Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur in Region I, is one of the components of UNESCO's Heritage Sites. It perpetuates the stereotypes of civilization by safeguarding old traditions: food, structures and religion. Expressive architecture arising from trivial alleys are all unadorned exposition of the past Hispanic colonial time. To date, its tractable history remains as striking as a descending sun — beautiful and quietly glorious.

CRISTY'S LOOM WEAVING | Brgy., Camangaan, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Loom weaving, a traditional mechanical technique of manufacturing textiles, produces unique and highly tasteful patterns that are used for home decor or fabric artistry. Cristy's Loom Weaving, a family-owned business, started in 1960's and eventually spun into a fully-fledged business is now being supervised by Cristy Atenaja. Each product is made from 1,200 pure cotton strands that are carefully put together using a wooden mechanical apparatus.

RG JAR FACTORY| Gomez St., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

One of the oldest pottery factories in Vigan is owned by Mr. Asterio Alcid, a native bigueno. RG utilizes immense amount of heat as high as 1,300 ºC to produce jet black heavy duty clay pots.

SYQUIA MUSEUM| Quirino Blvd., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Elpidio Quirino, the 6th Philipine President, owned this mansion which in time wheeled into a museum. It showcases many historical interests of the late president, including a compendium of love letters written by him and his lover — Alicia Syquia Quirino, hence the name.

CRISOLOGO MUSEUM| A. Reyes St., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Floro Crisologo, a known hybrid of intellect and legislative dynasty of Ilocos Region, prsperously spent his political and private life in Vigan. His untimely assassination led to the creation of the museum to commemorate his accomplishments and prejudiced death.

MESTIZO RIVER| Brgy., Beddeng Laud, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

This river is one tangible proof that our country has long been exchanging goods with neighboring allies. It witnessed how trade was simply done in 16th century. Amid those business trades, it had mirrored too the hearts of many locals who would often choose a peaceful spot nearby to write songs and poetry.

HIDDEN GARDEN| Brgy. Bulala, Centro, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Lush green scenery with several flowering plants of diiferent sorts from local provinces and abroad are found here. Some are for sale, while most are part of the wide collection of the owner — Mr. Francis Flores. If ever you get hungry while roaming the garden space, a restaurant that is managed by his wife — Rafaela "Glo" Flores, may offer you the best Ilocandia dishes.

BALUARTE| Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

If you like seeing animals caged, trapped in a theatrical fence, go see Baluarte. Aside from the freshly-squeezed lemon with sugarcane they sell here, I'd say skip.

ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH| Bantay, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Commonly called as the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad, proclaimed as the patroness of the province in mid 50's. You may either drop by to attend a solemn mass or visit its BANTAY BELL TOWER which served as a watchtower during the colonial times.

VIGAN CATHEDRAL| Vigan City Ilocos Sur

Old. Historical. Miraculous, they say. A place of worship to whisper a prayer.

SINANGLAW|

Beef meat with many types of internal organs all boiled to perfection and flavoured with kamias, ginger and onions. The best and most famous version can be found just around Burgos Plaza, just across Mcdonald's. One hefty serving costs P70.

EMPANADA|

A local turnover with filling of many types depending on your liking: longganisa, bagnet, vegetable, onion, egg. Each crisp is sold from P45-70.

BAGNET & VIGAN LONGGANISA|

These do not need an introduction, I suppose eh? A kilogram of bagnet is sold P380-400, while a dozen of longganisa is at P120-130.

DANCING FOUNTAIN | Plaza Salcedo, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Every night at 7:30, people gather at Salcedo Plaza to witness the grand display of these water fountains. On weekends, two dramatic dances are held:at 7:30 and 8:30 PM. The music, lights and blasting water shooters go well with each others rhythm, but seeing Mr. Singsong on-off in between the animated lights,come on naman. Seryoso?

SUSTENTO | livelihood