Archive for August, 2006
One of the newer tourist spots in the city of Vigan is the Baluarte. Baluarte is actually the house of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson. Right inside the compound are several ostriches running wild and free, ponies, birds, monkeys, and tigers. There is also a butterfly garden that houses hundred of butterflies fluttering on the flowers.
When I went there, I chanced upod several kids having fun time playing with the urangutan. The primate is well-behaved. And she enjoys playing too.
Laoag, also known as the Sunshine City, is the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte.Laoag actually means “Light” in Iloko, the dialect spoken by the Ilocanos. The Ilocandia is home to several noteworthy personalities that gave color to our country’s history. Among the famous Ilocanos are: Padre Jose Burgos, couples Diego and Gabriela Silang, National Artist Juan Luna, former President Ferdinand Marcos,and who doesn’t know Chavit Singson? These are just some of the Ilocanos that helped shaped our the course of our history.
Upon arriving in Laoag, I immediately went to the Museo Ilocos Norte. The museum is fine repository of artifacts. It shows the story of how the Ilocanos lived, then and now. There are tools used for hunting and for fishing. There are also old photographs of the old Ilocos. On second level you will also get to see an old radio still functioning.
When I went there, the mueum also has a special exhibit on a unique Ilocano fabric called the “Abel Iloko”. There were looms, and threads all over. There are also dresses exhibited made out of this fine fabric.
The visit to Museo Ilocos Norte is truly a wonderful experience for me.
They were the Mercedes Benz and the jaguar of rich and famous during their time. They were the king of the roads a long long time before the US Jeeps came into picture. And they were the tsikot of the masses.
This is the Calesa, or the Caritela. Basically a horse-drawn carriage used to transport people as well as goods from one point to another. It was introduced in the Philippines by the Spaniards during the Colonnial Period.
Even until now, several places in the Philippines still use calesa as a means of transportation. Among them are the city of Vigan, Laoag and Manila.
The Calesa, a clear reminder of our rich history under the Spanish Authority.
This is the most famous cobblestone street of Vigan. The street is lined with well-preserved houses with Hispanic, Chinese and Filipino influences. Many of these houses have now been turned into museum shops, cafe, or tourist inns.
Stepping into Calle Crisologo is like being transported into the Philippines’ past. Imagine the noise of the horse’s hooves as it traverses the cobblestone streets.
Because of its uniquess and outstanding quality, the United Nations Eductional Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed the entire city of Vigan as a World Heritage Site.
Egypt Holidays
Older Entries
Newer Entries
