Ilocos Sur: Circling Jar at Burnayan

When in Ilocos Sur, one site that tourists must see next to the century old but well-kept Crisologo Street is the famous and inspiring "Burnayan" or the the city's Jar Factory. With an industry that goes as old as the whole province, Vigan's jar factory isn't just a must-see but rather a must-experience place here for it is ready to give everyone that unique and memorable Ilocos experience set to get the creative juices out of you.

It was during my second visit at Ilocos Sur that I finally had a chance to explore and enjoy the beauty they called "Burnayan". A place I somehow consider as the Jar Heaven, "Burnayan" is one Ilocos destination set to excite one's love for classic stuff and ignites one's creative blood through jar making.

The actual name of this jar factory is RG Jar Factory. It is a famous site in the city not just because it sells different clay pots and jars, but it also demonstrate how to do it and even give guests a chance to create their own jars.

Ilocos Sur: The St. Augustine Parish Church and Bantay Belfry

Travelling a little north from the famous city of Vigan lays another historic site one should see when visiting Ilocos Sur. A spot that will give its visitors a bird's eye view of the colorful Vigan City and its own town Bantay, St. Augustine Parish Church and its stunning belfry knows as Bantay Belfry was one of our first destinations upon reaching Ilocos Sur.

Housing the image of Our Lady of Charity, the Patroness of Ilocandia, St. Augustine Parish Church posses a maroon-like brick facade with the design elements of Neo-Grothic. The interior, on the other hand, has a mix of Pseudo-Romansque elements forming this series of arches leading everyone to the altar. The interior looks quite simple, which I personally think was done o purpose to give emphasis on the church structure.

Story behind this church comes with the image of Our Lady of Charity found floating in the Bantay River before it was found and brought to land by the local fisherman. Some other towns claim that the image was theirs but it was only the people from Bantay who was able to carry it leaving the other towns no choice but to let Bantay have it.