HomeAsiaPhilippinesLuzonIlocos SurGood morning Vigan! Empanada and Sinanglaw Breakfast By Marcos Detourist on October 11, 2011It 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 HotelVigan Empanada and SinanglawKick 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 – P35The 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 MarkerMarker 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 BurgosThe 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 treesPlaza Burgos Monument Plaza Burgos Monument with the Vigan Cathedral Belfry peering out in the distanceVigan HotelSlept 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 HotelDon’t leave yet. There’s more!2 Days Ilocos Sur Itinerary - Vigan, Bantay & Santa Maria…First Night in Ilocos Sur - hello Vigan and Bantay!Misty morning at the Chocolate Hills of BoholVigan Walking Tour - Calle Crisologo, Ilocos Sur DIY Solo…Still Wandering in OctoberGuisi Beach and LighthouseComments Edmar saysOctober 11, 2011 at 11:03 pmVery nice Vigan experience. Keep blogging and traveling man! Marcos saysOctober 12, 2011 at 7:19 amWill do Edmar :D Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam