The sun was vividly shining as I walked toward one of the streets of Vigan when my feet took me in front of Padre Burgos Museum. I felt fortunate because it was open at that time, and it was a golden opportunity to enter inside. My heart was delighted as I filled out the logbook. It's as if that cool breeze of air that swiftly caressed my skin brought me back in time.
Situated in Burgos St, Vigan City, Padre Burgos House - National Museum has so much to offer to keen minds. This ancestral house is the birthplace of Fr. Jose Burgos, a priest and patriot who was martyred by the Spanish authorities on the 17th of February, 1872.
As I take my first few steps inside, it's the Abel Iloco that I saw first. It's a term used to indicate a woven fabric distinct from other kinds of cloth.
On the left side of it are the various tools used in preparing the yarn that is later used to weave in a loom. This includes cotton seeder, thread spooler,among others. I did not find the actual loom that time in the gallery, but there's a tv on the corner playing a video of how Abel Iloco is actually made using the loom.
Read more: Abel Iloco | Interlaced Thread of Hardwork and Creativity
I also glimpsed an old model of rice mortar and pestle. In the local term, it is called "Alsong" and "Al-o."
As compared to the tubular form being used in lowland and coastal areas, the boat-shaped mortar is commonly used in upland communities. What made it more distinct and advantageous is that two to four people can do the rice-pounding work at the same time.
This one is a replica of Garrote.
It's sad to think that the martyrdom of Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora had to be painful like this. It's indeed gruesome, and having a replica of it inside the house, seemed to be a reminder of how agonizing public executions were during those times.
The more things I saw inside, the more my interest in what I would see next thrilled me. As my eyes caught the following model, I initially thought of it as a printing machine, and it was confirmed as I read the text beside it.
It's the Perez Printing Press. What is more amazing about this printing press is that it could print 75 pages per minute. It was donated to the National Museum here in Vigan City because of its historical value.
As I came out to see the backyard, a sudden flash of memories of when I was younger came into mind. It's not actually my first time visiting the place, but it felt like it was always thrilling every time my feet stepped inside it.
The stairs are very calling. I went up and enjoyed the view. I also took a selfie and a photo of the roof and sky.
I went inside again and went directly to the second floor that showcased the sala. Antique items can be found, and the ambiance really felt different, more so as I looked in the window with the rays of the sun beaming through.
Here's a photo of Padre Burgos in a frame. There's also a frame that contains the photo of the three martyred priests, namely Rev. Mariano Gomez, Rev. Jose Burgos, and Rev. Jacinto Zamora, commemorated with the portmanteau GomBurZa.
There are other rooms inside and what I entered next was the Cuarto De Huespedes or the Guests' room.
Various things can also be seen, and I just can't help but smile when I see this old book of Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal again.
As I continue to explore around, I found this old music box.
It's as if a piece of old music played and kept on resonating inside my mind. I wonder what it sounds like. I was stuck for a moment and figured a certain scenario was happening inside while a piece of music was being played by it.
I then entered the next room, which was the Master Bedroom. Inside it showcased various items and also the prominent use of Capis shell windows and Philippine hardwood.
As I went down the stairs, I did not notice I had spent an hour inside. It was an hour of delight and satisfaction brought about by the rich culture and antiques, as well as additional learnings inculcated into mind. Before I left the place, I took a photo of some kalesa that some tourists rode into in going to the area.
Truly, much of Vigan’s history is linked with the Catholic religion spread by the Spanish colonizers. From rich history to antiques to photographs and memorabilia, and welcoming Bigueños, one will surely love visiting here. It is not just a safeguard to Ilocano cultural heritage but also a pride for being part of the world's rich historical legacy. And it was a fun venture to have experienced their lives from the past through the preserved items found within it.
All images are taken by me during my visit at Padre Burgos House - National Museum.