TRAVELOGUE: VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR (Part 3)

DAY 3

After a tiring adventure yesterday, we are now heading off to the beach.

Yes our next destination is the famous Pagudpud Beach!!

But before that let's stop on these cool attraction in Vigan.

Haha! I'm so fond on this tissue dispenser. It's so unique!

4th Stop: CELEDONIA GARDEN, MESTIZO RIVER

Vigan is also famous for its River Cruise.
This river is a historical place which tells us the historical timeline of Vigan from pre-history up to the present time.
The cruise begins at Celedonia River whre the dock is situated.
This will last one hour and showcase us 5 stations.
Each station shows tableaus decipting vhapters of Vigan history.
This river plays an important role in the development of trade and human activities in our historic times.

Since my self photo is bad. Seriously my face looks so haggard! I just use this picture of my sister :)

This place is really relaxing and at night this is a cool, cozy chillin resto bar.

I find it refreshing and very nature loving.

While travelling the river, you'll be focus on its natural environment and feel its era.

5th Stop: BANTAY BELL TOWER and

ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH CHURCH

A town next to Vigan, you'll catch a beautiful sight of a belfry.

It really attracts me and I'm so eager to visit it.

The bell tower is standing separately on a hilltop which engulf you by its astonishing beauty.

Next to it is the St. Augustine Church which behold a peaceful atmosphere.

There's a person who guides and accompanied us inside the bell tower. 

He also explains the history of this belfry.

This tower was built by Augustinian Missionaries in 1591, most likely as a part of ST. Augustine Church.

It was purely made by bricks, stone, and I think it was also made with a mixture of seashells.

This belfry is located at the tallest point in town because during the Spanish period it was said to be the people’s watchtower, part of the city’s defense that helps in alerting it against possible enemies.

The tower is named "Bantay" because it is located in the Bantay district of Vigan along the national highway. 

Before or after climbing the belfry, you can visit St. Augustine Church.

It is said its amongst the oldest surviving churches in Ilocos Sur.

Just like St. Paul Meteopolitan Church, this is designed from destructive force of earthquake.

The church suffered damages from World War II and so it underwent reconstruction in 1950. 

If you're far from it, it looks like small but when you climb up to the second floor of the tower you'll see a greater view of the whole town.

 Here's a nice view from the second floor of the tower. It is indeed high enough to see the surroundings.

Way up there is the third floor, where the huge bells is located.
I have fear of heights. It's a burden for me to climb that stairs especially I can see what's below me.
I can easily climb up there if the stairs is not like that.
When you climb up the 3rd floor, you'll be amaze in the view.
You'll see the whole region of Ilocos!

Here's a trivia from the tour guide. When you are a Filipino, you'll know the famous film "PANDAY" of late Fernando Poe Jr.

This tower is popular from local tourist because the scenes were shot within and around the belfry.

Say goodbye to the city of Vigan 'cause now we're off to the beach!
Laoag is a beautiful place too but we are going to PAGUDPUD, so it means we'll only pass by Laoag City.

I'm ready to be burn!
Hello BEACH !

Next post will be the Island of Pagudpud.