Welcome to Vigan City!
Vigan is located in the Northern part of the Philippines, specifically in Ilocos Sur. Vigan was founded in the year 1600. The city has preserved the Hispanic character of the town such as the Capiz windows, red brick walls, and cobblestone streets.
Because of its captivating historic charm, the heritage village was listed on the UNESCO world heritage in 1999.
I was not really in this city as a tourist. I have seen this city many times already but not one time did I feel palled. I was in the city because I had to process some paper in the capitol. The scorching heat was really dehydrating me. The shimmering roof feels like a hundred degrees. Too bad this time around, I did not bring my tumbler to quench my thirst.
Spanish Designed Facades
Thankfully the capitol was not packed. The process was surprisingly expeditious. I thought lunch would catch up with me. I finished the whole process around 11:45 am. I thought to myself since I’m already here, I might as well go for a walk, but before that, I will have my lunch first. My belly's cheeks were already rubbing against each other at this point.
I am contemplating between Jollibee and Chowking. I decided to have my lunch in Chowking instead. The design of modern restaurants was also based on the Spanish colonial period. Now, tourists can experience modern service in a Spanish colonial town.
As expected, a throng of people lined up at the counter because it was already lunchtime. The place was also noisy because seemingly, the place was small, and so the conversations of people were bouncing around the walls.
As I wait for my turn, I was already jotting down my orders. Also, my father and uncle joined me, so I also took their orders too.
Finally, after 10 minutes, our order arrived. Your girl ordered a lauriat because I was so bone-tired.
Lauriat is like the combination of almost everything on the menu. I really thought I can finish the whole damn thing, turned out that I cannot finish the noodles so I have to give it to my father, haha! I really like the chicken orange, though.
To digest the food, I walked around the heritage town. Even if it was hellishly hot, I cannot miss the opportunity to take photos of this charming place.
A little shop for refreshments. I should have noticed this early to at least get that Oreo overload. Also, they have snacks like siomai, kikiam, and fishball. I noticed that some students are fond of this shop.
A shop of trinkets and knickknack. I bought a hair tie for $0.10. I should had tied my hair earlier. It helped me to cool down a little bit. The heat was beating me!
Vigan Cathedral - Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul
This magnificent structure was also a victim of the 7.3 magnitude earthquake last July 29th. The church is still under renovation up until this day because of the great damage it took. Apparently, it was closed perhaps due to construction. Some posters were displayed at the gate for donations in fixing the church. The church opened its doors in year 1641.
My walk was halted as the clock struck one. I was lost in time for a moment. Was it because I was raptured back in 1600s? Too little time for me to show more of this beauty. I had to be back in reality… that I have work, haha! Yeah, this city is a treasure to us Ilokanos!
Agbiag ti Ilokano! Viva Vigan!
That is it for this article. I will see you at the next one!
📸 All photos are owned and taken by me, otherwise credited. ©️jijisaurart