Intayon iti Vigan Ilocos Sur ‼️₊˚⊹♡

    Greetings, fellow traveler! 🗺️🚗📷 After what feels like a never-ending series of periodical exams, it is finally to say farewell to reviewers and textbooks. Although, what is the best way to shake off the stress and celebrate our hard-earned freedom? Of course, by taking a sweet escape! But where to go, you may ask? Allow me to introduce you to a destination that will transport you to a world of enchantment and history, Vigan City! Before I begin narrating my journey, let me provide you with an overview of what Vigan City is all about.

   Calle Crisologo ✨✧˖°.

    Vigan City is more than just a city. It is a living museum that showcases the rich heritage of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. From the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo to the majestic structures, every corner of Vigan City tells a story of the past and the present. Vigan City is also a place of culture and art, where you can witness the traditional craft of pottery making, visit the ancestral homes of prominent Filipino families, and taste the tasty delicacies of Ilocos cuisine. Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders Cities of the world, making it a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the best of both worlds. 

Additionally, it was incredibly convenient that we had planned our vacation during the town fiesta. Now, join me on my travel blog, where I'll share exciting experiences!

 

🎶 Watching the Marching Band Exhibition Contest

    At around 10:30 am on January 20th, I arrived at Plaza Burgos, and the marching band showdown was about to begin. The crowd went wild, cheering for their respective schools. The music was a blast, with the lyres and drums harmonizing perfectly. The dancers were amazing, skillfully spinning their flags and twirling their batons. It was a spectacular and incredibly entertaining sight to watch. In addition, I'm thrilled to announce that our school ISNHS emerged as the champion! I couldn't be prouder of our talented marching band members and dedicated coaches, as they truly deserve this victory.

ISNHS's moment ♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

🍽️ Savoring Flavors

    During lunchtime, my friend Ishi and I headed to an eatery near Plaza Burgos to sample one of the renowned delicacies of Vigan City—Empanada and Okoy. Both of these dishes proved to be mouthwatering, but in my opinion, the Empanada stood out. Its diverse flavors and textures made it not only appetizing but also wonderfully unique. Without a doubt, trying the Empanada is a must when visiting Vigan City.

 

 *ੈ✩‧₊˚ Foodie Adventure with Ishi

Okoy & Empanadas -`♡´- 

⏳Time Travel Through the Cobblestone Path

    After lunch, me and Ishi decided to take a stroll down Calle Crisologo. As we wandered down the cobblestone street, we were amazed by the charm of the historic houses that surrounded it. Suddenly, we saw our friend Keziah, and we immediately invited her to join us on our voyage. With Keziah at our side, we resumed our leisurely walk, enjoying the architectural beauty while looking for beautifully handcrafted local handicrafts. Our attention flew from one shop to the next, excitedly exploring souvenirs, accessories, and furniture. The shops down the street sold a fascinating variety of products, each more appealing than the previous.

Mesmerized by Vigan's gems

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Lost in Crisologo's

 historic tapestry ( •͈૦•͈ )

Three's a charm⋆˚✿˖° 

🏛  Stepping into History

    After we explored Calle Crisologo, we decided to visit another notable historical site, the Crisologo Museum, which was conveniently located just a 5-minute walk away. Upon arrival, we were captivated by the amusing exhibits showcasing the life of Floro S. Crisologo, a prominent congressman and head of the Crisologo family who held power in Vigan during the 1970s. His office was adorned with weapons, photographs, and his personal belongings, but what really caught my eye the most was the display recounting the story of his assassination, where he was shot in the head. The mystery surrounding his shooting at St. Paul's Cathedral added an extra layer of curiosity. As we walked upstairs, a spooky yet thrilling aura took over us. The rooms were filled with family photos, statues, and antique furniture. The museum's retro vibe was very impressive and I couldn't help but adore the various collections of vintage perfume in of one the bedrooms.️

Foursome fun ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

Me, myself & Mr. Crisologo ✮⋆˙

A fun way of learning history 📜

🐎 Kalesa Ride 

    When the tour was done, there was actually a kalesa outside the museum, and we had been dying to ride one for a long time. We asked lolo driver if he could take us to Pagburnayan, and he happily agreed. He even took a couple of pictures for us, and I must say that I really appreciated his kindness because he even took pictures from different angles. Anyways, we hopped into the kalesa and went to Pagburnayan. We really enjoyed our time riding the kalesa as it felt like we were experiencing transportation in a traditional way.

