamboo and bonsai.

Flores, who reportedly does the landscaping for the city government of Mayor Eva Marie Singson Medina, has called his work the Hidden Garden. It boasts of large potted bird's nest ferns, bromeliads girding a miniature waterfall or providing ground cover for a clump of bamboo, air plants growing on driftwood, and bonsai and ornamental stones dividing a pathway.

True to his name, Flores, the eldest of three children, has been keenly interested in plants early on. He started making bonsai at 17 without any formal training after reading up on the subject of miniaturizing plants.

He only had formal instruction in bonsai-making when he came to Manila to study marine engineering, attending lectures and seminars by plant experts. The youthful hobby would produce about 80 miniature plants, a few of which still survive to this day, gracing the entrance to the garden.

While still a student, Flores also started collecting plants and going to garden shows. He has 15-year-old bird's nest ferns acquired in Los Baños during his earlier forays of garden shows.

In 1980, he temporarily hanged up his gardener's overall to practice his profession. He worked in a foreign vessel then "abandoned" ship in 1985 to work in Saudi Arabia's Minister of Defense and Aviation, where he remained until 1997.

With his work hours fixed, Flores looked for something to do to occupy himself. On the suggestions of friends, he took up landscaping in an international correspondence school. By the time he returned to the Philippines, the erstwhile sailor was ready to bring the family business to another direction.

Flores not only used the terracotta pots the family produced in his garden and landscaping jobs, but he also introduced a new line. In addition to firewood-using stove, water jars, and clay toys, the family now makes garden furniture. The Hidden Garden was a most appropriate backdrop to showcase tables and chairs made of red clay.

Incidentally, although Vigan is now better known for the dark brown or gray burnay (tapayan), indigenous potters in the early days started with red clay products.

Fidel Go, proprietor of Ruby's Pottery who has been declared a National Folk Artist for his work on burnay, said it was his father who introduced the skill for making the darker vitrified or high-fired pottery.

Go said when his father, Pedro, arrived in 1922, local artisans were already making low-fired terracotta products. The new migrant decided to import a new pottery technique from his home country. He returned to China not only to learn the technology but also to recruit potters to work in the shop he opened in Vigan. Fidel took over the management of the business in 1970.

But the Flores workshop carries on the pre-Hispanic tradition by making terracotta pottery.

Flores lists among the services he offers landscape design and maintenance, waterfalls setup, and grotto-making. He also sells and rents out plants. The family pottery business accepts orders for terra cotta products and Vigan tiles of all sizes.

Most of his work so far has been confined to his native Vigan although a few fellow Bigueños, who have built homes in Metro Manila, have "imported" his services. Probably the most prominent of his Metro Manila clients is the Crisologo matriarch, Carmeling.

E-mail the author at lbolido@hotmail.com
http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2003/may/14-02.htm

MY friends and I are going on a road trip to Ilocos (Laoag/Vigan) and then Cordillera (Banaue/Sagada) and we're gonna try to do it backpacker style... any suggestions re the itinerary?" Claire, a member of the Heritage Conservation Society's Youth Group, posted this query on the HCS e-group and her overwhelming response should be shared. Professor Manolo Noche of the University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture, an accomplished researcher of heritage architecture, responded with an itinerary for a loop through the northern Luzon provinces that I am summarizing.

"If you are interested in built heritage, town-hop," advises Noche, who suggests visiting colonial churches in Ilocos. La Union has noteworthy churches in Bauang and San Fernando. In San Juan, there are the ruins of the old Pinindingan, a beautiful old municipio and Moro watchtower. Do not miss the old church, cemetery and numerous watchtowers at Luna (formerly Namakpacan).

Ilocos sights

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HIZON-SINGIAN House is among the most elegant of San Fernando heritage homes.

Loop Ilocos Sur, visit all towns along the highway. Start with the church and sundial in Tagudin, then see interesting churches and cemeteries in Santa Cruz, Candon, Santa Lucia, Santiago and San Esteban.

Don't miss hilltop Santa Maria Church, a Unesco World Heritage site, the romantic circular camposanto (cemetery) behind it, and the old houses in the town. Stroll through Narvacan, a smaller version of Vigan. Its watchtowers and those at San Esteban should not be missed.

Bantay and Vigan, San Vicente, Cauayan and Santa Catalina are towns close to one another with outstanding churches and houses. Further north of Vigan, visit the churches of Magsingal, Sinait and Cabugao for their remarkable baroque retablos.

In Ilocos Norte, there are old bridges, a church and colonial cemetery at Badoc. The Marcos Museum and his mummy are in neighboring Batac.

Paoay, a Unesco World Heritage site, is an international landmark. Its massive S-shaped buttresses along the sidewalls are unique in the world. There are ruins of an old almac‚n as well as a spectacular Moro watchtower in Currimao.
Laoag Church has undergone recent renovations but its old cemetery with a Spanish colonial era chapel in the middle is still untouched and outstanding. Of course, travel to Sarrat and Piddig farther east whose colonial churches are a must-see.

There is an interesting Spanish period brick bridge in Laoag leading to Baccara, famous for its church and belfry sadly decapitated after the last major earthquake that hit the area.

Visit the town hall of Vintar on your way to Pasuquin which has a colonial watchtower. Ask locals for directions along the coast to the ruins of its old church standing beside the new church. In Burgos, visit the majestic Cape Bojeador lighthouse. Proceed to Bangui, the last town in Ilocos Norte to have any heritage interest, to see its small church. Cross over to Cagayan Valley, visit the ruins of Pata in Claveria town and its lighthouse. Pamplona is a sleepy town with an old church.

For the truly daring, go to Apayao. In the towns of Pudtol and Capinatan are ruins of 16th century churches.

Cagayan Valley sights

Going down Cagayan Valley, pause and take photos on the Magapit Sur suspension bridge. The church of La-loc is interesting, so are the ruins of Calaminuigan whose bells are the oldest in the Philippines.

If you have the time, go to Buguey, its old church is beautiful and then drive further to Sta. Ana, the last town to the east of Cagayan where you can take a boat to Palaui Island. At its very tip is spectacular Cape Engaño lighthouse.
Going down the Manila North Road toward Tuguegarao, visit Alcala Church and Iguig with its ancient well and modern statues depicting the estaciones (stations of the cross).

Tuguegarao Church should not be missed. It is the biggest in the region, with stunning terra-cotta plaques on its walls. The small chapel of San Jacinto in Tuguegarao with its 18th-century retablo is a gem.

If you are planning on going to Piat, visit the ruins of Faire Church (sometimes called Tabang Church) and the old ruins of Piat church. Detour and visit Tuao to see its ancient belfry whose 18th-century lower foundations still stand.
Malaueg further west also is interesting. In Peñablanca, visit the Callao caves. If you happen to be there by dusk, watch out for droves of bats flying out of the caves.

In Isabela, visit the spectacular ruins of San Pablo or Cabanga Viejo Church, and the ruins of its cemetery along the national road.

Tumauini Church should not be missed. It has a serpentine fence, a circular belfry, and an interior that is a terra-cotta extravaganza.

Cordillera sights

There are rice terraces in Banaue but hike to World Heritage site Batad where views are spectacular, the people friendly, and go on to see the other World Heritage terraces in Hapao, Hungduan and Kiangan.

On the way to Sagada, visit the 1907 Capitol Building in Bontoc. Farther up the hill behind it is Maligkong Rice Terraces.

Noche advises to take his two-week itinerary "para at least authentic ang dating ng pag-baba-backpacking ninyo." We tend to think that the farther away we explore (Ilocos and Cordillera), the more interesting and exotic the places would be. Places closer to Manila are equally rich.

Sony Ng of the HCS recounted a recent trip to Pampanga with a group of Filipinos, Swiss, Japanese, Korean, British, Nigerian, German and French members of the Museum Volunteers of the Philippines.

Kapampangan heritage

She writes "Our first stop was appropriately the Center for Kapampangan Studies at the Holy Angel University where we were warmly welcomed not only by director Tantingco but by a rondalla as well.

"In San Fernando we visited the Archdiocesan Museum at the University of the Assumption -- a repository of valuable Kapampangan religious articles and vestments.

"We sought out Roland Quiambao, whose giant Christmas lantern we witnessed last December winning the grand prize. He answered all our questions about the intricacies of his yearly production as well as his works for Enchanted Kingdom, malls, Christmas lights in various cities.

"On that hot day, predicted to have a temperature of 42 degrees, Razon's halo-halo helped us survive.

"A trip to San Fernando would not be complete if one does not visit its heritage houses. Unfortunately we had time only for two. And to our pleasant surprise-a band welcomed us in the Henson-Hizon House while a group of young boys and girls in colorful native attire sang and danced for us in the Hizon-Singian (Rodriguez) House. How the foreigners in our group loved the sight and sound.

"We were able to see the San Fernando train station, along the way to Betis and Bacolor, which we did not want to miss -- Betis Church for its beautiful interior and Bacolor for its 'transformation from being the Athens of Pampanga into Pompei' -- to quote our guide Arwin Lingat.

"The Kapampangans we met, including the local historian of Betis named Denden, are one in their deep pride of their province and heritage.

"We have a beautiful country and wonderful people," concludes Sony.

Heritage watch

Grupo Reposo, an association of business establishments on Reposo Street in Makati, will launch the first street festival, "Tibok Sining sa Reposo Makati," on May 27 with prominent artists painting a mural on the wall fronting Saint Andrew's Church.

On May 28 and 29, Reposo will be closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to wander around the stalls of an Arts, Crafts and Food Fair during the day, and, on the 28th, a free open-air concert with flamenco dancing, performances by the Ateneo dancers, St. Scholastica's Chamber of Music Quartet, jazz singer Cookie Chua and singer Bayang Barrios.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_phe/2005/may/25-02.htm

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PORTRAIT of Vicky Quirino, daughter of President Elpidio Quirino

'Living museum'

THE OLD Mestizo District of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is a "living museum" of Filipino-Spanish-Chinese architectural heritage. Eighteenth- and 19th-century edifices and houses, most of them well-preserved and still very much inhabited, dot this area, notably Calle Crisologo.

