Experience The Kabankalan City

Hi everyone! 

It begins with my hometown which I grew up and I wanted to share some places and food restaurants that most people enjoy going too. “Life is Fun in Kabankalan” is the tagline of our city, it is fun with lots of enjoyable things to do and also an interesting to share the history itself. 

Being a kabankalanon is well know for its kind, humble and approachable persons, a peaceful to lived here. It describes a tremendous relationships with one another like we unite and helping each other. You don’t have to follow this certain traits of being a kabankalanon coz it matters who you really are, and everyone is very much welcome to visit this place. 

I would like to share and see the different places to go in Kabankalan we have:

📌Restaurants and Cafes
📌 Festivals
📌 Traveler’s Inn and Pension House
📌 Landmarks
📌 Tourist Spots

Let’s Begin first the history of Kabankalan City!

Kabankalan City, is a 1st class city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 181,977 people making it the second most populous city in Negros Occidental next to Bacolod City. Kabankalan is also the second city with the highest gross and net income in Negros Occidental next to Bacolod. In terms of land area, Kabankalan City is the largest city in the province of Negros Occidental and is the second largest city in the entire Negros Island next to Bayawan City with a total area of 697.35 km²

The city hosts three major festivals: the Kabankalan Sinulog every third Sunday of January (celebrated together with Cebu City), Udyakan sa Kabankalan and the Charter Anniversary. Kabankalan is also known for its Mag-aso Falls and the Balicaocao Resort. Also located in the city is the main campus of the Central Philippines State University (CPSU). Kabankalan City won the major award as the “Best Performing City” in Region VI in the 2011 Regional Search for Excellence in Local Governance (EXCEL). The award was given during the Pagdayaw 2011 program held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel in December 2011. Kabankalan occupies the central portion of the Southern Negros Island and its geographically located at 10° north and 122° east. It is bounded on the north by the City of Himamaylan, on the northwest by Panay Gulf, on the southwest by the Municipality of Ilog and on the southeast by the Province of Negros Oriental. It is 90 kilometers away from Bacolod City and 100 kilometers from Dumaguete City and the southern most town of Hinoba-an. With an area of 697.95 square kilometers, it is the largest city in Negros Occidental and the second largest in the whole Negros Island Region, after Bayawan City (which has an area of 699.08 square kilometers).

According to historians, the first inhabitants of Kabankalan were people who came from neighboring towns. They derived the name Kabankalan from the word “Bangkal”, a species of a tree that is abundant in the place. The settlers established the Barangay form of government, with which every group has its own leader, called the Capitan. In early years, Kabankalan started as a barrio of Ilog, a neighboring town of the city today. When Kabankalan turned into a town in 1903, its first town president was Capitan Lorenzo Zayco. But in mid-1907, a group of rebels called “pulahan” led by Papa Isio, raided the town and burned down all the houses. However, the people of Kabankalan quickly recovered and rebuilt the town from the destruction caused by the dissidents.

During the Spanish regime, Spaniards taught the people the Spanish language and introduced to them the Roman Catholic religion. When the Americans came, they introduced the democratic form of government. During this time, a lot of improvements came to the town and new modern techniques of farming were introduced by the Americans to the local farmers that improved their products.

After the American regime, the Japanese occupied the town of Kabankalan. During this time, a recognized guerrilla unit and the local troops of the Philippine Commonwealth Armymilitary were formed to oppose the foreign aggression and many people fled to the mountains to avoid the Japanese military abuse. When the Americans returned to the island to aid Filipino soldiers under the Commonwealth Army and Constabulary and the recognized guerrillas, they helped the people be freed from the Japanese occupation.

After the second World War, the town progressed and started to regain its economy. The establishment of two sugar mills in the 1960s and early 1970s gave the town a boost into the list of the top improving towns of Negros. The town of Kabankalan was declared by then President Fidel V. Ramos as a chartered city on August 2, 1997, under Republic Act No. 8297.

Major languages are Hiligaynon, followed by Cebuano (both of those languages are used interchangeably in to day-to-day activities) with English and Filipino being used as second languages.

