It was April when I decided to visit Mark, the 5th among my 6 siblings, who then stayed in Ilocos Sur at that time. With me were my Mom, my youngest brother Mike & cousin Mon. We rode an airconditioned bus (Victory Liner) from Manila & traveled for about 8 hours to Vigan - the capital city of Ilocos Sur. We were fetched by Mark at the bus terminal then took us to Larae's residence in Magsingal where we stayed.
Ilocos Sur, Philippines is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bordered by Ilocos Norte to the north, Abra to the northeast, Mountain Province to the east, Benguet to the southeast, La Union to the south, and the China Sea to the west.
Inset is the Magsingal Bell Tower
After the whole day activities, we went back to Magsingal. We rested a bit, dined and went back to Manila.
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| Ilocos Sur by: Hope Olano |
Sunset in Pagsanaan Beach, Magsingal Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Ilocos Sur, Philippines is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bordered by Ilocos Norte to the north, Abra to the northeast, Mountain Province to the east, Benguet to the southeast, La Union to the south, and the China Sea to the west.
The climate is generally dry as defined by the Hernandez Climate Classification—the dry months are from October to May. However, the southernmost portion, Cervantes, is humid and rain is evenly distributed throughout the year while the eastern part of Sugpon is drier. August has the most rainfall while January and February have the least. The mean temperature in the province is 27 degrees C. January is the coldest.
GETTING THERE:
Ilocos Sur is reachable through various transport vehicles from Manila and from other nearby Philippine locations.
Ilocos Sur is 2 hours away from Laoag International Airport .
From Manila: Estimated Time Travel (ETT) is 8 hours.
(Range from ordinary, first class - air conditioned, up to cozy deluxe types)
(See Victory Liner Scheduled Trips)
(Via Cebu Pacific Air from Manila to Laoag International Airport v.v.)
(Via Cebu Pacific Air from Manila to Laoag International Airport v.v.)
- Car Rentals - See Rates.
(Most available at the International Airport)
- Private Utility Vehicles
GETTING AROUND
MEANS OF TRANSPORT- Centuries-old horse-drawn carriage or Calesa is indeed a popular icon in Ilocos Sur (Php150/Hour)
- Tricyle
Day 1
Exploring Ilocos Sur Streets
Under the Balete Tree At Magsingal
Visiting Magsingal Branch Museum or Museum of Ilocano Culture and Artifacts
- Displays a collection on the material culture and liturgical artifacts of the entire Ilocos Region.
- National Highway, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur (beside the Catholic Church).
- Admission is free.
DAY 2
Pagsanaan Beach
Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
Mon, Me & Mike
After beach bumming, we went back to Larae's place, had a fine dinner then went to sleep.
DAY 3
HERITAGE VILLAGE (The Mestizo District)
Old Vigan Colonial Houses – ancestral houses are mostly built in this place by rich Chinese traders. These great big houses are made of thick brick walls and plastering with red clay. Tile roofs are made to survive earthquakes. The Mestizo district where more than a hundred houses line side by side along Calle Crisologo.
An 1800 Look Photo souvenir at Heritage Village
(Mark, Mike, Me & Mon)
(Mark, Mike, Me & Mon)
On Our Way to Baluarte
BALUARTE
(Governor Chavit Singson's Place)
Features a Zoo. Entrance is free. The people will surely love it!
The Tigers!
Free Riding!
Butterfly Garden In Baluarte
VIGAN CITY
Archbishop Palace & Museum
Archbishop Palace & Museum
The Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia - the only surviving 18th century arzobispado and the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia and the former headquarters of the first Philippine President General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1889 still stands today across the equally historic Plaza Salcedo. The Arzobispado charges Php20 per person as entrance fees.
Cafe Florentino - Dining Point
PLAZA SALCEDO
Vigan City
Plaza Salcedo features the 17th century Juan de Salcedo monument, the oldest of in the entire Northern Luzon.Vigan City
Ilocos Sur Capitol
PAGBURNAYAN
(Jar - Making Factory)
A must-see & A must-stop for pottery enthusiasts
located in Barangay Camangaan.
(Jar - Making Factory)
A must-see & A must-stop for pottery enthusiasts
located in Barangay Camangaan.
During the brief time we were there, I had seen beautiful sights which I thought I will be just seeing in a foreign land or in a classical film. It was as if I lived in the year of the old times with the heroes back then.
I much loved the delicate living there because it's simple & far from hazards.
I felt the soul of the spitting Filipino culture & traditions in the every corner & street of Ilocos Sur which until now has been lived by the locals.
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