Museo Ilocos Norte

Posted on by Loneprowler

Museo Ilocos Norte showcases not just the history of ‘Norte’ but also the multi-cultural heritage of this part of Ilocos Region.

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: Gen. Luna cor V. Llanes Streets, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.1967° N, 120.5925° E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • 0800AM-0500PM

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Php50.00

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Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

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Inside Museo Ilocos Norte

Museo Ilocos Norte showcases not just the history of ‘Norte’ but also the multi-cultural heritage of this part of Ilocos Region.

The museum was mainly conceived to encourage a sense of pride for the folks of Ilocos Norte, especially the younger generations of Ilocanos, Yapayaos, Itnegs, and other citizens [1]. Its goal is also to generate, among both the young and old, a feeling of belonging for their ancient homeland. The symbol of the Museo, a many-rayed sun, is taken from one of the finials at the back of the 9th century church of San Nicolas [1].

<p class="has-text-align-justify" value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">A stroll away from the Laoag Plaza, Museo Ilocos Norte is very accessible to tourists as it is located in the heart of the city. It is also strategically housed in a historic Tabacalera warehouse. It houses a good collection of traditional clothing, common utensils, ceremonial objects, among others of Ilocano, Igorot and Itneg in the olden days. Actually, some of them are still being used today. A stroll away from the Laoag Plaza, Museo Ilocos Norte is very accessible to tourists as it is located in the heart of the city. It is also strategically housed in a historic Tabacalera warehouse. It houses a good collection of traditional clothing, common utensils, ceremonial objects, among others of Ilocano, Igorot and Itneg in the olden days. Actually, some of them are still being used today.

<p class="has-text-align-justify" value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">It is a museum of modest size but full of unique relics of local tribes many pieces showing the influence of China, Spain and US on the region. It is a museum of modest size but full of unique relics of local tribes many pieces showing the influence of China, Spain and US on the region.

Navigating through the museum is easy. If you want, there is an available guide that can help you especially if you need explanation on the content of the museum.

The following are just a few of the content of the museum:

You will be greeted with the colorful traditional attire of the lowland ancestry.

Carbide lamps, known as lampa locally, is usually used during fishing at night, both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Interestingly, this is also being during frog hunting, hence the local phrase agsilaw ti tukak.

One of the themes of the collections inside include fishing implements. Different fish traps and carbide lamps are showcased in this section.

Farming implements are of various shapes and sizes. With the advent of industrialization, some of these are now not known to the younger generation. For example, harvesting rice using rakem is now rarely done. This is where museums play a vital part.

A fascinating article in one of the Museo Ilocos Norte is the ananga. This is an organic rain protection gear made from palm leaves. I remember this also as we onw one when I was younger [shows how ancient I am :)].

Farming equipment such as cutting blades [left], rain cover [center], and baskets [right] are also part of the collections.

Pottery had always been a part of daily living of the Ilocanos. Primarily, these pots were used for tea drinking, and as container for salt, brown sugar, water, local wine (basi) and bagoong (fermented fish).

Pottery, both of local and China origin, are also showcased in the museum.

Buffalo-drawn carriages are also being displayed in Museo Ilocos Norte. Through this museum, I became aware that we do have a local counterpart of a saddle.

Different kinds of carabao- or cow-drawn carriages [left and right] are in display in the museum. Interestingly, there is also an intact saddle [right] in the collections.

The iconic kalesa is also in display. The kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), one of the earliest modes of transportation in the Philippines, has since become a Filipino cultural heritage and tourist attraction in some parts of the country [3].

This kalesa occupies most of the floor of the end of the hall. I am happy with it as it is one of the defining part of Ilocos history.

Bufallo hides are used as decorations or in making leather-bags and such. One of the most extraordinary–or probably ordinary– use of the dried hide is it is being used as a mat of pounding rice bundle, ready for rice milling or traditional pounding in big wooden or stone mortar with wooden pestle.

A buffalo hide covering an entire double window.

At the end of the the large hall is a split-level replica of a 19th century ilustrado house. Ilustrados are citizens who have attained higher education [2].

Yes, they put up a traditional ilustrado house inside a museum!

Kitchen utensils including a pugon are well-placed in the upper split-half floor of the museum.

Old iron [upper left], earthen cooking stove, a pot and wooden trays [upper center], pugon [upper right], biga-o [lower left], and buyuboy [lower right].

A remnant of the past, a wooden trunk is commonly known by the older people. Usually, this are being used to store clothes. There are a lot more of pieces in this section such as weaving machine, decorative clothes, and musical instruments.

