It's More Fun in Vigan Ilocos Sur

VIGAN ILOCOS SUR

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Vigan is a UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage Site and noted, “Vigan is an exceptionally intact  and is well known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, with colonial European architecture.

WELCOME TO VIGAN CITY,ILOCOS SUR

                                              

 Vigan Antique Furniture 

Vigan Antique Furniture Makers

Vigan crafts, including woodcraft, might have eventually disappeared if not for the huge demand that was generated by the patronage of the Marcos family during former President Ferdinand Marcos’ regime. During his long presidency, Ferdinand Marcos espoused cultural revival aimed at developing the Filipinos’ pride in their cultural heritage and history. Being from the North, he was exposed to the richness of Vigan culture.

Visit to Vigan who would like to view the craftsmanship of real antiques and antique reproductions can visit the shops which specialize in them that are found along Calle Crisollogo and Plaridel Street. Both are within the UNESCO Heritage Village. Bringing home an antique will surely be a one-of-a-kind buy.

                                                      Crisologo Museum

Religious Museums in Vigan Most of the sights and museums in Vigan that tourists visit are connected with the significant life and contributions of Vigan’s prominent sons and daughters. However, there are a couple of museums that are dedicated to the preservation of the memory of Vigan’s religious past.

Paoay Church

St. Augustine Church, or more popularly called Paoay Church, in Ilocos Norte is one of the the oldest churches in the Philippines and is among the major attractions of Ilocos Norte.Built of coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks, the architecture is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental. Construction of the church was started in 1704 and completed in 1894. A few meters away is the coralstone belltower which served as observation post of the“Katipuneros” during the Philippine Revolution,Paoay Church is included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

                          Bantay Bell Tower

The old historic belfry of the church known as the Bantay Tower, 
which served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era,
gave the town its name - bantay (meaning to guard). Established in 1590,
 the church is one of the oldest in the Ilocos Region.The church is popular 
pilgrimage among Catholics because it houses the miraculous image of Apo Caridad, 
the Lady of Charity, the oldest Marian icon in the region.

Baluarte

BALUARTE,

 Chavit’s home in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is one of the top tourist destinations in Ilocos Sur. Fortress of Vigan The Baluarte or fortress is a must-see attraction for first time visitors, and even for those who have visited Vigan before. The reasons for its being on the list of places to visit is that it has a mini zoo with shooting range, and a chapel, among others. Access to the mini zoo, where Chavit’s numerous pets can be found is free for everyone, as the respectable gentleman considers this as a gift to the people. 

                                NARVACAN 

 Narvacan was discovered by a Spanish expeditionary force sent from Vigan by the military officer and navigator , Captain Juan de Salcedo. The Spanish expeditionary force was shipwrecked along the town's coast. When they were being rescued by the natives, the Spaniards asked the natives what was the name of their place. The resident's leader replied in an Ilocano dialect by asking the Spaniards "Nalbakan?" (Are you shipwrecked?). The Spaniards thought this to be the answer to their question, and from then on the place was referred to as Narvacan.

Salcedo be friended the small tribe of indigenous valley peoples that resided in the area while Spanish families established a township in 1576 . As part of the modern township, a Roman Catholic parish was established by the Augustinian religious order on April 25 , 1587. The Narvacan parish would become one of the first Roman Catholic parishes in present-day Ilocos Sur.

Narvacan was organized under the traditions of the royal government of Spain. The Habsburg royal family served as the heads of state which in turn appointed Santiago de Vera as President of the Royal Audiencia — governor over the region in which Narvacan was situated. In 1589 , Governor Vera appointed Nicolas de Figueroa as the first Encomendero de Narvacan — principal administrator of the town and its neighbors in the encomienda system. His role eventually evolved into the office of alcalde — royal mayor of Narvacan.

NARVACAN PARAGLIDING

Members of the Philippine Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association take the sky as their stage and the sun as their spotlight as they dance the ballet, aerial style, in the Narvacan Outdoor Adventure Hub. Hang gliders from other countries also.

PINSAL FALLS

Pinsal Falls which is located in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.  It is believed that this water falls in the largest in the province.  The 85-foot water falls has its unique beauty that captured the eyes of some film directors and producers, like the movies of Fernando Poe Jr., they were filmed here. As the water fell into the ground, because of the current, it creates an artistic formation on the rocks.  Since it was summer when we went here, the water was less than compared to regular season. 



EMPANADA

Vigan Empanada is a popular authentic delicacy from Vigan, Ilocos. The filling is made of grated unripe papaya and raw egg, we also add sauteed vigan longganisa to make it special. The Wrap consists of rice flour, butter, water and food coloring then deep fried until crisp.This dish is commonly sold along the streets as meryenda(mid-afternoon snack) and usually served with vinegar.

Empanada specialty of Vigan

WELCOME TO ILOCOS NORTE 

Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there already existed an extensive region consisting of the present provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union) renowned for its gold mines. Merchants from Japan and China would often visit the area to trade gold with beads, ceramics and silk. The inhabitants of the region, believed to be of Malay origin, called their place “samtoy”, from “sao mi toy, which literally meant “our language".

