Return to Ilocandia | Revisiting the Heritage Province of Ilocos Sur

Walking along the cobblestone roads and looking at the colonial stone houses in an old heritage city give us the feeling of going back to the past. It is also nostalgic seeing classic structures standing still until the contemporary time, which was preserved by the people, serving historical and cultural traces of the past in a certain town or city reflecting its local color.

In the commemoration of National Heritage Month 2025, let us explore and visit some of the cultural sites that reflect the traditions and history of the Ilocos Region.

The empty Calle Crisologo with classic and contemporary structures in a cobblestone street before sunrise.

The first stop in our tour for the first day is the historic city of Vigan. Known for its colonial houses preserved during the Spanish era with its classic architecture combined with European and Oriental influences, Belgian block roads, and the use of calesa as its mode of transportation, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Cozy cafes and fast food chains inspired by Spanish-era architecture became main attractions in the city.

Calesa, a horse carriage during the Spanish era, is the most common mode of transportation.

Furthermore, the city has founded in 1572 by conquistador Juan de Salcedo and named it as "Villa Fernandina de Vigan" in honor of Prince Ferdinand, son of King Philip II of Spain. Vigan is also the birthplace of Leona Florentino, the mother of Philippine women's literature and Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines. 

Some buildings in Calle Crisologo need to undergo renovation due to damages done by earthquake.

Early morning sunrise at Calle Crisologo.

The memorial marker of Jose Burgos (left) located in Plaza Salcedo and the monument of Leona Florentino in Calle Crisologo (right).

There are many renovations are still ongoing after an earthquake struck in the city in 2022, resulting into damages in old structures such as various old houses in Calle Crisologo, Vigan Cathedral, and even the church and its bell tower in its neighboring town of Bantay.

The panoramic view of Bantay Bell Tower as seen from Bantay Church grounds.

Bantay Bell Tower.

Bantay is located few kilometers away from Vigan which was one of the early towns in Ilocos Sur founded in 1593. It is also the home of Bantay Church (Saint Augustine Church) that houses the image of Apo Caridad (Our Lady of Charity). Furthermore, the church and the belltower are some of the oldest structures in the province. However, the church and the belltower were struck by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on 2022.

Bantay Bell Tower and the Foodmarks marker in Vigan.

There are still many heritage and historical sites in the province as we continue to explore it in the future and even revisiting the next destination - Ilocos Norte. 

Date of Travel: April 25, 2025

A Close Visit to La Union | Right Pick for a Sweet Side Trip

When people have heard of La Union, the first thing that comes into their minds are beach resorts and surfing haven. However, while driving along the highways of Elyu (LU is a portmanteau of La Union), you can see people holding tarpaulins and markers "Grape Picking" or "Grapes Farm" which others might think that these fruits can possibly grow in a tropical country and it is usually expected to grow in temperate countries such as Italy, USA, and France. 

Grapes farming is one of the agricultural activities in La Union that boost its tourism.

The ideal time to visit grape farms in Bauang is dry season where grapes are sweet.

Located 10 kilometers away from the provincial capital San Fernando City, Bauang known as the "Fruit Basket of La Union" where you can buy and see numerous fruits such as banana, melon, dragon fruit, papaya, and guava to name a few. Furthermore, Bauang is an agricultural municipality where you can see rice and tobacco farms, as well with the source of livelihood of people are relying on farming.  Therefore, grape farming is one of the most common agricultural activities in the area because of its topography and climate.

Right pick for fresh, sweet grapes commonly found in La Union during the summer season.

Grapes became a vital product in Bauang, La Union as it indicates an economic boom in the town.

Grape farming in La Union started during the 1970's and it became an agricultural activity and source of livelihood among the residents of Bauang. Numerous grape farms stretched along the town's vicinity include Lomboy, Manguerra, Calica, and Gapuz, where the latter one had the chance to visit. 

The province's topographical features - long, sandy coastline facing the West Philippine Sea beside the foothills of Cordillera mountains - made it a perfect place for grape farming. Furthermore, the grape variety that can be found in the province is the Red Cardinal which can be planted and cultivated in sandy loam soil, along with the long, dry season in the region. The vineyards are measured five-feet tall overhead in order for the air circulation.

Fresh grapes

Fruit juices from grapes, guyabano, mangosteen, and blueberry.

Grapes are always harvested in the province, but the best time to harvest is during the dry season which can be held during April and picking season happened from March to May where the grapes are ripe. Also, the Red Cardinal Grape is also found in tropical countries, as exemplified in Vietnam and Thailand, where they also harvest grapes in the said variety. 

Fruit juices and wines made from grapes, mangosteen, guyabano, and blueberry are also available in grape farms in the province which is also a must-try if you visit La Union. Lastly, grape farming is also practiced in the neighboring towns of Caba and Aringay which shared the same geographical features.

La Union is not just only a place for surfing and beach hopping. You can also try their grapes and other fruits in the town of Bauang for a sweet side trip.

Date of Travel: April 27, 2025

Manila Heritage Nostalgia | Walking Tour in Manila

If there is one thing to have a closer look about a certain place is to know its colorful history and vibrant past. 

The captivating view of Manila Post Office Building in the banks of Pasig River as seen from the Jones Bridge.

Recently, Manila have gone through reinventions and renovations in order to relive the classical beauty of the country's capital. From rugged structures to revived buildings, Manila has been once again transformed into a classy city manifesting to witness the glorious past and the original beauty of the place that has been passed through centuries - a sentinel of historical events that shaped the country. 

The reconstructed facade of Fort Santiago due to the original structure was damaged during the Second World War.