Decorative woven cloth [upper left], traditional loom [upper center], part of the traditional loom on top of a wooden chest [upper right], tambor and bombo [below].

In summary, Museo Ilocos Norte is of modest size but has collections that defines the province’s history. It is a very informative place for non-residents. This museum is highly recommended if you want to have a glimpse of the history of Ilocos Norte.

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How to Get To Museo Ilocos Norte

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag 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. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. Anywhere from Laoag City, hail a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at the Museo Ilocos Norte.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. Anywhere from Laoag City, hail a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at the Museo Ilocos Norte.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. Anywhere from Laoag City, hail a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at the Museo Ilocos Norte.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

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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] Museo Ilocos Norte. n.d. About The Museum. [online] Available at: <http://museoilocosnorte.com/about-the-museum/&gt; [Accessed 9 September 2020].

[2] Cullinane, M., 2003. Ilustrado Politics: Filipino Elite Responses To American Rule, 1898-1908. Manila: Ateneo University Press, p.30.

[3] Montefalcon, M., Cruz, R., Inocencio, M. and Portus, A., 2018. An Ergonomic Assessment of the Philippine Kalesa. Advances in Physical Ergonomics & Human Factors, pp.170-178.

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Kamay na Bato (Stone Hand) Art Gallery, Luna, La Union

Posted on by Loneprowler
Kamay na Bato

Kamay na Bato Art Gallery is a unique tourist attraction in Luna, La Union which offer an assortment of arts carved from stones.

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 of Kamay na Bato

Address: Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, Philippines

Coordinates: 16°50’51.3″N   120°21’01.6″E

Map:

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Business Hours
  • 0700AM-0600PM

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Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Php30.00
  • Guide Fee: Not applicable
  • Parking Fee: None

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Contact Details

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Kamay na Bato, Luna, La Union

Situated in the pebble beach (yup, its pebbles guys and not sand) of La Union, Kamay na Bato is drawing a lot of tourists as its predecessor, Bahay na Bato, is now totally closed to the public.

The art pieces are carved and assembled by Mr. Vong Kim, originally a Korean national and married to a Luna local, and his students [1]. He graduated in Korea with a degree in fine arts specializing in sculpture. He now resides in Luna with his wife and two kids.

Originally, Bahay na Bato, which was built in 2000 and initially intended to be a resthouse for Dr. Edison and Dra. Purita Noble, have been decorated by Mr. Kim with carved stones, antique materials, and wood carvings [2]. It is now closed to the public; fortunately, the Kamay na Bato (Stone Hand) Art Gallery by Mr. Kim is opened and now caters to multitude of tourists.

Majority of the art pieces are made of stones and created by Mr. Kim himself. Some of it were carved by his students as he shared his talent to the locals. Wood carvings, paintings, 3D wall decors, and other interesting pieces are also part of the gallery.

The following images cannot give full justice to the content of the gallery.

Above: The Bahay na Bato where Luna stone carving started is now closed to the public.
Above: A tarpaulin at the entrance giving an overview of what Kamay na Bato (Stone Hand) Art Gallery has to offer.
Above: Even before the entrance, you will be greeted with these stone carvings.
Kamay na Bato

Above: Unlike in the stone carvings in Bahay na Bato, heads and busts here are mounted. The inclusion of paintaings and murals also give some degree of uniqueness.

Above: Mural of fishes, faces, and birds.

Above: The phallic items, to the delight of visitors, are still present and also some pieces were added to this category and spread out in the gallery.

Above: Wood carvings are also abundant in the entrance and the back portion of the gallery.

Above: The art gallery has expanded from stone arts to paintings and 3D arts.
Above: Bright animal busts or heads carved in stone.

In summary, Kamay na Bato (Stone Hand) Art Gallery by Mr. Kim has become a must-see attraction in La Union, complementing other nature-related tourist sites. It is highly recommend as it offers an uncommon gallery content. It would also be good to visit it every couple of years as the gallery content evolves.

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How to Get To Kamay na Bato
  • From Manila or Baguio City, take a bus bound to Laoag, Vigan or Abra. Drop at Balaoan, La Union. Take a tricycle parked in the road side in between Seven-Eleven Store and Municipal Hall to Kamay na Bato.
  • From San Fernando City, La Union, you can take a Luna-bound jeepney. Tell the driver to drop you to the parking area of tricycles going to Kamay na Bato.

