Baluarte: A Zoo and Museum in Vigan City

Posted on by Loneprowler
baluarte

Vigan City in Ilocos Norte is a place for tourists who loves nature and history. Around 15 minutes away from the Spanish-like town, a zoo, taxidermy museum, and safari hotel can be easily accessed. Baluarte Zoo and Museum offers a different view of the city.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17.5513° N, 120.3772° E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • 0700AM-0600PM

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Free admission
  • Guided tour: Php50.00 (optional)

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Baluarte Zoo and Museum

Vigan City in Ilocos Norte is a place for tourists who loves nature and history. Around 15 minutes away from the Spanish-like town, a zoo, taxidermy museum, and safari hotel can be easily accessed. Baluarte Zoo and Museum offers a different view of the city.

This mini-zoo cum-taxiderm museum is owned by the local politician Chavit Singson. The complex lies in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the hills, where the former governor’s multi-storey house sits with a grand view of Vigan and the South China Sea [1].

Baluarte Zoo

In my one-day Vigan City tour, I made it in Baluarte during dusk. That made me have limited time to enjoy the zoo. Notwithstanding, I was able to see what the zoo has to offer but in a hurried way as I was trying to take it all in while there is enough natural light.

The zoo offers animals native in our country as well as imported ones, among others. A butterfly farm as well as horse riding track is situated within the complex. Along the paths, roads, and cages, tourists can have a glimpse of lions, Bengal tigers, camels, monkeys, peacocks, civet cats, iguanas, pythons and other reptiles, birds, and animals.

Included in the native animals in Chavit’s collection is a Philippine cloud rat endemic in the Codillera [2]. On the other hand he also has non-endemic animals in his mini-zoo. “I waited for almost five years and finally, they have arrived,” he said, noting that he needed to rent a whole cargo plane to accommodate 27 giraffes and about 900 antelopes as added attractions to his 120-hectare zoo [3].

Among the non-native animals in the mini-zoo are tigers, lions, camel, and others.
This green snake is but one of the many reptiles found in the mini-zoo.
Colorful birds, both endemic and non-native ones, are part of Chavit Singson’s collections found in this zoom-museum complex.
Baluarte Museum (Safari Gallery)

The 120-hectare expanse of Singson’s lot also houses a taxidermy museum. This is located on the top of the hill overlooking the zoo and parts of Vigan City. Preserved animals hunted by Singson in foreign countries are on display.

All in all, the Baluarte Zoo and Museum is a free-entrance complex near the Vigan City center. It offers a mini-zoo, a safari hotel, as well as a taxidermy museum. It is a highly recommended place to visit in Ilocos Norte, if you are not against captive animal as well as taxidermy.

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How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Vigan.ph. n.d. Baluarte Vigan — The Fortress Of Vigan | Vigan.Ph. [online] Available at: <https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/baluarte-vigan-fortress-of-vigan.html&gt; [Accessed 20 April 2020].

[2] Espinosa-Aritao, G., 2018. Chavit Singson: Keeper Of The Sanctuary. [online] ABS-CBN News. Available at: <https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/11/16/18/chavit-singson&gt; [Accessed 20 April 2020].

[3] Adriano, L., 2019. Vigan Zoo Visitors To Soon See New Animals From S. Africa. [online] Pna.gov.ph. Available at: <https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064985&gt; [Accessed 20 April 2020].

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Bantay Watch Tower

Posted on by Loneprowler

The Bantay Watchtower is one of the most popular daytime destinations in Ilocos Sur, Philippines due to its history and religious significance as well as its alluring facade.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17°34’28.9″N 120°23’13.2″E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • 0600AM-0500PM

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Free admission

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The Enduring Bantay Watchtower

The Bantay Watchtower is one of the most popular daytime destinations in Ilocos Sur, Philippines due to its history and religious significance as well as its alluring facade.

The watchtower is known in many names that tourist might get confused. I was one of them, haha. When I was planning to go there, I put in my itinerary the “Bantay Watchtower” and “Bantay Belfry”. To my utter shame, it is the same as what the tricycle driver explained to me, lol. The structure is called Bantay Church Watchtower, Bantay Bell Tower, Bantay Belfry, Belfry of St. Augustine Church, among others.