Located at the heart of Luzon, Manila was first discovered in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and made it as the country's capital where Intramuros as the seat of government. It is also the center of economic, religious, and cultural activities in the country since the Spanish era where establishments are built such as cathedrals, churches, government offices, universities, and museums to name a few. Furthermore, Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world founded in 1594 was also found in Manila due to the Chinese population and trading posts in the area. During the American occupation, Governor-General William Howard Taft invited Daniel Burnham for the city's improvement to create a new civic district. 

The welcome arch of Manila Chinatown overlooking the busy streets of Binondo with its sidewalk vendors, residents, and tourists.

The Binondo - Intramuros Bridge built in 2021 to connect the two districts for tourism and economic growth purposes.

These historical milestones in Manila were just pieces of the glorious past until recent mayors and officials put their efforts in preserving the city's beauty. It aims to promote tourism and to restore and maintain the historical buildings and places since it is the country's capital. One activity that you can see the tourist attractions in Manila is the walking tour where you can find the landmarks along the Taft Avenue in Ermita, passing the Intramuros District, until you reach Binondo. Lastly, recent developments including the preservation of Arroceros Forest Park, the reopening of Metropolitan Theater, and the establishment of Pasig River Esplanade and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will surely boost the tourism in the city. 

The view of Quezon Bridge and Pasig River seen from the esplanade of Arroceros Forest Park.

A water fountain found between Metropolitan Theater and Arroceros Forest Park,

An esplanade in the Arroceros Forest Park offering the vast view of the Pasig River.

A concrete walk in the forest park that makes Arroceros a refreshing place to stay.

Arroceros Forest Park was featured twice in this blog because of its benefits to the residents and commuters due to the vegetation in the concrete city. It is also known as "The Last Lung of Manila" which signifies the place as the one of the few green spaces in the city where numerous species of trees, plants, and birds are dwelling in the park. Furthermore, developments are made recently including the concrete pathways, the esplanade, a koi fishpond, and light posts. 

Manila Central Post Office Building in 2022

Manila Central Post Office Building in 2024

Few walks away, you can also visit the Manila Central Post Office Building adjacent to Liwasang Bonifacio. It is one of the usual places where tourists dropped by as they proceed to Intramuros or Binondo. However in 2023, the said building was destroyed by a massive fire and restoration activities are in progress starting 2024 until it is finished in 2026.

Manila Central Post Office Building from Pasig River Esplanade.

Captivating esplanade that makes traveling in Metro Manila more convenient and eco-friendly.

A classy walk in the esplanade.

Lamp posts that give light in the esplanade during the evening.

Filipiniana statues portrayed as they danced the pandanggo sa ilaw matched with the city lights in the evening provided by the classic lamp posts.

Overlooking the Jones Bridge, known as the Queen of Philippine Bridges.

Recently, the Pasig River Esplanade was inaugurated in 2024 which launched the "Showcase Area" located near the Manila Post Office Building up to Intramuros - Binondo Bridge, passing the Jones Bridge. The first phase was already completed, and it is expected that it will traverse the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Taguig. Furthermore, the esplanade was mostly visited by the tourists in the evening because of its yellow lights from the lamp shade and the classic view along with the Jones Bridge.

There are many chances to visit Manila and watch out for some progress and improvements as they go along the way and just keep up the good work in the beautification of the city.

A Close Visit to La Union | Surfing the Horizons

From a province usually passed by until I get the chance to have a closer look of this "Surfing Capital of Ilocos Region". 

Tourists flocked at the shore of Luna, La Union in the Baluarte Watchtower overlooking the sea.

La Union is a province located at Ilocos Region, noted for its surfing spots, old churches, grape vines, and red clay pottery. It is the gateway going to Ilocandia, being the first province passed by travelers for those who are going to Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Abra. Furthermore, I have a chance to visit last December 2024, although I passed it in this province in 2018 which is the usual route going to Ilocos Provinces.

Baluarte Watchtower in Luna is one of the old Spanish lighthouses in the province
while other old lighthouses are just ruins found in towns in La Union including Balaoan,
Bacnotan,San Fernando, and San Juan.

The old brick watchtower is one of the tourist attractions in La Union.

There are few sites that I visited in this province. First, the Baluarte Watchtower located in the town of Luna, which was built during the Spanish era. It was intended to guard the shores against pirates and Muslim invaders during the Spanish colonization and it served as a communication tower post for Filipino and American armed forces during the World War II. 

The circular interior of Baluarte Watchtower. 

Due to the quarrying within the tower' site, the coastline receded, and the sea waves damaged the foundation of the tower. Furthermore, efforts are made to preserve the ruins of Baluarte Watchtower, and it served as a tourist spot for those who visit the province. 

A warning sign indicating dangerous waves for safe swimming and surfing.

The strong blue waves of La Union which makes the province one of the prominent surfing capitals.

Where the ocean meets the shore. An ideal time to swim to enjoy the stay in the province. 

Moreover, the beach resorts and surfing spots of La Union truly make this visit a memorable one. Simply enjoying the strong, foamy waves of the blue sea. Furthermore, the province is also rich in aquatic resources which can be a source of food and livelihood for the residents. 

Sunset in San Juan, La Union as it signals another evening for parties and night life. 

Other activities in La Union that you can enjoy including church visits, nature trips in forests and waterfalls, grapes picking, buying of dried fish and local delicacies, and enjoying the nightlife. 

Therefore, La Union is a place which you can come back for more - exploring the history, enjoying the surfing and beach parties, and appreciating the nature. 

Date of Travel: December 20-21, 2024