The city is the only place where the Karol-an language is used. Due to its geographical area of usage, the Karol-an language is classified as a vulnerable language, making its conservation a top priority, as it is vital to the culture and arts of Kabankalan natives.

Kabankalan City, along with the cities of Escalante and San Carlos, are the only places in Negros Occidental who are bilingual speakers, as the people in those areas can speak and understand both Cebuano (Bisaya) and Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) at the same time, due to the influx of Cebuano-speaking settlers in those areas.

Kabankalan City is politically subdivided into 32 barangays.

That is why we use different languages  when we talk to others with a combination of Cebuano words so sometimes people get curious and didn’t understand about Cebuano words and we teach them some of the meanings of it and with that people got enjoy learning some of the words. The main transportation here in our City is tricycle.

So that is some of the information about the history of Kabankalan City. Hope that everyone have learned about what Kabankalan is.

The next one I wanted to introduce for everyone  is the different festival and places to go through!

One of the major tourist havens in Negros Occidental, the City of Kabankalan. Boost of a divers collection of activities and attraction for tourist.  Kabanakalan  occupies a central portion of a southern Negros island, one of a Philippine island in the Visayas. it is a 92 kms away from Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental and 126 kms to Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Among the myriad of feast activities in Negros Occidental, Sinulog Festival, a cultural pageantry and religious veneration is a must see for tourist.

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August in Kabankalan, comes alive with another fiesta called the Udyakan Festival. Flamboyants, creativity, and culture fun loving kabankalanons. Through native dances and music showcase to display the merciful spirit of its people. The phonics  of nature, graceful folkdances, artistry, movements, colorful costumes, and dancable folk music of the Udyakan. Make one of the most colorful festival in the country today.  

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Kabankalan City offers some of the best travel experience in the Visayas and the great escape tropical paradise for everyone.

 📍 First Top: Balicaocao Highland Resort

Bring your friends and family to Balicaocao Highland Resort in Barangay Orong. Gently sold on the hill more than 500 feet in sea level. Balicaocao offers perfect ambiance for rest and leisure while making a breathtaking view and panaroma  of coastal towns in Negros Occidental. 

 📍 Second Top: Mag-Aso Falls

Relax in the cool water of Mag-Aso Falls  in Barangay Oringao, still pristine in its form back-drop by the large mountain rage. Mag-Aso releases smoke like shower of mists as a cascade down the natural pool with its Turkish water. 

 📍 Third Top: Zaycoland Resort 

Not to be miss is a relaxing deep in Zaycoland Resort waters and comfortable accommodation. Zaycoland Resort is one of the newest places of interest in the City. 

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A judged the cleanest and greenest city and the only first-class city in region 6, Kabankalan offers historical and cultural attractions for its visitors.

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First top to reminisce the city history is the Rotonda Marker symbol of the people reliance and patriotism.  

Feel the city old world charm by visiting one of its oldest and most historical buildings, constructed during the income of president municipal, Federico Guanzon in the 1930s the old municipal hall. Admonish to St. Francis Xavier by visiting the Cathedral named after aspirant saint constructed by the recollect fathers during ecclesiastic watch of father Felipe Linere. It is now seat of the dioceses of Kabankalan. 

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A joining the city of plaza in fronting the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, the city football field is frequent venue and other crowd going events.

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Here are also some food restaurants in Kabankalan City! 

And the most famous to eat and go of the people here in Kabankalan is the food stall in front of the city public plaza!

Here are some of my photos with my friends!

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This is the city of peace and unity in an environment friendly and people focus is the agro industrial trade center. Kabankalan City is a fast becoming the province next big thing in tourism. tourist are expecting to visit this city with the largest land area in Western Visayas in the coming years. Kabankalan is ready for the future, colorful sight, fiesta favor, a walk through history and culture, amazing amenities, good life.

This is the perfect time to visit and savor the best place of Kabankalan City. Make it to your home too!

Come to Kabankalan were life is fun!

The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

Before I start I want to share this travel guide to Netherlands, to those who wants to visit this place.

