Few weeks ago, I went on a road trip vacation to Vigan. Me, my boyfriend, and three other friends went all the way from Manila to Vigan and back in a span of three days. Our vacation rules were simple – see as much tourist destinations as we can, eat only in local restaurants and of course, enjoy our time together.
It was an out-of-the-blue trip. I can’t exactly remember how but I remember being tagged on twitter about Vigan then boom! Next thing I knew is I’m packing. Packed my things just for an hour I think. Before leaving Manila, we decided to eat our dinner first at Tabsilog, a small tapsihan near my place. We left Manila 9:30pm on a Friday and arrived in Bantay, Ilocos Sur (our friend’s/sponsor’s house) around 5:00am. We were lucky to have “free” accommodation, breakfast, and tour guide c/o our friend Marion Suzette Orlanda. :)
That’s me, Kamil, Glenda, and the very kind Marion Suzette Orlanda a.k.a. Mariz at the bus station.
DAY 1
Due to excitement, we decided not to sleep anymore and wait for breakfast, and took a bath right after.
First Destination: Bantay Church and Bell Tower
Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de La Caridad, the Queen of Ilocandia.
We climbed the Bantay Bell Tower. It stands on the tallest point in the town, and was used as a watch tower during the Spanish colonial period.
Second Destination: Burnay
We proceeded to the local pottery makers and there we saw how they make beautiful jars out of their bare hands. We decided to make our own too!
You can guess the result!
Third Destination: Chavit Singson’s Baluarte Zoo
I’ve been to zoos and farms like everyone else but I haven’t seen ducks, deers, ostriches, camels, roaming free in a wide enclosure along with humans! So I took photos of exotic birds perched on branches, ducks roaming around lazily (I think I shouted at them and tried to scare them but they didn't), camels loosely tied along the viewing/feeding area, and deers. Then, I spotted some adult ostriches strolling freely in the compound.
What I like about this zoo is the entrance fee. IT'S FREE! Everything is free! Except for the foods and souvenirs of course. You can ride all the horses as much as you want, you can watch the animal show (a show that you will be given a chance to hold all different kinds of snakes, tigers, etc.) as much as you want, etc. Free of charge. They do accept any amount of donation though. Donations are not forced so please, for the love of animals, give any amount! Animals in this zoo as well as the people are very kind. :)
Fourth Destination: Vigan River Cruise
A river cruise that goes through the history of the town with presentations, cultural shows, and lectures - The Vigan Lovestory! <3
Fifth Destination: The Famous Calle Crisologo
Surrounded by beautiful ancient houses carefully restored and maintained through the years.
Kalesa Ride to Sixth Destination: Hidden Garden
Another FREE entrance in Ilocos Sur! Accepting any amount of donation (not forced). For the love of trees, and birds, and plants, give any amount! :)
Sarimanok
Back to the Fifth Destination: The Famous Calle Crisologo & The Famous Vigan Empanada
A trip would never be complete without a gustatory adventure! Our friend Mariz took us to the Empanadaan. Vigan empanada is made with rice flour, vegetables, egg, and the equally famous Vigan longganisa, then deep fried until crisp and golden brown. It’s best eaten for merienda while still hot and fresh off the pan, dipped in spicy sukang Ilocos (the town’s special vinegar).
DAY 2
It was blazing hot there, that standing under the heat of the sun for 5 minutes seems torture. But nothing can stop us from our happy-Vigan-vibes.
It was blazing hot there, that standing under the heat of the sun for 5 minutes seems torture. But nothing can stop us from our happy-Vigan-vibes.
Seventh Destination: Cabugao Beach
A beach 20 minutes away from Vigan.
Eighth Destination: Vigan Dinner
Another gustatoty adventure! But this time, Ilocos dishes for dinner. We ordered Bagnet, Poqui-poqui, and... (I forgot the name of the other one) for dinner. At Uno Resto. Yum yum yum! :)
Back to the Fifth Destination: The Famous Calle Crisologo & Coffee Break
After dinner, we decided to have some dose of coffee at Coffee Break, Calle Crisologo. Hours after, I found it hard to contain myself from taking photos. I suggest that you go to Calle Crisologo and the rest of the Heritage Village at night when it's breath-taking!
Here are some photos I took that night:
All we did on on our third and last day, was to sleep and waited for the sun to go down. Our journey continuous after.
Ninth Destination: The Quest For Bibingka
Nothing much of this. We just ate Bibingkang Ilocos and realized that their bibingka is similar to Cassava cake.
Tenth Destination: Caoayan
THE BEST ISAWAN I'VE EVER HAD!!! With the pork isaw (I don't eat pork isaw until they let me taste Caoayan's Pork Isaw. It's different! It's far from Manila's and Mang Raul's Isawan. And no words can describe how delicious it was!) plus the dinuguan sawsawan, Oh good lord! Everything is just... PERFECT!!! I MEAN THAT!!!
Back to the Fifth Destination For The Last Time: The Famous Calle Crisologo
A stroll for some shopping, sightseeing, and photowalk is a pleasant experience before going home. :)
Friends. Love. Adventure. Food. What more can I ask for? :)
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