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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

Bahay na Bato (currently closed and being used as a private residence)

Okkalong Falls, Luna, La Union

Tangadan Falls, San Gabriel, La Union

La Union Centennial Tree, Bacnotan, La Union

Bauang grape farms

Bauang Grape Farms, Bauang, La Union

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References

[1] Vergonia, J., 2018. Stone Art Gives Life Inspiration :: KOREA.NET Mobile Site. [online] Korea.net. Available at: <http://m.korea.net/english/NewsFocus/HonoraryReporters/view?articleId=159582&gt; [Accessed 25 May 2020].

[2] Marbella, J. P., 2015. Stones bring solid tourism in La Union. [online] Availabale at: <http://www.launion.gov.ph/news.php?extend.687.1&gt; [Accessed 25 May 2020].

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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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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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BenCab Museum

Posted on by Loneprowler
BenCab Museum

BenCab Museum, located in Tuba, Benguet, showcases the works of Benedicto Reyes Cabrera and other artists, different galleries, exhibitions, and has an outside farm and garden. This house of art is the most popular museum nearest Baguio City.

Location

Address: Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet, Philippines

Coordinates: 16.4107° N, 120.5504° E

Map

Business Hours
  • Tuesdays to Sundays 9:00am to 6:00pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
  • Closed Mondays, Christmas day and New Year’s day
How to Get There
  • Take a jeepney bound to Asin Road for a meager amount.
  • You can hail a taxi but for a more expensive fare.
  • Driving your own car is possible. Just follow available satellite navigators.
Contact Details

Tel/Fax: (+63 74) 442 7165

Web Page: http://www.bencabmuseum.org

Email: bencabartfoundation@gmail.com

BenCab Museum, located in Tuba, Benguet, showcases the works of Benedicto Reyes Cabrera and other artists, different galleries, exhibitions, and has an outside farm and garden. This house of art is the most popular museum nearest Baguio City.

The BenCab Museum, a 15-minute drive away from Baguio City, houses the works of Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, a conferred National Artist for Visual Arts. Contrary to the common notion, it is located in Tuba, Benguet, a neighboring municipality of Baguio City. Also, the BenCab Museum houses the permanent collection of Philippine National Artist Benedicto Reyes Cabrera in several galleries (1).

Like other private museum, it also has an admission fee. General admission costs Php150.00 while students, PWD and senior citizens need to pay Php100.00 after discount, provided that they present a valid ID (school ID, PWD card, senior citizen ID). They also have special rates for organized group tours with minimum of 30 pax. Outside the museum, guest can also have an Eco-trail tour.

Some of my favorites are depicted in the following images.

Pasiking are woven bamboo or rattan backpacks in the Cordillera.
They say that a work of art evokes emotions from the viewers.
Of the paintings in the museum, these three had the most impact in me.
This standing male figure representing a rice deity (bulul) from the Ifugao people of northern Luzon Island in the Philippines is an outstanding and highly important expression of the foremost tradition of anthropomorphic sculpture in the northern Philippines (2).
Carved wooden implements (left and center) and carved figures in Erotica Gallery (right).
Reception area of the museum.
Cafe Sabel is located at the lowest level of the building.

The museum offers the following parts:

  • BenCab Gallery
  • Erotica Gallery
  • Larawan Hall
  • Cordillera Gallery
  • Galleri Indigo
  • Edison T. Coseteng Patio
  • Philippine Contemporary Art Gallery 1 & 2
  • Sepia Gallery
  • Bulol Installation
  • Maestro Gallery
  • Pation Salvador
  • Graffiti Wall

Other notable tourist spot in Tuba includes Aran Cave, Asin Hot Springs, Cafe in the Sky, and Hydro Falls.

References

(1) Museum and Galleries (n.d.). In BenCab Museum website. Retrieved from http://www.bencabmuseum.org/museum-galleries/

(2) Figure of a Male Rice Deity (Bulul) 19th century or earlier (n.d.). In The Met 150 website. Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/626371

Bahay na Bato

Posted on by Loneprowler

BAHAY NA BATO

As of the moment, BAHAY NA BATO  is CLOSED to the public. However, they have opened a new gallery building, the KAMAY NA BATO (STONE HAND) ART GALLERY BY MR. KIM, near it.