Netherlands, country located in northwestern Europe, also known as Holland. “Netherlands” means low-lying country; the name Holland (from Houtland, or “Wooded Land”) was originally given to one of the medieval cores of what later became the modern state and is still used for 2 of its 12 provinces (Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland). Aparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, the kingdom includes its former colonies in the Lesser Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. The capital is Amsterdam and the seat of government The Hague.
The country is indeed low-lying and remarkably flat, with large expanses of lakes, rivers, and canals. Some 2,500 square miles (6,500 square km) of the Netherlands consist of reclaimed land, the result of a process of careful water management dating back to medieval times. Along the coasts, land was reclaimed from the sea, and, in the interior, lakes and marshes were drained, especially alongside the many rivers. All this new land was turned into polders, usually surrounded by dikes. Initially, man power and horsepower were used to drain the land, but they were later replaced by windmills, such as the mill network at Kinderdijk-Elshout, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The largest water-control schemes were carried out in the second half of the 19th century and in the 20th century, when steam pumps and, later, electric or diesel pumps came into use.

This relative independence of outlook was evident as early as the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Dutch rejected monarchical controls and took a relatively enlightened view of other cultures, especially when they brought wealth and capital to the country’s trading centres. In that period Dutch merchant ships sailed the world and helped lay the foundations of a great trading country characterized by a vigorous spirit of enterprise. In later centuries, the Netherlands continued to have one of the most advanced economies in the world, despite the country’s modest size. The Dutch economy is open and generally internationalist in outlook. With Belgium and Luxembourg, the Netherlands is a member of the Benelux economic union, which in the 1950s and 1960s served as a model for the larger European Economic Community (EEC; now embedded in the European Union [EU]), of which the Benelux countries are members. The Netherlands is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and it plays host to a number of international organizations, especially in the legal sector, such as the International Court of Justice.

The Dutch reputation for tolerance was tested in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when an increase in immigration from non-European Union countries and a populist turn in politics resulted in growing nationalism and even xenophobia, marked by two race-related political assassinations, in 2002 and 2004, and the government’s requirement that immigrants pass an expensive ‘‘integration’’ test before they enter the country.

The Netherlands is bounded by the North Sea to the north and west, Germany to the east, and Belgium to the south. If the Netherlands were to lose the protection of its dunes and dikes, the most densely populated part of the country would be inundated (largely by the sea but also in part by the rivers). This highly developed part of the Netherlands, which generally does not lie higher than about three feet (one metre) above sea level, covers more than half the total area of the country. About half of this area (more than one-fourth of the total area of the country) actually lies below sea level.

Urk, NetherlandsUrk, once an island of the former Zuiderzee, now part of the North      East (Noordoost) Polder, Netherlands.    © Kruwt/Fotolia

In this video I would like to show the 15 things you don’t know about the Netherlands!

If you’re going to visit the Netherlands, the first thing you need to know is that the country is not also called Holland. That’s a region. The second thing you need to know: there’s more than Amsterdam to see. Much more.

A small country, roughly the size of Maryland, the Netherlands nevertheless packs in a huge variety of places to go and sites to visit. Interested in history? The country’s got it in spades with a rich Roman and medieval past. The country also played a critical part in the World War II Allied offensive. Crave nature? Check out the unique biodiversity of the Wadden Sea mudflats or take in the vibrant beauty of Keukenhof Garden in full bloom. And, of course, if cheese and bikes aren’t a part of your trip, you haven’t really done the Netherlands.

Beautiful and Lovely place

Here’s the example of a filipina vlogger who visited Europe and she went to different tourist spots including the Amsterdam! Hope you Enjoy!

When most people think of the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam with its famous red lights and “coffee” shops. (And probably tulips, too.) But there is much more to the country than those three things. The Netherlands is a country filled with historic brick filled and cobblestone lane cities, an interconnected canals, beautiful and vast farmland, iconic windmills, and even some pleasant beaches. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. Most travelers come to the Netherlands and only party in Amsterdam for a few days, but by doing so, they miss much of what the country has to offer. Spend time exploring get out of the cities and you’ll discover the country that keeps me coming back every year. I highly recommend heading north (especially in April or May when the tulips are in bloom) and also visiting Utrecht to see the country without the crowds!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in The Netherlands

Visit Amsterdam

1. The capital and center of tourism in the country, Amsterdam is as beautiful and serene as it is crazy. There’s the famous canals, beautiful and historic houses, tons of parks, museums, foodie scene, art, coffeeshops, and, of course, the infamous red light district.

Explore Rotterdam

 2. Rotterdam is one of the busiest shipping ports in all of the world. It may not get all the attention Amsterdam does but this city is a great place to go if you want good shops, great architecture (though most of the old building were bombed in WW2), and a chance to learn about the famous harbor locks.

Take a Canal Tour

3. Whether in Amsterdam or in another city, make sure you take a canal tour and see the canals that made the area famous and inhabitable. The Dutch practically perfected canal-building and it’s such an integral part of life here, that you can’t really understand the country until you spend time boating on the canals.

Leiden

4. Head to this small town and see where the Pilgrims lived before they left for America. It’s a very historic city and filled with beautiful 17th-century buildings and parks. There’s a small museum in the city that has sporadic opening hours but if you’re nice, usually the owners let you roam through even if it’s closed.

Explore the Hague

5. The Hague is a hub of international life as it’s a center of European justice. You can see the Queen’s office here and visit the old castle and palace. Moreover, The Hague is also located right on the beach, so lounging on the sand and strolling the boardwalk are popular summer activities.

Other Things to See and Do

1. Wander historic Haarlem
Take a stroll through the old, upper-class homes of the rich and famous and visit the old homes of the merchant class that helped build the city. This city is a short bike or train ride from Amsterdam. There’s not much to do here but the town center has a good market, the central church is phenomenal and awe-inspiring, and it’s a low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam

2. Celebrate King’s Day
Every year on April 27th (April 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), the Dutch used to celebrate the birthday of their queen Juliana. However, in 2013, Queen Beatrix passed the throne to her son, Willem Alexander and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday filled with outdoor concerts, lots of orange (the national color), lots of drinking, and insane celebrations on the canals. It is one of the wildest national holidays I’ve ever celebrated.

3. Visit Edam
A picture-perfect town with windmills, farmland, and quaint houses where the famous Dutch cheese gets its name from. It’s one of the more quintessential Dutch towns. Basically, come here to eat and be as Dutch as possible!

4. Head to the Keukenhof
The Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world, with 32 hectares’ worth of spectacular floral displays. The garden is open between March and May of each year when the tulips are in season. When you picture Holland, you picture flowers and there is no better place to see them than here.

5. Bike through Hoge Veluwe National Park
Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. It is home not only for drift-sands, wild deer, and other animals but also to the Kröller-Müller Museum, the repository of Helene Kröller-Müller’s art collection. You can rent white bicycles in three designated regions and hope you will never get lost in the sea of green.

6. Kick back in Maastricht
One of the southernmost towns in the Netherlands, this city is famous for having the country’s only “mountain.” It’s really more of a hill though and doesn’t take long to climb. But this hardly visited city is a great place to see Dutch life away from hoards of tourists who frequent the rest of the country.

7. Go cycling
As one of the most popular activities throughout the country, you would almost feel out of place not on a bike. The country is covered in over 20,000km of paths, dedicated to the two-wheeled transportation. Hoge Veluwe National Park is a particularly beautiful place to ride, but the entire landscape of the country is quite scenic as well.

8. Visit Delft
This is a fascinating little town, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. There are a few interesting sights here, including the Municipal Museum het Prinsenhof, Nieuwe Kerk, De Zeven Zonden, and of course, the trademark blue and white pottery. The town lies between The Hague and Rotterdam.

9. Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Open since 1973, this museum is host to over 500 original works by Vincent Van Gogh, in addition to several works by some of his contemporaries and beloved friends. The exhibits chronicle his life span, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum is open daily from 9am-5pm with extended hours on Fridays (until 10pm). Admission is 17 EUR. Note: Pre-book tickets online to avoid massive queues when you arrive.

10. Visit “Venice of the North”
Slow-paced Giethoorn is a charming place with lots of picturesque canals. With no cars allowed in the city center, this peaceful town is a good change of pace from the busyness of the Netherlands’ bigger cities. Rent a small boat and spend the day floating by charming cottages.

11. See life in historic Netherland
At The Netherlands Open Air Museum, Themapark Archeon, and Zaanse Schans, you can see what life like in the low countries a few hundred years ago. With antique windmills, houses, farms, and shops, you can feel a part of Holland of old.

12. Try a multi-day bike tour
If you’re going to bike somewhere, the Netherlands is it! But maybe a few hours or a day on your own isn’t enough. With tons of bike companies, you have your pick of planned itineraries that’ll take you to any region of the country. Whether it’s self-guided or with a host, you can find an amazing bike tour in the Netherlands.

So much places to go and spend time with your friends! Perfect for everybody.

Typical Costs

Accommodation – Hostels typically cost between 15-30 EUR per night for a dorm room. The most popular hostels in Amsterdam can be close to 45 EUR (which, I think, is crazy expensive). Private rooms in hostels are around 60-80 EUR per night for a room that sleeps two (but expect to pay about 20 EUR more in Amsterdam). You can find a room at a budget hotel for around 50-60 EUR a night that offers a private bathroom and free WiFi (expect to pay more in Amsterdam during the busy season). Airbnb is also an option, with shared rooms averaging around 15 EUR per night and entire homes (including studio apartments) averaging around 50-60 EUR per night. My suggested places are:

• The Flying Pig, St. Christopher, The Meeting Point (Amsterdam)

Food – The Netherlands isn’t famous for its food, but there’s still good stuff to be had. Make sure you try poffertjes (fluffy mini-pancakes served with powdered sugar), gouda and edam cheeses, patat (thick-cut fries with toppings) and stroopwafels (sweet Dutch waffles). Cheap meals at fast food joints or places like Maoz or Walk to Wok cost around 10 EUR. Restaurant meals average around 15-25 EUR for a main dish with a drink. If you cook your meals, expect to pay 40-50 EUR per week for groceries that will include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foods. Fast food like Febo, cheap Dutch food, is around 5-10 EUR.

Famous foods in Netherlands

Transportation – Inter-city train tickets around Holland are cheap and cost between 12-30 EUR, though for super short distances they can be as little as 5 EUR. Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 26 EUR and takes 40 minutes and Amsterdam to The Hague is 7 EUR and takes 50 minutes. Since the country is so flat, biking is the main form of transportation around cities (and for some people between cities). You can rent bikes starting around 10 EUR per day (but most places require a deposit that is returned to you when you return the bike). Intra-city trains, trams, and buses are about 3 EUR for a one-way trip. Taxis are super expensive and should be avoided at all costs.

Activities – Entrance into museums cost about 20 EUR while churches are free to enter. Hiring your own boat for a canal tour is about 24 EUR. A harbor tour in Rotterdam costs 12 EUR.

Suggested daily budget

45-60 EUR / $46-62 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating and cooking, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. If you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more, expect this to be higher!)

Money Saving Tips

1. Avoid spending on the green – Many people go to Amsterdam to visit the coffee shops. If you choose to do this, don’t think you have to buy “stuff” in each shop. Places will let you smoke as long as you buy a drink or food.
2. Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into museums in Amsterdam and beyond for only 60 EUR. With the Museum Card, you get access to 32 museums in Amsterdam and more than 400 throughout the Netherlands. It’s also good for repeat visits as well! If you’re visiting multiple cities in the country, this is a must!
3. Bike – Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few dollars a day. However, Dutch cities are also very small and easily walkable.
4. Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone goes outside. Check local city boards for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up.
5. Use Couchsurfing – It’s a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early.
6. Cook – Dutch food isn’t going to win any awards. Try a few places and local dishes but cook often (or at least make lots of sandwiches) as your daily costs can shoot through the roof if you eat out a lot. Head to the supermarket, get some food, and save money! You’re not missing out on anything. (Sorry, my Dutch friends!)

 THIS VIDEO IS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WANTS TO VISIT THE AMSTERDAM!