This was the commercial district of Vigan during the Spanish and early American periods. Most of the ancestral houses were built from the profits of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade and, later, the tobacco monopoly.

Winona Remedios Santos, officer in charge of the Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center, says many of the Chinese who came to the Philippines before the 20th century stayed only for short periods, before returning to China.

But while in the Philippines, some of these Chinese mestizos married indio women and established dual roots, as it were. In the 19th century, with increased commerce, they became powerful, economically and politically. They settled in an area called "Kasanglayan"-"place of the Chinese" in Ilocano-which is now the Mestizo District.

The brick dwellings with red-tile roofs, massive doors, broad verandahs, grand staircases, arched doorways, high ceilings and sliding capiz windows along this street served a double purpose.

The ground floor was occupied by a shop that sold dry goods, while the second floor functioned as the family residence.

"The residential houses are still privately owned, while the ground floors are [now] rented by tourist shops. Other homes have been turned into inns and museums," Santos says.

The souvenir shops today showcase furniture, both reproductions and genuine antiques, samples of authentic Ilocano weaving in different kinds of abel cloth, and home and garden accessories.

"The flourishing local tourism industry has been brought about by the inclusion of Vigan in the Unesco World Heritage List of Sites and Monuments and its recent conversion into a component city," says Santos.

It was on Dec. 2, 1999 that the historic town of Vigan was cited in the World Heritage List for being the best example of a European colonial trading town in the East.

The town was converted into a city on Jan. 22, 2001, through a plebiscite that allowed Vigueños to reaffirm the Congressional Act validating and recognizing the Royal Decree issued by King Fernando VI of Spain in 1757, which elevated the status of Vigan to that of a city named Ciudad Fernandina.

http://www.inq7.net/lif/2004/feb/29/lif_2-1.htm

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — The Social Security System (SSS) has traced its roots deep in the "wild, wild west" of the Ilocos Region in the northern Philippines, where it was drawn up and fostered by a wealthy political kingpin who fought employer groups and insurance companies to pass the social security law nearly 50 years ago.

When Floro Crisologo, who represented Ilocos Sur in the House of Representatives, introduced a bill proposing the creation of a social security agency to help poor workers, he was on a collision course with powerful employers and business groups, who thumbed down the measure.

"His bill met strong opposition from employers and such business interests as insurance companies. He was not deterred," said Carmeling Crisologo, 82, wife of the former congressman and matriarch of a powerful political family in Ilocos Sur.

The SSS law was enacted in 1957, three years after Crisologo introduced the measure. To ensure its passage, Crisologo agreed to accept amendments from labor and business groups.

According to SSS old-time members, employers considered social security contributions as additional operational cost, while insurance companies deemed it a strong competition to their business.

SSS marked its 48th anniversary on Sept. 1 this year. From seed capital of P500,000, it has become the biggest pension fund in the country in terms of membership with over 25 million members worldwide and assets totaling more than P189 billion.

Carmeling Crisologo, who is a former governor of Ilocos Sur, talked to reporters in the family-owned hotel, The Cordillera Inn, which has served as her home in the provincial capital of Vigan for many years. In addition to the hotel, she also manages a bank and a resort.

Vigan is a historical city that has retained its Spanish cultural heritage. The city center is a museum of cobblestone streets lined with old Spanish houses with elaborately designed capiz shell windows, wide narra wood floors and panels and Spanish period tile roofs.

The city, which has been declared a United Nations Heritage site, is a virtual flashback to the Spanish colonial times. It was the seat of power of the tobacco barons in the 1960s and site of historical battles that highlighted the Filipino's gallant stand against Spanish, American and Japanese invaders.

Crisologo, a small, spry lady with shoulder-length black hair, described her husband as "a ladies' man, who was well-loved by his constituents due to his affability and modesty."

Congressman Crisologo was shot in the back of the head by a lone gunman while he was on his knees to receive communion during a Mass in the Ilocos cathedral in 1970. It was a daring daylight murder that marked a sudden shift in political power from the Crisologos to his nephews, the Singsons.

Crisologo said her husband thought about establishing a social security agency after undergoing a gall bladder operation at the John Hopkins University in the United States in 1952 and he could not hire a special nurse for his post-operation care for lack of social security coverage.

"My husband saw the benefits of a social security law for private sector workers, especially the poor. He believed it was only fair for Filipino workers to enjoy social security benefits," she said, waving a grizzled hand. She was not wearing jewelry.

Crisologo said SSS' growth has been phenomenal and it should now expand the scope of its coverage and provide social security protection to the most marginalized sectors of society.

She said her husband's crusade for social justice through the establishment of the SSS was probably the most important victory he had ever achieved in all of his fights, whether in politics or in a town brawl.

One of the Crisologo sons, Vincent "Bingbong" Crisologo, once a gun-toting and tough-talking political heir-apparent who turned to the Bible and preaching of the words of Jesus Christ when he was sent to prison for burning to the ground the houses in two villages of their political rivals, is now a member of the House of Representatives, representing the 1st district of Quezon City.

http://money.inq7.net/topstories/view_topstories.php?yyyy=2005&mon=12&dd=11&file=1

Taipans put in $5B to get 5M tourists in 5 years

First posted 01:20am (Mla time) Jan 29, 2006
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Inquirer


Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the January 29, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE country’s taipans are at the forefront of a business offensive aimed at hitting the private sector’s “singko-singko” goal and propelling Philippine tourism to its golden age.

Their “5-5-5-5-5” target simply means: To invest $5 billion to bring in 5 million tourists that would generate $5 billion in revenues and 5 million jobs in 5 years.

Marketing whiz Samie Lim said the country’s billionaires were buying new planes and ships, erecting new malls and hotels, and building word-class resorts and casinos, confident that tourism would be the next big thing in the Philippine economy.

“We’re happy that the taipans have bought into our 5-A strategy—arrival, access, accommodations, attractions and activities—by spending money in these specific areas needed to bring in the tourists,’’ said Lim, the vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Taipan Lucio Tan is leading the pack with the $814 million refleeting program of Philippine Airlines and is spending a few billion pesos more to mark his entry into the shopping mall business (his Allied Bank has foreclosed on the Ever Gotesco properties).

Retail king Henry Sy’s gigantic P7 billion Mall of Asia off Manila Bay is being positioned as a major tourist destination not only for its world-class shopping facilities but also for its terminal that will have ferries carrying tourists to sites along the coast line.

“Next to our beaches, tourists come to the Philippines for shopping,’’ said Lim, explaining the importance of shopping malls in their strategy.

Flush with cash from a stock offering last year, Sy is also building Hamilo Cove, a 5,200-hectare seaside property in Nasugbu, Batangas, as his flagship business in tourism and leisure.

Taipan John Gokongwei is pouring in $670 million to refleet Cebu Pacific, in tandem with the expansion of his hotel empire (Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza).

Metrobank’s George Ty has quietly moved in with an initial P500 million investment in the heart of Philippine tourism, Cebu.

Through the family’s property arm, Federal Land Inc., Ty will reopen the shuttered Cebu Plaza Hotel in partnership with the Marco Polo hotel chain. Federal Land is keeping its options open as it might consider building more hotels to meet the acute shortage of rooms to accommodate the surge in tourist arrivals.

But to achieve the 5-5-5-5-5 goal, Lim said the country would need more than the taipans’ money.

“We’re getting interest from other businessmen wanting to put their money in budget hotels, budget airlines, tourism transport services and toilet facilities because they see the taipans leading the way,’’ Lim said.

5 gateways

For example, Lim said, the Philippines would join its Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) neighbors in establishing a budget hotel chain charging only $25 a night.

In contrast to the government’s plodding and cluttered tourist promotion program in the past years, the private sector-led BizTour 5 program is clear-cut and results-driven.

Instead of promoting the entire Philippines, the BizTour program has identified only five international gateways—Laoag, Manila, Subic-Clark, Cebu and Davao—where all investments in infrastructure, accommodations and attractions would be built or enhanced.

Security a top concern

“Tourists should be able to get to their destinations within an hour or two after stepping off the plane or boat,’’ Lim said.

Aside from ensuring that investments were focused in key areas for maximum results, Lim said that this would also ensure that the government would have enough resources to maintain peace and security, a major concern of tourists.

Lim said the 5-million tourists target in 2010—double the expected 2.5 million tourists last year—“might look big but this is actually modest compared to other countries.’

Left behind

The World Tourism Council reported that a total of 800 million people travel every year, spending $1.7 trillion in fares, accommodations, food and shopping.

Until 2004, Lim said the Philippines had never broken through the 2-million tourists mark in 25 years, during which time neighbors like Malaysia (15 million) and Vietnam (3 million) surpassed the country.

“Even the small Phuket island in Thailand has more tourists (2.5 million) than us,’’ Lim said.

Philippine tourism is fast gathering momentum with the Department of Tourism expecting arrivals to hit 2.6 million in 2005.

Aggressive Northerners

“We commend the government for its role in bringing in more tourists here, especially from Korea and China. The private sector’s role is to ensure that they stay here longer and come back with more of their relatives and friends,’’ Lim said.

Aside from spending P700 million for tourism promotion, Lim said the government also spent P35 billion in the last two years to build new airports and seaports and modernize existing facilities to make tourist spots more accessible to foreign visitors.

Lim said that while Cebu was way ahead of any region in terms of tourism development, Northern Luzon was the most aggressive in turning itself into a tourist mecca under the leadership of the governors of the Ilocos provinces, Pangasinan and La Union.

God’s gift

“There are now more flights to Laoag than Cebu, with big groups of casino players, mostly from China, flying in,’’ Lim said.

But of all the tourist gateways, Lim said Subic-Clark still had the most potential because of its huge land bank and strategic location.

