"Live with the people of Vigan and love them. From there, you will learn that there are just culture and traditions that can not be explained in words and can not be showcased in festivals that you have to actually experience it for a considerable length of time for you to understand."

After the success of the New7Wonders of the Modern World, and the New7Wonders of Nature where our very own Puerto Princesa underground river (PPUR) was included, another campaign is being held by the same non-profit organization to choose the New7Wonders Cities and Vigan is nominated for the current phase of that search.

[VIGAN] This is probably, the Philippines' most photographed street, I surmise

[VIGAN] Calle Crisologo at night


Allow me to convince you why you should vote for Vigan to be one of the new7wonders cities.

Vigan is the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur and it is the only World Heritage city in the Philippines. Vigan is the home of well-preserved colonial houses with extent that can never be seen anywhere else in the Philippines.

According to the decision of UNESCO, Vigan represents a unique fusion of Asian building design and construction with European colonial architecture and planning.

Vigan is also an exceptionally intact and well-preserved example of a European trading town in East and South-East Asia.

[VIGAN] Calesa along Burgos Street


In Vigan, century-old transportation system remains in use -- the calesa, a horse-drawn carriage.

While some other places in the world use calesa for touristy purposes, in Vigan, the use of this old way of commuting is both for tourists and the residents.

Calesa is still being used by the residents in going to certain parts of the city. For example, in front of the University of Northern Philippines, there is actually a part where these calesas fall in line for passengers.

Of course, like a famous bus line, usually they are "fully-booked" because the riding public makes calesa the priority, ignoring tricycles and jeepneys. Since they are limited, they can not accommodate all the commuters so usually getting a calesa ride is by chance.

[VIGAN] A Horse + Belfry


Although a calesa ride is a way of commuting in Vigan, many kutseros now choose to be with the tourists because they earn more penny from this industry.

Vigan is the home of cultural activities and festivities. On January, Vigan celebrates her fiesta with the Longganisa Festival. Longganisa is an OTOP (one town one product) of Vigan, a very delicious sausage you should not miss.

[VIGAN] Longganisa Festival happens every January


At February, Kannawidan Ylocos Festival takes off. It showcases the different culture and traditions of the province of Ilocos Sur.

During April, Vigan becomes a crowded city because it is the peak season for the arrival of tourists and visitors. April is the Semana Santa and Vigan celebrates the Holy Week extensively and deeply. Do try to visit Vigan during the whole Holy Week and you'll know what I mean.

[VIGAN] Semana Santa scene in this city

[VIGAN] Boklan Arts Festival

[VIGAN] Calesa Parade in the City


May is a month for arts because Vigan celebrates the Boklan Arts Festival, Karbo Festival, Pasagad DressingCalesa Parade, Binatbatan Festival, Bankathon and many more! It is an activity-filled month composed of many festivals under one mother festival which is the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts.

During September, Vigan joins other heritage cities in the world in celebrating the World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day. It is a week-long celebration that showcases the rich history and culture of Vigan.

[VIGAN] Binatbatan Festival

[VIGAN] Bankathon: a boat race in Vigan's fishing community

[VIGAN] Pasagad Dressing

[VIGAN] Carabao as canvass


November is the month for the Vigan Raniag Twilight Festival it is another week-long celebration that is being celebrated in the darkness of the night. It happens during Halloween. It gives you a reason to enjoy the All Soul's Day. Every night, colorful lights make the Vigan streets brighter through float and costume parades including the candle-lighting at the Meztizo River.

[VIGAN] Mestizo River in Vigan

[VIGAN] Candle-lit Mestizo River on a Halloween

[VIGAN] Float Parade during the Raniag Twilight Festival


During December, Vigan celebrates the Christmas Lantern Parade. Although the city has many festivals and activities, it is not still enough to showcase the rich culture of the city and the only way to learn about it is to be a citizen of Vigan.

Live with the people of Vigan and love them. From there, you will learn that there are just culture and traditions that can not be explained in words and can not be showcased in festivals that you have to actually experience it for a considerable length of time for you to understand. That what makes Vigan unique.

[VIGAN] Central Business District: Notice the building designs

[VIGAN] Calle Crisologo

[VIGAN] A fisherman of Vigan's coastal communities

[VIGAN] St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral


Through the New7Wonders Cities campaign, I want more people to experience the culture and charm of Vigan, taste food you've never tasted before like the bagnet, empanada, pipian, miki, kaskaron, sinanglao, papaitan, dinardaraan, poqui-poqui, dinengdeng (diningding), pinakbet, toron, tinudok, tinubong, and many more!

To be able to realize this endeavour, being chosen as a new 7 wonder city will give this small city a chance to prove that size doesn't matter.

To vote for Vigan city, click here. /end

Vigan #TownExploration Series

Map showing the Location of Vigan

Click map to view latest articles covering Ilocos Sur


MORE POSTS FROM THIS CATEGORY: *SOCIETY*

[IFUGAO] Giving the Children of Ifugao a Bright Future

TEASER: "If the smile of your crush or your loved one can make your day complete, I would say a helping hand that will make the children of the rice terraces to continually smile will mean a lot."

[PANGASINAN] Flesh-Eating Disease: Of Prophecy, Hypocrisy & Politics

TEASER: "...though media are very entertaining and informative, our role is to become critical thinkers."/span>

Tags: Vigan for New7wonders cities | Candidates for new 7 wonders cities | Philippine cities neew seven wonders
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EDMAR GUQUIB y DEL CASTILLO

Born and Raised in Vigan, Philippines. Hardcore Ilocano-Cordilleran. Professional Nurse on Weekdays. Coffee Addict. Travel Blogger in Between. For collaboration or partnership, email your business proposal at admin@edmaration.com.

Post A Comment:

46 comments:

  1. I prefer Vigan instead of my very own Cebu. Vigan is classic yet modern. And I've been longing to visit the place soon.

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  2. @itin. Wow!! Thanks!!! Cebu is indeed a good place also but I was thinking, Cebu is already a queen and has gone far. It is already known globally, pwede balato nalang siya sa Vigan ang title. hahahah!! Anyway, the people has the power to decide and as of now, all I can do is to campaign. :)

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  3. Nah, Cebu is becoming like Manila. The natural and man-made beauty we have will soon fade if we keep on sucking this type of government.

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  4. ^^ Sad to hear that :(.. Anyway, I Hope that the remaining heritage of Cebu will be taken care of. Yan ang edge ng Vigan, both the tangible and intangible heritage and culture are well-preserved. Cebu now is becoming a bustling metropolis with mixed people na. So halohalo na ang culture, anyway, I believe some traditions are well-kept.

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  5. Vigan is such a charming city! I've been here twice but wasn't able to explore it fully. Hope the city makes it on the list.

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  6. I really hope so Ms Gay. Sana nga no hehe. Thanks!

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  7. one of the finest place here in our country, thanks

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  8. I love Vigan especially Bagnet!!!! Vigan has this old charm. Please swing by my page too!

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  9. Wow!! I'm an Ilocano and my ancestors lives in San Juan Ilocos Sur which is actually 2-3hrs away from Vigan. I so love this place!! I hope Vigan will make it to the 7 wonders of the world. I'm so excited. I've voted for Vigan, of course. Haha! I want this to be in my page too. You have the PR?

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  10. Been here in Vigan, we had a nice time visiting museums and churches. And of course eating the famous empanada just near the plaza., hehe

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  11. Traveler on a Shoestring on March 31, 2012 1:02 AM said...

    I love Vigan especially Bagnet!!!! Vigan has this old charm. Please swing by my page too!
    March 31, 2012 1:02 AM

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    I always crave for Bagnet!

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  12. Say It, Nessie on March 31, 2012 1:08 AM said...

    Wow!! I'm an Ilocano and my ancestors lives in San Juan Ilocos Sur which is actually 2-3hrs away from Vigan. I so love this place!! I hope Vigan will make it to the 7 wonders of the world. I'm so excited. I've voted for Vigan, of course. Haha! I want this to be in my page too. You have the PR?

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    Thanks for voting! Glad to know you are an Ilocana Nessie, btw, what is PR? I'm igno hahah!!!

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  13. the architecture still amazes me @_@

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  14. i am planning to go to Vigan after then, i will include this city in my nominations.. ;) for now, am rooting for Vis-Min cities.. bias? not so!LOL!

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  15. viiiggaann!!! totally one on my travel list! :) probably next year coz my travel itinerary is already full this year! hehe :)

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  16. Oh my! we will be in Tuguegarao next weekend! I hope to visit this side of the North too! :)
    - Sionee

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  17. athena on March 31, 2012 5:55 AM said...

    the architecture still amazes me @_@

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    Athena, it's the charm that never ceases :)

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  18. Stefanie Laya Uy on March 31, 2012 8:37 AM said...

    viiiggaann!!! totally one on my travel list! :) probably next year coz my travel itinerary is already full this year! hehe :)

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    Stef, will be looking forward for your Vigan blog posts!

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  19. kindlehearts.com on March 31, 2012 8:49 AM said...

    Oh my! we will be in Tuguegarao next weekend! I hope to visit this side of the North too! :)
    - Sionee

    Oh my! we will be in Tuguegarao next weekend! I hope to visit this side of the North too! :)
    - Sionee

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    Sionee, wow Tugue! still be going there.

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  20. Another soon to be world wonder, wow! Ang galing talaga ng Pinas! Great shots, makes me even more excited to be there soon! :)

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  21. Roj, yup, hope to see you someday along the road!

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  22. WHEW, 1 day im gonna be in these places!

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  23. I am going to campaign for Vigan. I love the place so much. Definitely rich in culture and heritage. :)

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  24. Vigan is such a very historic place. :)

    http://geekyloves.com/

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  25. As a Filipino. I'd vote for Vigan to be on the list. This is another reason why we should be proud of our race. Let's hope that Vigan will make it to the wonder cities of the world. This will surely boos tourism industry in our country.

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  26. ang ganda talaga ng vigan... support Filipinos. Yahweh bless.

    http://trunklocker.blogspot.com/2012/03/foreigners-in-singapore-fourth-day-ride.html

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  27. I've always wanted to go there! Looks really beautiful

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  28. good for you that you hail from this city!
    I've always wanted to visit Vigan and photograph the famous streets!
    Plans on the way though!
    Good to know we have a member of PTB that hails in Vigan!

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  29. ^^ My pleasure to be a part of that Group Francis...

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  30. ang ganda talaga ng vigan... support Filipinos. Yahweh bless.
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    Thanks sa support Ralph!

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  31. Dianne on April 1, 2012 12:21 AM said...

    Vigan is such a very historic place. :)

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    Indeed, please pay a visit Dianne someday

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  32. myiconicworld on April 1, 2012 11:21 AM said...

    I've always wanted to go there! Looks really beautiful

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    Yep, you have to see it in your own eyes :)

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  33. Pinoy Tech Blog on April 1, 2012 7:06 PM said...

    My pleasure to vote for Vigan. :)

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    Thanks for spreading some love!

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  34. Vigan will always have a stunning beauty. Very historical and nothing compares to this place!

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  35. Di ko pa nasilayan ang vintage houses sa Vigan. More reason for me to visit, brag to the whole world and most especially vote for it. hehe

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  36. YANI on April 3, 2012 3:04 AM said...
    Vigan will always have a stunning beauty. Very historical and nothing compares to this place!

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    You just described it well Yani :)

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  37. markpogi on April 3, 2012 4:24 PM said...
    You got my support man! ^_^

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    Oh yeah! Salamat!

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  38. Elal Jane Lasola on April 3, 2012 3:12 PM said...

    Di ko pa nasilayan ang vintage houses sa Vigan. More reason for me to visit, brag to the whole world and most especially vote for it. hehe

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    Correct Elal! Hope it will succeed!

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  39. What a wonderful post awakening all the senses!

    You made me homesick for Vigan, and I have not been there (yet!)!

    It's one of the places I would love to share with my family, all our three daughters were born and raised here in Europe but they are very curious to get to know the birthland of their mother.

    After reading this blog, I feel like spending not one Summer holiday but a year long stay in Vigan.

    You are indeed lucky to be living there and enjoying the beauty of the place and people of Vigan.

    It's not only because I am Filipino,that I am voting for Vigan but reading your passionate words are enough to convince even those who are not a Filipino!

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  40. Thanks a lot Joanna, this is just one of the ways I know to campaign for this city :) Thanks for the support!

    ReplyDelete

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