Travel tips for Netherlands – what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Don’t go to the Netherlands in a fur coat or other outerwear made of natural fur. Animal rights activists can attack and even set the item on fire.                                                                                                                                                                    2. Despite the legalization of light drugs in the country, do not buy anything from street dealers. If you want to experience new sensations, you should go to a smart shop or a coffeeshop.                                                                                    3. Don’t try to export light drugs from the country. You can get imprisoned for 12 years.                                                          4. Large cities are very different from the provincial Netherlands. If there would be enough time, you should definitely go out of Amsterdam and get acquainted with the pretty towns and their old streets.                                                                    5. English and German are full-fledged languages ​​of communication, but you should take a Dutch dictionary or a phrasebook with you. Locals in small towns often speak only this language.                                                                                  6. The Dutch do not like non-punctual people very much. One should watch the time in this country.                                      7. In large cities, pocket thefts are quite often. Tourists should be especially attentive in trains and trams. Copyright http://www.orangesmile.com                                                                                                                                                                                8. The dense cyclist traffic is typical for the streets of Amsterdam and other big cities. The bicycle lanes are highlighted with a special color. It’s forbidden to walk on them.                                                                                                                            9. Fans of photography should also be careful  in the Netherlands, especially in the streets of the red light district. Guards can easily break the camera, so you need to pay attention to the prohibitory signs.                                                        10. Public transport is very expensive in Amsterdam. There is only paid parking. The city is famous not only for its rich nightlife, but also for its luxurious architecture. Hiking will help to save the budget and get an unforgettable experience. 11. In the Netherlands, the tip is already included in the bill. Leaving some extra money is considered a tactlessness.        12. National cuisine is best served in traditional brown cafes with dark walls and wooden facades. The same applies to bars. Only in these places, you can feel the real Dutch flavor.                                                                                                          13. Smoking is prohibited in public places in the Netherlands.                                                                                                       14. There are high fines for fare-dodging in the public transport. Tickets are sold separately and are usually valid for a certain period depending on the cost.                                                                                                                                                    15. It’s unaccepted to dance in restaurants in the Netherlands, as it’s considered to be the faux pas. Even in the company of friends, it is customary to split a bill. 

Hope that it might help for everyone who wants to travel Netherlands including me Enjoy!

VIGAN CITY

The Vigan City, Ilocos Sur!

Vigan is an island,which used to be detached from the mainland by three rivers – the great Abra River, the Mestizo River and the Govantes River. It is unique among the Philippine towns because it is the country’s most extensive and only surviving historic city that dates back to the 16th century Spanish colonial period.

Vigan was an important coastal trading post in pre-colonial times. Long before the Spanish galleons, Chinese junks sailing from the South China Sea came to Isla de Bigan through the Mestizo River that surrounded the island. On board were sea-faring merchants that came to barter exotic goods from Asian kingdoms in exchange for gold, beeswax and other mountain products brought down by natives from the Cordilleras. Immigrants, mostly Chinese, settled in Vigan, intermarried with the natives and started the multi-cultural bloodline of the Bigueños.

In the book, The Philippine Island, Vol. III, p. 276, Blair and Robertson, two letters of Governor General Guido de Lavezares to King Philip II of Spain mentions: “It seemed best to send Captain Juan de Salcedo with 70 or 80 soldiers to people the coast of Los Ilocano on the shores of the river called Bigan.” Salcedo then sailed from Manila on May 20, 1572 and arrived in Vigan on June 12, 1572.

Thus, after the successful expedition and exploration of the North, Don Juan de Salcedo founded “Villa Fernandina de Vigan” in honor of King Philip II’s son, Prince Ferdinand who died at the tender age of four. From Vigan, Salcedo rounded the tip of Luzon and proceeded to pacify Camarines, Albay, and Catanduanes.

As a reward for his services to the King, Salcedo was awarded the old province of Ylocos which then composed of the Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union and some part of Mountain Province as his Encomienda and was accorded the title as Justicia Mayor de esta Provincia de Ylocos.