Ultimately, Lim said, tourism would make up 15 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

“We may not be competitive in other industries but God gave our country natural beauty and we should use it properly to our advantage,’’ he said.

^I hope this plan works!

animo, thanks. ang sipag mo.

animo, thanks. ang sipag mo.

Salamat! :)

tinatamad akong hanapin un Vigan thread. suggest naman kau kung saan puede mag-rent ng bahay jan sa me Vigan. balak namin mag-bakasyon. mga 12 persons kami. kung walang bahay, kung saan na lan puede mag-stay for two nights (saka magkano per head). thanks!

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/travel_packages/vigan_travel_packages.html

http://vigan.islandsphilippines.com/links-references.html

^^ I hope those helps! I do not really know the place. :cheers:

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http://www.flickr.com - Anne Astorga-Motilla

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Fort Ilocandia

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malacañang of the north

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Juan Luna's house

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crisologo library

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vintage ternos

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piano area

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vintage perfumes

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crisologo's office desk

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crisologo military uniform

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crisologo family photos

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origin of the name 'vigan'

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st. augustine church of bantay

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calesa

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"The poems of Leona were characterized by their originality of thought and elegance of expression. In limpid, lyrical verses, she sang the customs and tradition of their race, the thoughts and ideals of her people, the glory of Filipino womanhood, and the romanticism of her nation. Her mastery of Spanish and Iloko was unsurpassed by any other woman writer of her time. Because she was a devout Catholic, there was in her poems a vibrant spiritual undertone which blended harmoniously with their melodious overtones. Her poetry proves that art and religion can mix well to express the glories of God, beauty and fatherland."

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the carriage used to carry the statues of saints when they are paraded in the streets during a town's fiesta.

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St. Paul's metropolitan cathedral was built by the Augustinians from 1790 to 1800 in a distinctive "Baroque earthquake architecture"...

flickr.com - adlaw

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Vigan, earlier known as " Ciudad Fernandina" from 1758 to late 19th century, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. It has auspiciously escaped the bombs of World War II unlike its sister cities, Manila and Cebu.

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Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia. A UNESCO Heritage Site.

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Vigan brings images of antiquated houses, cobbled narrow streets, and calesas. A place where "time stood still".

flickr.com - Ramir Borja

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Fort Ilocandia

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Laoag Church

It is the one of the biggest church of the Philippines. It was in 1612 that the foundations of the present church of Italian Renaissance were made replacing the former wooden chapel. The church was damaged by hurricane in 1640, by earthquake in 1706, by fire in 1843. The church was restored in 1880.

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Sinking Bell Tower

The sinking bell tower of Laoag City is reputed to be the most solid, most massive and tallest bell tower in the Philippines.

wow :eek2:

Animo, your pictures bring a breath of fresh air to the eyes!

I AM SWEPT AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

@jamaicus, can you please suggest some rest house where we can spend 2 nights vacation there in vigan. mga 12 kami. magkano kaya po ang rate? un natawagan namin, Gordion Inn - Good for 2 - P 1800/night; Good for 4 - P 5000/night, inclusive of breakfast only.

ito pa un iba:
GRAND PA'S INN
-Dormitory type good for 8 persons - Php3600 (holiday rate)
-inclusion: breakfast

LA FELISA TOURIST INN/ EL JUANA HOTEL
- Room for 4 (max 7) - Php1400 (ordinary rate - Holyweek rate not yet available)
- Aircon with TV
- Hot and cold water available

baka me suggestion ka pa. thanks ulit!

@animo, thanks for the link. di ko agad napansin. :)

Pride of Place : Summer streetwalking discoveries

First posted 11:22pm (Mla time) April 02, 2006
By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on page D4 of the April 3, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

GET OUT OF THE MALLS AND go streetwalking this summer. There is nothing like discovering the Philippine city, whether it be Manila, Cebu, Baguio, or whatever city you happen to find yourself in.

Actually each city has a story of its own, one that can be felt with the senses while walking, and the more you discover the story the more it comes to life. Some accurately call it feeling the pulse of the city.

Each city and each neighborhood within the city has a story of its own and therefore beats with an individual pulse.

There is a languid feel when experiencing Manila's Pasig River from the river walk along densely forested Arroceros Park that reminds you of Josè Rizal's late 19th-century descriptions of the beloved river.

On the opposite bank of the river is one of the business centers of Manila. There energy bristles. It presents another face of the city where the pulse is understandably different.

The pulse of a city is a combination of many things that take place within the protective envelope of a series of homes and buildings that form the urbanscape.

Within the vast urbanscape of each city, neighborhoods are pockets that reflect the distinct lifestyles of their inhabitants.

These are streetscapes inhabited and colored by the people-their visuals, sounds, smells and tastes that together illustrate the pulse of that particular section of the city.

A market neighborhood is obviously different from a purely residential neighborhood. A neighborhood of houses has a character totally unlike that of a skyscraper neighborhood.

Ethnic neighborhoods add a different flavor to the city. These are places where everything changes from the ordinary, the people, their sights, sounds, smells and cuisine.

In ethnic neighborhoods, you may find things out of the ordinary, as well as exotica and shops stocked with interesting goods.

Walking is really the only way to discover your city. Walk when the sun is not at its summer peak, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

During the noon hours, you may enjoy a slow, long lunch in the coolest place you can find. Stay there as long as they will let you. Allow the sun to start cooling off before you go back on the street.

Where to walk? Try your neighborhood first. Take a fresh look at what you have always taken for granted-the same old houses, sidewalks, rutted streets-but see how they tell the story of your neighborhood.

Are there still houses from a few generations ago? Have these houses been replaced with newer ones? Has the neighborhood gone commercial? Have shop spaces been built in the big front yards? On the other hand, discover how wonderful those front yards may still exist.

Are there special things to buy in your neighborhood? Are there homes, shops or restaurants that sell unusual food?

What makes your neighborhood extraordinary? How would it stand out compared to the other sections of the city?

If you heed help, a good guidebook that can navigate you around Manila is "Street-Bound" by Josefina Manahan, published by Anvil Publishing.

Manahan lists various types of walks around Manila that allow people to appreciate nature (yes, there still is some of it in the city), history, culture, and of course, non-mall shopping.

All of Manahan's walks take you through Manila, bringing out the pulse of the city that can never be duplicated in any of the malls.

Walking tour guides

If you would rather be walked around the city, then contact either Ivan ManDy at oldmanilawalks@gmail.com or Carlos Celdran. Both do walking tours.

Ivan calls himself a Streetwalker. He takes people on walks through Tsinoy Binondo in central Manila.

He has another walk at the Chinese Cemetery showing that the cemetery is probably the city's most comprehensive architectural museum and also the honor the Chinese community accords its ancestors.

Tsinoy culture comes to life when he does unforgettable food walks through the kitchens of Binondo for a memorable encounter with the Chinese culture of taste.

Carlos Celdran presents his own take on Manila, sometimes irreverent, but always humorous and engaging.

When he tackles the CCP Complex, he brings out the Marcos mania for iconic architecture. He walks you through Intramuros, develops nostalgia for bygone days while doing a reality check on the ilustrado lifestyle.

I really don't know who can walk people through Cebu, Vigan, Iloilo and other places outside of Manila. I am sure that those people exist and ask them to drop me an e-mail.

When I find out who they are and after trying out their walks, then I will publish the contact information of the more interesting walkers.

E-mail the author at afvillalon@hotmail.com


Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

definately this city has a lot to show tourists, especially asian tourists. this is "little europe=spain" within the reach of koreans, japanese, chinese, taiwanese, singaporans, malaysians, indians, thai within 2 - 4 hours flying time. what a potential ! vigan should be promoted much more. they should also have a modern airport, upgraded to REAL international standards. from what i saw it looks terrible, although it does cater to international flights.

That´s why it´s so popular with the Tawainese, less than an hour away from their country and it´s a totally different culture!

^^Really Beautiful Pix!
thnx Animo

^^ No problem! :)

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Detail on the eaves of the Vigan houses

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The World Heritage streets of Vigan at night

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flickr.com - Peter Tongco

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This bored tiger broke out into a yawn. Being one of the top attractions of Baluarte Singson, a recreational park in Vigan, the tiger is used to the attention lavished on him. He stays in a rather expansive enclosure that has access to several wells like the one here so he gets a lot of exercise. The more to keep those heavy legs hale and healthy.

At Baluarte Singson, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines

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A replica of the Nuestra Señora de Manaog (Our Lady of Manaog) at the Museo San Pablo of the Saint Paul's Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines.

People still line up to this image in Vigan in homage. During the Virgin's feast day and Holy week, the icon is taken to the streets for veneration and procession.

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St Paul's Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines

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San Miguel Arcangel
At the Museo San Pablo, St Paul's Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines

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St Paul's Cathedral and Plaza Salcedo

Built 1574, the church was damaged by earthquake and fire and rebuilt several times in the 1600s and 1700s. It became the seat of the diocese of Nueva Segovia, the Philippines since 1758.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines
(Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

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Altar with ramilletes

These silver ornaments, which are possibly reliquaries, are displayed with the ebonized Santo Cristo in the St Paul's Cathedral museum which is originally part of the church convento. It is now a repository of pricess antiques. A lot are still used in special church services and ceremonies.

The ornaments are ramilletes and are silver carved decorations

Museo San Pablo, St Paul's Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

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Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia. This staircase, with traditional cast iron railing, is in the section of St Paul's Cathedral which is now turned into a museum of ecclesiastical artifacts.

St Paul's Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines

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Retablo of St Paul's Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

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San Martin and Sta Ana, St Paul's Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

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Calle Crisologo is the most well-preserved section of Vigan where 17th-19th century stonehouses still stand.

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"Burnay" or jar making was brought to Vigan by the Chinese in the 1500s and revived commercially in the late 1800s. This picture was taken from the workshop of Fidel Go, who was nominated in the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Folk Artist Award) of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts for artistry in the craft.

