The Philippines is a very rich country in terms of natural
wonders and cultural sites. Named as one of the New Seven Wonder Cities of the
world, Vigan City gives us Filipinos pride with its rich cultures and gateways
to our history. One of the most famous is its endearing Calle Crisologo.
A district well known for its Spanish style houses that are
still standing throughout time, it is a mirror of what Vigan City way back as a
major trade place in the North during and before the Spanish Colonial Era.
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| Calle Crisologo in Vigan City is where we will find Spanish Colonial type houses. |
Long ago, Filipinos in the northern part of the Philippines
trade products, mainly from Chinese traders in the island surrounded by rivers.
When the Spaniards came, the city became more financially flourished because of
the Manila Acapulco trade. No wonder why the houses on the street were elegant
and sturdy as what we were appreciating today. Built with strong bricks on the
roof and high quality woods and classy architecture, those houses are indeed
the treasures that connect us to the past.
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| Filipinos have been taking care and restoring these treasured heritage buildings. |
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| Every corner will give you feels of the remnants of what wasVigan City like centuries ago. |
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| Walking at this street feels like being transported in the past. |
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| This is my favorite shot. The image of the lamp with its yellow glowing light gives such a surreal feeling. |
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| Bright Lights. |
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| Black and White. |
My first time in Vigan City started on night time. A friend
who happens to live nearby served as my guide in exploring the gem of the
north. Seeing those houses with bright yellow wonderful lamp lights and posts gave
me amazement, that surreal feeling that once upon a time, our forefathers used
to live and trade in that area. As a history junkie myself, I cannot help but
to picture in my mind that I was transported by a time machine to the time we
were still a colony of Spain, when life is still simple.
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| This is where ladies in terno used to stare way back or maybe still are, who knows? |
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| Those times when Roman Catholicism ruled and shaped the only Christian country in Southeast Asia back then. |
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| Woods. Lots of woods. |
Some houses were transformed into inns, souvenir shops,
museums, restaurants and cafes. They give a lot of historical feels unlike
modern establishments in other cities.
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| Horses souvenirs. |
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| Souvenirs can be bought from Shirts to bags and key chains. |
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| This wooden figurines would make a good additions to your collections and home decors. |
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| Want some antiques? |
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| Look at those bricks! |
My shots were taken mostly at night time because we were so
busy buying souvenirs strolling at daytime. The place is perfectly romantic at
night with all the lights synchronising with darkness and serenity although
there were active cafes and restaurants all over. Daytime is the best time to
take portrait pictures because the houses were in real full colors. Shopping
goodies, souvenir items like printed shirts, key chains, riding a kalesa and
buying food specialties like Bagnets, kakanins and sweets is a must do at day.
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| Selfie with the horsey! |
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| The wooden door. |
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| The feels. |
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| with Karen, Kath and Ralph. |
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| My amiga Karen who had served as my tour guide. Their family's home had been my staycation. What a good and kindhearted family. |
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| My friend pretty friend Krystine. |
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| with a Kalesa. |
For Filipinos and tourists, this heritage site is an
interesting place to add on your travel bucket list. Not only will you learn
more about culture but also experience and feel what living in our country had
been like centuries ago.
