The heritage metropolis of Vigan in Ilocos Sur has lengthy established itself as one of many vacationer attracts of Area 1. A go to right here is sort of a glimpse again in time as one walks by means of well-preserved colonial homes and cobblestone streets. This attribute alone earned the town an inventory underneath the UNESCO World Heritage Web site. However for somebody like me, who has been right here a number of occasions already, I’m all the time looking out for brand spanking new issues to do within the metropolis. Fortunately, new institutions and initiatives by the native authorities have saved issues fascinating for return guests.
Vigan Vacationer Passport
In 2023, the Metropolis Authorities of Vigan launched the Ciudad de Vigan Pasaporte de Turista, or the Vigan Vacationer Passport. It’s not a requirement to enter the town, however the passport rewards guests with stamps once they avail of providers from associate institutions. These stamps function reward factors, which might be later redeemed. Should you plan to go to Vigan quickly or extra typically, this passport might be helpful. Presently, the passports shouldn’t have an expiry date. Right here’s methods to purchase one:
- Register on-line (Vigan Metropolis web site).
- Fill out the shape on-line or on the Vigan workplace.
- Pay the price (P300).
- Declare it on-site or have it shipped with corresponding charges.
- Scan the QR code on the again cowl of the passport to find associate institutions on the map.
- Avail providers from these institutions and acquire stamps to earn factors.
- Redeem rewards.
Amian Cafe
Whereas business cafes like Starbucks and Dunkin’ have made their option to Vigan’s essential Calle Crisologo space, locals suggest Amian Cafe for glorious native espresso. Positioned between Max’s Restaurant and JTC Grocery store, Amian Cafe’s second department, after the one in Candon Metropolis, Ilocos Sur affords award-winning espresso just like the Single Origin Mabini Uguan. Comprised of robusta beans harvested from the highlands of Sigay, Ilocos Sur, this espresso boasts wealthy fruity nuances. Amian Cafe not solely excels in espresso but in addition offers a heat and comfy ambiance with work and research areas.
Comply with their Fb: fb.com/amiancafe
One Ilocos Sur Cafe
One other cafe price visiting is One Ilocos Sur Cafe, situated contained in the Provincial Farmer’s Livelihood Improvement Middle. In addition they use Robusta beans from Sigay and are recognized for his or her thrilling and flavorful espresso blends. The cafe shares area with Ilocos Sur’s OTOP Hub, showcasing varied merchandise from completely different cities, and the Ilocos Sur Livelihood Museum, an exhibit area to showcase varied livelihoods and cultures from Ilocos Sur.
Verify their Fb: fb.com/tongsonrecipes
Vigan Conservation Complicated
Though the Vigan Conservation Complicated has been round since 2015, it just lately reopened for the general public after being closed in the course of the pandemic. The multi-purpose buildings are well-curated, that includes three museum sections in separate buildings linked by footbridges. The decrease areas function coaching and workshop facilities, with a house depot offering supplies for colonial home repairs.
Calle Brewery Craft Beer
Within the heritage metropolis, Calle Brewery, a micro-brewery housed inside a lovely 1875 ancestral home, has been crafting beer since 2018. They’re the one craft beer maker on the town and goal to coach the locals concerning the artwork of craft beer brewing. The brewery affords good worth for craft beer and meals. For P150, you may order the Beer Flight, which incorporates 4 cups of various craft beer flavors to attempt.
Vigan is charming by itself, however whether or not you’re visiting for the primary time otherwise you’re a return customer, these new locations can enrich your expertise on this heritage metropolis.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications comparable to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to numerous organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photographs for his or her advertising supplies.