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This archbishop residence is one of the oldest in the Philippines and is the center of the large Northern Philippines archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.

I photographed this one as the capiz shell windows are perfectly intact and the calado tracery on the ceiling is an 18th century classic. I couldn't really tell if the calado is wood or metal although a lot of the lace exterior ceilings in Vigan are in metal.

There are only a few capiz (http://flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/34203602/) window makers left in the country. I know capiz window industry still thrives in Ilocos, Pampanga and Laguna- all in Luzon island. None is left in Cebu where I live. The capiz replacement shells are readily available especially that the capiz lantern (http://flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/39742615/) industry still thrives well during Christmas but nobody makes the patterned wooden slats anymore in where I live. (sigh)

The Arzopispado, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines
(Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

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Ilocos belfry

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A Vigan hotel with covered water well

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Igorot dance

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Batac, Ilocos Norte

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Sarrat church bell tower

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Laoag Cathedral

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Malacañang of the north lake view

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Malacañang of the north

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Street signpost in Vigan

^^ Amazing how we get an American street name in Vigan. :nuts:

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Vigan Cathedral

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Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte

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Sta. Maria Church

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A calesa, Vigan

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Vigan courtyard

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Viva Vigan calesa parade

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Street dancer's crown - The Viva Vigan festivities

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whow! I'm really excited to go there. :)

1990 is a great event in Vigan history for it coincides with the Centennial Celebrations of the birth anniversary of one of his illustrious son, the late President Elpidio Quirino , born on November 16, 1890 at the ?Carcel Publica? to the spouses Don Mariano Q. Quirino, warden of the carcel publica and Doña Gregoria Rivera.

Four hundred eighteen years ago, Don Juan Salcedo, the last and youngest among all the conquistadors, presented himself to his grandfather, Don Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the then Governor General of the Philippines, with the request to explore Northern Luzon. His intention was to find the limits of the place and to discover a shorter passage to Mexico. He sailed from Manila on May 20, 1572 with 45 soldiers on eight armed boats (Navios).

On June 12, 1572, at nightfall, he arrived at Caoayan. The following day June 13, 1572, Salcedo entered the mouth of Mestizo River called ?El Mestizo? and proceeded towards Vigan. The inhabitants gave a little resistance but soon found out that the weapons of the Spaniards were stronger and can ?spit fires? as they exclaimed. The men retreated to their hideout in Bantay, leaving the children, the old women and men. Salcedo upon seeing this, ordered his men not to harm them, limiting themselves only to obtain the necessary provisions.

The natives of Vigan upon sensing that the Spaniards were not hostile, returned from their hideout in Bantay and presented themselves to Salcedo who received them courteously and cordially. Peace was then forged between two sides. The great conquistador Salcedo did not forget the love, loyalty and affection of the people of Vigan. Upon his arrival as Encomiendero and Justica Mayor of Ilocos, he rushed back to Vigan where the people received him cordially and established a Spanish city, for the purpose of controlling the neighboring country. Vigan became the capital of the Ilocos Province which was then composed of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra , La Union and some parts of the Mountain Province.

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March 11, 1576, was unpropitious to the Spaniards in the Philippines for they have the misfortune of losing of Juan de Salcedo who died on this day. While in Ilocos he was seized with fever that when he drank some cold water that had worked powerfully on his intestines, he died in three hours. The commander was only 27 years old. Vigan, in the 18th century, erected a monument in his honor, the father and founder of Villa Fernandina de Vigan. It is purportedly the first historical monument in Ilocos. It is a stone monument with a cup on top with a serpent. He is now resting side by side with his grandfather Capitan General Don Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in the crypt of San Agustin church in Intramuros, Manila. On August 15, 1613, Don Diego de Soria, the second Archbishop of Nueva Segovia reported that Vigan has a population of 2,000 souls while Bantay has 5,000 souls.

The oldest records of the parish house of Vigan found in its Archives is a ?Libro de Casamiento?. In 1645-1660, Vigan was already divided into Barangays. There were 21 Cavezas de Barangay mentioned in this book of entry. Separated from the naturales, the chinese have their own place of settlement called pariancillo, ?Los Sangleyes del parian? Furthermore, the Spaniards were residents in a Villa, called ?Los Españoles de la Villa?.

In another document entitled as ?Relacion de los Alzamientos dela Ciudad De Vigan, cavesera dela provincia de Ilocos Sur en los años 1762 y 1763, ?Father Pedro de Vivar mentioned that there were 21 sitios in Vigan. Written in 1764, a year after the Diego Silang uprising, de Vivar enumerates them as follows: Anunang, Ballo Barangobong, Bongtolan, Bulala, Pantoc, Paoa, Pong-ol, Caoayan, Cotta, Guadalupe, Manangat, Manquit, Pagbantayan, Salindeg, San Julian, San Sebastian, San Vicente, Santo Tomas, Santa Catalina and Tamag. There were a total of 21 barrios in all. Vivar called the barrios as Rancheras, while the parish book spoke of sitios and barrio without distinction. Vivar complained that the secular priest of Vigan permitted too many settlements too far away from the bells of the church. The towns of Caoayan, Sta. Catalina and San Vicente were former barrios of Vigan. San Vicente and Santa Catalina were separated from Vigan in 1793 and Caoayan in 1825.

In 1803, Ciudad Fernandina has a population of 10,585 souls with 1,966 paying tributes. The natives were working on agricultural land and the mestizos engaged in business with other provinces including Manila. The mestizos played a very important role in the progress and prosperity of the city of Vigan. The Chinese in Vigan settled in a place called ?PARIANCILLO? while in Manila they were in ?Parian?. The Chinese migration to the Philippines came from Fookien Province with its different districts such as: Tangua, Oasay, Chiocboy-Only few came from Canton.

With the talent and knowledge in business as well as their skills and mastery of the art of manufacturing, the Chinese became rich and powerful in society. They opened business in the heart of Vigan, employed the naturales, Intermarried with the natives and mestizos of Vigan and as time passed, they rose into the class of the elite. They triggered a business boom in the community and engaged in trade with the provinces of Caoayan, Pangasinan and including the city of Manila. They have been involved not only in domestic trade but also in foreign trade. They exported Indigo, lime, maguey, basi, jars, tobacco, woven cloth and other local products of Europe, China, Borneo and Malaysia. As a consequence of this business boom, there was a mark change in the lifestyle of the inhabitants.

The rich and influential mestizos of Vigan, constructed their own residential houses-these mestizos were as follows: Singson, (there are two Singson clans but not related, the marriage of Don Manuel Singson and Doña Nieves Singson brought the two families to relationship) Angco, Florendo, (there are three Florendos but not related: they are Bonifacio Florendo Juan Florendo and Benigno Florendo) Florentino, de Leon, Encarnacion (there are also two Encarnacion clans but not related) Sy-Quia, Tongson, Acosta, Feril, Quema, Villanueva, delos Reyes, Sales, Figer and Sebastian. Up to this day, their residential houses still stand and are mostly inhabited.

It was only in Vigan, that there were two Gobernadorcillos-One for the Gremio de mestizos which embraces the eastern part of Vigan and the Gremio de naturales which embraces the western portion of the town. The demarcation point is at present Rizal St.; all eastern portions of Rizal St., belong to the mestizo and all western portions belong to the naturales during the early days. In Vigan, the mestizos? surname begin with the letter ?F?, and the naturales with the letter ?A? as according to the decree of Gov. Gen. Narciso Claveria in 1847 changing all the surnames of the people of the Philippines.

Found in the Philippine Archives in Manila is a report in 1870 describing Vigan, the place. West of the cathedral is the Casa Real and the monument of Salcedo, north of the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace and the Catholic cemetery, west of the Episcopal Palace is a small house, south of the cathedral is the Seminary. West of the Seminary were the hacienda publica, barracks of the Carabineros and the Ayuntamiento Municipal. Vigan has the most number of brick houses numbering around 80 in all which stand up to this day.

The barangays of Vigan thrive in various kinds of industry. Most of them producing in agriculture, corn, tugui, rice, onions, sugar cane, balatong, vegetables and others. Some have their household or Industries such as cattocong making or salakot, weaving, pottery making as well as blacksmithing. Vigan at present is awaiting for its inclusion in the World Heritage. List of the Unites Nations.

References:

Philippine Archives, Manila
Historia de los Ylocos por Don Isabelo de los Reyes
Records of Entry at Vigan Convent Archives

* Damaso Q. King, mestizo de sangley, researcher and consultant, Vigan Nomination to the World Heritage List.*
http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/rubens/12/damaso.htm

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e132/restardo/Instituto%20Cervantes/004.gif

Senator Isabelo delos Reyes was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on July 7, 1864 to Elias de los Reyes and Leona Florentino.

He acquired his early education in the Seminary of Vigan. The cruel discipline imposed by the friar-professors and their arrogance and bigotry inflamed his rebellious spirit so that he came to have a lifelong for frailocracy.

In 1880, at the age of 16, he went to Manila and enrolled in the College of San Juan de Letran. Two years later, on his eighteenth birthday on July 7, 1882, his father died. After receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Letran, he entered the University of Santo Tomas, where he studied law and paleography. In 1886 he finished the course on notary public, but could not practice it because he was then 22 years old - three years short of the minimum age required by law to qualify as notary public.

To supplement the limited monthly allowance he received from his mother, he became a journalist. Writing was in his blood, for he inherited his passionate love for literature and writing ability from his mother. He wrote articles for EI Diario de Manila, La Oceania Espanol, EI Comercio, La Revista Popular, La Opinion, and other Manila newspapers.

On June 14, 1884, while he was a 2O-year old struggling newspaperman, he married Josefa Sevilla of Malabon.

