From Laoag (the capital of Ilocos Norte), traveling to Vigan (the capital of Ilocos Sur) takes about one hour and forty five minutes. The corner building housing the Tongson’s Royal Bibingka is the most familiar landmark to me. Every time my dad would take us to Manila, back in the late 70’s to the early 80’s, when he was still fit for long distance driving, he’d enter Vigan for the original royal bibingka. Since then, several bibingka shops have opened, new business establishments have sprouted, but Vigan has managed to maintain it’s old-world charm.
It’s been a dream of mine to unearth the history of Ilocos. I pretty much know about the north, but not the south. I guess, I really should get to know Vigan better… things like why it was renamed several times — from Villa Fernandina to Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan, then to simply Vigan.
Calle Crisologo, the most famous cobblestone street in Vigan
Vigan calesa
Quaint Vigan homes
Sorbetero (ice cream vendor)
A World Heritage Site
Souvenir and curio items
Old and new collectibles
Tableya, unsweetened pure cocoa tablets
Old-fashioned sweetener or balicocha
Vigan empanada
Ukoy or okoy… YUM.
The Café Leona Restaurant and Bar
Good quality Vigan longaniza at Café Leona
Appetizing ararosip seaweeds
Cafe Uno for delish pasta and salad dishes, and coffee or tea with delightful pastries
Lagasca’s, the only one for turones de mani
Up next, our Japanese dinner at Café Leona
Photos by Blauearth Copyright © Blauearth™ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
