Lovely City of Vigan

I have long wished of visiting Vigan, Ilocos Sur since I saw Claire and Ria's pictures there and finally that wish came true last April 22. Harley's father was such a dear to drive us there - mind you it's 3+ hrs drive from Bauang, La Union (Harley's hometown).

The three of us couldn't resist to stop by the Quirino bridge. The view of the bridge , with the mountain at the background and the Abra river flowing seemingly endless was simply breathtaking. We spent a few minutes by the roadside, taking pictures and indulging in the cool breeze.

Then we came to Vigan. The rows of establishments around the town plaza first caught my attention. I was surprised that stores like McDonald's and National Bookstore were built like old architecture style structures around Plaza Salcedo. We found a parking spot near the Simbaan a Bassit.

Simbaan a Bassit

We then hired a Kalesa for 150 pesos to show us around the town. We passed by the Arzobispado, Padre Burgos' house, Syquia Mansion, Pagburnayan (where they showcase Vigan's pottery) and our last stop was Calle Crisologo - the Old Brick Road.

Calesa Ride around town for 150 pesos

I walked along the old brick road with a feeling of awe, knowing that the place witnessed more of our history than I could fathom. I even wanted to don a Victorian Style gown and a feather bonnet, then mag-muni-muni dun (mas feel ko kasi maging Español kaysa maging Indio eh, hehehe).

The Old Brick Road (sayang madilim na)

Pictorial with two handsome guys

We completed the visit with a taste of the famous Vigan empanada at the Plaza Salcedo. It's made of sauteed cabbage, Vigan Longganiza with egg and wrapped inside a crispy shell made from ground rice. It's like a taco but with a different taste because of the longganiza. Really it's very delicious, just for 30 pesos per piece. We also bought Vigan Longganiza for pasalubong :)

Left: Empanada up close, Right: Vigan Longganiza

The posters of election candidates slightly ruined the ambiance though. There were just so many of them cluttered all over the place - and I was especially irritated at the poster of Chavit and his tiger (running mate nya yata tiger nya sa Senado, tsk!) near Max's Restaurant because it's absurdly huge. With its size it can even compete against the billboards at Edsa.

Medyo bitin din pagpunta namin dun e. It was 5pm when we arrived there and all museums were already closed :( I would have loved to stay there overnight, visit every museum and really explore the city on foot. We'll just go back there some other time. Anyway it's just a few hours away from La Union...