The old-world charm of Vigan

For one night, we stayed in Grandpa's Inn in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. A heritage house dating back to the era of Spanish regime, this residence of the Donato family was converted to be an inn during 1979. Vigan City, by itself, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being a well-preserved Spanish colonial town.


Walking inside the hotel, one will feel the old charm that it offers as articles dating back to decades ago are prominently on display to the public.


Even the reception and lobby areas outside of the rooms gives visitors and guests a feel of like living in the old days with the Spanish era inspired look of the area that you would think you're in your own ancestral home.
 

Our family stayed in an airconditioned dormitory room that is good for 8 persons (rate is at PHP4480 a night, inclusive of breakfast). It has the usual basic amenities but I regret chosing this room as there was no ensuite toilet and bathroom.


After dinner last night, we walked around the plaza and surrounding area of that part of the city. As you would when you're here yourself, we felt like walking into an old movie, or perhaps at least the old times looking at the beautiful architecture of buildings and houses here of the Spanish colonial era. Intramuros, in Manila, may share some of this feeling to visitors, but Vigan is much bigger and walking into its streets gave me some sort of an eerie feeling thinking about how many years some of these building has stood and what it may have witnessed during those years.
 

Of course, one can't be faulted if you do a bit of a food trip in the city, like buying the famous bibingka (rice cake) in town, tasting the okoy, trying the delicious Vigan empanada or even these Vigan longganisa. As small as it may seem, the city is bustling of flavors and spices present on its local delicacies.


Calle Crisologo (Crisologo Street) is the street in the city, closed to vehicular traffic and open only by foot or by horse-drawn carriage, where one can find majority of the well-preserved heritage houses. It is also the most touristy place around.


a part of Calle Crisologo at night


I woke up early today, to walk around Calle Crisologo as I expect that there will be not much tourists in the area at that time which will give me more opportunity to look closer at the beautiful well-preserved architectures. I have to say that when you got the chance, take a stroll on the streets and alleys of Vigan both at day and night.
   

Calle Crisologo street sign


Later in the morning, we also heard mass at the cathedral. We passed by this church (St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral) three days back if you've been following my blog.


horse-drawn carriages or calesas lining up outside the cathedral


After mass, that's when we finally had our breakfast in the hotel's restaurant - Kusina Felecitas.


After breakfast we immediately checked-out the hotel as we headed our way back to Manila with hours long drive ahead of us. Somewhere along the way we stopped at this spot in Ilocos Sur as it looks nice (both in person and in picture) and thought the scenery was very beautiful.
 

As we hit Tarlac, at the town of Gerona to be specific, we passed by our favorite all-time destination restaurant - Isdaan. We've been here a few number of times and I've blogged about the first encounter we had of this floating restaurant-cum-theme park.
 

floating hut


Here are the items we had for dinner tonight:

tinupig, lechon manok or roasted chicken


ehrr.. not sure what this is called. help!


pork binagoongan and rice in small calderos


crispy plapitos


What a good way to cap off a good road trip! Definitely we left the restaurant with full stomachs (and actually a bit sleepy to drive) and all the things we did and covered during this four day will never be forgotten in our minds and in our hearts.

Lunch at Isdaan

On our way to Pangasinan for a vacation last November 2007, we passed by Isdaan, a theme restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac for lunch.


The restaurant grounds is full of big statues influenced by Southeast Asian culture.


The restaurant have these "kubos" or nipa huts with large tables. This is where friends or families sit down to order and eat. The huts are literally floating above the fish pens.


While you are eating, you may be approached by an entertainer who would either sing, dance or do both for you at your pleasure.


But this is not just any other restaurants. People go here not only for food but also for "entertainment". They have other activities that will earn you a kilo of fish to eat by simply participating. One of which is singing in their stage which Julie did.


For the most adventurous people and for barkadas, you may also take the challenge of holding a pail and crossing a narrow pathway back and forth with the risk of getting wet. For doing this you can earn another kilo of fish.


After eating, there are other activities you can do around the restaurant. One is Tacsiyapo - a known attraction of Isdaan. It's a wall written with all type of negative emotions and personalities for you to release your tension and anger. You usually buy plates, cup, saucers, vases or even televisions to throw to the wall, aiming at the bad habit or personality you hated most. Traditionally, you think of something or someone first, shout "Tacsiyapo!" and throw the item.


So this is me throwing a plate in the wall after shouting "Tacsiyapo!".


Kids can also ride on goats or rams like these one around the grounds of the restaurant.


And because the place is like a glorified fish pen, you can also feed the fishes (just ask the waiter for the fish foods) or do fishing (for a fee).


This is a picture of my whole family.


The restaurant is in the list of my "must-try" to go and experience. In fact, most people come here more for the experience rather than food though they serve good Filipino dishes here. With so much things to do and on the way to the beaches of Pangasinan or the cool city of Baguio, it is important that if you drop by here to keep in mind that you might be late going to your destination!

More pictures are available in multiply. Just add me as a friend to view them.