COMMUNE WITH NATURE AT VIGAN
Vigan City is an island. I was so amused yet curious of the said statement.
Images of the colonial
heritage houses, cobblestone pavements and Spanish-inspired architectural
designs and layout of the city’s façade comprises Vigan City but don’t limit
yourself to that, as there is more that the city can offer, considering its
topography.
The river, beach and the
mountains of the city provide surprises and adventures which I myself was
caught off guard.
RIVER ATTRACTIONS
Taking advantage of the
temporary clear skies after a heavy downpour of rain, our organizers decided
that we try the zipline crossing the Abra River at the Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone, a few
kilometers ride from the center of Vigan.
 |
| getting ready for the zipline experience |
My first zipline experience
was in Tagaytay City and the view down under was a forest. It was a fun-filled experience that was
followed by a number at varied locations.
This time around I decided not to try, I was contented on seeing my
friends scream and enjoy the experience.
Situated at the historic
Abra River, not far from the station of the zipline is the famed Quirino
Bridge, connecting the province of Ilocos to the Cagayan Valley region. And so we walked, together with other members
of the media, to view the scenic mountains and the river with the bridge as the
focal point.
The adventure zone further
offers kayaking, rappelling and wall-climbing.
But more than these physically demanding activities, visitors are
awarded with a breath of fresh air and the scenic landscape that surrounds.
Vigan City, being detached
from the mainland by rivers, another river that tourists can cross is the
historical Mestizo River, through the Vigan Heritage River Cruise. This tourist attraction is still part of
reinforcing the Vigan Heritage Conservation Program operated by the City
Government.
The cruise takes 45 minutes
with a voice-over played narrating Vigan’s origin, historical background and
other significant information while passing thru five life-sized tableaus. Unfortunately for our group, we were not able
to experience the same on board on account of weather constraints and for safety reasons. We just passed by the docking area, viewed the
river and took photos as our usual routine.
THE BEACH
Before our scheduled heading back to
Manila, the beach was our destination.
From a distance, the vast stretch of black sand seems like a barren
area. It was an abandoned and
uninhabited place with our group as the pirates.
This is Mindoro Beach on a
rainy season and after a typhoon has passed the northern part of Luzon.
Though the weather was fine,
the waves were unforgivable. We took a dip and loiter around waiting for the
sun to set. Mindoro Beach of Vigan City
is one of the best black sand beaches in the Philippines.
The best beaches have always
been associated with fine white sand. It
has almost been the same as saying that a lady with white complexion is
beautiful. But we must not generalize
too much as black can indeed be beautiful. Mindoro beach is certainly
comparable to the long line of lists provided as the best beaches of the
Philippines.
This is all thanks to Mr.
Jose “Bonito” Singson, Jr. Hotel Felicidad-Vigan’s consultant, for the
transportation service and we were able to experience the beach impromptu. Thus, we decided to extend our stay at Vigan
City.
HIDDEN GARDEN
Apt for the destination’s
name, the Hidden Garden is a revelation in the heritage city of Vigan. The displayed potteries, manicured and
well-maintained set of gardens, aviaries and a restaurant comforted us before
we rode the bus going back to Manila.
We first ordered from the restaurant and while waiting for our late lunch, strolled around the gardens.
The Lilong and Lilang
Restaurant that sits at the center of the garden serves the specialty dishes of
Vigan. I should have ordered more rice
with the way the dishes were prepared but I have to control myself. It was truly delectable and reasonably
priced.
 |
| Binagoongang rice |
 |
| Bagnet Sisig |
 |
| Bagnet served with Kamatis, Bagoong and Lasona known as KBL |
 |
| my favorite poqui-poqui |
 |
| Ilocano halo-halo as the menu says so - go figure why and you'll be surprised |
Note: Review on Ilocano cuisine will be subject of a separate blog post.
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
1 comments
Andami plang attractions sa Vigan. Calle Crisologo at Baluarte lang napuntahan ko dati! At ang saya-saya nyo ah. kainggit. Hehehe!
ReplyDelete