Kalesa joyride˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

My fav ᕙ(  •̀ ᗜ •́  )ᕗ

🏺Crafting Memories

 As we entered the Pagburnayan Jar Factory, we were greeted by a variety of local products, including souvenirs, mini clay jars, handmade bags, t-shirts, and more. We were then instructed to proceed to a specific part of the shop where Burnay is produced. At first, we were unsure of what to do, until a man came and showed us the process of making burnay. We attempted to shape and mold the clay into a jar but quickly realized that it required skill. Despite that, we had a great time, although I accidentally stained my jeans. 

Later, more tourists began to arrive and expressed their interest in trying their hand at forming a burnay jar. Becoming a bit bored with the activity, we decided to explore the other products and stumbled upon some incredibly adorable mini goodies!

Time to get my hands dirty

ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

Cute heart-shaped burnay 

₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧₊

               

🖼️  Captured Histories, Brushed Narratives

    On our final destination, our kind lolo driver took us to a place that once served as an old provincial jail but has now been transformed into a museum showcasing historic art pieces, known as the "Provincial Jail of Ilocos Sur." As we wandered through the premises, it was the prison cells that immediately captured the attention of me and my friends. Intrigued, we even ventured inside one of the cells to get a glimpse of what it might have felt like to be locked up within those walls. However, I couldn't help but wonder about the experiences and stories of the individuals who had once walked through those bars.

    Soon enough, we were kindly instructed by one of the guards to explore another section of the museum, where our amazement grew as we encountered a collection of 14 oil paintings depicting scenes from the Iloko peasants' basi revolt. My friends and I were so caught up by the beauty and detail of the artwork that we ended up spending a long amount of time there. I must admit, one particular painting portrayed the brutal methods of execution, effectively showcasing how the past also blends with violence.

Cellfie (•̀ᴗ•́ )و

Like no other ⚔️

🎊 Treasures Galore

    Isn't it incredibly fun and exciting when one festival concludes, only for another one to take its place? Farewell, Longganisa Festival! Welcome, Ilocos Sur Festival! With great enthusiasm, my family and I headed to the venue where the festivities were taking place, particularly the expos and trade fairs. We were thrilled to discover a wide array of local products, as well as items from outside of Ilocos Sur. There was an abundance of goods available, ranging from beautifully crafted furniture and delicious delicacies to good quality home decorations and ornamental plants. Additionally, each town showcased their unique products as part of the "one town, one product" initiative, and every single one of them stood out in their own remarkable way!

‧₊˚✩彡

Vibrant festive bliss ˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ 𓂃⊹ 

            

    Looking back on my adventure in Vigan City, I can't help but feel amazed and thankful for the incredible experience. From the epic marching band showdown to savoring the delectable flavors of Vigan cuisine, every moment was filled with happiness and fulfillment. Strolling down the charming Calle Crisologo, I was totally blown away by the old historic houses and cool local crafts. The Crisologo Museum was a bit creepy but captivating, and riding a kalesa added a touch of nostalgia. The visit to the Pagburnayan Jar Factory allowed me to witness the artistry of traditional Burnay pottery, while the Provincial Jail turned museum served as a somber reminder of the past. To top it all off, the Ilocos Sur Festival was a blast with its expos and trade fairs showcasing the diversity and creativity of the local community. This journey was truly something special, and I'm grateful for the chance to explore and appreciate the beauty and culture of Vigan City.