After a two-hour nap in Mojica Residencia Hotel, everyone is ready to take a walk in the cobbled Calle Crisologo, the main attraction in Vigan. We are so excited to see the famous Spanish colonial architecture of the city and its famous tourist spots.

It was Holy Thursday and as expected, Calle Crisologo had a huge crowd. It was fun mingling with people and looking at the old centuries-houses. Kalesa or the horse-driven carriage is the only vehicle allowed in the street. There were lots of souvenir stores side by side. Some of their items looked centuries old.

Indeed, we were back in the old old time!. And it was exciting!

Froi and Marie had already toured Vigan so they just roamed along Calle Crisilogo. My family, little Alvin, and I had fun riding the Kalesa and toured the cobbled-way street. Along the way, we saw some famous hotels, food chains, and restos like Mcdo, Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Hap Chan, Max’s, Cafe Leona, Tongson’s Royal Bibingka, Bigaa Gastro Pub, and Mocha Blends.

so wonderful to ride a Kalesa again

Our first stop is in The Saint Agustine Parish Church or Bantay Church. The church got its name from its old historic belfry known as Bantay Tower. This served as a watchtower for pirates during the Spanish era. Bantay Church is one of the oldest in  Ilocos region.

Bantay Church

Few distances away is the Sinking Bell Tower perched on a hill. It reminded me of Cagsawa Ruins in our hometown in Albay. We did some quiet walks and picture taking. It was getting dark so we opted to go back to Calle Crisologo.

Sinking Bell Tower

Plaza Burgos – is located beside the Cathedral of Vigan or St. Paul Cathedral Church.  Plaza Burgos was built in remembrance of the martyrdom of Padre Jose P. Burgos. The plaza was small but well-lighted. It is so nice to sit on concrete benches, stroll around or play in the playground.   

Plaza Salcedo is located in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral.  Plaza Salcedo is named after the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo who arrived in Vigan and established Villa Fernandina de Bigan in 1572. Its highlight is the Dancing fountain show with synchronized music that started at 7:00 pm. It lasted for thirty minutes. Everyone enjoyed watching it. There are two shows on weekends, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and only one on weekdays at 7:00 pm.

the lively and magnificent dancing fountain show

The Cathedral of Vigan (formerly known as St. Paul’s Cathedral) is located in front of Plaza Salcedo.  It is the city’s major church and has been a center of Roman Catholic devotion for centuries. The cathedral has a Baroque architectural design. Its facade is not as impressive as the old colonial churches in other provinces, but you will admire its interior design.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Kalesa fare – P150.  Parking space is beside Plaza Salcedo.

We had our dinner at Commida del Norte Bistro Vigan but unfortunately, we had a bad experience in this resto. It took more than one hour before the food was served and to our dismay, we had an incomplete order. The waitress was so apologetic for the delay, but the manager (the lady on the counter) didn’t mind at all.  We’ve learned from the other guests, they too had the same experience. We left the resto hungry and disappointed.

Time check:  10:45 pm. Thanks to Mocha Blends for extending their store hours. We had a fantastic seat on a  round table with Mocha Blend Latte and Vanilla Latte frappes and Strawberry Smoothies. The night was so delightful as the cobbled pathway had now few people and we had a wonderful time swapping stories.

before we retire for bed, we had a coffee break at Mocha Blends… the only open food establishment by 11:00 pm…

Ahhh thanks to the satisfying frappes, it cooled down our bad mood. After we had our fill, we enjoyed walking in the famous Calle Crisologo.

Looking at old abandoned colonial houses wasn’t scary. We were even hoping to see ghosts on open windows or ghosts that will walk beside us. But there was none…hahaha!

Good night Vigan!

 In getting there to Vigan:

1)  You may take a bus ride (Partas Bus, Dominion Bus, and Aniceto Bus) through the Manila-Vigan route.

2)  By plane, from Manila to Laoag City in Ilocos Norte.  Vigan can be reached by Partas Bus, Florida Bus, or Farinas Bus in one and a half-hour ride.