Calle Crisologo: Back in the Past

Did you know that Filipinos were influenced by the people of Spain or Spaniards?  Do you want to experience a Spanish time? Well, Calle Crisologo is the best place to see the Spanish colonial architectures and the major attraction in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. 

Calle Crisologo is a street lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses and cobblestone Street, which preserved by locals for more than a hundred years. This led to Vigan’s inscription in the list of UNESCO World heritage sites.

It is the only town that was saved from destruction during Wordl War II because of a love story of a Japanese General who married a Filipina in Vigan. He promised the parish priest that he would save the town from destruction.

Ready your camera when visiting in this street because the houses are modest and very lovely subjects for picture-perfect shots. The tourist can even stay in a heritage house because as some have been converted into inns. And, some houses have been turned into stores which you can buy souvenir items and Vigan’s best product like antiques, abel woven products, bags, basi wine, burnay, chicharon, jewelry, sweets, Vigan’s vinegar, and woodcraft.

Walking on the streets of Calle Crisologo is a must because you will appreciate the history and understand the heritage. You can also ride a Calesa during your visit which used in the past. 

For my visit, I would say that it was enjoyable and unforgettable experience. I’d love to visit there again and experience the night tour because according to the others, you will feel as if you are in the past.

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines was choosen as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities.

Happy travelling!
-Marco

Conquer Corregidor Island

After my Siargao Trip, my friend Jeff invited me to go along with him together with the other friends to discover the Corregidor Island. Indeed, this island is one of the places that I want to visit. Of course, I didn't refused for his invitation.

The day after my Siargao trip, I met them at Taft avenue in Manila. Then, headed to CCP complex and got our reservation tickets.

The tour is actually FREE. Yes! Jeff won a tickets good for four person and I am the one he choose to go along with him.

Corregidor Island is an hour rides from Manila, it’s the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines. Its called “The Rock” because of its rocky landscape and the fortifications of fort mills. The shape of the island is look like a tadpole. It is 6km long and about 48km west of Manila and Corregidor Island is a part of the municipality of Cavite. The other side of the island is Bataan.

Upon arrival at the port, the tour guide waited us and the tranvia – is a major transportation around the island. And our tour guide named Mang Carlos, with his driver Jun, welcomed us and to the other visitors. They’ll guide us and tour us for the whole day tour.

Our first stop was the Light and Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel; its called Malinta Tunnel because during that period there are many leeches but as of today, no more leeches in the area. The show inside the tunnel is all about the World War II, how people struggling during that period. However, this is an optional, if you don’t like to go inside the tunnel then you can stay at the tranvia and wait until the show ended. But for the first timer visitor, this is a must-see show.

Second stop, the original port where Douglas McArthur says “I shall return!” Then, we had our early lunch at La Playa Restaurant in Corregidor Inn, the only hotel in the island.

the original port

Malinta tunnel

view from the La Playa Restaurant, Corregidor Inn

Third stop, headed to the barracks from Bottomside to Middleside to the Topside. Bottomside is located at the neck of the island that connects to the head and the tail of the island.

Fourth stop, Memorial Park, you can even see the eternal Flame of Freedom.

Fifth stop, Topside, this is the upper part or the head of the island where you can see the tail of the island. After 10 minutes, we’re headed to the next stop of the tour…the Spanish Light House. There are also souvenir items there.

the ruin barracks

Flame of Freedom

Corregidor Inn, the only hotel in the island

Next stop is the Japanese Memorial Park, after 10minutes of stay. Finally, we headed to the tail of the island where you can see the La Monja, Caballo (Fort Drum) and scenic view of the coast of Mariveles, Bataan. Afterward, headed back to the port where Sun Cruises waited us. Then, back to Manila.

Spanish Light House

the group

It was a great experienced and learned about the historic Corregidor Island where our Kababayan struggled. 

More photos here...

Postal Heritage Walking Tour

Post Office Building

Postal Heritage Walking Tour is a free tour held by Mr. Lawrence Chan, the tour guide, on every 3^rd Sunday of the month. A friend of mine invited me to join the tour; it was my privilege to learn the history of the building and the place around the area. The tour is open not only for the stamp collectors but to all that have interest to know about the history. It was an educational tour, indeed!