SIMPLE DREAMER

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 townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

(source: http://whc.unesco.org/)


Heritage street

Through the years, Calle De Crisologo or Mena Crisologo Street became famous as it served as the center of well-preserved Vigan houses.

From century to century, the more than 500-meter long Crisologo Street visited by tourists today was established even before the time of the Galleon Trade or even the before the coming of Spanish explorers to the country in the 15th century.

“Few decades after the World War II or during the 1970’s when then President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared the Vigan heritage village as national treasure to protect and preserve its existence,” recalls Andino.

During the time of Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor in the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos work was done to turn Crisologo Street’s flooring into cobblestone. It was also closed to motor vehicles.

“It was during the time of Secretary Gabor when the site of the Spanish ancestral houses was called Vigan Heritage Village,” adds Andino.
(Source : http://mb.com.ph/)

The night was lively with a lot of people walking along the street, eating in a restaurant, and  drinking with friends.

Cafe Leona

The cobblestone street with some antique shops alongside.

A horse-drawn carriage used by people in the old times when the modern vehicles powered by diesel were not yet invented.

Antique collections for sale.