Philippine Vacation: That Old World Elegance Of Ilocos

by

Keith Driscoll

Visiting the province of Ilocos is much like treading back in time. Not simply for the old Spanish colonial houses, but for the simple laid-back feel of the towns along with its men and women.

In historic time periods, Ilocandia has been described as a God-forsaken land due to the dry and difficult terrain. But the hardy people of the land had the staying power as well as the will to survive, and finally changed it into a rich and abundant highland. Amidst these, is actually a vibrant past consisting of renowned uprisings, monumental edifices, and noble men and women who have made Ilocos a unique and wonderful area that it is nowadays.

Vigan is known as a sleepy community at the heart of Ilocos Sur. It’s no problem finding your way around as the men and women are friendly and warm to travellers. In the middle of the community is Plaza Salcedo erected in honour of Juan Salcedo who actually named this place Ciudad Fernandina after King Ferdinand of Spain. Right across from the plaza is St. Paul’s Cathedral built in 1641 and which came under the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in 1758.

A few minutes’ walk will take you to the Burgos House. Now converted to a museum, the property is the birth place of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of several priests executed in Cavite during the revolution. The actual museum houses what was left belonging to the Burgos family members personal belongings such as classic household furniture, clothing and various other artefacts donated by some well known households in Vigan.

Indeed, Vigan is better noted for its Castillian buildings with old tile roofs, real wood floorings and azoteas. These kinds of buildings are normally found in the Heritage Village which is the heart of the Mestizo district. A few of the buildings remain in possession of descendants of their original owners together with the classic interiors and home furnishings intact, although some of these ancestral properties have already been transformed into cosy inns, museums, and souvenir shops.

Although a few of these buildings have already been converted into commercial businesses, the brick structures are preserved. The whole of the area provides an eerie experience emphasized more by the calezas or horse-drawn carriages that remain a mode of transportation around town.

You can purchase authentic or reproduction antique furniture around VIgan’s antique merchants or check out pottery manufacturers along Rizal Street for porcelain items. A lot of these manufacturers will be more than happy to offer a demonstration on pottery-making. You can also buy weaved bedding and table napkins at low prices.

Vigan continues to be declared a World Heritage Site and it’s also recommended that you observe the buildings in the evening with all the streets lights on.

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