VIGAN ILOCOS SUR, The Adventurer Journey Around The Philippines

ARK OF VIGAN CITY ILOCOS SUR

Vigan is a city in the Philippines, on the west coast of Luzon island. It's known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Calle Crisologo dominates the Mestizo district, with its cobblestone streets, malecón, horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions. Near the white baroque Vigan Cathedral are Plaza Salcedo, offering fountain light shows, and Plaza Burgos, known for its street-food stalls.

Took us 8-10 hours motorcycle drive from Manila to this place. The road trip going up north is an experience as you witness vast lands welcomes you on you first 3-4hours on the road but can be tiresome seeing fleeting images as our motorcycle passes by for the next 3-4hours. After countless stopovers for restroom and meals, we then arrived in Vigan.

We were tired and weary from the travel, but the sight of the heritage houses, the gallop of the horses’ shoes against the cobblestone road, the smell of garlic and townfolks walking calmly along the streets brushed away our gnarly feeling and we begin to feel giddy inside.

Incredibly exceptional among other cities here in The Philippines as compared to other towns, because of the town’s preservation of old Vigan.

Kalesa

One of the oldest towns in the Philippines, Vigan is a Spanish-colonial fairy tale of Molave wood mansions, cobblestone pavements and clattering horse-drawn carriages or as we call it Kalesa.

Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and town scape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

VIGAN CITY OF THE MOST POPULAR STORE SOUVENIRS IN CITY 

The truth about this Unesco World Heritage site is a little more complicated. Vigan is the finest surviving example of a Spanish colonial town in Asia, but outside Crisologo and a few surrounding blocks, it’s a noisy Filipino town as well.

You may find it easier to appreciate the places where history is alive, where you can smell the aroma of freshly baked empanadas wafting past antique shops, pottery collectives, and capiz-shell windows.

Authenticity

VIGAN SHIRTS

Vigan has maintained its authenticity in its grid historic urban layout and use of open spaces. Local conduct commerce at the lower floors and uses the upper levels as their residences. The consciousness of the need to preserve authenticity has significantly increased since the site was inscribed. protection practices that have developed organically over the last three centuries are now being re-introduced, making use of a substantial reserve of traditional building crafts that have survived.

The city is approximately 406-410KM or 252.277 miles from Manila. You may opt to take your own car or motorcycle.

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DiaryRides Ni Paps Joel,The Adventurer Journey Around The Philippines

Travel Blog: A Journey Rides towards Regina Rica Shrine in Tanay Rizal!

You can walk going to Regina Rica church from the gate

You will feel the divine embrace as you tread on the holy ground trail on your way up to a hill composed of 308 steps of paved stairs leading to where you can find a towering statue of the blessed virgin Mary with the young Jesus in one of her arms. It is known as our Lady,

Regina Rosarii - a 71foothhigh image of our Lady, Queen of the Holy Rosary designed by artist-sculptor Jose Barcena Jr. The construction of the statue started in October 7, 2009 and the blessing took place on March 19, 2010. It was inspired by the Dominican tradition of Our Lady's protective mantle that shelters her devoted children. Below the statue is a canopy of clouds where the faces of 17 angels or cherubims can be seen. The 13.5 hectares of Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) is located along Marilaque or Marcos Highway at Sitio Aguho, Sampaloc Tanay, Rizal. It is roughly a two hours drive from Pasig city where we originated from. We only commuted so it may take just an hour. and a half if you have your own vehicle.
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Sa mga post lang ng Facebook ng aking mga kaibigan nakikita ang malaking imahen ni Mama Mary. Simula't makita ko yun, dinasal o pinangarap ko ng makita ang mahal na ina. Imagine, sobrang ganda ng lugar at holy,makakapag nilay-nilay ka at makakatagpo ng katahimikan ng isip at puso.


Upon entering the gates of the Dominican community of Regina RICA, you'll see two iconic figures namely,
the image of St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena at the gate. A few more steps and you'll see some letterings on the wall where motorbikes are parked that says "Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii", then you'll have to walk a few more steps towards the building structures. But from there you'll be able to see already the huge statue located on top of the hills they call El Shaddai Hills.



The words "El Shaddai" means the breasts of God, and the hills are among the symbols included in the logo of Regina RICA. The three trees symbolize Regina Rica as a place of Prayer, Ecological Sanctuary, and a Wellness Environment. The 13.5 rays of the sun stand for the 13.5 hectare land, and the black and white Dominican seal signifies the Dominican presence at the place.
















A brief orientation was given at the Pilgrim's Place before climbing up to the El Shaddai Hills where they will give some background about the place and the house rules that guests needs to follow. House rules include: no smoking, eat only at designated places and bring home your trash. The Handumanan or souvenir shop can also be found nearby where you can buy souvenirs like rosaries and miniature statues of the Sto. Nino and Mama Mary.

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DiaryRides Ni Paps Joel,The Adventurer Journey Around The Philippines