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.

Vote for Vigan City as New 7 Wonders - Cities!

The exciting and pushing-to-boundaries online search is on again - and this year, the organizers are in search for the most captivating and worth-seeing cities in the world through New 7 Wonders - Cities!

After our very own Puerto Princesa Underground River bagged one of the slots of the New 7 Wonders of Nature last 2012, Ilocos Sur's capital, Vigan City is now asking for support this year for them to be named as one of the New 7 Wonders - Cities in the world. 

Competing with equally stunning and colorful cities in the world, like Bangkok of Thailand, Beirut of Lebanon, Doha of Qatar, Istanbul of Turkey, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Mumbai of India, Perth of Australia, Seoul of South Korea, and Shenzen of China, Philippines' Vigan City keeps fighting for a slot in this renowned online world-wide competition.

Ilocos Sur: Vigan Cathedral and the Center of Vigan

Just like in any other towns in the country, and probably in most of the world, here in Vigan, the life of people revolve around their religion. Thus, most of the residential streets, like Calle Crisologo, lead to the town's main church, the Vigan Cathedral. A historic site that provides every visitor a quick background of the story behind Vigan, Vigan Cathedral has been my mouth-less storyteller that time.

Built in 1641, this church has been a part of the intriguing and colorful history of Vigan City since then. And one of the most intriguing story that involves Vigan Cathedral is the assassination of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo,  which took place right in front of the church's altar.

My fascination to this church started from the antique replicas of saint that were scattered all over the church. The interior of the church may look modern, but the Romanesque style was kept intact, which can give the town's visitors a unique experience.

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.

Ilocos Sur: The Street We All Love - Calle Crisologo

The last time I was here, I was with a group of friends who have a clear idea why they love Calle Crisologo. A street surrounded by ancestral houses that are still standing through the test of time, the cobblestone pavement that makes it more old and classy and the fixtures that speak nothing but culture and heritage - who wouldn't fall in love with Vigan, Ilocos Sur's Calle Crisologo, right? Well, on my second visit here, I didn't just rekindled my love to this world renowned site, I also made sure that I will have a lasting image of it in my mind that would make me wanna go back here ASAP.

On my first visit here, I can say that I somehow lived the Ilocano's lifestyle. Staying here for almost a week and living in one of the UNSECO World Heritage site, eating nothing but the famous and delicious Ilocano dishes like the Bagnet and the Vigan Longganisa, Vigan, specifically Calle Crisologo has never fail to tell me to know the importance of past to our lives.

Finding a nice and decent place to stay-in here is quite easy - thanks to their local tourism office who are really there helping guests always. Aside from the accommodation, the street is also filled with food nooks that are readily offering the city's best of the best dishes. Like the Cafe Leona, which became our favorite dining spot day in and day out during our recent trip here.

Ilocos Sur: An Overnight at The Cordillera Inn

Going to Vigan without any reservation during the months of July, August and September is actually the last thing any tourist should worry about. A top tourist spot with a diverse kind of accommodations - from the transient types to classy hotels - Vigan City, which serves as the heart of Ilocos Sur houses more of those accommodation that you could think of that comes with the distinct Ilocano flavor that you'll adore even more.

A top choice among tourists whose main concerns are budget and ambiance, The Cordillera Inn was our home during our visit to the historic, captivating and lovely City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. A convenient place located right along the cobble-stone street of Crisologo, The Cordillera Inn is a must-go-to place if you really wanna experience how it feels like to be living in an upper-class Ilocano-Vigan life.

With rooms fit for couples, family or even large group of friends, The Cordillera Inn shared to me and to four of my friends an astonishing and memorable Ilocandia experience that I would definitely love to feel again. And despite of being just a walk-in, we were welcomed by a remarkable Ilocano hospitality that added color and even flavor to our Northern Luzon escapade.