subject: Be Gone to Vigan! Experience Sensory Overload in the Province of Vigan [print this page] Be Gone to Vigan! Experience Sensory Overload in the Province of Vigan
Tucked away from the rest of the mainland region by three mighty rivers - the great Abra River, the Mestizo River and the Govantes River, Vigan is the only surviving historic city in the country that survived from 15th century Spanish colonial period up until today. Now, generations after the Spanish invasion, Vigan remains in the top of the list of most travelers, be it native Filipinos or foreign visitors.
But there is more to Vigan than its historic charm, and well preserved historical sites. Vigan has grown a following through its unique and rustic cuisine consisting of its iconic empanada, longganisa and kankanen or native rice cakes. Foodtrippers are encouraged to try all these Ilocano foods that are sweet, sour or salty. However, these foods are not limited to restaurants, hotels and resorts; a true traveler knows that in order to eat the authentic cuisine of the province, one must dabble into the streets.
Plaza Burgos is the place to get lost if you want to experience authentic Ilocano cuisine. It is where you can find samples of arroz caldo or chicken porridge, pancit Vigan or soupy miki noodles and okoy or deep fried shrimps mixed with flour and eggs. These foods, albeit not entirely original except for the Pancit Vigan, to the province is cooked the authentic Ilocano way: rich, satisfying and filling to the soul.
Just like its nearby province, Baguio City, Vigan is teeming with arts and culture. During the month of May, the entire province celebrates the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts. The festival was first established as an awareness campaign regarding the value of the historic town. In years time, it proved to be effective since Vigan earned the nod to be one of the preserved World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
You can experience the weeklong Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts by travelling 8-9 hours straight from the crazy cityscape of Manila to Vigan. However, you can now fly to Vigan via SEAIR every Friday and Sunday! SEAIR is the first to tap the sleeping asset of having an airline serve passengers to and fro the northern province.
