The 405-km. stretch from Manila to Vigan is a seven-hour ride along the scenic Ilocos Highway. Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur was converted into a city on Jan. 22, 2001 through a plebiscite wherein Bigueños overwhelmingly affirmed the Act validating and recognizing the creation of the City of Vigan by Royal Decree of Sept. 17, 1757 issued by Fernando VI, King of Spain. It is located on the west coast of Northern Luzon and has a land area of 25.7 sq.km. Vigan has 9 poblacion and 30 rural barangays. Bigueños are conversant in three languages: Ilocano, Filipino and English.
One of the “must-see’’ places in Vigan is the Calle Crisologo situated in the heart of the Mestizo district. Lined on both sides by centuries-old Vigan houses, it is made of cobblestones. Ground floors of the old houses at Calle Crisologo have been turned into shops where souvenir items and Vigan furniture can be found at reasonable prices.
Another place to visit is Plaza Burgos. The plaza is dotted by several kiosks that offer authentic Vigan delicacies like empanada, okoy, sinanglao, caldereta, arroz caldo and the popular Tinubong, ricecake in a bamboo.
Among the favorite bring-home fares or pasalubong from Vigan are longganisa, bagnet, pinakbet and dinengdeng.
There are many places to stay in Vigan but the newest addition to the hotels is the Vigan Heritage Mansion, a century-old imposing edifice built in 1885. Located at corner Liberation Blvd. and Crisologo St., it was the home of the late Pedro Singson as he started his colorful career as the elected governor of the province of Ilocos Sur.
Gov. Singson’s daughter, Julie SingsonManahan restored the ancestral home after 118 years as a timeless reminder of Vigan’s rich culture and history.
Just like the other famous establishments in the world-heritage town, the Vigan Heritage Mansion has successfully preserved its original facade while infusing comfortable amenities in a Mediterranean-style something that will surely appeal to modern-day tourist.
One of the popular events in the city is the Vigan fiesta. It was held last Jan. 24 to 25 and featured a carnival, parades and cultural shows in commemoration of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, the city’s patron saint.
There are still more to look forward to in historical Vigan like the “Viva Vigan Festival of Arts” held during the first week of May, the annual Holy Week rites and World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day held every 8th of September.