A place; made by a beautiful catastrophe. VIGAN CITY!

“A wise traveler never despises his own country.” – Carlo Goldoni. This quotation was an eye opener to me for it made me realize not just to enjoy life but also to appreciate what life can offer. And to think that I was born in a land where I can enjoy life more than anywhere else in the world. My very own country, Philippines, has its own classic, magnificent, marvelous, and pulchritudinous beauty which is meant to be seen by everyone. It has 18 regions, 81 provinces, 145 cities, 1, 149 municipalities and 42, 036 barangays, others, are history.

A photo taken by Jerald P. Palisoc at Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (01-14-18)

Vigan is one of the most unique among the cities the Philippines has. But, before exploring the beauty and adventures you can experience in the city, here are some information about it. Vigan is found in the northwest part of Luzon. Based on facts, it is stowed bordering where the Govantes River meets South China Sea. Ilokano or Ilocano is their native language, Empanada is one of their delicacies and 83% of its population is Roman Catholic in Religion. Moreover, Calesa is one of their media of transportation. Vigan derived its name from this lush "BIGAA" plant, a species of a Gabi Family. It is the capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

Traveling is not just a hobby, it is my passion and my companion.

It is my way of discovering new life lessons and possibilities.

A kind of opportunity to irradicate the negative inside me.

Through travelling, I would be able to learn more, to experience more, and to discover myself more. I would be able to know my strengths, weaknesses, my crafts, as well as my frailties. Traveling from Tarlac City to Vigan City made me a persistent person. Indeed. It took me 9 hours to travel on land using Public Utility Bus. I together with my co-passengers had three bus stops along the way and the 9 hour travel was quite irritating for me yet fun, knowing that Vigan is slowly near upon us. The province of La Union was also a remarkable moment for me that time because it was the longest province that we encountered during the travel. It took us 4 hours in there. It was around 6:00 pm when I first stepped on to the historic land of Vigan. The long and irritating travel was all worth it the moment I saw the scenic and prestigious beauty of the City. I was amazed by the classic structures and my heart melted because of the hospitality of the Biguenos. My stay there was very educational and worth keeping the memories. It was very fulfilling and the place really captured my heart. Thus, I promised to myself that, that won't be the last for me to re-visit Vigan.

Here are some of the places that I went during my 2 day stay in the city that you might like to visit too.

1. THE DANCING FOUNTAIN

PEOPLE MIGHT SAY THAT IT IS NOT EASY TO WATCH SUCH, SOMEHOW, ROMANTIC SHOW WHEN YOU ARE ALONE. BUT IN THE DANCING FOUNTAIN OF VIGAN, YOU WILL KNOW THAT ALONE IS DIFFERENT FROM BEING LONELY. IT GIVES NOT JUST HAPPINESS BUT ALSO THE EXCITEMENT TO EVERYONE TO RE-VISIT VIGAN. GIVEN THE CHANCE TO WITNESS HOW THE WATER WITH ITS DIFFERENT COLORS DANCED TO THE BEAT OF THE MUSIC WAS WORTH THE 9 HOUR TRAVEL.

The dancing fountain is located at Plaza Salcedo, the show starts at 7:00 PM, everyday.

Credits to the Owner

2. CALLE CRISOLOGO

IT IS THE MAJOR ATTRACTION OF VIGAN WHICH IS FILLED WITH SPANISH-STYLE HOUSES.

THIS CALLE IS NAMED AFTER THE LATE CONGRESSMAN, FLORO S. CRISOLOGO, A NOBLE MAN WHO WAS KILLED WITH A GUN SHOT INSIDE THE SAINT PAUL CATHEDRAL. HIS CASE WAS NEVER SOLVED BUT IT IS BELIEVED THAT HIS DEATH WAS IN LINED WITH POLITICS.

Photos were taken by Jerald P. Palisoc at Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (01-14-18)

3. MUSEUMS --- CRISOLOGO, ELPIDIO QUIRINO

THE EXPERIENCE WAS VERY EDUCATIONAL AND WORTH KNOWING THE STORY AND THE RICH HISTORY BEHIND EVERY ART INSIDE. THESE MUSEUMS ARE DEVOTED TO THEIR LEGACY.