Social Items

Showing posts with label Ilocos Sur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ilocos Sur. Show all posts

Empanadas, the savory pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices, are a beloved delicacy in Ilocos Region.



If you're visiting this enchanting part of the Philippines and craving this delicious treat, there are several places where you can savor authentic Ilocos empanadas:

Loading...

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Calle Crisologo: This iconic street in Vigan is not just a historical gem; it's also a food lover's paradise. Numerous food stalls and small eateries along Calle Crisologo offer freshly cooked empanadas. These vendors often have secret family recipes that make their empanadas incredibly delicious.

Calle Crisologo


Batac, Ilocos Norte

Batac Riverside Empanadaan: Located along the riverside in Batac, this area is renowned for its empanadas. Here, you can find empanada stalls serving the local specialty.

Batac Riverside Empanadaan in 2014

The unique blend of flavors in Batac empanadas, often including longganisa (local sausage) and egg, sets them apart.



Laoag, Ilocos Norte

La Preciosa is a well-known restaurant in Laoag that serves traditional Ilocano cuisine, including empanadas. Their empanadas are crispy, flavorful, and definitely worth a try.


Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Herencia Café in Paoay is famous for its fusion of traditional Ilocano recipes with modern twists. While here, try their empanadas, which are a blend of authentic flavors and contemporary creativity.

Herencia Café 2019



Local Markets and Festivals

Local Markets: Empanadas are often sold in local markets across Ilocos Region. Visiting these markets, especially in smaller towns, gives you a chance to taste homemade empanadas prepared by local vendors.

main product of ilocos norte where to eat in ilocos sur best product of ilocos norte casual dining restaurant in ilocos norte famous restaurant in ilocos norte best restaurant in ilocos norte products of ilocos sur ilocos norte delicacies pasalubong
Ilocos Empanada

Festivals: During festivals like the Longganisa Festival in Vigan or town fiestas in various parts of Ilocos, you can find numerous food stalls offering a variety of empanadas. These events are not only a celebration of culture but also a food lover’s paradise.



ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

When in Ilocos Region, exploring the local markets, asking locals for recommendations, and being open to trying different empanada varieties will ensure you have a delightful culinary adventure. Embrace the flavors of Ilocos empanadas and relish the authentic taste of this regional delicacy.

If you think you wanted to make one, here's an Ilocos Empanada Recipe you can follow.


WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS



ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

Check out my Ilocos Travel Guide:

Have fun, Juan!


WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS?

Batac   Burgos   Laoag   Pagudpud   Paoay   Vigan


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

Where to Spot the Best Ilocos Empanada in the Northern Region

calle crisologo history calle crisologo review calle crisologo line calle crisologo vigan calle crisologo history tagalog calle crisologo architecture saan matatagpuan ang calle crisologo what to see in calle crisologo

Let's go back to 1600's and be amazed with this street in Vigan!

Whenever I hear about Vigan or see a post online, Calle Crisologo can't be taken out of the topic. This must be one of the most known cobblestone street in the Philippines.


A LITTLE BIT OF VIGAN'S HISTORY

Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.


Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

Loading...

The total area of the inscribed property is 17.25 hectares. The traditional Hispanic checkerboard street plan opens up into two adjacent plazas. The Plaza Salcedo is the longer arm of an L-shaped open space, with the Plaza Burgos as the shorter.

Me at Plaza Salcedo

The urban plan of the town closely conforms with the Renaissance grid plan specified in the Ley de la Indias for all new towns in the Spanish Empire.

There is, however, a noticeable difference between Vigan and contemporary Spanish colonial towns in Latin America in the Historic Core (known as the Mestizo district), where the Latin tradition is tempered by strong Chinese, Ilocano, and Filipino influences.

Plaza Burgos

As its name implies, this district was settled by affluent families of mixed Chinese-Ilocano origin. The area contains the historic footprint of the entire town and consists of a total of 233historic buildings tightly strung along a grid of 25 streets.


The two storey structures are built of brick and wood, with a steeply pitched roof reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture. The exterior walls of the upper storey are enclosed by window panels of kapis shells framed in wood which can be slid back for better ventilation. Most of the existing buildings were probably built in the mid 18th to late 19th centuries. 







ABOUT CALLE CRISOLOGO

Unknown to many, before the name Calle Crisologo street, it was called Calle Escolta de Vigan upon the discovery of the town by Juan de Salcedo in 1572. The street served as the commercial hub in the entire Northern Luzon and was established even before the Galleon Trade.

