The Measure of Real Giving

Have you ever felt incapable of giving because of limited finances?  Should we feel restricted in our ability to give just because we feel empty-handed? Especially during this Christmas season, many of us worry about how we can give, and thus we find ourselves burdened with the pressures of buying gifts for everyone. However, with the right perspective, it is far better to give cheerfully rather than out of obligation.  Lately, I have been pondering how I can afford to give presents when we are on a very tight budget.  It certainly is much easier to give with a thick wallet.  This is one reason why I am now asking the Lord to bless me financially.  God reminded me of someone who demonstrated remarkable generosity even in poverty.

Crisologo Museum, Vigan

Congressman Floro Crisologo's Office

The Crisologo Museum was established to perpetuate the congressman's memories.  He died from a tragic event; in 1970, while in the church, he was shot in the head by a still unidentified gunman.  With this, the century-old family mansion was converted into a museum showcasing the private possessions of the family.

Calle Crisologo Photos

A trip to Vigan is never complete without a walk along Calle Crisologo.  This street is lined with Spanish-style houses that have been preserved for hundreds of years.  I didn't want to miss getting our photos taken here. It's a sure sign that we've been to Vigan!

I find this place very romantic. Calesa, brick walls, Capiz windows, and a cobblestone-covered street—what a lovely ambiance. 

Burgos Museum, Vigan

This was Father Jose Burgos's house, located near Vigan City Hall. They opened this house to the public, displaying a collection of antiques, not only from Father Burgos's personal collection but also from the Kankanay and Ilocano Tribes. You'll get to know the famous personalities and heroes from this Northern Region that we read about in our history books. 

Hidden Garden, Vigan

Hidden Garden is perfect for plant lovers. They have a huge collection of locally grown and imported plants for sale. In addition to the plants, they sell clay pots, souvenir items, Ilocos vinegar, etc. They also have a restaurant—dining here will bring you closer to nature. There are lots of plants and flowers everywhere. I want to have a garden like this one!

Fil-Spanic Friendship Park and Buridek Museum

Children will enjoy this place. There are many trees abounding in this area, a good place to relax and breathe fresh air and let the children run and play in their mini playground. Aside from that, Buridek Museum is an interactive place to learn about Vigan—its History and Culture. Thus, children can learn all about Vigan here easily, and even adults will appreciate this place, too.

Pagburnayan, Vigan Ilocos, Sur

 

Historically, it is believed that pottery in Vigan was introduced by Chinese traders during the 14th century.  Jar factories in Vigan have been established in this barangay for a long time (please refer to the attached map below).  This barangay was known as "Pagbantayan" (the old name) and is now named Pagburnayan, which means jar factories. " Burnay " is an Ilocano word for jars.

Baluarte, Ilocos Sur

Baluarte is just a ten-minute drive from Vigan City. This place is owned by Governor Chavit Singson. It was his rest house before he decided to open it to the public so that more people could enjoy his animal collections. Construction of the facility is still ongoing. Here's what will pique your interest in visiting his zoo: there are no entrance or parking fees here. Yes, it is free!

Bantay Bell Tower, Ilocos Sur

When you visit Vigan, include visiting the Bantay Bell Tower, which is just a neighboring barangay outside Vigan's Poblacion Area. More photos are below.

Grandpa's Inn - Vigan

I have read many good reviews from visitors of Grandpa's Inn, which made us interested in choosing this place to stay in Vigan. Grandpa's Inn Hotel has a very good location. It is just a few minutes' walk to Calle Crisologo, a very good place to take photos with the Old Spanish houses with brick walls and Capiz windows as your background; the pathway is covered with cobbled stones. It is also a few minutes' walk to the Plaza and the City Hall. 

Vigan : A must place to visit

Vigan Heritage, Calle Crisologo

 It could have taken us a very long journey to reach Vigan City, but in return, it gave us back more than we expected.  I am proud to have visited this place and will not forget an extraordinary experience comparing it to other regions in the Philippines that I have been to.  Some people do not enjoy traveling because they only see places that have no differences at all.  Typically, what you'll see traveling in the whole Philippine Islands are the views of the mountains, seas on the other side of the road, and rice fields.  Looking at that point of view will really make you realize that there are no differences at all, and you end up thinking of wasting time and money going out and visiting other places.  Pakner4lyf and I love to travel.  Whenever we visit new places, we try to observe and search for things that are not in our place, and you'll be surprised that there really is a difference, and we still appreciate the common things we share as we are connected as Filipinos.  That's how we enjoy traveling and most of all at the end of our travel we go home with lots of ideas we learned from the new people we meet.