Ilocos Sur Adventure: Vigan City

Our adventure today takes us about 400 kilometers northwest of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Vigan City, the capital of Ilocos Sur, was recently converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. Aside from that, Vigan was also listed as one of the World Heritage Sites in the Philippines by UNESCO.

Vigan City

Vigan City details

So what's unique with Vigan City? Imagine yourself living during the Spanish Colonial days when the kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) rules the cobblestone streets and century-old houses, not buildings, conquered the landscape. Vigan City offers you the same colonial-era backdrop minus the people walking around with DSLRs and GoPros.
nicerio adventures
Team Nicerio visits Vigan City

Vigan City details

Vigan City was earlier known as "Ciudad Fernandina" during the Spanish Era. However, the origin of the city's name is said to come from different sources. Some say it came from the Chinese word "Bee Gan" or beautiful shore. While others say that it came from the Ilocano word "Kabiga-an" pertaining to "biga", a plant that once grew along the bank of its rivers.
I would've loved to try the horse-drawn carriage.

Check out this super old house. I hope they restore it.

Having outlived the other Spanish colonial cities of Cebu and Manila, Vigan City today remains one of the oldest and most visited cities in the Philippines.
Where to? Calle Hen. Luna or Calle Crisologo?

My wife and I first visited Vigan during one of our long weekend holidays last 2012. I highly suggest that you leave Manila at around 8-10 P.M. so that you will arrive in Vigan City early the next day. However, if sleeping on a bus is torture for you, I suggest you take an early flight to Laoag and commute to Vigan City. 

Getting to Vigan City by land:

Kuya Bong 
Vigan is a seven to ten hours drive from Manila depending on traffic conditions. There are several bus lines that have regular trips to Laoag City which passes through Vigan City.

Getting to Vigan City by air:

Most airline companies fly daily from Manila to Laoag International Airport. From there, it would only take around an hour and a half drive to reach Vigan City.

 Once you arrive in Vigan, there are plenty of tricycles that would ask you to tour you. Since we haven't availed ourselves of a tour guide, we chose the most decent-looking trike driver of all. (basic instincts!) We luckily met Kuya Bong (pictured right). He's a respectful, honest, and jolly driver and guide. You can contact him with these numbers 09158045116, I highly suggest you ask for him at the terminal outside the Vigan arc. If you feel like really want to experience how things were during the Spanish time (and you have the budget to do so), I suggest you rent a calesa to tour you around the city. Calesa fees would range from P100 an hour to P1000 whole day tour. Use your haggling skills before deciding to hire anyone.

Before beginning the tour you must go back to basics. Always keep in mind item #2 in my previous blog The Adventurer's List. Never ever go about asking things like "Kuya saan ba magandang pumunta?"  People like this are always in danger of being duped. In case you don't have a list of places to go to kindly check out the list of places below.

Why visit Vigan City?

Vigan City is one of the most historical cities in the Philippines. Although it's quite far from Metro Manila, it is still possible to do a quick day trip from Manila and back but it surely would be tiring. A day in Vigan City would be worth it as there are plenty of places that you can visit, food to try, and souvenirs to buy here. However, keep in mind that, this city gets crowded during holidays and weekends.

Places to visit in Vigan City:

Hidden Garden

Pagburnayan

Father Jose Burgos Museum

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral / Vigan Cathedral

Baluarte

Calle Crisologo

Plaza Salcedo

Plaza Burgos

Vigan Empanadahan

Cafe Leona

Other places you may visit:

  • Fil-Spanic Friendship Park and Buridek Museum (entrance fee: P15 adult; P10 student)
  • Simbaan ng Bassit
  • Archbishop's Palace
  • Syquia Mansion
  • Crisologo Museum
  • Mira Hills
  • Leona Florentino House
  • Mindoro Beach 

UPDATED 2021

Vigan Day tour itinerary:

9:00PM Boarding time at Maria De Leon bus terminal in Dapitan

9:30PM Departure time 
bus fare= P750-1000  pax deluxe bus; P600-700 pax standard

6:30AM ETA in Vigan -Start tour
whole day tricycle rent P500 

7:00 - 9:30AM Baluarte tour + breakfast*

9:30 - 10:30AM Pagburnaryan tour

11:00 -12:30 PM Hidden Garden tour + lunch
lunch budget P500 - P600 

1:00 - 1:30 PM Calle Crisologo + souvenir shopping*

2:00 - 2:30 PM Plaza Salcedo and Vigan Cathedral 

2:50 - 3:00 PM Burgos Museum
entrance fee P20 

3:00 - 3:30PM snack time 
try Vigan's famous empanada P100 budget

4:00 - 5:00PM Your options are:

                           1. Visit Bantay Church outside Vigan City 

Bantay Church and bell tower
        
                            2. Head home
bus fare= P750-1000  pax /deluxe bus; P600-700 pax standard

                            3. Stay overnight
If you choose to stay overnight here's a website to help you choose hotels in and around Vigan. http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/wstay.asp

*optional

Vigan City Day Trip itinerary Budget breakdown:

Estimated Budget: P2500

Bus fare Manila-Vigan: P750 - 1000 (depending on bus type)
Vigan Trike and Guide: P500 /P150 per hour
Hidden Garden lunch: P500
Burgos Museum entrance fee: P20
Snacks (empanada and drinks): P100
Bus fare Vigan-Manila: P750 - 1000

Total expenses: P2500 - P3000

Ratings:
Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall ratings
Location: Vigan City, Philippines

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    nice blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 6, 2013 at 4:37 PM

    Hy Neil !
    What would you suggest to visit around Manila (~ 100kms) by December ?
    I'll spend a few in Philippines wife and daughter
    Nice pictures !
    Tx you feedback!
    Frederic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioOctober 6, 2013 at 9:01 PM

      Hi Frederic! I suggest you visit Tagaytay in the province of Cavite. The view there is awesome. If you want to I could tour you around. Given that I'm free on that date.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousOctober 6, 2013 at 4:40 PM

    Hy Neil !
    In Philippines during 2nd part December with wide and daughter, can you suggest a good place to visit around Manila (100kms max).
    Nice Pictures on your Blog
    Regards,
    Frédéric

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioOctober 6, 2013 at 9:03 PM

      If you want another place to visit, Baguio City is a tourist destination to go to during December. It's the coldest place in the country during those months. =) hope to hear more from you Frederic

      Delete
  4. AnonymousApril 21, 2014 at 12:22 PM

    WHERE TO STAY IN VIGAN?? YUNG MURA PO.. TRANSIENT HOUSE PWDENG PWDE..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioApril 22, 2014 at 9:38 AM

      Hi there! Contact my most trusted guide Kuya Jomar Villaluz he could suggest a very cheap transient house to rent. =)

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJune 8, 2014 at 5:53 PM

      nice blog sir! just had interest on travel blogs lately and this blog spot rocks...want to be a travel blogger myself..hope you can be my mentor.. kudos!

      p.s. i added you to my google+ circle... :)

      Delete
    3. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 9, 2014 at 7:59 PM

      Hi there! Thank you so much for that! Sure! I would love to help you on your blog.

      Keep in touch.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJuly 16, 2014 at 8:44 PM

    really helpful blog...

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 17, 2014 at 9:24 AM

    hulog ng langit ang blog na ito. hehe. planning to go there. my idea ka po kuya kung mgkano na fare ngaun from manila-vigan by bus?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioOctober 18, 2014 at 12:35 AM

      Hi there! We went to Vigan last May and basically halos pareho parin ng fare na 600-700. =)

      Delete
  7. AnonymousOctober 30, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    Hi,, pwede po ba makuha yung ontact number ng trusted guide niyo for the lodge,.. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousNovember 9, 2014 at 1:40 PM

    Hi! May direct trip na po ba vigan to manila? What bus lines po? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioNovember 9, 2014 at 4:15 PM

      Hi there! Meron po. Check out Florida and Victory Liner.

      Delete
  9. UnknownJanuary 27, 2015 at 5:22 PM

    Saan niyo po iniwan yung gamit niyo sa Vigan? any suggestions po? Kasi I'm planning to go to Pagudpud then the next day sa Vigan kaya lang hassle pag madaming dala na gamit, thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJanuary 27, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    Any suggestions po kung saan pwede mag iwan ng gamit? Kasi I'm planning to go sa Pagudpud muna then the next day sa vigan naman, medyo hassle po kasi kung madaming dala, thanks much :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 31, 2015 at 5:58 AM

      Hi there! If may guide po kayo like kuya Jomar, He will watch over your stuff.
      Kung may hotel po pwede niyo rin iwan dun.
      Pero if you're planning to go backpacking ummmm... medyo mahirap po yun.

      Delete
  11. AnonymousMarch 29, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    ellow po.. taga calamba city laguna ako... plano ko sana magpunta dyan sa vigan.. kasama ang aking magiina.. ako, asawa ko at dalawang bata 10yrs at 7 mga magkano kaya ng budget na kailangan ko.. at san sa manila ako pwede sumakay ng bus.. o plane kung may plane para mas mabilis.. salamat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 31, 2015 at 12:22 AM

      Magandang gabi po kuya.
      Kung magbubus po kayo sa Cubao area po marami. Victory Liner etc.
      Budget po e depende kung gaano kayo katagal sa Vigan. 2 days po siguro mga 5- 6k kasama na po dun ang pagkain at tutuluyan.
      Kung plano niyo po mageroplano sa Laoag City po kayo then bus pabalik sa Vigan City.
      Mas mahal po ito kahit na po piso fare pa po pero sigurado namang mabilis wag lang delayed flight.

      Delete
  12. AnonymousApril 22, 2015 at 11:00 AM

    Hi Poh,
    May I ask if may available na bus from Vigan to Baguio City? I'm Planning to go in Vigan kasi itinerary Manila-Vigan-Baguio-Manila..Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioApril 22, 2015 at 1:44 PM

      Hi there. Ang pagkakaalam ko po meron. Just recently some of my co teachers went to a Manila -Baguio-Vigan- Manila trip and they pulled it off. So if may bus heading to Vigan from Baguio for sure meron ding vice versa nun. :)

      Delete
  13. UnknownApril 30, 2015 at 1:57 AM

    Beautiful place in the Philippines : Vigan is a 5th class city in the province of Ilocos Cur, Philippines and the capital province of http://dailycome.com/philippines-visiting-in-the-city-of-vigan-ilocos-sur/

    ReplyDelete
  14. BrandonMay 9, 2015 at 2:03 AM

    Hi! Ilang hours po kaya ang traveling time from manila to vigan? Tapos magkano po kaya per person ang estimated budget for 2days? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 2, 2015 at 10:49 PM

      Almost 8 din depende sa traffic. When my then GF (now wife) visited Vigan we brought 3K pax and lived on a tight budget and we pulled it off. =)

      Delete
  15. BrandonMay 9, 2015 at 2:05 AM

    Hi! Ilang hours po kaya ang byahe from manila to vigan? Tapos magkano po kaya ang estimated budget per person kung magstay ng 2days? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMay 10, 2015 at 10:36 PM

      Hi there brandon. Travel time is 9 hours or less depende sa traffic. It's preferable to travel at night para umaga ka na makakarating sa Vigan. Since maghohotel kayo siguro at least 4K ok na. Medyo malaki un pero ok narin ung may sobra.

      Delete
    2. JessieMay 29, 2015 at 10:06 AM

      Thank you sa very informative at helpful blog! Lahat ng answer sa tanong ko andito na. Will surely contact the Tryc Driver. :-) Godbless Neil!

      Delete
    3. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 2, 2015 at 10:51 PM

      Thank you so much Jessie for visiting my blog. =)

      Delete
  16. roxanne dimaunahanMay 29, 2015 at 1:27 PM

    hi po. Magkano po kaya yung estimated budget namin for 3days & 2nights stay in vigan? Is it possible din na makapunta ng ilocos norte duding that stay? We are coming from manila. Thanks! 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 2, 2015 at 10:52 PM

      Hi there, If you're going to stay that long and you plan to visit Ilocos Norte I guess 5-7k pax would be enough (baka may sobra pa) just make sure that you live on a tight budget and for sure makakatipid kayo.

      Delete
  17. roxanne dimaunahanMay 29, 2015 at 1:27 PM

    hi po. Magkano po kaya yung estimated budget namin for 3days & 2nights stay in vigan? Is it possible din na makapunta ng ilocos norte duding that stay? We are coming from manila. Thanks! 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 2, 2015 at 11:00 PM

      Hi there, If you're going to stay that long and you plan to visit Ilocos Norte I guess 5-7k pax would be enough (baka may sobra pa) just make sure that you live on a tight budget and for sure makakatipid kayo.

      Delete
  18. UnknownJune 2, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    Hi, I'm planning to go to Vigan on my Birthday this coming August, ask ko lang sana kung saan ako sasakay from Manila to Vigan? And how much ang budget for solo? Hoping for your immediate feedback. Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 2, 2015 at 10:58 PM

      Hi there! Maraming buses sa Cubao and meron din sa Pasay area. Check mo yung Victory Liner, Florida etc. Kung solo ka and overnight malaki na siguro yung 3K na budget. Pero you have to pick your hotel well. May mga mura meron din mahal. So kung yung mahal mapili mo ubos agad ang 3K.