Governor General Gomez Perez Darmarinas, in his Account of Encomienda dated in Manila on May 31, 1591 states: “The town of Vigan called Villa Fernandina has five or six Spanish citizens with one priest, a Justice, one Alcalde Mayor (Governor) and a Deputy. The King collects 800 tributes (equivalent to 3,200 subjects). During this period, the old Vigan was composed of 19 barrios.

In 1645-1660, Vigan was already divided into 21 Cavezas de Barangay as mentioned in the “Libro de Casamiento”, the oldest records of the parish house of Vigan found in its Archives. Separated from the naturales, the Chinese have their own place of settlement called pariancillo, “Los Sangleyes del parian” and the Spaniards were residents in a villa called “Los Españoles de la Villa”.

How Vigan got its name is told from an anecdote carried by the tongue of generations, which tells of a Spaniard walking along the banks of the Mestizo River. There, he met a native of the place and stopped to inquire: “Como se Ilama usted de esta lugar?”

Not understanding a word of Spanish, the native scratched his head and upon seeing that the Spaniard was pointing to a plant, exclaimed in Ilocano: “Bigaa Apo”. Bigaa being Alcasia Macroniza, a giant Taro plant belonging to the Gabi family which used to thrive at the bank of the Mestizo River. From the name of the plant – Bigaa, whence Vigan derived its name.

6 must-see tourist spots in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

On December 2, 1999, Vigan became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, thanks to its unique Spanish colonial history in Asia, well-preserved Spanish monuments and edifices, and thriving cultural heritage. When you’ve finally decided to drive up north and visit, don’t miss this Skyscanner list of the best tourist spots in Vigan. Put on your bakya or your most comfortable walking footwear, and step back in time to a period that’s quaint, romantic and truly magical.

1. Take an early Calle Crisologo walk

Set your alarm early, preferably before dawn. Get your camera ready, or your sketch pad, or your notebook and pen—whatever your personal artistic tool of preference is. Just before the dawn breaks all over the archipelago, find yourself along Calle Crisologo, sans the hustling and bustling tourists, all shops still closed, the street mostly quiet except for the waking sounds of nature.

Snap away, or draw, or write all the details down in your notebook. When the shops open go ahead and get satisfy your shopping itch with souvenirs, antiques, and hard-to-find jewelry. This is one magical experience you’ll want to treasure forever.

Photo credit: Flickr/Dusk at Crisologo/fitri agung/CC-BY

2. Dine at Cafe Leona for a mouthwatering longganisa meal

This world famous restaurant was named after poetess Leona Florentino, the Mother of Philippine women’s literature. Her ancestral home is now a busy restaurant, which all tourists to Vigan City cannot afford to miss. This is where you must eat the Vigan longganisa and bagnet, although their menu also carries Filipino, Japanese, Italian and Thai cuisine. Cafe Leona is located along Calle Crisologo, so it’s the perfect spot for your breakfast (or lunch, or dinner)!

3. Cruise along Mestizo River

Soak up on history and get fascinated by the rich history of Vigan City via the River Cruise. The cruise lasts for 45 minutes as you float by five tableaus, each telling a chapter of Vigan’s story: its discovery, to the conquest by the Spanish, to the present. This has got to be the most relaxing and beautifully visual history lesson you’ll ever get—something you might have missed out on back in school!

Just visit the Ilocos Sur Tourism Office (it is right beside Cafe Leona along Calle Crisologo) and inquire about the Vigan River Cruise. Make sure to ask about a free shuttle ride to Mestizo River! Bring your cameras and sunblock!

4. Witness Abel weavers at their craft

Rowilda’s Loomweaving was established in 1989 by Manong Dominic Panela. Their showroom is located in Camanggaan. They create the finest hand-woven Abel-Iloko products like table runners, shawls, hand towels, table napkins, dress materials , pillow cases, bathrobes and blankets. There is a Zen-like quality in the weavers’ focus and laser precision. “You are suspended in a state of timelessness,” as one tourist described. “There is a music to their movements and then suddenly, before your eyes, a beautiful blanket emerges!”

