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