      Delete
  19. JennyJuly 3, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Hi i was planning to go to vigan on my vacation in the phil this august but i'm undecided if what is the best way to travel in terms of budget & ung mas komportable ...should i travel by air, bus or bring my own car?.. I'm traveling w/ my friends(3) ...Thankz hope you could response to this msg..

    ReplyDelete
  20. JennyJuly 3, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Hi i was planning to go to vigan on my vacation in the phil this august but i'm undecided if what is the best way to travel in terms of budget & ung mas komportable ...should i travel by air, bus or bring my own car?.. I'm traveling w/ my friends(3) ...Thankz hope you could response to this msg..

    ReplyDelete
  21. JennyJuly 3, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Hi i was planning to go to vigan on my vacation in the phil this august but i'm undecided if what is the best way to travel in terms of budget & ung mas komportable ...should i travel by air, bus or bring my own car?.. I'm traveling w/ my friends(3) ...Thankz hope you could response to this msg..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 4, 2015 at 9:36 AM

      Hi there! If you want to visit only Vigan City, I suggest you go by bus. Leave Manila by night then have a whole day of exploration. If gusto niyo naman ng side trips to Laoag City, Batac, and Paoay in Ilocos Norte I suggest you go by car. Last option na ang plane (actually I don't cosider riding a plane). enjoy!

      Delete
  22. AnonymousJuly 15, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    Hello po everyone, ask ko lng po sa mga taga vigan or near @ calle crisologo. may mga hotel rooms po ba dun na pde matulugan ng instant without booking online? kc my wife and kids planning to have pack packing. salamat po sa info nyo. - japheth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 17, 2015 at 8:42 PM

      Hello there. Yup meron namang walk in hotels within the radius of Calle Crisologo na affordable and pwedeng magwalkin ang mga guest.

      Delete
  23. AnonymousJuly 19, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    HI! my family want to go to vigan. is there any suggestion where to stay in?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 21, 2015 at 11:49 PM

      Hi there. Maraming pwedeng pagstayan near the city and also within the city. sadly, I avoid mentioning a particular place para lang maging patas sa lahat. Don't worry though marami dun.

      Delete
    2. UnknownAugust 30, 2015 at 10:11 PM

      cheap accomodation po sa vigan. search in google or YouTube Nitelife Transient House Vigan.

      Delete
    3. UnknownAugust 30, 2015 at 10:13 PM

      search po nyo sa google or Youtube Nitelife Transient House Vigan. cheap Vigan accommodations po.

      Delete
  24. UnknownAugust 22, 2015 at 10:13 PM

    Hi .. ask lang po if magkano approximately ang magagastos sa fare from Biñan Laguna to Vigan .. thanks po!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioAugust 27, 2015 at 11:41 PM

      Hi there estimated 700 -1000 po siguro kasama na yung iba't ibang transfer ng transportation vehicles. =)

      Delete
  25. UnknownSeptember 16, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    Hi! I'm planning to go to north on Nov. 17-19. my destinations are laoag, paoay/pagudpud and vigan. my bf wants to stay a lodge near a beach. meron k bang marerecommend? and how much? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownSeptember 16, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    Hi! I'm planning to go to north on Nov. 17-19. my destinations are laoag, paoay/pagudpud and vigan. my bf wants to stay a lodge near a beach. meron k bang marerecommend? and how much? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioSeptember 18, 2015 at 10:30 PM

      Kapuluan Beach Resort in Pagudpod would be a nice place to visit.

      Delete
  27. UnknownSeptember 16, 2015 at 1:33 PM

    Hi! me and my bf were planning a 3D/2N tour in the North (Laoag,Paoay/Pagudpud,Vigan) is there any cheap hotels/lodge near a beach that you can recommend? Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioSeptember 18, 2015 at 10:30 PM

      Well, Kapuluan Resort is a good choice. When we visited we payed 2K for an overnight stay. If you want a cheaper place to stay in contact Kuya Jomar, tingin ko meron siyang place na mairerekomenda. =)

      Delete
  28. UnknownOctober 10, 2015 at 1:48 AM

    Hi po. Good evening. Plano po naming pumunta ng vigan and this blog is such a big help po. If you dont mind, never pa kasi ako nakapunta jan, kasya po kaya ang 7k lahat lahat na(fare,hotel,food,etc)? 2 po kami. 2 days and a night. Sa cubao lang naman kami sasakay d ba? Thanks po sa sagot. Godbless po!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioOctober 13, 2015 at 9:50 PM

