Where to Buy Pasalubong in Vigan City

The experience was like travelling back in time and I really want to collect antique memorabilia and pasalubong to my family. The streets in callle crisologo is a one stop pasalubong bargain with a reasonable price. This is where all the classic Ilocano favorites can be found in one place  like longganisa, bagnet, chichacorn, bawang Ilocano, vinegar, empanada, bagnet and many more. Look for Quiel's meat shop with the authentic Vigan Longganica & Bagnet and Sag-Sagat Furniture for your additional antique items in affordable price range. I also recommend "Collado Souvenir Shop" for their wide variety of shirts, keychains, ref magnet, malong, wood pieces, home decors, bags and other choice in a reasonable price and the best thing about this is that everything is made from local materials where the bargain hunt makes it more worth it. Every time I traveled to other places in the country I make sure I bought pasalubong to my family which can promote or help locals to their business.

 

 

Calle Crisologo at The Heritage City of Vigan

Bring back the hands of time that is Calle Crisologo looks like with its unique heritage houses & old fascinating walkway. When you're standing at the center of the street its just as though suddenly travelled back into a different era and remarkable that the people & government of Ilocos  have preserved this place. They won't allow tricycles or other transportation to pass this street but only calesa can be found along the street. I was really amazed to see with my own eyes the very old Spanish colonial design architecture of those long ago houses in Vigan which is one of the most popular tourist attraction. There are a lots of antique pieces surrounding the main street that are sold in the area and nostalgic feeling is never lost.

 

Travel Tips: walk early morning when the crowd is still small or late night in the evening to experience romantic feeling of the lights and its old fashioned ambiance would be maintained for the years.

 

 

Vigan Food Trip: Good Food on A Budget

If you're looking for budget - friendly and affordable foods in Vigan, go to plaza burgos where the stall vendors put on a show of making-delicious and authentic recipe of Vigan Empanada and check out their public market to buy some pasalubong like Bagnet & most tasting Vigan Longganisa just get there early to try out fresh variety & sizes. A must try food in Ilocos Sur which is affordable for a budget traveler like me. Its really best to try places where locals frequently buying foods. On my third day of my trip in Ilocos Region, it was fun, adventure and really enjoyed Vigan food. Their food made Vigan more special, more tasty and you'll surely want to take home before leaving this province. Ilocanos has their best cuisine and authentic food in the country and definitely satisfy your gastronomic cravings which is a lot of local and foreign tourist do a bit of restaurant-hopping after a day of touring "The Heritage City of Vigan".   

 

 

The Historic St Augustine Cathedral Church in Vigan City

After visiting the bell tower, you can also see the church of St Augustine Cathedral and light some candies for your payer before heading to you next tourist destination. The locals say its one of the miraculous churches in the province and love this red brick of the church façade. There are five bells on the tower for everyday mass, christening, procession, funeral and wedding. The main cathedral has three alters, gorgeous stained glass windows and wood bench seating. Also with a high ceiling , nice architecture design and picturesque sight in the province.

 

 

Fascinating Bantay Bell Tower in Ilocos Sur Province

It's very interesting & historical spot in the province of Ilocos Sur  The bell tower watch originally built as a look out tower located at Bantay, Vigan City,Ilocos Sur and there are no fees in the area, just only donation at their tourist assistance desk. It's good uphill walk but it sure is nice seeing the view from up there. It has a great view when you get to the top portion of the tower and this tower serves as a "Bantay" or Guard during the Spanish era and alerts the guards of attack from enemies.  From Vigan it takes about 10-15 minutes ride via jeepney transportation, actually Bantay is another town district of Vigan. It is nice to see and know a little bit history and It  adds up knowledge to my work as a travel blogger. For those who like historic sites and place visit the place first before heading to other part of Vigan & Ilocos Sur. Next to the bell tower is at St Augustine Cathedral Church. It is yet another historic landmark and religious place of interest.

 

 

Say Good Bye to the " Sunshine City of Laoag" on My Last Day

Yes its probably that there's always a special place for special people like me for a place of unending fun and adventure. Going to start your Ilocos adventure, you are most likely start in Laoag. Take a quick & walking tour around the city & you will know how people here is accommodating & nice. It is much proud of an Ilocano the largest ethnic in the Philippines. I just ended up my tour here in Ilocos Norte at their public plaza fountain & city hall which is one of the best place to visit at the heart of Laoag. Did you known that the word "Laoag" means light in Ilocano dialect. It's truly a serene place to visit even perhaps to retire and invest as well. This is one of the best experiences of my life and some of my bucket lists were checked. Laoag is a quiet geared to a very simple living in the province and I make sure to going back again & again. Happy Trip Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.