We Are Family

We discovered that there is no better way to see Vigan than to have a tour while riding on one of their calesas. A calesa is a horse driven carriage and is the mode of transportation before engines made its way in the Philippines. Some of the places in the country still retain its calesa because of its charm and its rich history and culture.

So we rode on one to take us around. It first took us to the Bantay church to see its famous Bell Tower. This is where they shoot the famous movie Panday. It is partly made of bricks and surprisingly still on great shape. Since the bell tower raises high above the ground we decided to climb up and look at the view from the top.

We also went to old houses of famous people that had been converted to museums. We went to Sequoia Mansion, which is has some memorabilia of former president Elpidio Quirino. His wife is from Vigan. We also learned that she died during the Japanese occupation with some of her kids. So when president Quirino took his seat in Malacanang, one of his daughters had to take place as the first lady. That was what we’re told by the tour guide inside.

We also went to Crisologo museum but I didn’t have the chance to see it as B.boy already took his nap inside the calesa.

All in all it was a nice experience. I never enjoyed Vigan like I did during our last visit. The 150 bucks we paid is all worth it. And while you’re at it buy some empanada, ilocos longganisa and royal bibingka to complete the experience.

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