Bangui Windmills

Visit the breezy area and relaxing Bangui Windmill Farm One of the most amazing tourist spots in this region is the Bangui Windmills or Bangui Wind Farm. Bangui Wind Farm is located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. The wind farm houses and uses 20 units of 70 meter (230 ft.) high Vestas Wind Systems.                         

PAOAY SAND DUNES

The Ilocos Sand Dunes Stretches encompasses the towns of Currimao through to Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte. The La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City is one of the more popular sand dune destinations in Ilocos Norte. But more recently, the PAOAY SAND DUNES is remarkably gaining popularity to tourists travelling up north.

To start your Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure, hire a 4x4 Rough Riding vehicle at the base of the site. A fleet of these 4x4s are at your disposal and a professional driver will be your guide to the vast sand dunes. For 1,500php for a maximum of 5 people per car, the driver will tour the group at the Sand dunes for 30 minutes. Sightseeing and photo sessions can be done for this package.

DOS Hermanos,Bantay Abot,Timmantang Rock and The Paradise that is Maira Ira Cove

Maira-ira point is the name given to Luzon mainland's northernmost tip. Nestled in its confines is an unspoiled,     white-sand cove that has yet to become popular with the mainstream beach-combing crowd. The beach is known simply as Maira-ira or blue lagoon. On calm days, when the notorious Ilocos surf is taking a break, the waters off    the cove can be still as a pond, mirroring the azure sky to form a stunning blue loch. The sparkling fine sand is         even better than its well-known neighbour, Saud beach (or Pagudpud). With virtually no tourist accommodations,     save for a couple of simple nipa huts, the whole place exudes a charm of isolation. Hemmed by hills around its      perimeter, swimming and basking on the crescent cove can be a very private experience. It is a serene place, lending much to the feeling of being at the frontier.

  The Playa Tropical Resort in Ilocos Norte

The Bali-inspired architecture at The Playa Tropical Resort gives travelers the feeling that they’re in the island of Bali when they are actually in Ilocos Norte. Add to this first impression the 34-room establishment’s manicured gardens and expansive beach front. Inside, the spacious and well-appointed rooms all have comfortable beds, stately bathrooms, and modern facilities that let guests relax and feel like they’re in paradise.

                              Curriamao Coral Rocks

Case in point is the town of Currimao – an often ignored destination in Ilocos Norte. This town facing the West Philippine Sea boasts off a series of shallow tidal pools and serrated, coral-like rock formations that extend to about two kilometres along the Pangil Bay.

Plaza Del Norte

When visiting the northern parts of the Philippines for either business or leisure, avoid wasting time and resources on accommodations that will not be able to provide the vacation you deserve. At Plaza Del Norte Hotel & Convention Center in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, you don't have to worry about such things happening. Here, guests are treated to a value-filled stay, where Ilocos' Spanish-colonial charms seamlessly blend with contemporary accommodations and conveniences, ensuring you'll experience the best of the region. Enjoy a selection of rooms that offer continual comfort, location close to the beach and the famous Paoay Church, and services that can handle the little things, so you can focus on what really matters-savoring a fantastic holiday.

Kabigan Falls

One of the must-visit natural attraction of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is Kabigan Falls. Found deep in the forest of the province,Located in Barangay Balaoi in the town of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Kabigan Falls is 1.8km far from the national road and can be reached by foot in about half an hour.“Kabigan” was derived from the Tagalog word “Kaibigan” which means friend. The falls was given that name because the water from the river and the falls are magkaibigan.If you love waterfalls, Kabigan Falls should be in your must-see list. You would surely enjoy its "remoteness".

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK

The inherent blessings of an archipelagic country and long coastal lines are pristine white beaches, rich corals, and splendid geological formations. A best example is Kapurpurawan, a rock formation endlessly and constantly sculpted by nature’s rough caress and tough love. 
From the root word puraw, Ilocano for white, Kapurpurawan is located at the northern edge of mainland Luzon, off Bangui Bay of the West Philippine Sea. The perfect blend of nature’s elements wind, water, rain, and sun rays make Kapurpurawan indeed a sight to behold. Only until recently that the road leading to Kapurpurawan was improved and widened that four wheels can now enter more comfortably. Before, it was rougher and tougher to go there that most tourists would rather pass it up. Governor Imee Marcos, who has been relentlessy promoting Ilocos Norte tourism through its Paoay Kumakaway campaign, had it improved.The local government opened to the public the right side of the rock formation while they cordoned off the left side as it is eroding. A viewing deck was built to have an even better view of the rock formation.Kapurpurawan is now one of the most widely visited destinations during the Ilocos Heritage Tour. 

Patapat Bridge

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This winding bridge is often referred by some as the “French Riviera of the North”.  The Patapat Viaduct is an example of a bridge that has transformed into a tourist attraction. It is a frequent destination for folks who are touring the scenic sights in the municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.  This viaduct offers a scenic view of the surrounding forested mountains and the the sparkling sapphire waters of the sea below. Visitors and motorists will enjoy this scenic view as they cross the 1.3 kilometer length of this bridge. 

What are you waiting for come and visit the true treasure of ilocos :)