      Hi there! Yuo sa Cubao maraming sakayan pa Vigan. Let's see...
      Fare balikan for 2 = 2K
      Food for 2/ 2days = 3K
      Hotel for 2 days = 4K minimum

      I think baka di kayanin ang 7K unless...
      1. Makahanap kayo ng murang bahay
      2. Magtipid kayo sa food.
      But on the bright side kaya yan. Pag gusto may paraan. =)

      Delete
  29. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    thanx for the info

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousDecember 26, 2015 at 4:53 PM

    Hi sir niel. I just want to ask po sana. Kpag po ba pupunta ng Bangui Windmill, ano po ba pwede skyan galing po Vigan? Gusto po kasi nmin pumunta dun? Any help? Thank you for this blog. Thank you sir niel. Hope you reply.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 26, 2015 at 9:54 PM

      Hi there!
      Good day!
      If you're going to Bangui From Vigan, better head to Laoag City first then transfer to a bus going to Pagudpud. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Bangui town. From there, hop on a trike that will bring you to your destination.
      Enjoy and be safe!

      Delete
  31. UnknownMarch 8, 2016 at 12:05 PM

    Hi Neil! Thanks for your blog. By the way, may I know the time you took for the trip back to Mla? Did you take the last trip? Do you know if there's a scheduled trip in the afternoon from Vigan to Manila by bus? Thank you. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 8, 2016 at 9:07 PM

      Hi there! We went to Pagudpod after Vigan. =) However, if you're planning to go home from Vigan, there are plenty of buses that could bring you home any time of the day.

      Delete
  32. AnonymousJuly 26, 2016 at 2:55 PM

    Hi good pm po, can you
    please suggest affordable hotel near vigan city convention center?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 26, 2016 at 10:39 PM

      Hi there!
      The nearest is Hotel ni Among. It is affordable and walking distance lang sa convention center.
      You may also choose Casa Rica Hotel, Vian Ergo Hotel, and Gordion Hotel.

      Delete
  33. admin911July 28, 2016 at 11:09 AM

    Hi niel planning to go tour pagudpod vigan laoag this december2nd week. Do u have itenerary ung mka tipid sa trip. Couple +2yr old. Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 29, 2016 at 12:46 AM

      Hi there!
      You may combine my itinerary sa articles ko about:
      1. Vigan City
      2. Laoag City, Batac, La Paz
      3. Pagudpod

      My wife and I basically did that tour. Dagdagan mo nalang ng konti to cover the cost of your 2 year old baby. =)

      Delete
  34. UnknownNovember 25, 2016 at 1:42 PM

    hi sir neil much the fare from manila to vigan po.. TY

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownNovember 25, 2016 at 1:43 PM

    hi sir neil update po ako f magkano yung fare ng bus or suv van papunta vigan galing manila?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioNovember 28, 2016 at 9:12 AM

      Hi there! P650 to P700. Pero may mga bus na umaabot sa P800 ang fare dahil delux ito.

      Delete
  36. AnonymousJune 2, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    how much po binayad niyo kay kuya bong for the whole day trip tour?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJune 6, 2017 at 8:14 PM

      450 po plus 50 tip. Whole day na po yung tapos dalawa na kami.

      Delete
  37. AnonymousJuly 7, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really understand what you're
    talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also consult with my web site =).
    We may have a hyperlink exchange arrangement between us

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousJuly 16, 2017 at 1:13 AM

    Greetings from Carоlina! I'm bored at work so I decided
    to browse your blⲟg on my iphone dᥙring lunch break.
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    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousMarch 22, 2018 at 9:33 AM

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this site.
    I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts from you
    later on as well. In truth, your creative
    writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own site now ;)

    ReplyDelete
  40. UnknownJuly 4, 2018 at 9:42 AM

    Hi sir Neil ask lang po sana ako ng question kung magkano po ang estimated cost para sa Isang araw na trip..? Salamat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 5, 2018 at 10:20 AM

      Hi! Nung nagpunta kami ni misis may dala kaming tig 3K. Paguwi namin may sobra pa.

      Delete
  41. AnonymousJuly 3, 2023 at 10:22 AM

    Vigan City is always going to be one of those places that I'd visit over and over again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 18, 2023 at 7:04 PM

      Me too. =) I really love how the local government preserved the Spanish-ear charm of their city.