Bantay Watchtower is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

Historically, the Bantay Watchtower is of great importance to the town. Built in 1591, it was said to be the people’s watchtower, part of the community’s defense in alerting them against possible enemies [1]. Also, it became the belfry of the St. Augustine Church which was built on 1590 [2]. The grounds where the belfry stands is also said to be the same where Diego Silang and his troops fought the Spaniards in 1763 [1].

Built in 1591, you can see the int he above images the restored belfry.
An adult and child tourists at the bell level of the watchtower.

The Bantay Watchtower is also a significant religious structure. It is originally the belfry of the St. Augustine Church found within the same grounds.

Visitors will also see within St. Augustine Church the statue of Our Lady of Charity, who is Nueva Segovia’s patroness. From the church, she is said to have watched over the city over many generations [1]. 

Built in 1590, the St. Augustine Church is found within the same compound.
Visitors will also see within St. Augustine Church the statue of Our Lady of Charity, who is Nueva Segovia’s patroness. From the church, she is said to have watched over the city over many generations [1]. 

When I went there, I was expecting a place with not much tourists, lol, like what you see in most Instagram or other social media posts. So I made a comparison of a manipulated shot showing only the belfry and a shot with tourists. However, even with the number of tourists, it is still one of the places that I will suggest to visit. I was there a couple of hours before sunset and the effect of the golden sunlight later is amazing on the even more amazing structure.

Bantay Watchtower is one of the most touristed areas in Ilocos Norte. I wasn’t able to climb it because of the long queue.

Potentially, more non-local tourists will gaze upon its beauty as the provincial government boosts cruise tourism through international cruise ships to dock at Salomague Ilocos Cruise Port. 

The passengers, who came from European, Asian, American and Middle Eastern countries, arrived at Salomague Port in Brgy. Salomague, Cabugao then visited the tourist destinations here such as the Bantay Church Bell Tower, St. Paul Cathedral Church, Pagburnayan (where earthenware pots are hand-crafted), Hidden Garden, Calle Crisologo, and various National Museums in the Heritage City of Vigan [3]. The local government hoes to continue this in the future.

In summary, Bantay Watchtower, known of many names, is one of the most famous tourist sites in Ilocos Norte because of its historical importance, religious affiliation, and its wondrous facade. Best time to go there is early in the morning or during sunset.

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How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Bantay Watchtower.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Vigan.ph. n.d. Bantay Belfry – The People’s Watchtower | Vigan.Ph. [online] Available at: <https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/bantay-belfry.html&gt; [Accessed 19 April 2020].

[2] Rivero, I., 2018. Feature: Ilocos Sur Governor Urges Residents To Use Bicentennial Stamps. [online] Pia.gov.ph. Available at: <https://pia.gov.ph/features/articles/1005634&gt; [Accessed 19 April 2020].

[3] Quimoyog, J., 2020. Ilocos Sur Gov’t To Boost Cruise Tourism This 2020. [online] Pia.gov.ph. Available at: <https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032517&gt; [Accessed 19 April 2020].

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Syquia Mansion Museum: Spanish Era Filipino Mansion

Posted on by Loneprowler

Syquia Mansion Museum is one of the most elegant existing Ilocano mansions since Spanish era. When I went for an Ilocos tour, I listed Syquia Mansion in my itinerary because it is quite a popular destination in the region. Initially in my mind, it will just be another Crisologo Museum-like house or even less grandeur. Well, until I stepped inside its portals.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Quirino Boulevard, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17°34’15.5″N 120°23’23.3″E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • 0900AM-0500PM (break in lunch time)

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Php50.00

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Contact Details

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Syquia Mansion: Spanish Era Ilocano Mansion in its Elegance

Syquia Mansion is one of the most elegant existing Ilocano mansions since Spanish era. When I went for an Ilocos tour, I listed Syquia Mansion in my itinerary because it is quite a popular destination in the region. Initially in my mind, it will just be another Crisologo Museum-like house or even less grandeur. Well, until I stepped inside its portals.

