The Heritage City of Vigan

Vigan (old name: Ciudad Fernandina) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient Spanish houses and cobblestone streets.

How to get here:
* By air: From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, you can take Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air to Laoag International Airport in Laoag City (capital of Ilocos Norte). From the airport, take the trike or jitney to downtown Laoag. Ask the driver to bring you to any bus terminal (eg Partas). Fare from Laoag City to Vigan is ca 120pesos.
* By land: There are buses from Manila bound for Vigan. Partas in Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City and Dominion Bus Lines along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) are the only two buses that go inside the city of Vigan. If you are taking other buses like the comfortable Florida Bus Line, then you can tell the driver to drop you at Bantay near the arch entrance to Vigan.

Where to go / What to do in Vigan:

1. Casa de Padre Burgos. This is the original house of one of the three martyr priests during the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards. This has been made into museum by the National Museum of the Philippines. Some of the exhibits inside include the original dining area, famous Ilocanos who have made history and other significant artifacts.

2. Vigan Cathedral. The distinction of this church is its separated bell tower. According to literature, the separation is done to avoid massive damage during earthquake. The posts of the church served as tombs of early Ilocanos like the famous poetess Leona Florentino.

3. Pagburnayan. This is a small village known for its earthen jars. You can ask for a demonstration of jar-making.

4. Ride a calesa. Rate: 150pesos for an hour.

5. Eat sinanglao. This is the traditional hotpot made of beef innards. It costs ca 45pesos per serving. Check this out in Plaza Salcedo.

6. Eat empanada. This is the best empanada in the Philippines. Also in Plaza Salcedo. (Photo credit: adlaw's flickr)

7. Eat Vigan longganisa (sausage). The taste is just so wonderful. It just makes me want to go home and have a feast of this sausage. (Photo credit: PV Sandrino)

8. Walk and be seduced with the night lights of the Heritage Village.

Other places of interest: Syquia Mansion, Crisologo Museum, Bantay Bell Tower (old Vigan bell tower) and white sand beaches in Cabugao and other nearby towns.