Ilocos - Discovering our Heritage Part I: Ilocos Sur

Thanks to the long holiday, I and some friends were able to explore the province of Ilocos. The Ilocos region is divided into two, the Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. Both provinces are known for the rich Filipino culture and heritage that remains, even in this modern age.  Aside from the rich history that the province provides, it is also home of the different wonderful gifts of nature, from its beautiful beaches, to the different rock formation and even the relaxing fresh air that will caress your face.

Ilocos Sur’s capital city of Vigan is declared by UNESCO to be a Heritage City in the year 1999, wherein houses since the Spanish colonization are still present and preserved by the locals. Aside from the historic landmarks that are embedded in this town, another prominent figure is synonymous to this province – Chavit Singson.

Here are the places that we visited in Vigan:

 1. Syquia Mansion – owned by a rich galleon merchant in the name of Gregorio Syquia. The mansion is also the home of the late Pres. Elpidio Quirino. The interior designs of the houses remain intact, up to this date, even the furniture, paintings and kitchen wares. There is a local caretaker in the mansion that welcomes the guests and tells the story of the mansion and the history of Vigan as well.

the portraits and furnitures inside Syquia Mansion

2. Baluarte – this mini zoo which houses ostrich, deer, tiger, parrots, and horses is owned by Chavit Singson.The place do not only serves as a zoo but also a habitat for the animals. Though, we were not able to explore the Baluarte too much because it was raining.

the Baluarte

the tiger of Baluarte

3. Pagburnayan – create your own burnay, the native jar of the Ilocanos, using pre-historic methods.   The locals will teach and assist the tourists in creating their own burnay. Burnays are made from special clay and formed by turning a foot-powered potter’s wheel.

a local teaching us how to make the burnays

4. Vigan Heritage Village – shop at your heart’s content at this shopping district of Vigan while being amazed by the architecture of the Spanish houses and kalesas (no vehicles are allowed to enter the street) traversing in the streets. From the pasalubongs to the food, one will truly enjoy exploring the streets of Mena Crisologo and Plaridel streets of the Heritage Village.

a calesa in the street of Vigan Heritage Village

the street of Vigan Heritage Village

5. Grandpa’s Inn and Restaurant, Uno Grille, and Cafe Uno – a trip to Vigan would not be complete until you taste the local dishes. These restaurants that are located along Bonifacio Street offer some of the best in Vigan like the Bagnet, Poqui-Poqui and Dinengdeng.

a sumptuous Ilocano dishes for lunch

We were not able to visit some of the museum in Vigan, because of time constraint plus it rained also in the afternoon, making some of our visits to be quick. But, we still enjoyed seeing the Spanish time-frozen town of Vigan with it's hospitable people who are always ready to accommodate every guests.