The History of Syquia Mansion Museum

Otherwise known as bahay na bato, Syquia Mansion was originally built by the Justo Angco, a wealthy businessman of Chinese descent, in 1830. He later gave it to her daughter as a dowry when she married Gregorio Syquia in 1875 [1]. Wings and rooms were added as their fortune and family grew. Their fortune was from his active part in Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trade.

When Gregorio’s oldest granddaughter Alicia (firstborn of Gregorio’s son Thomas and Spanish Conchita Jimenez of Binondo [2]) married Elpidio Quirino, who later become the president of the Philippines, more rooms and fixtures were added. At that time, there were two wings existing, initially one for Gregorio and the other for Thomas. The addition of Elpidio in the household as well as his nature of work in the government made them add more areas to cater to bigger audiences.

President Elpidio would sometimes held his Cabinet meeting in this house. Thus, it was dubbed the “Malacañang of the North” [2].

Restoration and Preservation of the Syquia Mansion Museum

In 1992, the younger sister of Elpidio’s wife passed away making the mansion without an occupant and exposing it to decay [1]. Restoration fee is exorbitant so relatives living near can’t afford it.

Fortunately, it was later funded under the auspices of the National Historical Institute (NHI) now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) [1].

Restoration and preservation funds were granted but on the condition that it would be open to the public.

Syquia Mansion as a Museum

The museum basically showcases a wealthy Ilocano family’s abode during the Spanish time and onward.

The entrance is simple and plain – a stark contrast to what’s inside.
In the ground floor of the mansion, towards the back, a well is still existing. However, it is not functioning anymore. You’ll also notice the brick walls in some parts.
This is one of the parlors in the mansion. Notice how elegant the chairs, paintings, and busts.
Two other parlors in the mansion. Like the previous one, these two speaks of wealth too.
A dining set in one of the rooms.
These are but few of the massive collection in the mansion.
A table probably been used by Elpidio Quirino during one of his Cabinet meetings.
Two lavish statues watching over a massive wall mirror. A reflection of a painting on the other side of the wall is also seen in the mirror.

The house has a collection of beds with different designs. Previously, these were used by the Angco and Syquia offspring and further generations.

In conclusion, the Syquia Museum is a grand mansion which dates back from the Spanish era. Its interior gives you an idea how wealthy Ilocano family lives during this time. It has been the residence of one of the Philippine presidents and has been a mute witness to the changing of times.

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How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Syquia Mansion.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Syquia Mansion.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Syquia Mansion.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Syquia Mansion.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Pacis, C., 2017. The Syquia Mansion As A Living Museum: A Personal Account Of The Transition From Family Home To Museum. [online] Undergraduate Thesis. De La Salle University. Available at: <https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/arts-congress-proceedings/2017/paper-31.pdf/&gt; [Accessed 9 April 2020].

[2] Tejero, C., 2015. Quirino House, Aka Syquia Mansion–The Original Malacañang Of The North. [online] Inquirer Lifestyle. Available at: <https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/213337/quirino-house-aka-syquia-mansion-the-original-malacanang-of-the-north/&gt; [Accessed 9 April 2020].

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Crisologo Museum: The House of an Ilocano Legend

Posted on by Loneprowler

The Crisologo museum is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Primarily, its fame is related to its well-known owner as well as the content which brings you back to the Spanish era.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Liberation Boulevard, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17°34’13.7″N 120°23’15.8″E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • 08:30AM-11:30AM
  • 01:30PM-04:30PM
  • Daily opening hours could be affected by events such as major Catholic dates, national holidays, local events, etc.

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Fees
  • Free admission. Donations are accepted.

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Crisologo Museum: The House of an Ilocano Legend

The Crisologo museum is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Primarily, its fame is related to its well-known owner as well as the content which brings you back to the Spanish era.

