GLANCE IN THE PAST IN VIGAN

We are not makers of history. We are made by history.

Every time we hear the word Vigan first thought that comes in our mind is about old architectures and old transportations. But, it's not just a mere old city with old architectures and old transportation, it is more than that, it is a city with soul. It's a place where we are able to see a historical figures and museums. In addition, we are able to experience the calesa ride which is the way of transportation in the past. In Vigan, we are able to witness a unique kind of historical experience and able to HAVE A GLANCE IN THE PAST! 

Calesa in Vigan

Vigan was established during the Spanish regime or 16th century. It's best to describe as the best-preserved example of Spanish colonial town. Its architectures are influenced by the cultural elements of the Philippines and by the different cultural elements from China, Mexico, and Spain. 

Vigan is quite unique from any other historical places because of having preserved its Spanish character particularly it's grid-like street pattern and the layout of the streets. What make it even unique is the different architectural influences that results into a unique city.

Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo in afternoon view

In Calle Crisologo also known as Mena Crisologo Street, you are able to have a glance on the ancestral homes during the Spanish colonial era. 

The houses there are simple yet it's a very beautiful background for an instagrammable pictures. It was made up of very thick red brick walls, very wide doors, and sliding capiz window which were owned by a prominent and respected family in the past.

At present, those houses are now souvenir shops where the local products of Ilocanos can also be bought. These is street was also the main route of calesa tour.

St. Paul Cathedral

St. Paul Cathedral

St. Paul Cathedral was established during the Spanish colonial era. It was the major religious destinations for ilocanos and became the center of their religious faith. The said church was established by Juan de Salcedo, who was the founder of Vigan. He ordered to build this church and completed in 1574.

The status of the church became a cathedral when the seat of Nueva Segovia was transferred in Vigan. In 1786, Governor Jose de Basco ordered for the renovation of the cathedral and was modified by Ilocanos and make it more stronger so that it will not be destroy by the calamities. 

The complete structure we seen today was completed in 1800. 

This cathedral is another historical architecture that truly reflects the Ilocanos' strong devotion and faith to God. It also portrays the strong influence of Spaniards in our locality. 

In St. Paul Cathedral, we are able to have a glance on the different architectural designs from different countries especially Spanish.
  

Leona Florentino House

Leona Florentino House

It was the place where the Mother of Ilocano Literature, Leona Florentino home. It was also the first historical place that greet the visitors having an adventure in Vigan. The building is now a restaurant  named Cafe Leona where we can taste the ilocano dishes with italian inspired foods. The best seller is the pinakbet pizza.

Leona Florentino Monument

The Leona Florentino House is indeed a great destination to bring back the memory of the best woman writer in the Spanish era, Leona Florentino. She is the mother of the person behind the Aglipayan church and made known by his skills in literature.

Reflection

Ang nakaraan ay nararapat lang na balik balikan at bigyang kahalagahan sapagkat kung ano tayo ngayon ay laging nag-ugat sa kung ano tayo noon. Ang nakaraan ang naging pundasyon ng kung anong ginhawa ang meron ang lugar natin ngayon. Ang pagbabalik tanaw sa nakalipas ay nararapat para mas magkaroon pa ng mas malalim na pagkakaintindi sa nakaaran. Kaya atin ng tuklasin ang ganda ng nakaraan. Together, lets have a GLANCE IN THE PAST!