Bantay Church and the Belfry: Reminiscent Structures of Ilocos

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Bantay Church in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

When you hear the place “Vigan”, your mind automatically thinks of a place where old structures rest. Pieces of jigsaw are likened to the deep-rooted buildings and towers of this northern city which make up a heritage site. One reason of visiting Vigan City is to see its antique structures, such as the St. Augustine Church in Bantay District (or simply Bantay Church) and its famous Bantay Belfry. Who will forget a scenic bell tower that rose from a hilly part in Vigan?

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A Kalesa Ride to the Past of Vigan

Kalesa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Vigan is never Vigan without a kalesa ride. A “kalesa” is a horse-drawn carriage and is an old mode of transportation. Kalesas are mixed with the present transport modes as tricycles and jeepneys. While it is not the main mode of moving from one place to another, the government of Vigan has preserved this type for tourists who want to experience a plain ride to the past of the city.

Vigan Cathedral: Another Church Story

Inside the Cathedral of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

And so a few steps from Plaza Salcedo is one of the older churches in Ilocos Region—the Vigan Cathedral (St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral). I eagerly checked the church out because we did not have so much time to explore the city. Besides, I wasn’t able to recall already what it was like when I was still young. I once visited this church more than 10 years ago, and another visit about six years ago and all I remember was, it was just a part of the itinerary. Missing the church is a big mistake as it is in the center of the heritage city.

One Summer Breakfast at Plaza Salcedo, Vigan City

The past can be a mirror of the present. Photo @ Plaza Salcedo, Vigan City.

It all started one summer day in April 2013. I and my mom were excited for the nth time to visit Ilocos, but first time to see the windmills. The night before it, we went to the meeting place where our bus was supposed to fetch us and after a long seven-hour trip that seem so endless, at last, we arrived in the heart of Ilocos Sur—Vigan.

Ilocos One-Day Triple Combo: Tips and Guide

Ride to the past on a kalesa in Calle Crisologo.

Ilocos has many amazing tourist spots that both travelers and tourists keep coming back for. I am definitely one of those who love Ilocos the nth time, and even if I have been to this region already a few times, it’s as if I have never been to it like before. Old architecture churches, heritage sites, museums, zoos and more. Plus never forget the food. I am also an Ilocano, but it’s a different thing when you visit the original ones. It’s a slice of our own culture and being proud of being an Ilocano.

I have never been to the farthest known white sand beach in Region I. Before, we only reach up to Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. Two days have already been spent for this. This time, it’s an unbelievable one-day trip that hits three birds at a time—Vigan, Laoag and Pagudpud. Was that even possible?! Oh yes it was! Only I can say it’s the most exhausting trip after all and I just wished the trip was extended for another day or two! Interested in planning an Ilocos trip on a haggard one-day travel time? Keep reading this!