Warning: Photo heavy post.
This was my 2nd time in the beautiful province of Ilocos [and Jan's first]. The last time I was here was way back 2009 during our college tour, but still, Ilocos didnt fail to amaze me like the first time. Jan has been convincing me to go to Ilocos since November last year, but because I've been to Ilocos already, i suggested Batanes instead. And ofcourse, the commander always win! **evil laugh**. Unlike in Batanes where we opted to take a package tour from a travel agency, we decided to do our own 4 days and 3 nights DIY Itinerary to Ilocos. Our itinerary was to head straight to Vigan first, then Laoag and lastly, Pagudpud.
Laoag Airport
From Laoag Airport, I signed up for a free shuttle bus that would take us to Partas Bus station going to Vigan. This free shuttle bus of Laoag airport takes the tourists straight from their destination around Laoag. If you are in a hurry, you may hire a tricycle to take you to the city proper for Php200.00. We were only about less than 15 passengers [2 sets of group tourists, 1 korean and us] so we chose to ride the free shuttle.
Selfie inside the Laoag Airport Free Shuttle Bus.
We rode the delux Partas bus with wide and comfortable seat. Fare is Php166.00. The ride takes about 2 hours.
We finally arrived in Vigan Partas Bus terminal at around 5:00pm. Being the segurista that I am.. We came prepared with reserved hotel accommodation and tricycle tours two weeks prior to our scheduled trip. The fastest and most convenient way to roam Vigan and its nearby town [without the time pressure riding a Kalesa] is through hiring a tricycle tour. Kuya Alex, our Vigan Tricycle guide, was already waiting for us at the bus terminal when we arrived and upon seeing his face.. I knew right away that we are in good hands.
Kuya Alex dropped us first to RF Aniceto Mansion where we stayed overnight in Vigan. The old mansion built in the 1800's kept its colonial appearance and was later converted into a hotel to accommodate tourists . The mansion is
also conveniently located across Father Burgos Plaza and walking distance from Calle Crisologo. A plus for location!
also conveniently located across Father Burgos Plaza and walking distance from Calle Crisologo. A plus for location!
Our room in RF Aniceto Mansion
 |
| Hallway to the hotel rooms |
 |
| RF Aniceto Receiving Area |
I love our room's key
We just lodged our bag and immediately started our tour before it gets dim. Kuya Alex first brought us to Bantay Bell Tower and its nearby church.
The bantay bell tower is so picture perfect.
Due to lack of time since museums and other tourist spots in Vigan have operating hours, our tricycle tour for that day ended at the Vigan Arch for photoops.
Kuya Alex then dropped us to the famed Calle Crisologo before twilight so we were able to see the beauty of the National Heritage by day turned into night in just a few minutes. It was truly a nostalgic feeling even though it wasn't my first time here.
Calle Crisologo by day
Exhausted from our long travel after a short stroll to Calle Crisologo, we decided to have our first dinner in Ilocos in one of the most famous restaurants in Vigan, The Cafe Leona.
We ordered their delicacies-- Pakbet, Bagnet and Mushroom Soup. Dinning outside the Resto was really relaxing. We're once again blessed with a perfect weather despite the tropical cyclone warning.
 |
| Iloco's Bagnet with Bagoong na Isda dip. |
 |
| Iloco's Pakbet. |
After our luscious dinner.. We decided to stroll again to Calle Crisologo and bought some souvenir items. I bought some ref magnets and shirt for my nephew.
Calle Crisologo by night
At 9pm, Jan and I felt hungry again so we ate at Mcdonalds and bought beers and junkfoods at Aniceto's grocery store. Hehe. And that's how our 1st day in Ilocos ended.
-------
-------
The next morning, I snoozed my phone at 6:00am for continuation of our Vigan tour. Breakfast is included in our accommodation. Jan and I both ordered Iloco's longganisa with fried egg and garlic rice.
While waiting for our order, I was really surprised to see a well at the mansion's garden restaurant. The staff said that the well existed since 1800's and to date, they still use it for watering the plants. Cool!
After filling our tummies with free breakfast of RF Aniceto mansion, we started
After filling our tummies with free breakfast of RF Aniceto mansion, we started
the continuation of our Vigan tour at Baluarte ni Singson.
Then the Burnayan Pottery-making.. The oldest pottery factory in Vigan since 1920 [according to one of its staff]. You can buy custom-made and beautiful pots/jars in this factory at a lesser price.
Then the Burnayan Pottery-making.. The oldest pottery factory in Vigan since 1920 [according to one of its staff]. You can buy custom-made and beautiful pots/jars in this factory at a lesser price.
Next, we went to The Hidden Garden Place. We decided to have a taste of Ilocos empanada and quench our thirst with their refreshing fruit shake. The garden's restaurant was surrounded by trees, plants and flowers.
Hidden Garden's Iloco's Empanada
The only thing that turned us off in this place are the Sto nino and Buddha images placed in almost every corner of the garden with "donation" boxes or asking you to throw coins before you say a prayer or wish to Sto Nino or Buddha. We just thought its inappropriate to use these images to collect money [even if the intention is good]. Why not just place one designated donation box somewhere in the area and not in every holly images para kahit papano it would look sincere naman. Even if you use their cr, you would see a donation placard but the staff would actually require you to pay 10pesos. It just made me wonder, what's the owner real domain? A devoted Catholic or Buddhist?
Anyway...
We then proceeded to our next stop which is the preserved family ancestral home of Crisologo turned into museum.History is one of my favorite subjects that is why visiting to museums is something I truly enjoy. By a mere donation, a guide toured us around the mansion relaying important information about Crisologo family and their political history.
We then proceeded to our next stop which is the preserved family ancestral home of Crisologo turned into museum.History is one of my favorite subjects that is why visiting to museums is something I truly enjoy. By a mere donation, a guide toured us around the mansion relaying important information about Crisologo family and their political history.
Mr. Crisologo's Office.
Ha?
The vehicle used by Carmeling Crisologo that was ambushed but survived on May 10, 1961 was also displayed at the museum.
And our last stop for our Vigan tour is the Syquia Mansion or the old mansion of the former President Elpidio Quirino and his wife, Alicia Syquia . Just by looking at their house, you would know that they belong to a wealthy and prominent family. This mansion was given to Pres Quirino and his wife as a wedding present (or dowry) by his in laws.
Spoliarium Replica
Painting of Elpidio Qurino's daughter for her debut.
Our vigan tour ended at around 11am. We went back to our hotel to have a quick rest and pack our bags. After we checked out, we had our lunch at Jollibee. [Fast food again!] Kuya Alex took us to the bus terminal going back to Laoag and bid our goodbyes to him. If you're looking for a tricycle guide in Vigan I highly recommend Kuya Alex. He's informative, honest and respectful. His tricycle Vigan tour costs Php600.00. You may contact him at this number 09357724212.
No comments:
Post a Comment