For the love of eating the authentic: Our Ilocos Trip;Vigan

We took Partas bus in going to Vigan from Laoag. It was a  2-hour travel.  From Partas bus station in Vigan, we rode a tricycle that transported us to Calle Crisollogo. Since we have no hotel booking we strolled around the area and looked for a good hotel with a not-so-expensive rate.  A lot of hotels and inns are within the area. Your choice would only be dependent on your budget. I personally like Grandpa’s Inn. The interiors and the ambiance of the inn makes you feel like you are transported back in time. It was creepy but exciting.  The only available room when we checked are the rooms with common bathroom it is cheap but we don’t want to share a bathroom with the other tourists. We checked in Cordillera Inn. It was an old hotel with an old bed frame. It was a little bit scary but it was manageable.

Calle Crisologo

The street brings you back to an era of old Spanish house, where women wears baro’t saya and filipiniana. I love walking on this street. It’s amusing and relaxing at the same time.  I can even sit there for eternity. The place is so enticing and fascinating.

Baluarte

It’s a zoo with a much more variety of animals. The place is owned by Chavit Singson. Good thing that Chavit doesn’t ask for any entrance fee. The area is huge that I think can house more animals.

St. Augustine Church

This church is located in Bantay Ilocos Sur. The structure is simply beautiful. It is made of bricks which make it look more interesting. The church was restored couple of times because it was destroyed during the revolt and world war.

St. Augustine Church Bell Tower

The bell tower is located at a hill a few meters away from the church. Just like the church the bell tower is made of bricks.

St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral or Vigan Cathedral

According to my research this church is the third version of the Vigan Cathedral.The first Vigan Cathedral was ordered and built in 1574. Another version of the church was again constructed in 1641 but was destroyed by an earthquake. A reconstructed church was caught with fire in 1739. The current church was constructed in 1790 and was finished in 1800.

Vigan Cathedral Bell Tower

The bell tower of Vigan Cathedral is just few meters away from the church it stands near Plaza Burgos.

Plaza Burgos

This plaza is right besides Vigan Cathedral. The place is famous for its empanadahan  and street foods.  If you want to taste authentic and cheap Ilocano dishes from sinanglao, poqui poqui, dinakdakan and the likes this is definitely the place to be.  There are also fast food around the area like Max’s and McDonalds.

Dinakdakan

Sinanglaw

Burnay Making

Burnay or Pottry Making is an old tradition of the people of Laoag. It is commonly used as storage for water. It was my first time to see how is it being done so I didn’t miss my chance to try it.