In 1889 he founded the first vernacular newspaper in the Philippines, Elllocano, with himself as editor as well as publisher. This periodical did not last long. However, it achieved distinction in the history of Philippine journalism. He made intensive researches on Philippine history and culture and wrote various historical works, such as Las Islas Visayas en la Epoca de la Conquista(first edition in 187, second edition in 1889); La Expedicion de Li-Mahong contra Filipinas en 1574 (1888); Triuntos del Rosario 0 Los Holandeses en Filipinas (1888); Prehistoria de Filipinas (1889); EI Folklore Filipino (1889); and Historia de Ilocos (1890, 2 vols.).

As a journalist, Don Belong, as he was fondly called, aroused the hostility of the friars and officials because he openly criticized the evils of the Spanish rule and advocate reforms. He particularly denounced the huge haciendas of the religious orders and demanded agrarian reform to ameliorate the miserable conditionof the landless Fillipino tenants. The Spanish authorities naturally branded him as a tilibusterismo (traitor).

In January, 1897, shortly after the execution of the "Thirteen Martyrs of Bagumbayan," Don Belong was arrested and jailed in the Bilibid Prison. He was one of the many patriots who were jailed and tortured because of their complicity in the ranging revolution, which Andres Bonifacio and his katipuneros began in the hills of Balintawak in August, 1896. While he was agonizing in prison, his sick wife died. The inhuman authorities, who called themselves Christians, would not permit him even a few minutes to attend his wife's funeral and see his orphaned children.

Inside the bilibid Prison, Don Belong was able to talk with many inmates, who were katipuneros, and learned from them the history of the Katipunan and the reasons why they rose in arms against Spain. Accordingly, he wrote within his prison cell the Sensacional Memoria sobre la Revolucion Filipina, which became one of the valuable works on the history of the revolution.

The arrival of General Fernando Primo de Rivera in Manila on April 25, 197, as successor of the ruthless Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja (who ordered the execution of many Filipino patriots, including Dr. Rizal), saved Don Belong from the firing squad. This new governor-general, comparatively more humane than Polavieja, deported him to Spain, where he was incarcerated at the infamous Montijuich Castle in Barcelona. When the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was concluded on December 14-15, 1897, he was released. To silence his trenchant pen and win over to Spanish side, he was given a distinguished job as Consejero del Ministery de Ultramar (Counselor of the Ministry of Colonies) in Madrid, a position which he held from 1898 to 1901. At that time, the Spanish-American war was raging in the Philippines and in the West Indies.

While working in the Ministry of Colonies, Don Belong fell in love with a charming Madrilena, Senorita Maria Angeles Lopez Montero, daughter of a retired Spanish infantry colonel. He married her in 1898.

His marriage to a Spanish girl and his having a good job in the Spanish Government did not, however, diminish Don Belong's love for his native land. His patriotism could not be bartered for a beautiful girl and a high government position. In 1899 he published in Madrid La Sensacional Memoria sobre la RevoluciolJ Filip in a , which he had written in the Bilibid Prison. This book stirred great sensation in Spain, for it exposed the evils of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, such as the native Filipinos, thereby causing the downfall of Spain in Asia. It had a preface written by Don Miguel Morayta, Spanish historian, statesman, professor, and friend of the Fillipino people.

During the Fililpino-American War (1899-1902), he used his pen to lambast the Yankee attack on the First Philippine Republic. He founded and edited two nationalist periodicals in Madrid, EI Defensor de Filipinas and Filipinas Ante Europa. He wrote two books, both published in Madrid, namely, Independencia y Revolucion (1900) which urged the Filipinos to carry on their war against American and La Religion de Katipunan which discussed the teachings and organization of the K.K.K.

On July 1, 1901, the Spanish Government permitted Don Belong to return to the Philippines. He brought many books with him, among which were those written by Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Victor Hugo, Pierre Joseph Proudhon, Mikhail Bakunin, and other socialists of Europe. These books inspired him to introduce socialism into his own country. Shortly after his arrival in Manila, he contacted the labor elements, urging them to unite and protect themselves from the avaricious capitalists. He explained to them the benefits the)! would derive by means of collective bargaining. On February 2, 1902. he"founded the first labor union in the Philippines, called the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina (Philippine Democratic labor Union), with himself as president and Hermenegildo Cruz as secretary, Realizing the value of propaganda, he founded and edited the first labor newspaper in the country, La Redencion del Obrero (The Redemption of the laborer), which championed the rights of labor.

Utilizing his labor leadership, Don Belong, in a meeting of about 42 members of his labor organization at the Centro de Bellas Artes in Quiapo on August 3, 1902, launched the Philippine Independent Church and proclaimed Father Gregorio Aglipay as the Supreme bishop. Shortly after this, he led a general strike of factory laborers and farm tenants against the American business firms and friar-owned haciendas. This general strike was sparked by a strike of the Filipino cigar workers against the Commercial Tobacco factory in Malabon, which was owned by Mr, Moxon, an American businessman. It is said that more than 2,000 laborers and tenants demonstrated in the streets of Manila. Civil Governor Taft had to call the U.S. Calvary to disperse them.

As the mastermind of the abortive general strike, Don Belong was arrested and jailed in Malabon. He was convicted by the court on the charge of public disturbance and sentenced to four months in prison. Because of his imprisonment, the mantle of labor leadership passed to the hands of the fiery Dr. Dominador Gomez on September 3, 1902.

After his release from prison, Don Belong left Manila in February, 1903, for China and Japan. he was able to contact the self-exiled revolutionary general, Artemio Ricarte, in Yokohama, on the Philippine situation.

He returned to Manila, and later, in 1905 he sailed for Spain, where he worked as a juror Uurado) of the Spanish Government in barcelona until 1908. On April 3, 1909, he returned to Manila, with his Spanish wife and children. His wife died on February 10,1910,

In 1912, at the age of 48, two great events highlighted Don Belong's life - first was his marriage for the third time ans second, his election as councilor of the city of Manila. His third wife was Maria Um, a pretty 18-year old Chinese mestiza of Tondo. By winning a seat in the city council, he began his political career. Impelled by his nationalista sentiment and hatred for the friars, he passed through the city council several resolutions changing the names of ceratin streets bearing the names of the friars to those of the Filipino patriots. Owning to his popularity among the asses, he was re-elected for another term and served as city councilor until 1919.

In the senatorial elections of 1922 he launched his candidacy in the First Senatorial District (comprising the Ilocos provinces). His opponent was ; Representative Elpidio Quirino, a rising Ilokano politician. He won after a hard campaign. On May 27, 1923, while serving his term in the Senate (1922-1928), his third wife died of childbirth.

Upon the expiration of his senatorial term, Don Belong gave up politics and devoted the last years of his life to religion and writing. As an honorary Bishop of the Aglipayan Church, he wrote many sermons and other religious tracts. It should be noted that he was the author of most of the Aglipayan literature, such as the Biblia Filipina (Philippine Bible), Oficio Divino (Mass-Book), Catequesis (Catechism), Plegarias (Prayers), Genesis Cientifico y Moderno (Scientific and Modern Genesis), and Calendario Aglipayano (Aglipayan Calendar). He also translated into Iloko the Gospels of St. John, St. Luke, St. Mark, and St. Matthew; the New Testament; and the Acts of the Apostles.

In January, 1829, Don Belong was stricken with paralytic and became bed-ridden until his death on October 10, 1938, at the age of 74. He was survived by 15 of his 27 children by his three marriages.

http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/former_senators/isabelo_delos_reyes.htm

whow! I'm really excited to go there. :)

Check this site too: http://www.geocities.com/vigansite/
Go to the tourism section.

I hope you have a great time. :cheers:

Accommodations

Ancestral houses turned into cozy hotels and pensiones to cater to the billeting requirements of visitors feature a unique ambiance. Resorts outside the poblacion are alternative accommodations in rural settings.

R.F. ANICETO MANSION HOTEL

Address: near Plaza Burgos
Contact Person: Mrs. Florecita Aniceto at (077)-722-2383/fax: 722-2384
Facilities: *Air con/ *CATV/ *Private Toilet & Bath/ *Receiving Room/*Function Room/ *Souvenir Shop


VIGAN HOTEL

Address: Burgos St. east of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
Contact Person: Oscar Villanueva Jr. at (077)-722-2588
Facilities: *Air con/ *CATV/ *Hot Shower/ *Parking Space/ *High PressureRunning water/ *Receiving Room


LA FELIZA TOURIST INN

Address: # 8 V. delos Reyes St.
Contact Person: John-John De Leon at (077)-722-2994
Facilities: *Air con/ *Fan Cooled Room/ *Parking Space/ *Private Toilet & Bath/*CATV


GRANDPA’S INN

Address: # 1 Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd.
Contact Person: Jose Pasimio, Jr. at (077)-722-2118/fax: 722-1446
Email: grandpa@skynet.net
Facilities: *Air con/ *Fan Cooled Room/ *CATV/ *Parking Space/ *Receiving Room/ *Souvenir Shop


MOMS COURTYARD

Address: Bongtolan, Vigan
Contact Person: Rod Arde. at (077)-722-2105
Facilities: *Air con cottages/ *Fan Cooled Cottages/ *Swimming pool/ *Parking Area/ *Bar and restaurant/ *Conference Hall/ *Wedding Reception Facility/ *Private Toilet & Bath


SOCIO-PASTORAL CENTER

Address: besides the Archbishop Palace
Contact: (077)-722-1442
Facilities: *Air con/ *Fan Cooled Room/ *Parking space/ *Receiving Room/ *Function Room/ *Souvenir Shop/ *Common Toilet & Bath


VILLA ANGELA HERITAGE HOUSE

Address: Quirino Blvd.
Contact: Marjo Gasser at (077)722-2914
Facilities: *Air con room/ *Receiving area/ *Parking area/ *Mini-function hall/
*Convention / Workshop Facility/ *Souvenir shop/ *Private Toilet & Bath


CORDILLERA INN

Address: along Crisologo St., Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Contact: (077)-722-2727
Facilities: *Air con/ *Fan Cooled Room/ *Receiving Room/ *Bar and restaurant/*Private Toilet & Bath/ *CATV


GORDION INN

Address: V. delos Reyes St.
Contact Person: Joy Alcantara at (077)-722-2526
Email: Gordion@mozcom.com
Facilities: *Air con Rooms/ *CATV/ *Hot and cold water/ *Digetel Booth/ *Parking space/ *Receiving room/ *Souvenir shop


FERNANDINA HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Address: 26 A. Mabini St., Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Contact Person: Ramon Encarnacion at (077)-722-2964
Facilities: *Air con/ *Parking area/ *Common toilet & bath/ *High pressure water/*Receiving Room/ *Mini-sala/ *Conference Hall/ *Fresh-air area with rocking chair


EL JULIANA HOTEL

Address: # 5 Liberation Blvd. Cor Quirino Blvd., Vigan
Contact Person: Ed Bagay at (077)-722-2994/09123508350
Facilities: *Air con rooms/ *CATV/ *Parking space/ *Private toilet and bath/ *Receiving area/ *Swimming Pool/ *Mini-conference room/ *Terrace (smoking area)/ *High pressure water

Vigan is an island, which used to be detached from the mainland by three rivers - the great Abra River, the Mestizo River and the Govantes River. It is unique among the Philippine towns because it is the country’s most extensive and only surviving historic city that dates back to the 15th century Spanish colonial period.

Vigan was an important coastal trading post in precolonial times. Long before the Spanish galleons, Chinese junks sailing from the South China Sea came to Isla de Bigan through the Mestizo River that surrounded the island. On board were sea-faring merchants that came to barter exotic goods from Asian kingdoms in exchange for gold, beeswax and other mountain products brought down by natives from the Cordilleras.

Immigrants, mostly Chinese, settled in Vigan, intermarried with the natives and started the multi-cultural bloodline of the Bigueños.

In the book, The Philippine Island, Vol. III, p. 276, Blair and Robertson, two letters of Governor General Guido de Lavezares to King Philip II of Spain mentions: “It seemed best to send Captain Juan de Salcedo with 70 or 80 soldiers to people the coast of Los Ilocano on the shores of the river called Bigan.” Salcedo then sailed from Manila on May 20, 1572 and arrived in Vigan on June 12, 1572. He then conquered Vigan, which at that time, was limited at the shore of the Abra River called “El Mestizo”.

Thus, after the successful expedition and exploration of the North, Don Juan de Salcedo founded “Villa Fernandina de Vigan” in honor of King Philip II’s son, Prince Ferdinand who died at the tender age of four. From Vigan, Salcedo rounded the tip of Luzon and proceeded to pacify Camarines, Albay, and Catanduanes.

As a reward for his services to the King, Salcedo was awarded the old province of Ylocos which then composed of the Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union and some part of Mountain Province as his Encomienda and was accorded the title as Justicia Mayor de esta Provincia de Ylocos.

In January 1574, Salcedo returned to the capital of his Encomienda, Vigan, bringing with him some Augustian Missionaries to pioneer the evangelization of Ylocos and established a Spanish city, for the purpose of controlling the neighboring country. On the early years of his return, Villa Fernandina flourished on account of the garrison and the gold trade. After some years, the villa deteriorated due to plagues and became a hardship post. This lead to the union of Villa Fernandina to Vigan and were jointly administered by one Alcalde de Mayor. The union became more economically beneficial prompting authorities to attach the villa to the bigger trade post of Vigan.

Governor General Gomez Perez Darmarinas, in his Account of Encomienda dated in Manila on May 31, 1591 states: “The town of Vigan called Villa Fernandina has five or six Spanish citizens with one priest, a Justice, one Alcalde Mayor (Governor) and a Deputy. The King collects 800 tributes (equivalent to 3,200 subjects). During this period, the old Vigan was composed of 19 barrios.

In 1645-1660, Vigan was already divided into 21 Cavezas de Barangay as mentioned in the “Libro de Casamiento”, the oldest records of the parish house of Vigan found in its Archives. Separated from the naturales, the Chinese have their own place of settlement called pariancillo, “Los Sangleyes del parian” and the Spaniards were residents in a villa called “Los Españoles de la Villa”.

How Vigan got its name is told from an anecdote carried by the tongue of generations, which tells of a Spaniard walking along the banks of the Mestizo River. There, he met a native of the place and stopped to inquire: “Como se Ilama usted de esta lugar?”

Not understanding a word of Spanish, the native scratched his head and upon seeing that the Spaniard was pointing to a plant, exclaimed in Ilocano: “Bigaa Apo”. Bigaa being Alcasia Macroniza, a giant Taro plant belonging to the Gabi family which used to thrive at the bank of the Mestizo River. From the name of the plant – Bigaa, whence Vigan derived its name.

LA CIUDAD FERNANDINA DE VIGAN

The Episcopal See of Manila was erected by Pope Gregory XVIII with the publication of his Bull Fulti Praesidio on December 21, 1581. It was elevated into a Metropolitan Church on August 14, 1595 through the Bull of erection of Pope Clement VIII with the Diocese of Santsimo Nombre de Jesus in Cebu, the Diocese of Nueva Caceres in Naga and the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in Lallo, Cagayan as its suffrage.

The Bull of Pope Clement VIII likewise elevated the seat of the four diocese including Lallo, Cagayan to the dignity of a city being the center of evangelization in their respective territories.

For 160 years from 1595 to 1758, all the Bishops of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in Lallo Cagayan, starting with Fray Miguel Benevides, the first bishop, to Fray Diego de Soria preferred to stay in Vigan due to the deteriorating condition of Lallo at that time. Malaria was endemic to the place and was constantly flooded during the rainy season. The Rio Grande de Cagayan was eroding and destroying the site of the Diocese leading to a progressive decay of the town.

In sharp contrast, Vigan, during the same period, was a flourishing Spanish settlement nearer to Manila. It was fast developing into the center of Spanish influence and politico-economic power in the north.

When Don Juan dela Fuentes de Yepes became Bishop of Nueva Segovia in 1755, he requested the King Spain and the Pope for the transfer of the Diocese from Lallo, Cagayan to Vigan, which was at the height of its progress as center of religious, commercial and socio-cultural activities.

He summoned three former Alcalde Mayores: Don Maximino Ballero of Vigan, Don Juan Antonio Panelo of Pangasinan, and Don Francisco Ledem of Cagayan to testify and give their support of the requested transfer of the Diocese. Aside from the former Alcalde Mayores, Bishop Yepes also solicited the favorable endorsement of Fray Bernardo Ustaris of the Dominican Order and Fray Manuel Carillo of the Augustinians.

The transfer of the Seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia from Lallo, Cagayan to Vigan was formally approved during the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XIV during the reign of Fernando VI, King of Spain by virtue of the Royal Decree of September 7, 1758.

By this Royal Decree, Vigan which became the new seat of the Diocese, automatically elevated its status as a City known as Cuidad Fernandina de Vigan in honor of the then current King of Spain.

By 1764, there were already 21 sitios or barrios in Vigan as mentioned by Father Pedro de Vivar in the document entitled as “Relacion de los Alzamientos dela Cuidad de Vigan, cavesera dela provincia de Ilocos Sur el los años 1762 y 1763.”

In 1803, Cuidad Fernandina de Vigan has a population of 10,585 souls with 1,966 paying tributes. The natives were working on agricultural land and the mestizos engaged in business with other provinces including Manila. The mestizos played a very important role in the progress and prosperity of the city of Vigan.

The Chinese in Vigan on the other hand, settled in a place called “Pariancillo” while in Manila they were in “Parian”. With their talent and knowledge in business as well as their skills and mastery of the art of manufacturing, the Chinese became rich and powerful in society. They opened business in the heart of Vigan, employed the naturales, intermarried with the natives and mestizos of Vigan and as time passed by, they rose into the class of the elite. They triggered a business boom in the community and engaged in domestic and foreign trade. They exported indigo, lime, maguey, basi, jars, tobacco, woven cloth called abel, and other local products to Europe, China, Borneo and Malaysia. As a consequence of this business boom, there was a mark change in the lifestyle of the inhabitants.

Found in the Philippine Archives in Manila is a report in 1870 describing Vigan, the place. West of the cathedral is the Casa Real and the monument of Salcedo, north of the cathedral is a small house, south of the cathedral is the Seminary. West of the Seminary were the hacienda publica, barracks of the Carabineros and the Ayuntamiento Municipal.

To further justify the to category of Vigan as a city are the documents from “Instituto de Historia Programa de Modernization del Archivo Nacional de Filipinas” describing that Vigan has its own carcel, casa de gobierno, mercado publico, Provincial High Court and one of the only four (4) Public Works District in the entire Island of Luzon. More importantly, it has an Audencia Territorial, an implicit indication that it was a City.

Ecclesiastical and public documents extracted from the Archivo Nueva Segovia correspondingly attest that Vigan is a city. The Libro De Casamientos (Book of Marriage), Libro De Entierros (Book of Death) and Libro de Bautismos (Baptismal Book) of 1758 up to 1937, refer to Vigan as Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan or de esta ciudad.

Moreover as extracted in the Philippine Archives, the Real Cedula of February 2, 1818 which divides the Ylocos into two separate provinces, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, clearly states that: “The first (Ilocos Sur) comprises the town of Namacpacan, Balaoan, Bangar, Tagudin, Santa Cruz and its annex, Sta. Lucia, Candong, Santiago, San Esteban, San Jose, Santa Maria, Narvacan, Santa Catalina de Baba, Banguen, Tayum, Vigan, Bantay, Santa Catalina, San Vicente, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, Magsingal, Lapo, Cabugao and Sinait: and having the City of Vigan as its capital.”