The Crisologo Museum is the residence of the late Floro S. Crisologo, the head of the Crisologo clan and a well-known congressman in his time. Now a century-old mansion, it is a mute witness to the success and struggles of Floro Crisologo. From authoring laws behind the creation of University of Northern Philippines and Social Security System to his death as he was shot in the head in the 1970s [1]. His death has become the impetus to establish the museum. To date, his death is not yet solved.

Top Left: A painting depicting Floro Crisologo with two of the many laws he authored in the painting caption. Top Right: Floro Crisologo’s law office inside the mansion. Bottom: Another working table outside the law office.

The mansion-turned-museum of the Crisologo clan has no entrance fee all over the week. It showcases antiques, memorabilia, local implements, as well as history-rich collections of the clan.

The museum collection includes antiques from the war. Ammunitions, fuse cans, guns, uniforms are on display.
The ceiling shows the original woods and boards used and with addition of some pieces to strengthen it.
A dulang is also on display. I remember having a dulang but with heavier materials as well as wider in our home. Dulang (low table) have been documented during pre-and Hispanic period as part of dining experience of Filipinos [2].
A clay stove is also seen in the kitchen aside from the old stoves. Note that such clay stoves are locally produced.

Above are but few things from the massive collections inside the mansion. You’ll notice that the collection are composed of local produce, Hispanic era, war memorabilia, and religious items.

Dining set as well as several receiving sets are also on display.
All of the bedrooms display colonial era beds with different designs and sizes. The above image shows a bed with an intricate head board as well as a baul (wooden chest) and a wooden chair at the foot.
Interestingly, the mansion also showcases the rich production equipment in the locality such as the tillar. While weaving is common in most households during that time, loom weaving is especially devoted in Ilocos region [3].

The above shows farming and and fishing implements.

The mansion has more to offer than what is described and shown above. There is a library, rooms of different functions, as well as the room that showcases the bloodied garment of Floro Crisologo. Unlike the Syquia Mansion which offers Ilocano Spanish Mansion in its elegance, the museum’s focus is on the political aspect of Crisologo’s life.

In conclusion, when going to Vigan, this place is a must place to visit because of its historical importance as well as it showcases a rich family’s house in Ilocos during the Spanish era. You can also glean how Ilocanos live with the implements and antiques seen inside the mansion.

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How to Get To Crisologo Museum

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Crisologo Museum.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Crisologo Museum.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Crisologo Museum.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at Crisologo Museum.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Vigan.ph. n.d. Crisologo Museum | Vigan.Ph. [online] Available at: <https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/crisologo-museum.html&gt; [Accessed 9 April 2020].

[2] Sokolov, R., 1993. Why We Eat What We Eat. New York: Touchstone, p.57.

[3] 1904. Elihu Root Collection Of United States Documents Relating To The Philippine Islands: Volume 129. [online] Available at: <https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=LRZQAAAAYAAJ&rdid=book-LRZQAAAAYAAJ&rdot=1&gt; [Accessed 9 April 2020].

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Vigan Pottery: A Craft Passed Through Generations

Posted on by Loneprowler

Vigan is home to a lot of wondrous places and activities. One of which is pottery making, specifically the local burnay. This sought-after activity in the north draws both local and foreign tourists.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Pagburnayan, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Map:

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Business Hours

Usually 8:00AM to 5:00PM

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Vigan Pottery Through Ages

Vigan is home to a lot of wondrous places and activities. One of which is pottery making, specifically the local burnay. This sought-after activity in the north draws both local and foreign tourists.

Established in the 1920s, pottery making business in Vigan City has been passed from generation to generation (1). Its history actually dates back even before the Spanish occupation when Chinese immigrants that the place has a good source of pottery materials.

Of the pottery products, the most popular and widely used by the locals is the burnay. Majority of local orders were from Manila and Bulacan while Great Britain and Belgium topped foreign trades (2). During those days, the use of these earthen wares are bit different of its mainly decorative purposes today.

Accordingly, burnays were used for tea, containers of table condiments, as well as for storing bagoong (fermented fish) (2). I can remember it in our home when I was a child as container of drinking water. Mind you, it maintains the cold temperature of the water even during the sweltering dry season (summer). My father also used to ferment tapoy (fermented rice wine) in one of the medium-sized burnays.

