Friday, April 25, 2014

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos

After the disappointments in Batac, I headed to Laoag and took Daxxel Bus going to Pagudpud.I dropped off at the Bojeador Lighthouse intersection. From there I walked about 15 minutes uphill to reach the carpark of Burgos Lighthouse. It's only the crazy and the adventurous walk uphill and I am all sweat. Haha. So before taking the stairs to the lighthouse, I ate ice cream to cool myself down. 

This is the 3rd time I'll be meeting with the Burgos lighthouse and I am always enthralled by their magnificence and their good old tales.

Cape Bojeador or Burgos Lighthouse was declared a National Historical Landmark and National Cultural Treasure by the government. This Spanish Colonial Lighthouse was first lit in March of 1892.

The present caretaker is the 4th generation warden of Cape Bojeador lighthouse.



Monday, April 21, 2014

Vigan City and the old world charm

In Vigan, the birds are chirping as early as 3 in the morning. 

Vigan city was established in the 16th century and became an important trading post in the early times. When Juan de Salcedo founded this town, he named it Villa Fernandina in honor of the son of King Philip II and later on renamed Ciudad Fernandina de Bigan. Vigan's name was derived from the river called Bigan. 

The city of Vigan is on UNESCO world heritage list. 

The good thing about Vigan is knowing you're safe to roam the streets even at night, but walking the calle Crisologo all by yourself when the whole town is asleep can be hair-raising, watching the street light flicker as you pass by the antiquated houses. 


 
From the Heritage city, every spot is just a walk away. It's almost sunrise and the Vigan church opened its side doors so I sneaked in. Then walked the Ilocos Sur Capitol grounds to the national highway and hiked to Bantay church nearby before heading to my next destination. 

Non-airconditioned buses ply the route bound Laoag on regular basis, but if you wish to go to Pagudpud or Cagayan, check GMW transit stationed in the gasoline station, very near the Vigan arch. 



*CLICK on thumbnails to show larger picture