At Last, the Much-Awaited Recognition of Vigan City

For years, Vigan City has played second fiddle in terms of the number of visitors is concerned. Thanks to UNESCO and the people who voted for it to become a World Heritage site. It has seen a great increase in tourist arrivals since then.

Well, the city is ready to welcome visitors with all the many hotels and lodging inns that have risen to accommodate the influx of tourists. Vigan Plaza Hotel and Hotel Luna are but some of the most popular hotels there.

Vigan is a city of contrasts. Food is served from the lowly turo-turo restaurants to the best in fine dining. Whether one comes from an affluent family or just an ordinary citizen, the people of Vigan know how to cook deliciously and eat deliciously.

Restaurants and food places abound in the city. From fastfood to al fresco dining to the finest of cooking, you can experience all of these in Vigan. Typical of Filipinos, the people of Vigan also love to eat.

The reason for the much-awaited international recognition is Calle Crisologo and adjacent streets. When you are in the area, the feeling is like you are warped in time. This ambience is enhanced with the calesas that ply certain routes for tourists to enjoy.

Other places worth visiting in the city are the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo. The cathedral's interior has been preserved properly and the fountain has been renovated to the delight of the city's people.

Vigan City is home to the oldest archdiocese in the Philippines. It is where the Arzobispado Palacio del Nueva Segovia is located. As in any other city or town in the country, the citizens of Vigan are strictly catholic and adhere to the teachings of God to the T. Vigan City deserves its award. It is one heritage city that Filipinos are proud of.

A Quaint Haven Called Cabugao Beach Resort in Ilocos Sur

Two weekends ago brought me to Cabugao Beach Resort in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. In consonance with the province's fashion designers workshop, it was also a restful weekend despite the hectic 2-day activities. Sans cable television, we had to fend with internet for our recreation. Our evenings were free from TV shows that we usually watch. They were restful only we can experience there.

From 2009 to 2013, Cabugao Beach Resort served as our production home when we did events in the province. My assistants and I did not waste time to reminisce the good times of the not-so-distant past. Thanks to Vice Governor DV Savellano for inviting us again to give the workshop to the province's fashion designers.

The area is a perfect place to swim, while away time or just sit by the seashore and let the day pass just like the people of olden times did. Watching the sun set is definitely amazing. Sometimes, one would wish to live a life in the province than go back to the crazy world of the metropolis.

Every Friday, there is an acoustic night at the resort's event bar. Some singers are invited to entertain evening guests at the Cabana Bar and Restaurant. There is even a raffle for one lucky guest. There is space for outdoor wedding receptions.

There are a number of guest rooms for those who would like to spend peace and quiet days this side of the north. A swimming pool, 2 tennis courts, a conference room and the beach are amenities which makes Cabugao Beach Resort a must-try among places to visit in Ilocos Sur. Good maintenance by the management is truly remarkable. Food, especially typical Ilocano fare, is superb.

Going to Cabugao Beach Resort is easy. Riding any bus going to Laoag City, you may tell the conductor to drop you off the corner where Cabugao Beach Resort is located. From alighting the bus, you may just walk to the resort which is just a few steps away.

I hope to be back in the resort soon. It may be a quaint place but a weekend's rest is worth the trip.