This Week in Vigan (November 13-19, 2015)

Vigan dancing fountain, Burgos National Museum, beerpanada, and more...

The minimum temperature this week is 23°C, while the maximum is 28°C. Chance of rain is low so a mostly sunny weather can be expected this week.

Located at Plaza Salcedo, the Vigan Dancing Fountain is considered as the biggest of its kind in the Philippines. It shows off its rhythmic splendor every 7:30 PM during weekdays, and every 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM during weekends and holidays. Visitors can sit in the VIP section by making a request at the Governor’s office.

Vigan empanada, a deep-fried taco-like food made from rice flour, is a local delicacy. It is usually filled with Vigan longganisa, cabbage or bean sprouts, and egg. Irene’s Empanada at Calle Crisologo offers other varieties such as sisig empanada, bagnet empanada, and beerpanada (longganisa filling has been marinated in beer) with prices starting at Php 45.00 each.

Ipon is a highly sought-after delicacy found only in Santa, Ilocos Sur, but brought to the market of Vigan City for sale. It is a small fish species and likely to be available during the week. Squids and anchovies will also be available in addition to the regular staple of fishes like yellow fin tuna, milkfish, and tilapia.

Shops offering local products can be found at the lower floor of the two-level Vigan Public Market and the whole stretch of Calle Crisologo. Locally-made furniture and antique items are especially good finds in the shops along the renowned cobblestone street of Crisologo. A popular delicacy that is usually brought home as pasalubong by travelers is the royal bibingka (glutinous rice cake); it can be bought at Marsha’s Delicacies or at Tongson’s for Php 85.00 for a box of 8 in both stores.

While exploring the Vigan Heritage Village, which is home to Calle Crisologo, tourists can visit the Crisologo Museum as well as the Syquia Mansion along Quirino Boulevard and the newly-opened Burgos National Museum in Burgos Street. Afterwards perhaps, they can have a try at making the burnay or clay pot/jar at The Pagburnayan located at Liberation Boulevard.

Visitors can also watch the handloom weavers make the Abel-Iloco cloth at Brgy. Mindoro in Vigan City or at Rowilda’s or Cristy’s at nearby Caoayan.

Peak season in Vigan starts with the Raniag Festival (Halloween festival), which means hotels and other accommodations are now around 15% higher than off-peak season. The standard room in Vigan Plaza Hotel costs Php 2500.00 for single accommodation and Php 2800.00 for double, while the deluxe room comes to Php 4400.00. The hotel also offers dorm-type rooms for groups of 6 and 7.

Most of the attractions in Vigan are best seen at certain times of the day. For example, sightseers are likely to enjoy Calle Crisologo most during the night, while a good time to visit the Baluarte Mini Zoo is on the hour of its free shows (10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM). An umbrella and a water container come in handy as the weather tends to be hot in Vigan City during the day.