Where and what is the best time to go? I wouldn’t comment on that. The best course of action is to ask a couple of locals or tricycle drivers. They are amazing in giving you tips too. Better yet, hire one tricycle, give your objective of the day and he will give you the best itinerary.

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How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the pottery house of your choice.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the pottery house of your choice.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at your choice of pottery house

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the pottery house of your choice.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

(1) Philippine Primer. 29 January 2019. VIGAN TRAVEL: Ruby Jar Factory, Vigan’s 90 Year Old Craft of Earthen Jars. [online] Travel. Available at: <https://primer.com.ph/travel/2019/01/29/vigan-travel-ruby-jar-factory-vigans-90-year-old-craft-of-earthen-jars/&gt; [Accessed 21 March 2020].

(2) Vigan.ph. 2020. Burnay Jars – Burnay Pottery In Vigan | Vigan.Ph. [online] Available at: <https://www.vigan.ph/arts-and-crafts/burnay-jars-burnay-pottery.html&gt; [Accessed 21 March 2020].

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The Hidden Garden: An Ilocano Food Restaurant cum Garden in Vigan City

Posted on by Loneprowler

Vigan is home to a lot of wondrous places and activities. A day would be easily filled with going to historical houses, churches, museums, etc. With all the activities that you can do, make sure to get a good meal at the end of the day. This could be answered by a lot of food stalls and restaurants in the city. However, one of the food establishments offers authentic Ilocano foods IN A garden.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: #56 Bulala Centro, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17.5595° N, 120.3645° E

Map:

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Business Hours

Usual business hours starts as early as 06:00AM and closes at 05:30PM. Better yet, don’t go too early or too late. Peak hours at around 11:00AM to 04:00PM.

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Contact Details

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The Hidden Garden

Vigan is home to a lot of wondrous places and activities. A day would be easily filled with going to historical houses, churches, museums, etc. With all the activities that you can do, make sure to get a good meal at the end of the day. This could be answered by a lot of food stalls and restaurants in the city. However, one of the food establishments offers authentic Ilocano foods IN A garden.

The Restaurant…

The popularity of this native food establishment cum garden is a big contrast to its name–it is not hidden, rather, it is widely-known. Probably it is hidden because you cannot believe that the modest entrance hides a great place. The place is also adorned with some local house ornaments and implements.

A rattan hammock is used as part of the myriad of native adornment in the Lilong and Lilang Restaurant. A water buffalo skull with intact horn is also seen in the above image.
Just after the entrance, you will be greeted with banderitas and some local fishing (?) implements.

The restaurant is officially known as Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang Restaurant. It offers native Ilocano dishes such as bagnet, longganisa, sinanglaw, poqui-poqui, dinengdeng, pinakbet, etc. The following images are pages from their menu.

The Hidden Garden…

The ‘hidden’ garden has an interesting history. Six years ago, Francis Flores, the owner of Hidden Garden of Vigan suffered from three heart attacks and had half of his body paralyzed [1]. Also, this made him realize to change his life, start a garden, and became a landscape architect. It later became a business and an restaurant even popped inside it.

There are direction signs along the pathways in the Hidden Garden; you’ll not get lost.

Before [or after] partaking a sumptuous Ilocano meal, you can have a walk on the maze of its garden. It offers some good displays of plants. These plants are also for sale, such as herbs, bonsais, flowers, ornamental plants, etc. The walk would be a treat to plant lovers. They might even grab some plants home.

Hanging plant display. These are for sale.
This is the bonsai garden, one of the sections of the entire garden.

Thus, if you want to try some native delicacies and you are also a plant lover, this could be the best venue for you to eat.

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How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

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Other Notable Nearby Places

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References

[1] Facebook.com. n.d. About: LILONG AND LILANG RESTAURANT. [online] Available at: <https://www.facebook.com/pg/hiddengardenvigan/about/?ref=page_internal&gt; [Accessed 26 March 2020].

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