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Travel

5 Things to Do In Vigan

Last year, for our 18th anniversary, Nino and I wanted to take a road trip. 

Making the decision to go to Vigan was easy. Nino and I figured that we could take a long road trip of this caliber because it would just be the two of us. Traveling this far without stopping is much easier without the kids, and since it was our anniversary we wanted to try something new but do something with some Filipino history as well.

If you research all the different sights to visit while in Vigan, you will surely see that there is a long list of things to see.

We tried to make use of the good weather, when the sun was shining, but the weather didn’t always cooperate with us. Even if there were some showers, we didn’t let that stop us…

“VIGAN is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in that it is one of the few towns left in the Philippines whose old structures have mostly remained intact, and it is well known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture of the Philippine colonial era which fuses Native Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, with colonial Spanish architecture. Former Philippine president Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines, was born in Vigan, at the former location of the Provincial Jail (his father was a warden); he resided in the Syquia Mansion.” -Wikipedia

Here are some of the places we visited last year in Vigan:

Calle Crisologo 

 

#crisologostreet #vigan #ilocossur #SharePH #travel #itsmorefuninthephilippines #pinoytraveler #mommanmanila #manilagent

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Aug 8, 2016 at 10:00pm PDT

I have a confession.

I probably asked Nino to take 10,000 photos of me in different places all up and down this road.

It’s perfect for IG. Perfect for OOTD’s.

Perfect for shoefies, and so much more.

But the history behind this little street is even more interesting than the pockets of IG worthy photos.

Bantay Bell Tower

 

The Bell Tower in #Vigan was built in 1591. It served as a lookout for the Spanish settlers, so it was actually set a bit further from the church and on the highest point so it was easy for the watchman to see far and wide. • • • #SharePH #IlocosSur #pinoytravel #travel #itsmorefuninthephilippines #pinoyhistory #instagood #instamood #instafun #pinas #manilagent #mommanmanila

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Aug 9, 2016 at 10:38pm PDT

This Bell Tower is right beside the St. Augustine Church. As with many of the churches that were established during the Spanish colonization, they were always built on higher ground. This means that the towers, be it the belfry, attached to the churches or not, were often built in a way so that the Spanish friars could get a lay of the land (and any possible attacks) when traversing to the top.

The Bell Tower is just a short kalesa ride from the main square and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Nino and I visited the Bell Tower on the same day that we arrived, together with quite a few other local sights. It was easy to move from place to place via kalesa.

In fact, I liked the idea of traveling by kalesa because of the novelty…

Crisologo Museum

Floro S. Crisologo was the patriarch of the clan and a congressman. He not only made life better for his constituents in Vigan, he also bettered the country with laws that provided education, and he helped establish the Social Security System.

Entrance to the museum is free and once inside visitors can view antiques, memorabilia, and other prized possessions such as cars, kalesas, his wedding carriage, and his clothing. 

Pagburnayan

This was a super simple stop on our list of things to see, but it was totally worth it. We picked up affordable pots for small plants, and some fun small pots for the kitchen, that I now use for my salt and pepper pots when cooking our meals.

Ilocos Weaving Houses

 

Step one in weaving traditional garments. The pattern for the cloth is set when the threads are laid out and coupled together. This bunch is then tied together before being put on the loom. • • • #Vigan #ilocossur #cristysweaving #tradition #pinoy #pinas #pinoytravel #instatravel #instamood #instagood #traveler #looming #SharePH #mommanmanila #manilagent #instagood #latergram #itsmorefuninthephilippines

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Aug 10, 2016 at 7:35pm PDT

There are a few different weaving houses you can visit if you have the pleasure of visiting this area. I love their simple blankets (most often I end up buying white) that are light enough to use here in the Philippines as a bed cover, and heavy enough to keep warm during spring or fall if you live in an area with four seasons.

Two of the most popular places to visit for these traditionally woven blankets, placemats, and table runners are:

Cristy’s Loomweaving

and

Rowilda’s Loomweaving

There are quite a few other items that were on our list to visit, but since we only had a few days to explore Vigan and the surrounding areas, I figured that we could focus on some of the museums, and of course some of the great places to eat. 

If Vigan is on your bucket list of places to visit in the Philippines, I would definitely make sure to visit at least these 5 places not just for the photo opportunities, but for the rich culture that embodies how Pinoys bringlove and life into everything they do. 

Actually, I would love to go back to this area again, and explore some of the other places with the kids. 

Hmmmm, now, when can we plan a little get away?

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@alabangtowncenter is capping off the summer seaso @alabangtowncenter is capping off the summer season with  up to 70% off through a 10 day sale in over 100 stores, mall wide. Painting The Town Red will have up to Php100k worth of daily prizes too! 

