Exploring Ilocos Region

Calle Crisologo, Vigan Ilocos Sur

Region I is also known as Ilocos Region where we can find historical places like Calle Crisologo, different Churches and museums of the old people. It is known for its Calle Crisologo where Spanish style house, if you wants to experience the Philippine Spanish colonial time, a walk or a calesa ride through Vigan’s Calle Crisologo or Mena Crisologo Street is a must.

The houses are simple but lovely subjects ready for picture-perfect shots with their roofs of red tiles, thick walls, huge doors and stair cases leading to rooms of high ceilings and sliding capiz shell windows. Visitors can admire more closely the architecture and intricate craftsmanship employed in the grill and wood works when they step inside some of the houses that have been turned into stores and museums. They can even experience staying in a heritage house during their visit as some have been converted into inns.

At the sides of calle crisologo there's a lot of vendors selling souvenirs and products like food, bags, slippers and many more for pasalubong. Since it is closed to vehicular traffic at any time of the day, the stillness and shadows that come with the night adds more to the 18th century ambiance of the lamp-lit street that local and foreign visitors love. Couples can take advantage of this romantic atmosphere by having dinner in one of the old houses that has been converted to a restaurant, like Café Leona, before or after their walk.

For those who want to know something about the person the street is named after, Mena Pecson Crisologo is among the most-respected sons of the Ilokos region. He wrote Mining wenno Ayat ti Kararwa, which many compare to Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere; an Ilocano translation of Don Quixote entitled Don Calixtofaro de la Kota Caballero de la Luna; and a zarzuela entitled Codigo Municipal.

Getting Around:

To get to other municipalities, towns or nearby provinces, you can choose from a variety of public transportation - buses, mini-buses or jeepneys.

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• Tricycle

These local taxis are widely available around the province. For just a minimal cost, you can reach nearby destinations or even hire them further as you please. Basically, the minimum fare per passenger is PhP 8.00.

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• Calesa

This centuries-old horse-drawn carriage is indeed a popular icon in Ilocos Sur. Foreigners and local tourists make it a point to traverse the streets of Vigan and nearby towns through the calesa. Ride on and feel the aura of the past!

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• Jeepney

This is a customized army jeep which was left by the Americans during the Second World War. Resized, remodeled, and shined, this multi-purpose vehicle is can accommodate from 20 to 30 passengers which takes them to other municipalities and cities in Ilocos Sur. It is also a famous symbol for the Philippines, known for its artistic designs, colors and horn sounds.

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• Mini-bus

If you want to reach a nearby town a little bit faster than the jeepney, then take the mini-bus. Most are not air-conditioned (although there are already some which are) since various cargoes especially market goods and almost all people from all walks of life ride on them.

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• Rent-a-van

If you wish to drive on your own in exploring Ilocos Sur, there is good list of accredited van or car owners which offer car rental services. The option of hiring a driver (probably the vehicle owner at that) is also available. Please inquire at the Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center for more details.



RELATED PHOTOS:

Walking trip at Calle Crisologo at 4-6 pm in the evening is the best and peaceful place at Ilocos Sur. The place shows us the old sceneries that they have in the past. At the both sides of the streets you will see the vendors selling products for pasalubong and souvenirs.

Kalesa ride experience is the best because you will see the best of Ilocos the way they work harder for their families and it is one of the best attractions that Ilocos Sur has. They have approachable and kind "kuchero", they called the drivers of the calesa kuchero, for your information :)

 It is one of the best attraction that the Ilocos Norte has, they called this activity as Sandunes Experience that located in Paoay Ilocos Norte. They have so many activities like you can ride at the sands or dessert style and you can take photos while riding. For me, you will experience this kind of adventure when you go with this activity so that your stay in Ilocos will be worth it.

 This is at the top, you can take pictures as many as you want. Your stay at Ilocos will be the best experience because as you can see in the picture we enjoyed, have fun and adventure but it will be the best if you go here with your family and friends or even your loveone.

Another single photo that I have here. They have the best view while the sun is to high for us to enjoy. I believe that the "the tans will fade but the memories will last forever", I believe in that motto because it is true. Enjoy, be happy and having fun is the best! Come and visit Ilocos Region!!

Bangui Windmills farm, they have so many windmills to support their own electricity. They have unique supply of electricity there. They do not pay bills because of the solar panels and by the help also of Windmills. It is located at Ilocos Norte and it can be the best spot also in visiting Ilocos Region. Our money, time and tired body is so worth it as I can say.