Location: Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, Philippines

Coordinates:16°50’51.3″N   120°21’01.6″E

Jump-Off Area: Municipal Hall, Luna, La Union
Contact Person: Tito Gorospe (Tourism Officer): 09158072728 (Mobile No.) OR (072) 607 0099 / 607 1132 (Landline)
Entrance Fee: Php20.00/pax
How to Get There:
  •  From Manila or Baguio City, take a bus bound to Laoag, Vigan or Abra. Drop at Balaoan, La Union. Take a tricycle near the Seven-Eleven Store to Luna town proper. Take another tricycle to Bahay na Bato.
  • From San Fernando City, La Union, you can take a Luna-bound jeepney. Otherwise, follow the travel plan for those coming from Manila or Baguio City.
Description:
Bahay na Bato (stone house) is situated in a 35,000-populated municipality of Luna (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2010). In reality, it is not a house made entirely from stones, although the concrete walls are plastered with stones and the floor is strewn with large, smooth, flat pebbles. Adornments of carved stones, woods and World War II items are seen inside the house. Of the two private rooms in the ground floor, the one facing the beach is sometimes open to the public. This room has a double-door access to the beach. Carved stones of different sizes and figures are strategically positioned along the hallways. The floor is also covered with smooth, pebbles and flat quarter-palm sized stones. Woods carved with faces are also mounted on the upper portion of the inner wall of the receiving hall. World War II items such as charcoal iron (de uling na plantsa), kerosene lamps (lampara), water canteens (kantina), carbide lamps (de kalburong lampara), wooden trunks (baul), and Stainless Steel mess kit dishes are also being showcased in the house.  The second floor offers a panoramic view of the pebble-blanketed beach and stone carving-strewn lawn. Big stone carvings resembling lizard, heart, sea creatures, flowers, man, hand gestures, etc. are positioned to augment or create a landscape. Though there is a minipool for children on the southern part of the house, the main attraction is still the house and its stone carvings.
 
The house, built in 2000, was initially intended to be a resthouse for Dr. Edison and Dra. Purita Noble; however, Luna Mayor Marvin Marron, seeing the tourism potential of the property, persuaded them to open it to the public (Marbella, 2015). The property was then opened in 2014 attracting a multitude of tourists. The local tourism office has recorded a staggering number of visitors to the new attraction. In December 2014, it registered more than 10,000 visitors, and another 7,800 for January 2015 (Marbella, 2015). 
 
If you visit this place, you have a big chance of meeting the sculptor of the stone-carvings, Mr. Vong Kim. He is a Korean married to the Luna native manager of the place. He usually stays at the registration booth. 
 
Other notable tourist attraction of this municipality is the pebble-covered beaches, even coming in different colors. According to a resident near the beach, the pebbles are believed to be living and has the ability to grow. Baluarte ruin (Biyak na Bato) and Ukkalong Falls are also gaining popularity in the place.
GALLERY:

    
Here’s the admission fee and open house hours as of February 2016.

The receiving hall’s floor is covered with large flat pebbles.
The receiving hall window overlooking the beach.
The upper portion of the walls is also lined with woods carved with faces.
The hallway leading to the two private rooms and the stairs.
One of the private rooms. This rooms is sometimes opened to the public.
The eastern wall at the second floor is adorned with World War II utensils.
 Close up of the WWII utensils.
A wooden trunk as a centerpiece at the second floor.
Stone carvings in the ground as seen from the second floor window.
 Stone and wood carving in a hallway.
This carving obviously depicts the Oriental culture of the carver.
Stone-faced? Call what you want.
Your name might be in this table too.
I actually wondered how they did this.
Emotions etched upon stones.
Yes, its not slimy. Its smooth.
Homo erectus(?) with glasses.
One of the best places outside the house. Don’t just linger in the middle of the heat.
 A monster fish, perhaps.
The beach without sand.
Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed  at the beach near Bahay na Bato. The waves are strong and the beach is deep.
Pebbles and not sand. How is sunbathing done here?
 Pebbles of different colors can be picked near the Baluarte ruins.
According to the locals,during the war, this structure is connected to a nearby building through a tunnel, making it a means of escape.
But I love the view!
The Baluarte ruins as seen from the beach. Concrete posts are used to fortify the structure preventing it from collapsing. This structure is becoming an icon of Luna.
Accordingly, the structure has split during a previous typhoon.
As of the moment, BAHAY NA BATO  is CLOSED to the public. However, they have opened a new gallery building, the KAMAY NA BATO (STONE HAND) ART GALLERY BY MR. KIM, near it.
REFERENCE LIST:
Marbella, J. P. (2015). Stones bring solid tourism in La Union. Retrieved on April 2, 2015 from http://www.launion.gov.ph/news.php?extend.687.1.
Philippine Statistics Authority (2010). 2010 Census of population and housing. Retrieved on April 2, 2015 from http://web0.psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/Ilocos.pdf.