VIGAN CATHEDRAL, THE PLAZAS AND THE FOUNTAIN SHOW
The rural landscape summoned
me. And I entered my appearance.
The horse-drawn carriages lined up in front of the cathedral while the busy thoroughfare across with aligned fast food chains and other commercial establishments tended their own world, and some people gathered in the plazas. That was an ordinary scenario of the only heritage city in the Philippines yet a timeless charm that speaks hundredfold story.
The horse-drawn carriages lined up in front of the cathedral while the busy thoroughfare across with aligned fast food chains and other commercial establishments tended their own world, and some people gathered in the plazas. That was an ordinary scenario of the only heritage city in the Philippines yet a timeless charm that speaks hundredfold story.
Courtesy of Hotel Felicidad– Vigan City, the simple attractions of a small town were made grand and elegant in the eyes of a visitor like me.
VIGAN CATHEDRAL
Vigan Cathedral was our
first stop in acquainting with the city.
It sits at the center of the town facing the Plaza Salcedo and the Provincial Capitol. Thus, the Cathedral is the focal point for
discovering life, in all aspects, at the heritage city.
The elegant chandeliers and
the silver-paneled retablo (altarpiece)
surrounded by almost all saints of the Roman Catholic Church even more enhanced
by the three naves, 12 minor altars and brass communion handrails of Chinese
origin impressed me. A total surprise
indeed as the façade may not look that grand.
The Vigan Cathedral was
built in 1641, and became a cathedral when the seat of the Diocese of Nueva
Segovia was transferred from Lal-lo, Cagayan to Vigan. The church is further an eyewitness to the
Philippine revolution becoming a major backdrop of the history of the Filipino
People. Important events transcribed are as follows:
The
church was occupied by the Revolutionists under Col. Juan Villamor in 1758.
The
church was taken over and occupied by the American forces under Lt. Col. James
Parker in 1899.
A
chapel of wood and thatch was erected on this site in 1574 by the order of Juan
de Salcedo, the conquistador and founder of Villa Fernandina (Vigan’s name
before).
The
church was damaged by earthquake in 1619 and 1627 and by fire in 1739.
Though renovated and whose
architectural design has been modified by the Ilocanos to strengthen the
structure against earthquake, visible on its façade are the original interior
walls of Baroque design.
Standing on the loft of the church, I was amazed of the Cathedral’s interior and as I peek on a hole where the statue of St. Paul is, the panoramic rural landscape of Vigan was revealed through Plaza Salcedo.
PLAZA SALCEDO AND THE DANCING FOUNTAINS
We were fortunate to have witnessed the dancing fountain and laser light show for two nights. The first one, along with members of the media, started with drizzles. Honestly, I wasn’t able to take clear photos of the show. But I was really amazed and the finale song was remarkable bordering to a romantic vibe of the city. No wonder the plaza is currently the popular venue of wedding proposals.
The second night revealed the grandeur of the show to us. I was with fellow travel blogger friends, Carla, Christian, Edmar and Darwin, as we extended our stay at the City. The full moon, the over-usage of my camera’s long exposure feature as mentored by no other than the Lakad Pilipinas and the aura of happiness from the spectators and the venue itself was the perfect way to end the night at Vigan City.
The layout of the Plaza
Salcedo is relatively unaltered back to centuries ago. The Salcedo Obelisk dating back as early as
the 17th century is the town’s centerpiece and was literally the
focal point of the city’s Spanish urban design.
Each detail of the plaza’s structure
comes with a historical more than the aesthetics purpose.
For lovers of Philippine
history, it should be noted that Plaza Salcedo was the site of the execution of
Gabriela Silang in September of 1763.
The drama and grandeur of being at Vigan City, the only heritage city in the Philippines, is best felt while at Plaza Salcedo besides the known Calle Crisologo.
PLAZA BURGOS
the Vigan Cathedral Bell Tower |
Who would not know Father
Jose P. Burgos, one of Vigan’s illustrious sons put to death by the
Spaniards. Our mandatory history lessons
as early as elementary have taught us the courage he, along with fathers Gomez
and Zamora, endured to gain freedom.
To remember the martyrdom of Fr. Burgos, the plaza was born. It is situated right beside the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Vigan.
As we stroll around the
plaza, noticeable is the fact that it has become a venue for skateboarders to
exhibit their stunts, a playground for children, lovers dating place and the
tired and weary loitering den.
The Vigan Cathedral, the
plazas and the fountain show introduces modernity to the Spanish settlement in
the Philippines yet maintains the timeless charm of its cultural heritage.
x----------------x
Vigan City, Philippines is
one of the finalists for the New7WondersCities of the World. Show your support
and be part of the Philippine history by casting your votes through:
Text VIGAN10 and send to
29290777 for 10 votes
2 comments
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