Philippines: We Love Vigan

From Cebu, we took a flight north to Manila, then another one to Laoag, taxied to the bus terminal, and long-distance-bused to Vigan. In the northwest coast of the Philippines, Vigan was originally settled by Chinese traders. Spanish conquistadors laid out the present day grid system with its squares in the 16th centuries. The few hundred historic buildings, a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino characteristics, mostly date to the 18th century and became the only group of historic structures to escape the devastation of WWII. Vigan used to be third to Manila and Cebu. Its subsequent decline inadvertently preserved many of the buildings. In 1999 Vigan became a UNESCO site. Today it's a favorite destination for many Filipinos, and we can say we enjoyed our visit. LOVE VIGAN!!!





Great view of Manila's Rizal Park on takeoff.


The northern mountains in Luzon range from 6000 to 8ooo feet in elevation. John had the window seat and caught a view of some rice terraces as we headed NORTH to Laoag.


Sun-Ling walks across the tarmac after we land in Laoag.


We "Fall in Line" at the Laoag bus terminal.


Shot from the bus ride SOUTH. We noticed that in this area, corn and rice are grown in adjoining fields - a new one for us.




Our hotel was located on pedestrian, cobbled, Calle Crisologo in the historic district.


Old and New - Caltex and Horse Carriage


Walking around on our first evening in town, we checked out the nightly music and light show at the Dancing Fountain in Plaza Salcedo. Impressive!






Plaza Salcedo during the day.


Our hotel at night.


Vigan has a small mall anchored by a Robinsons Supermarket.


Eating Vegetarian Empanadas, drenched in the best vinegar ever, at the Food Bazaar was a culinary experience to remember.








Crystal Ball Performer.


One day we demolished a feast-sized Halo-Halo Salo-Salo.


On our way back from the bus station we stopped in at the Public Market to buy some bananas and bibingka (a type of baked rice cake).




One evening we walked past the historic mansions near our hotel and across the river to the Bantay Watch Tower (4th below) and back.