      Delete

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Gifu Castle - Gifu

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Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 )  is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city.  Gifu Castle  ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga.  Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in si...
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10 Things to Do in Otaru City

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10 Things to Do in Otaru City Otaru City ( 小樽市 ) is a port city in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . The name is believed to be of Ainu origin. It possibly means " river running through the sandy beach ”. For those planning to visit Otaru City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Otaru City : Otaru City manhole covers 1. Take a picture of Otaru’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The first one is the one with the otter and the other is the one that features the Otaru Canal. However, there is a colored version of the latter located near the LeTao Main Store. Aside from that, there is an  Otaru Pokemon Manhole Cover  featuring the Alolan Vulpix with what appears to be stained glass windows as his backdrop. Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch 2. Visit the  Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch  and learn about the golden age of banking in Otaru City. You can watch the map projection on the ceiling of i...
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Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022

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On August 12, 2022 , during my 41st week in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme , my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Embetsu Shrine for the first time as part of our five-day "Drive Up North" Road Trip . Later, on December 22, 2022 , I had the opportunity to revisit the shrine. What made this return visit particularly special was experiencing it during the winter season. Intrigued by how the shrine would be transformed by snow, I made the trip after finishing my duties at Embetsu Agricultural High School . As expected, the shrine exuded a captivating charm, its grounds adorned in a blanket of snow, truly a magical sight to behold. Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022 Embetsu Shrine details ( Winter ) For those who weren’t able to read my previous article about Embetsu Shrine , you might want to click this 👉 LINK 👈 to read about the history of the shrine. Regardless, here’s a summary of it. Embetsu Shrine - Embetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Embetsu Shrine ...
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Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu - Gifu

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Located in 8 Daibutsu-cho Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture, Shoboji ( 正法寺 )  is known as the temple which houses one of the three largest Daibutsu or Great Buddha statues in Japan . Shoboji   ( 正法寺 ) Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu History Officially named Kinpouzan Shobouji (Temple) and also called Shohoji , Shoboji was first established in 1638. It joined the Obaku school in 1692. Although the temple incorporated many aspects of the Obaku school, its architectural style and sacraments are in the Chinese style.  Shoboji - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Shoboji as seen from the road Buy your entrance ticket here. It's only 200 yen. Here's what appears to be a tsukubai but could also be a chozubachi or purification font As was already written, Shoboji houses one of the largest statues of Buddha in Japan. It was the 11th head priest of the temple, Ichyuu (Ichu) who planned for the construction of Gifu's Great Buddha in 1790. Sadly, he never saw the completed Bud...
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List of Festivals in the Philippines: April

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Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of  April ?   Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location:  Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details:  The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location:  Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details:  The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment.  Butanding Festival Location:  Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details:  The festival is celeb...
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Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

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Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised And...
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10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City

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10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City Asahikawa City ( 旭川市 ) is the second largest city in Hokkaido Prefecture. Its name came from the misinterpretation of the Ainu name for the Asahi River. The Ainu called it Chiu Pet , which means "River of Waves," but it was misinterpreted as Chup Pet , which means "Sun River," and therefore became known as Asahi River in Japanese. For those planning to visit Asahikawa City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City : Asahikawa Manhole Cover 1. Take a picture of Asahikawa’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole design not counting the special  Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover . Asahikawa Roadside Station 2. Visit  Asahikawa Roadside Station . You can buy souvenirs, eat authentic Asahikawa ramen, and also get the Asahikawa Roadside Station stamp for your stamp collection. As a bonus, you will also find the Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover featuring the Alolan Vulpix, Cubchoo, a...
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10 Things to Do in Abashiri City

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10 Things to Do in Abashiri City Abashiri ( 網走市 ) is a city in the Okhotsk Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . There are several ideas as to how the name 'Abashiri' came to be. It was believed to be derived from the Ainu language, like apa-siri which means leakage/ground, and ci-pa-sir  which translates to the land we discovered. For those planning to visit Abashiri City to check what it has to offer, here are the 1 0 Things to Do in Abashiri City : Abashiri manhole cover 1. Take a picture of Abashiri’s unique manhole cover . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common and can be seen around Abashiri City proper.  Abashiri Roadside Station / Road Station Ryuhyo-kaido Abashiri 2. Visit the  Abashiri Roadside Station  /  Road Station Ryuhyo-kaido Abashiri  ( 道の駅 流氷街道網走 ) and buy products that are made in the city. You can also get the roadside station stamp here for the Hokkaido Stamp rally booklet. Don’t forget to take photos of the Abashiri Po...
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