THE HISTORIC VIGAN

As one passes through the narrow and paved streets of Vigan, the hand of history is everywhere, with the imposing monuments, status and historical landmarks and inscriptions relentlessly reminding us of the most outstanding and widespread uprising in Ilocos History against the tyranny and abuses of the Spaniards. Diego Silang and his men assaulted and captured Vigan, proclaiming is as the capital of “FREE ILOCOS”. But in May 1763, Silang was assassinated by the traitors Miguel Vicos and Pedro Becbec. The brave and faithful wife of Diego, Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang, assumed leadership of the uprising but was later captured by the Spanish and was publicly hanged in Vigan on September 20, 1763.

Vigan is the birthplace of a quite number of great and famous men … Floro Crisologo, lawyer, soldier, orator, statesman, and parliamentarian; and Fidel Antiporda Go, National Artist.

At present, Vigan was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Sites and Monuments last December 2, 1999 which now includes 630 cultural and natural properties of exceptional universal value in entire the world and one of the only five heritage sites found in the Philippines. With its inclusion in said prestigious list of world heritage sites, Vigan has become a source of pride, and a national symbol of the Filipinos.

http://www.geocities.com/Vigansite/contents/history.htm

Check this site too: http://www.geocities.com/vigansite/
Go to the tourism section.
I hope you have a great time. :cheers:
thanks po. sana talaga matuloy kami. mejo prepared na. kaso, my workmates have this habit of backing-out kung kelan ready na ang lahat. wag naman sana this time. :no:

mukhang matutuloy na kami mamayang gabi dito. :D

^^ you're off to vigan? cool! don't forget to take lots of pictures and post them here when you return. Have a safe trip mhe-ann! Im sure you're gonna have fun there and learn a lot of new things bout history and phil. architecture. :)

btw, can you also please check out Plaza Maestro mall and also take pics of the new reconstructed houses? Would love to hear about the latest developments in Vigan.

Maligayang paglalakbay! :)

Bantay Church Steeple
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04102004.jpg

Vigan City Kalesa
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04112004.jpg

Padre Burgos Park
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04122004.jpg

View of Crisologo Street
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04132004.jpg

Vigan Arches
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04142004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/002_04142004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/003_04142004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/004_04142004.jpg

Burgos House
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04152004.jpg

Ilocos Pottery
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04162004.jpg

Vigan Steeples
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04172004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/002_04172004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/003_04172004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/004_04172004.jpg

Sunrise at Burgos Plaza
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04182004.jpg

Keep off the Grass!
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04192004.jpg

Paoay Church
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04202004.jpg

Kalesa Ride
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04212004.jpg

Santa Monica Church, Sarrat
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04222004.jpg

Photos by: Peter Tongco

Crisologo Street
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04232004.jpg

Fort Ilocandia
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04242004.jpg

Vigan Steeples 2
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04252004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/002_04252004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/003_04252004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/004_04252004.jpg

Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, Ilocos Sur
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04262004.jpg

Chapel Chandelier
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04272004.jpg

Stained Glass
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04282004.jpg

Chavit Singson's Private Zoo
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04292004.jpg

Last Look
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04302004.jpg

Philippine Eagle
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_05012004.jpg

Evening Procession
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_05022004.jpg

Glass
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_05042004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/002_05042004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/003_05042004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/004_05042004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/005_05042004.jpg http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/006_05042004.jpg

Woman on Fire?
http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_05062004.jpg

Photos by: Peter Tongco

WOW!!! ang ganda talaga sa Vigan... :)

thanks manileño. we've been to vigan, batac, and pagudpud beach also. here are some photos. I'll try to post all within this week.

papunta pa lan kami ng vigan nito. I dunno the name of the place... sorry.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p163ef7798fd97a5493023eb67e2f12ff/ef68a6ea.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p1005c75350c229a182ada9b75504e5cf/ef68a8a1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p94ad18359361fc3ce46d7c302f08ba71/ef68a815.jpg

is this San Francisco bridge? I don't know the name of the place kc.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pd3785ce36c11d9d7ac9cb94ecb766d24/ef68a65c.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb2bd338f1ed77ccfa9443cd61daae949/ef68a501.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pde0c0f7ca03846889b3bc094be7ada4b/ef68a5e6.jpg

Vigan City...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pf41304438ff5ab526d541c08dfc664e1/ef68a480.jpg

La Feliza Inn.. were we stayed for one night.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pcd324eb768f780f22b3654649aa4cbba/ef68a40d.jpg

nasa karitela kami nito.
:Dhttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p5c4eda21e486d1df2435f62d8e92d70a/ef689ded.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc914cf10350e80af8a69d1c9745ae4c2/ef689d5f.jpg


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p341cd62b0db8f4fa22ad16c9bf6ad948/ef689cab.jpg

this is cool... galing nila. :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p799b016b1394018feee1015f5ef89e42/ef689c09.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb858e23f6641d9fb8766a5a038fcd086/ef689b62.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc205db2b4b6a502872bf0e5b1473b68a/ef689acf.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pd4d4f1767e0c7db50a179b1c360915d0/ef689a2f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pfad9f7211b5f2c6496116a2356cac8c9/ef689994.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p1c5eabca8dc4760b3774f7b817f6ac50/ef6898e9.jpg

Sa Baluarte ni Uncle Chavit. :jk: No entrance fee.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p81487e866e1fafd934486594a2731ef9/ef68934e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pd985fc40fb13a133513355ac60be2e0e/ef68948f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p7e0a1963f78b263c5add68f571137482/ef689856.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pfebee4b48341fba221b492aeb6f485a4/ef689278.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa814784fb62788438107dc7e7ce2e5a8/ef689173.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p5eae0ebb03418f8964170e0dbeca0e3b/ef6890eb.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p57e5f28e3ac72dd05ef8a047d969d1f0/ef6881e5.jpg

Vigan at night...

McDo
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc1a64bf57c4fab21dd2ce1c40bc197a0/ef688106.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p59427a503e0487e851bf4943a8d1b986/ef688055.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb337769fe7d4e97d0d13d759eb66877f/ef687f6f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p4d963b71343eb727ccd371062df454e8/ef687a88.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p68883cc4d99a4eccf7ba8a19999dfa6b/ef6879ad.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc172aa3eb05003b8178e96d4a4fca765/ef687902.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb597c517e4a50d6e0dca66eb45a14aa1/ef687865.jpg

^^ Uy! Natuloy ka rin sa Vigan, Mhe-ann. Beautiful pictures! I can't believe that tiger just lying there in open space for everyone to see. Tapos sa tabi lang, may natutulog na mama. Thanks for sharing pictures of your Vigan sojourn. :)

dami pa yan ate lili. me pics ako na nasa leeg ko un 15-feet long na ahas. hehe. kaso di ko pa nau-upload.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p0828e415ac72af5db78891bf230a9968/ef6870ba.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p869d4717a8876d6bb14df32bba06f905/ef686e20.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p5c0fa0f5269bf03a5c7471a506e668d6/ef686d92.jpg

that's all for today. lipat naman ako dun sa Ilocos thread. :D

Ganda ng mga pics ni mhe-ann. Parang bagong attraction na rin ata ang bahay ni Chavit Singson. Pansin ko rin na maganda tingnan ng mga commercial establishments sa Vigan housed under the bahay na bato. Thanks for sharing.

some more:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa89dfbbce776b0d34a447bf07fd36da8/ef6719e6.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p7d1d8261f3a4e83721d9454f3482239a/ef671974.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb28e636bcee420bf2b349154e14023f0/ef6718f9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc679364f1b5dca375c9d39a1c3ff9663/ef67186f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pbe39ce9a8804c5b76f3cea62d7ff388c/ef6717ce.jpg

day version of McDo
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc85b306dd7506379aa208001f8a4ebbb/ef671715.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p0a6b870fc1cbb93a4fffd7b935fed2e9/ef671664.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p5ca2a234020753f33c0118cef6c57c34/ef6715fe.jpg

papunta pa lan kami ng vigan nito. I dunno the name of the place... sorry.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p163ef7798fd97a5493023eb67e2f12ff/ef68a6ea.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p1005c75350c229a182ada9b75504e5cf/ef68a8a1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p94ad18359361fc3ce46d7c302f08ba71/ef68a815.jpg


This looks like Solvec, past the town of Narvacan in Ilocos Sur.

wow. the restaurants look packed and sidewalk/patio dining is getting bigger in Vigan. there was no Max's yet when i went there in 2003. Vigan is getting more tourists nowadays yea? Thanks for sharing, mhe-ann!

mhe-ann... the pics are cool...... :)

A Spaniard In Ilocos
By Javier Galvan
The Philippine Star 04/16/2006

I don’t know if there really is any connection or if it is merely a coincidence which I somehow came up with so as not to leave my mind restless and without an explanation for the origin of the river’s name. Abra in Spanish means open. More exactly: abrir is to open and abra is the imperative form. "Abra la puerta: open the door."

To open entails something magical; to open is to give life to something that is alive but asleep. Aladdin was sleeping in his lamp until someone rubbed it. The cave remains closed until the magic words are pronounced: "Open Sesame." Beyond the door, beyond the mouth, is another world, another reality.

The Abra River really opens the mountains. She makes a breach on them to meet her destiny in the sea. She does not reach the lowlands of Ilocos by winding like a serpent along the mountains. Rather, she crosses them in a straightforward manner or, if you prefer, the mountains open themselves to allow the river to go to sea.

I did not plan it, it simply happened. It was my birthday and I woke up in Vigan–long, long before I was born. Traveling across time is a good way to fight birthdays. I woke up under the mosquito net of a huge bed. The first light of the morning started to filter across the shells of the capiz that were displayed in an original diagonal pattern, flooding my bedroom with a magical light, like in a movie by J.L. Garci.

Roosters had already crowed, and I had heard the toll of the bells, but I continued sleeping. Now, I heard distant whispers coming from the cathedral: the old doñas were praying the first angelus of the day. But it was definitely the sound of the hoofs of a horse pulling a calesa onto the cobblestones that made me remember that I was about to be fetched to cross a new frontier: to go to Abra.