5. Bantay Bell Tower is worth the climb

Aside from the aerobic benefits, Bantay Bell Tower offers you postcard perfect scenery, a musical cacophony of bells ringing, the wonderful expanse of the sky, and tall, brick edifice that has been a witness to Vigan’s centuries of history. It stands beside the Sanctuary of the Nuestra Señora de La Caridad, one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur, where mass is still held regularly in one of its ruins.

5. Bantay Bell Tower is worth the climb

Aside from the aerobic benefits, Bantay Bell Tower offers you postcard perfect scenery, a musical cacophony of bells ringing, the wonderful expanse of the sky, and tall, brick edifice that has been a witness to Vigan’s centuries of history. It stands beside the Sanctuary of the Nuestra Señora de La Caridad, one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur, where mass is still held regularly in one of its ruins.

Photo credit: Flickr/Bantay City/fitri agung/CC-BY

6. Visit Baluarte

Fond of animals? For every Juan’s favorite price of zero pesos, you can set foot inside Baluarte, and catch a sight of a variety of animals from the Philippines and other countries. Owned by Chavit Singson, Balaurte also offers an animal museum and an interactive wildlife show that takes place every afternoon.

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur is waiting for your visit. It has been waiting for you for the past four centuries. And like Basi, Vigan’s local wine brewed from sugar cane, the Hispanic City grows ever more beautiful as it ages.

EXPERIENCE VIGAN CUISINES

Empanada, kankanen, and longganisa… just a few of the iconic Vigan dishes. When visiting the historical city, don’t forget to try their cuisines offered in various establishments found at the place. Ilocano cuisines can be distinguished by the sweetness, sourness or saltiness of the food. For the adventurous travelers, the food stall or caridnerias in the Vigan Public market are a nice place for gastronomic adventures. Try the Vigan’s bagnet, longganisa, Ilocuscrispy dinuguan and pinakbet along with a bottle of basi or local sugarcane wine.

Another must-try delicacies in Ilocos Sur is their Tinubong. Tinubong is a ground malagkit (sticky rice) stuck inside a bamboo. To eat the Tinubong, one must literally smash the bamboo to break it and eat what is inside.

Visiting Vigan City will never be complete without tasting its faved cuisines – Vigan City Travel Guide

Tinubong, Ilocos Sur’s native delicacy

WHERE TO STAY IN VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

There are several Hotels and Inns found in Vigan City.

TIPS WHEN TRAVELING TO VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR

• Wear your most comfortable attire when traveling.
• Visiting Tourist Attractions of the place may require some walking, it would be best to wear your comfortable walking shoes.
• You don’t want to get burnt by the heat of the sun, so wearing sunscreen is highly recommended.
• During my last visit I had a difficulty of finding one so to be sure, bring it before leaving your home.
• You might also want to bring a foldable umbrella, especially when visiting the place during the wet season.
• There weren’t much of mosquitos during my visit, but for those who are highly sensitive, just bring a small bottle of Insect repellant Lotion with you.
• You will surely take a lot of photographs during your trip, so don’t forget to bring your camera with extra memory cards.
• You will be hitting the road most of the time, so don’t forget to bring your power bank to keep your mobile phone alive.
• While drugstores are found in the area it would still be best to bring your own medicine especially if you have some maintenance.

GETTING AROUND VIGAN CITY

While the Calesa is a nice mode of transportation reaching quite a distant destination can be reached easily through a tricycle. It would be best to negotiate first with the driver regarding the fare before hopping in. Of course, the air-conditioned Van is very comfortable when visiting several places, especially during summer. Several Van for rent is available in the city. Just ask your hotel where to contact them.

HOW TO GET TO VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR

The nearest airport in Ilocos Sur is the one found in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. From Laoag, take a bus going to Vigan City.

There are buses traveling from Manila to Ilocos Sur such as Partas Buses, Dominion Bus Lines, Aniceto Bus, and Viron Transit. Travel time from Manila is approximately 8 10 hours covering 408-kilometer ride.

This place reminds me about in the year 1892, the book I read which is absolutely about the history of the pre-colonial spanish. So I want to go and visit here! Hope you and enjoy.

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton