Vigan: Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo

After refreshing at our hotel, we went to the Plaza Salcedo to watch the now famous dancing fountain of Vigan. Right in front of the St. Paul's Cathedral is the Plaza Salcedo.

We watch the 8:00PM show. It lasted for about 10 minutes. Fountains lighted in different colors and hues was such a sight to behold. It was accompanied by modern songs. According to my sister, it was much better than the Symphony of Lights we witness in Hongkong. 

The St. Paul's Cathedral

There were so many people watching the show. Some children played at the water and I thought it was so fun. I was tempted to join but then I chancge my mind. Baka hindi ako papasukin sa Jollibee if I'm wet.

There are many commercial establishments around the plaza but you can notice that the architectural design and structure follows a building standard. The structures are in old Spanish time style. 

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Where to Stay in Vigan: Cordillera Family Inn

We finally reached Vigan at around 6:00PM and we easily found our nest for tonight. The Cordillera Family Inn located beside Plaza Burgos. There are actually 2 Cordillera Inn, Cordillera Inn Hotel & Restaurant that is located at Calle Crisologo. We opted to stay at the branch in Florentino St. because they have dormitory rooms here. And we were on a budget trip.

Since we were paying via credit card, their credit card facility is located at the other branch. We waited around 20 minutes for us to checked-in to our rooms. We just stayed at the reception/dining area.

The steps in their stairs were uneven. 

We got a dormitory room good for 8 pax at Php4,800. it comes with a plated breakfast. Our room was clean and the bed were so soft and comfortable.

Our room also has a huge bathroom with 2 showers and 2 toilets. It has a long sink too were you can dry your hair or brush your teeth.

THE PRICE:

If you’re planning to visit Vigan, I highly recommend this place.

Cordillera Family Inn

Florentino Street (beside Plaza Burgos),

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

0915-7053002

 

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Batac's Pride: Empanada and the Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center

Do you ever wonder if the remains of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos is real or just a wax? And so we headed to the town of Batac in Ilocos Norte to see it for ourselves.

 We hurriedly went to the Marcos crypt because it will close at 5PM and its already 4:45pm. At the door, there were 2 securities to assist you. Picture taking is prohibited inside the crypt. 

Once inside, it was so creepy. There was a instrumental music playing and CCTV cameras and securities. Do not temp or even try to take a picture.

The mausoleum is built of adobe blocks and is stepped towards the top of the structure. The solemn interior is divided into an entry hall styled with old English standards and a bust. The family's mortician confirmed that the corpse is real, although people suspect it is a wax replica, and the real body was secretly buried in ground.

Then we went outside for the museum. There is an entrance fee of Php50.00. We didn't get inside as our minds were still full of what we learned at the Malananang of the North. And we were hungry too.

Few meter away from the presidential center, we crossed the bridge and we were at the Batac Empanada Plaza or now called Batac Riverside Empanadaan right beside the Batac churh.

There were so many stalls that sells the famous Batac's empanada. Its like a big food court. 

There are many variants of empanada. For first timers, we ordered the special. We happened to captured its preparation. 

The empanada taste delicious specially when paired with their local vinegar.

A visit to Batac will never be complete without having a bite of the empanada.

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Paoay Church: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic parish church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.

 

In 1993, the church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one best examples of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

There is a Garden of Prayer at the right side ot the church.

After saying our prayers and lighted our candles, we left the site and went to the town of Batac for our next stop.

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Visiting the Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake

Built as the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos, Malacañang of the North is located in Suba, Paoay and sits on a land overlooking the beautiful Paoay Lake. It is also known as “Malacanang Ti Amianan” in local dialect.

The property is one of the many properties of the Marcoses that sequestered by the government when President Marcos was removed from power. After 20 years, it is now under the care of the provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. After undergoing renovations and restorations, Malacañang of the North is opened to public as the province's museum. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Tuesdays to Sundays. It has an entrance fee of Php 20.00 collected for the maintenance of the mansion. There was a student assistant/provincial scholar who served as our tour guide inside.

 

 

There are many things to learn about the history, culture and also about the Marcoses.

My favorite part is the balcony overlooking the Paoay lake. How nice it is to read a book seated on one of these chairs.

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