Summer Paradise

'Cause I remember every sunset
I remember every word you said
Tell me how to get back to
Back to summer paradise with you.

 - Lyrics from Summer Paradise by Simple Plan

Summer Heat is on! Few more days to go and it will be officially summer season here in the Philippines, which is why starting today, I'll feature some of the places that I have visited in the past that will surely be perfect choices for a memorable and exciting summer vacation with your family and friends. Top one on my list is :

VIGAN CITY: THE HERITAGE CITY OF THE NORTH

If you're a historic type of person and have great passion for antiquity, then Vigan City may be the ideal place for your summer escape. The city has been known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in view of the fact that the streets and infrastructures that were built during the Spanish era many centuries ago remains to be still integral up to the present time. Vigan is considered as the best-preserved example of Spanish colonial town in Asia. The city is located at the heart of Ilocos Sur on the west coast of Northern Luzon. If you happen to travel from Manila ,there are buses that ply Manila-Vigan and vice versa. The trip would take about 7-8 hours since it is about 400 kilometers away from Manila. Travelers could also reach Vigan through aircrafts. You just have to take flights from Manila to Laoag and then travel for about 1-2 hours to Vigan either by bus or by private vehicles. 

The famous Calle Crisologo. This street is well-preserved and motor vehicles are not allowed to pass by, only Calesas.

The night streets of Vigan

CALLE CRISOLOGO

If you want to experience the Spanish era lifestyle, tour the streets of Vigan by riding on one of the Calesas.

Vigan offers many places to stay for tourists. Ancestral houses have been turned into quaint hotels and inn and I must say that the rates are affordable and budget-friendly.

Ilocanos are also famous for their LONGGANISA. Honestly, I don't eat longganisa ever since I was young, but when I tried this LONGSILOG (a combination for Longganisa and Itlog or egg)  for our breakfast, the taste was really different. Tourists shouldn't try to miss this kind of food trip experience.

THE FAMOUS VIGAN DELICACIES.
(Cassava cake - Upper Left, Tayupon- Upper Right, Kalamay - Lower Left & Chichacorn)

Aside from museums and ancestral houses, travelers should also try pottery making. We were lucky to have the chance to converse with the pot-makers and they gave us tips on how they mold those high-quality pots perfectly. It's just a matter of rhythm and hand talent as what one of the potters commented.

Even though we only have a limited stay there in Vigan, it was a fun-filled experience to get back to the Spanish colonial times. Walking along the old streets of the city made us feel like we're time machined back to the Spanish colonization era here in the Philippines. Vigan is indeed worthy to be called the Heritage City of the North. With its rich culture, friendly and accommodating people, tourists will surely treasure their memories in this place. 

Since this was my first time in Vigan it was really a dream come true for me. Before, I used to daydream as I flip through the pages of  magazines and history books that someday I would visit this magnificent place. Thanks to my lovely mother for this summer vacation gift. Vacation has never been this fun until I visited VIGAN! xoxo

To know more about Vigan, just visit their official webpage: www.vigancity.gov.ph/