We asked the receptionist to get us tricycle that will bring us to highway. After few minutes the tricycle arrived. At the highway, we were able to board a bus toward Baguio. We told the bus conductor to drop us in Batac ( see city's official website Batac City ). Women beside us initiated conversation, she gave us tips on where else to go. She also reminded the conductor to drop us when we got near Batac crossing. Then we took another tricycle to Paoay Church.
Paoay Church
We were mesmerize by its huge buttresses made up of large coral stone. Its walls are also made up of same materials with 1.67 m. No wonder it was able to survive numerous typhoons and earth quakes.
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| paoay church facade |
Then we took tricycle again back to Batac crossing. We rode another bus to Vigan. We passed by Bantay church before we entered Vigan boarder line.
Bantay Church
It is also known as St. Augustine Parish Church. It's lone bell tower located on top of a hill, I wonder why it's quite far from the church.
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| lonely bell tower |
Another tricycle ride brought us to Vigan town proper. To our hunger, we ate at the first food chain we saw, Mcdonalds. Amazing how this international fastfood chain was able to adapt local architecture.
After eating, we were able to see the following:
St. Paul's Cathedral
Plaza Salcedo
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| quirino's monument |
Plaza Burgos
Calle Crisologo
Some calls this place as Mestizo District, I thought that the ancestral houses was built by the Spanish. I found out I was wrong, it was Chinese who built these houses. They used mixed of Spanish, Chinese and Asian style of architecture.
As of today, structures are no longer habitable so local made it as a tourist destination and where visitors can buy their souvenirs
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| kalesa |
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| something you can take home |
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| me! |
While looking for the bus station, an old lady was standing next a door. She was shouting that everyone are invited to get inside and see the place. We were struck by her and went inside, we realize it was the Crisologo Museum.
Crisologo Museum
Crisologos are very well known politicians not just in Vigan but in Ilocos. The museum was used to be residence of former Congressman Floro Crisologo and his family. He was the man behind the Social Security System, thanks to him.
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| dining room |
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| name |
Expenses:
From Kapuluan Vista Resort to Highway - Php 60.00
Highway to Batac crossing - Php 75.00 / pax
Batac to Paoay Church - Php 80.00 (too much!)
Paoay Chuch back to Batac Crossing - Php 60.00
Batac Crossing to Bantay Church - Php xx.xx (sorry I forgot)
Bantay church donation - Php 20.00
Bantay church to Vigan - Php 30.00
Crisologo Museum donation - Php 20.00
Vigan to Cubao - Php 520.00
Day 2 Ilocandia Tour
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