But if you  visit  this weekend and spend Php 5000 or more (single or accumulated receipts) you can try out the #HumanClaw and win gift certificates to shop, toys, and fun and useful treats! 

Download the Zing app you can enjoy even deeper discounts too!

@migaventajado was such a good sport and was happy that he took home gift certificates for Php1000 each from @themetrostores.ph AND @rustansph!!
Do you? Gelli doesn’t. 😜 Join me on Tuesday Do you?

Gelli doesn’t. 😜

Join me on Tuesday at 4pm for another episode of @kitchen143 where we dive into another conversation about preparing our kids and families for hybrid and face to face school.

@kitchen143 
@rappler 

We will also be partnering with quite a few brands that will make #BackToSchool just a little easier:
@uvcareph 
 @themayakitchen1 
 @brightbrands.ph 
@yumboxph 
@candishhhbakes 
@thesysufoodhub 
@claraoleph 
@treetopjuice.ph 
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Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta by @gi.aventajado last Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta by @gi.aventajado  last night for dinner. I loved that every time I bit the rigatoni, it was cream filled!

Will be sharing this recipe on @kitchen143 soon! 

#recipe #diy #cookingathome #cooking #homecooking #delicious #yummy #yummyph #yum #letseat #teamgellibean #fresh #itswhatsfordinner #dinner #meatlessmonday
How did you get so big, @gelliaventajado? You hav How did you get so big, @gelliaventajado?

You have given me so many gifts through your extra chromosome. As your 11th birthday draws nearer, I’m thinking of ways we can celebrate with you. I’m counting my blessings because you chose me as your momma. 

#gellibean #theluckyfew #t21 #downsyndromeawareness #downsyndromelove #downsyndromeawarenessmonth #ndss #upsyndrome #aintnothingdownaboutit
I always love getting together with like minded pe I always love getting together with like minded people. @akiko.guevara is not only the Chairwoman of the Board of @specialolympicspilipinas, she is also a stakeholder. She is a #halfie like me and has strong roots both here in the Philippines and in the U.S. 

@ericsonperezj also grew up in the states, graduated with a teaching degree, (like me) and is the Headmaster of @thevanguardacademyph. He is a pillar in the community and a good friend. He has believed in @bestbuddies_ph from the beginning, and has always supported our initiatives.

L👀k out for something fun coming soon! I’m excited to come together for the sake of #inclusion. 

#inclusionmatters #bestbuddiesph #specialolympicspilipinas #thevanguardacademyph
We are still figuring out and solidifying our morn We are still figuring out and solidifying our morning routines as we send some of the kids off to school and log on with some of the kids to zoom.

Some days we are super early and some days we are chasing time. The beauty in this, is that while we are figuring things out, we are working with the kids to assess and adjust as we go along. It’s a great lesson on going with the flow.

How about you guys? 
How’s back to school for you?

Join us in the conversation with @carolatmanila @kayecatral @gellinamaala.md 

@uvcareph 
@themayakitchen1 
@brightbrands.ph 
@yumboxph 
@candishhhbakes 
@thesysufoodhub 
@claraoleph 
@treetopjuice.ph 
@smuckers.ph 
@jifphilippines 
@berrysdeliph
Happy to be preparing meals for my parents. Someti Happy to be preparing meals for my parents. Sometimes lunch is simple with meat and @realcaliforniamilkphl cheese, with crusty bread and a big bowl of soup. 

Simple. Easy to prepare. Comfort.
Lunch for the big girl and snack for the little gi Lunch for the big girl and snack for the little girl. @yumboxph Presto is a bigger container for bigger appetites. It’s sustainable. Easy to pack and easy to clean. #Yumbox Snack Box for the little girl is the perfect size for a 4 hr day at school. 

#WhatsInMyYumbox

@unileverfoodsolutions_ph Not Chicken Burger, breaded and fried like Katsu. White Rice. Pickled Radish. @tasteaustraliaph Premium Produce 🍊Shredded Lettuce and roasted sesame dressing because I ran out of cabbage. 

Little girl got the same but she loves #NaturesCandy and gets @california.raisins.asean and @welchs_ph to help boost immunity too.
Swipe left to see how far we have come in a year. Swipe left to see how far we have come in a year. #AlwaysLearning 

@kitchen143 
@rappler 
@seamoraone
Last week’s episode episode was so informative a Last week’s episode episode was so informative and full of different ways we can prepare our kiddos for hybrid and face to face school.

What else do you want to chat about as we settle into the new school year? Join us next Tuesday at 4pm for another conversation in @kitchen143.

Special thanks to our partners for this upcoming episode:

@uvcareph
@themayakitchen1
@brightbrands.ph
@yumboxph
@candishhhbakes
@thesysufoodhub
@claraoleph
@treetopjuice.ph
@smuckers.ph
@jifphilippines
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