It was my first morning in Vigan. I spent the night at Vigan Hotel, an old Spanish-colonial house turned budget hotel.

Awakened to a bright sunny sky. Normally, I’d be really happy to be greeted by blue skies but I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping to take dawn shots of Calle Crisologo.

I wanted to go there when it was still dark and witness the sunrise slowly light up the houses … complete with the sensory experience of the soft twilight colors and the crowing of roosters and all. Oh well, I still had the next morning to try it.

I planned a full day to explore the heritage structures in Vigan. It all started with a fulfilling breakfast at the Vigan Empanadaan.


Morning view of Vigan Hotel

Vigan Empanada and Sinanglaw

Kick started my day with something uniquely Vigan. Walked to the “Empanadaan” at Jacinto Street, near Plaza Burgos. The area had a row of stalls selling Vigan’s famous emapanadas and other local dishes.


Empanada – P35

The empanadas were indeed tasty but I was craving for a full breakfast. Got myself a bowl of Sinanglaw.

Sinanglaw is an invigorating soup of beef skin and innards. Pairs great with rice and a bottle of coke.


Bowl of Sinanglaw with rice – P72


Vigan Empanadaan Marker

Marker reads: “The Empanada is a vintage merienda of the Biguenos. It is a delicious snack, similar to the Mexican Taco, of sauteed cabbage or papaya with egg and Vigan Longgaiza stuffed in a crispy shell made from ground rice. It is a sentimental favorite of Biguenos, young and old alike.”

Plaza Burgos

The Vigan Empanadaan is located at one corner of Plaza Burgos. Took some quick snaps before returning to Vigan Hotel.

Plaza Burgos was located just beside the Vigan Cathedral. It was named in honor of Father Jose P. Burgos, an Ilokano and clergyman who fought for ecclesiastical reform during the Spanish-colonial era.

Wide open space bordered by towering trees

Plaza Burgos Monument 


Plaza Burgos Monument with the Vigan Cathedral Belfry peering out in the distance

Vigan Hotel

Slept soundly the whole night at Vigan. Didn’t notice any creepy stuff.

Typical of old Spanish-colonial era houses, my room had its own sink across the bed. It looked kind of weird but was surprisingly convenient. Of course, there were shared bathrooms for the bigger tasks.

Vigan Hotel didn’t have the feeling of a hotel. It was rather homey, which I liked better. My room was on the upper floor. I loved walking up the wooden staircase. At the top of the steps was a huge mirror with a thick curvy wooden frame … I want one of those! I’d sometimes stop at one of the oil paintings stare at them for a bit and run my fingers through it lovely textures.


Exotic bird (cockatoo?) caged at Vigan Hotel