I raised the mosquito net, jumped out of bed, felt on the soles of my feet the warm caress of the polished narra planks, and slid aside the capiz panes to open the window. I could not help looking out into the street which led to the cathedral. I was mesmerized. A procession of ladies marched solemnly towards the church. They were dressed in flamboyant gowns, wrapped in jewels, escorted by maids carrying umbrellas to protect the porcelain skin of their faces from the first rays of the sun. It was not even a Sunday or a holiday, but just a weekday!

My host had purchased the house some years ago and restored it–keeping the original materials, recovering its splendor and yet providing it with new facilities that make a house comfortable. I hope many people do the same in Vigan.

Breakfast was served in the upper level kucina. I could smell the coffee that a client of my host regularly sent him from Colombia, the longganizas, and the unmatchable Ilocano empanadas.

Vigan houses have two storeys. The stone-walled ground floor serves as a bodega and also as a shelter for the carriages of the house lord. The upper level is where the family lives. High ceilings, shining timber floors, sliding capiz panels that, when opened, make the façade disappear, thus converting the house into a breeze-catching box.

Time has stopped in the interior of these houses. The chairs, the cabinets, the Chinese porcelain, an old piano or a venerable harp, the photographs of ancestors, the old books on the shelves, or even gramophones with a Carlos Gardel record as if it was just played a while ago. One can imagine the balls held in these salas, gentlemen in their barongs or tuxedos, and ladies in maria claras or wearing the latest in Paris fashion. One can imagine the stories of romance that transpired within these walls.

The ancestral houses in Vigan, although somewhat similar, cannot be found in any Spanish region. They probably are more Chinese than Spanish or, if you prefer, a blend of Andalucian and Chinese architecture. In the end, they are very Filipino.

From Vigan, we have to look for the Abra River. She will help to cross the mountains and find the hidden valley where small towns have flourished, sheltered by the mountains. The Abra River will be our guide. She will introduce us to the towns of the valley. We first find the river under the Quirino Bridge. It is a superb landscape which is highlighted by the beauty of the bridge. Abra passes by, completely decided to go to sea: no more windings, no more doubts, straight to its destiny.

Before reaching Abra province we pass by the municipality of Santa. Among the towns in Ilocos Sur there is a Santa Maria, a Santa Lucia, and a Santa Cruz. It seems that Santa was named after Santa Catalina, but for some unknown reason it ended as just Santa. Was it laziness or just practical sense?

Well, Santeños may very well celebrate their fiestas on every Santa something day, which is practically every day of the year. I really regret not having stopped in Santa to visit its small but beautiful church, and to inquire about a long building by the road which seemed to be pretty old. It might have been one of the schools built during the Spanish Era in most of the towns of the Philippines, a long, long time before the Thomasites arrived.

Before heading towards the interior, we ride for a while along the coast, passing by a scenic islet landscape known as Paraiso ni Juan. I wonder who that lucky Juan could be, owner of such a picturesque paradise.

After leaving that paradise, we turn into a countryside of mild and green hills. Contrary to what I expected, not a big effort was needed to crown the mountains from Ilocos and reach Abra province. The road then gently slopes to meet the valley. We find again Abra River, but she is different from when we saw her under Quirino Bridge. Now she is a thread of water in a huge bed of sand flanked by mountains. More than a continuous river, she appears like a succession of pools. Quiet land. Few people, few houses. I guess the landscape has not changed very much during the last hundred years. For a moment I think that I’m traveling into the plot of Sionil Jose’s "Po-on" and at any moment, I can meet the caravan of the Rosales family in search of freedom.

My first goal is Tayum, a small tidy town that follows the classical urban pattern of almost all Filipino towns, founded during the Spanish Era. Father Floro Bautista the parish priest is waiting for me. He has a special interest in the history of his parish and is fully aware of the importance of the architectural heritage of Tayum.

I have visited hundreds of old churches in the Philippines. Priests are always extremely nice to me, and try their best to facilitate my research. My main problem is to deny their kind invitations to have lunch or merienda. Since I am always rushed, I simply cannot afford to spend hours of daylight in anything other than watching the buildings, taking photos and drawing them. No time for lunch during what my friends call "my church safaris". I instead accept some snacks so as not to disregard those who have treated me so well. Hospitality is an identity sign of the Filipino people.

Facing the big plaza are the main public buildings, the church and the town hall. Although the town was founded in 1626, the current church, devoted to Santa Catalina de Alejandría, was finished in 1829, after nine years of construction under Fr. Domingo de los Reyes. Initially a part of Ilocos, the evangelization of Abra was assigned to the Agustinian friars. Nevertheless, Tayum parish was managed not by the Augustinians as the others in Abra, but by the secular clergy.

The façade is an example of Filipino Baroque architecture with mixtilinear pediment and scrolls. It is articulated by single columns instead of a pair of columns as in most façades of Filipino churches, and crowned by giant jars. The side entrance doors are particularly interesting. Inside, the old retablos have been preserved, something not many churches in the Philippines can boast about.

A number of small chapels (probably fourteen) in the way of the Mexican capillas posas stand along the surroundings of the church, over spilling its territory towards the town. They are the stations of the Via Crucis, niches where the Holy Cross or the image of a saint is placed in each of the stops of Holy Week procession.

The original convent of Tayum was burned. A house belonging to the Cariño family built in 1850 served as the parish priest’s house first and then as a nuns’ convent. It is a two-storey structure from the Spanish Era about to be restored and converted into a museum.

One of the most amazing things one can find in Tayum is the Ambassador Cariño house-museum. An art collector, Mr. Cariño gathered a huge collection of objects from the countries where he was posted. Particularly important is the collection of European art, especially the Delft porcelains. A lover of contemporary art, Mr. Cariño commissioned several artists to reproduce in mosaics upon the fence of his property famous paintings of European masters.

The Bangued Cathedral is not as interesting as the Tayum Church because of the renovations it has suffered. The octagonal belltower and the façade are notorious.

The original convent has been preserved, now converted into a school. The bishop house shelters what might be considered as the Provincial Ecclesiastical Museum. One of the most interesting relics is the Tayum Church baptismal font made out of wood. I know this from my friend Eric Zerrudo, director of the GSIS Museum in Manila, because I could not enter the museum. The priest living now in the house told me that there are two keys to unlock the door of the museum: he had one but the other key was with a seminarian who at that particular moment was in Tagaytay.

Near the cathedral, the ruins of old buildings might be seen as well as an old bridge still in use. All of them are entirely made out of brick.

Fr. Floro had mentioned a Spanish Arch in Bucay. I had no plan to go to Bucay, but after that information, it became a must. And I was really astonished when I got to that small and very quiet town by the river and "discovered" a brick gate with a beautiful stone Lyon and Castile coat of arms on top. That was the entrance to the Casa Real, the Provincial Government building at a time when Bucay was the capital of the province. It was like finding a piece of Intramuros in a remote and lonely place.

My last town to visit was Pidigan, where the old church regarded as unsafe has been abandoned. Although not as monumental as the one in Tayum, its brick walls deserve to be preserved and restored. The church faces a huge plaza, a good example of Spanish colonial urban planning.

The night is falling. The one-day trip to Abra has been more than worthwhile. Only when I was in the back seat of the car did I realize that I was really tired. I must also be hungry.

The men who went ahead of the caravan were wet and they shivered but they, too, marched on, stopping only once in a while to ask from an isolated farmhouse the general direction of the ferry which they would have to board to cross the Agno. Shortly before daybreak, the rain finally lifted and the east was bathed with the mellow light of a new day.

I woke up when I was back in Vigan. My life opens (abre) a new year by the Abra river. It has been indeed a happy birthday.

The author is director of Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish cultural center.

http://philstar.com/philstar/SPECIALSECTIONS200604194607.htm

This looks like Solvec, past the town of Narvacan in Ilocos Sur.
thanks kiretoce. :)

habol ko na rin ito:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p93b88a5731c3f76e73c5c841ceb8b52a/ef6279b4.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p126a16911247f283024fc4110d19fe59/ef6812c4.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p65c0b3d8272e866578f9d2e0c8b006ff/ef627f12.jpg

BORN in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, to Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera, a Spanish-mestiza, the late President Elpidio R. Quirino spent his early years in Aringay, La Union. He started his secondary education at Vigan High School before proceeding to Manila where he worked as junior computer in the Bureau of Lands and as property clerk in the Manila Police Department. He graduated from Manila High School in 1911 and passed the civil service examination, first-grade. He attended the University of the Philippines in 1915, earning his law degree and practicing law until he was elected as Member of the Philippines House of Representatives, serving from 1919 to 1925, then as Senator from 1925 to 1931. After his legislative service, President Quirino served as Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior in the Commonwealth government.

In 1934, President Quirino was a member of the Philippine Independence mission to Washington, DC, headed by Manuel L. Quezon that secured the passage in the United States Congress of the Tydings-McDuffie Act. This legislation set the date for Philippine independence by 1945, an event that was, however, interrupted by the Second World War.

During the Japanese invasion in World War II, he became a leader of the underground and was captured and imprisoned. He suffered the execution of his wife Alicia Syquia and three of his five children by the Japanese. He continued serving the public after the war, becoming President Pro-Tempore of the Senate. In 1946, he was elected the first Vice President of the independent Republic of the Philippines with President Manuel A. Roxas, also serving as Secretary of State. After the death of President Roxas, he assumed the presidency on April 17, 1948. The next year, as the candidate of the Liberal Party, he was elected President in his own right for a four-year term.

Under President Quirino, the country experienced notable postwar reconstruction, and general economic gains, with increased economic aid from the United States. His administration started to act on major social issues, including rural development.

Today, we commemorate the 50th Death Anniversary of President Elpidio Rivera Quirino, a leader who devoted his life to serving the nation during its infancy and in the most trying times.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/03/01/OPED2006030157464.html