Calle Crisologo was also called “Kasanglayan” (place of the Chinese), which was the business center of the foreign migratory traders including Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, Japanese and other European businessmen.


In the late 1890s, the Calle de Escolta De Vigan was renamed to Washington Street during the American rule. On September 1, 1901, the Americans had established a civil government in Ilocos Sur with Don Mena Crisologo, a delegate to the Malolos Congress, as the first provincial governor.


WHAT TO PACK FOR VIGAN

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

THINGS TO DO AT CALLE CRISOLOGO

More than just a cobblestone street, Calle Crisologo has many to offer. Here are some things you can do while you are at Calle Crisologo:
  • Tour around the Heritage Village
  • Shop Souvenirs 
  • Food trip
  • Ride the kalesa
  • Take lots of selfies

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

Tour Around the Heritage Village

Calle Crisologo is more than just a cobblestone street but also has a rich history you should know about. Just like the walled city of Intramuros, you will be stunned with the preserved beauty of the Heritage Village.

calle crisologo history calle crisologo review calle crisologo line calle crisologo vigan calle crisologo history tagalog calle crisologo architecture saan matatagpuan ang calle crisologo what to see in calle crisologo
CALLE CRISOLOGO - Vigan Travel Guide

From the Calle Crisologo description to Calle Crisologo love story (which is by the way heartwarming), you’ll definitely be entertained!



Dine and Eat Vigan Delicacies

Calle Crisologo location is a haven for foodies, too. Wherever you look, you’ll find an exquisite restaurant, hole-in-the-wall cafes, or eateries that serve oh-so-yummy food!

main product of ilocos norte where to eat in ilocos sur best product of ilocos norte casual dining restaurant in ilocos norte famous restaurant in ilocos norte best restaurant in ilocos norte products of ilocos sur ilocos norte delicacies pasalubong
Ilocano Longganisa

When in Vigan, you must try their famous Vigan longganisa and empanada. You will not leave without having having a happy tummy!


Shop Souvenirs

Did you know? Calle Crisologo street is a shopping haven. You will see the whole street lined up with lots of cool restaurants, souvenir shops, and antique shops.


The best part, everything is so affordable so you don’t have to spend a fortune when shopping for souvenirs.


Ride the Kalesa

Riding the horse carriage or kalesa is a famous mode of transportation in Calle Crisologo street. The experience will bring you back to the Spanish colonial time where the main mode of transportation is via kalesa.


The rates range from PHP 500 depending on how far and how long you’ll rent it. 


Take lots of selfies

Of course, you will not leave Vigan without having bunch of photos! Why not take the best shots for the memories of fun and enjoyment you had in a historic place like this?


And note, every corner of Vigan, especially Calle Crisologo, is Instagrammable.



HOW TO GET TO CALLE CRISOLOGO

Calle Crisologo is located inside Heritage Village in Vigan City. Depending on your transportation budget and schedule, there are commonly two options on how to go to Calle Crisologo Vigan: land travel and plane. For land travel, going to Vigan from Manila will take roughly 8-10 hours.

By Bus

The cheapest and common way to travel to Vigan is by bus. Some of the buses that have direct trips daily are Partas, Dominion Bus Lines, Viron Transit, and St. Joseph/Aniceto Transit, while Philippine Rabbit, Fariñas, Maria de Leon, Florida Bus, Baliwag, and RCJ Transit have regular trips that pass by Vigan via the Manila-Laoag route.

By Private Car

From Manila, you should take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) route.

For those who are bringing own vehicle, you may use Waze or Google Maps for directions. If you don’t have a private vehicle, you can rent a car or van here.


By Plane

If you have a tight schedule and want to save time, you can opt to travel by plane. However, there are no direct flights to Vigan, but you can fly from Manila to Laoag Airport and ride a bus to Vigan. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer flights daily routing Manila-Laoag and vv. Vigan is just a 2-hour bus ride from Laoag City.

For airfare and transportation, you may check PISO FARE promos or you can directly compare air, sea and land travel fare and prices here:

Calle Crisologo

Address: Heritage Village, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Calle Crisologo

  • What is the meaning of Calle Crisologo?
    Calle Crisologo is the main attraction in Vigan. This famous street was named after a writer and politician Don Mena Crisologo.

  • What is Vigan famous for?
    Vigan is famous for its well-preserved Spanish Colonial town, historical Vigan tourist spots, and delicious food and delicacies. Because of Vigan’s old-world charm, it has been inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Who is Crisologo of Vigan?
    The Crisologo of Vigan is the writer and politician Don Mena Crisologo.

  • Why do tourists visit Vigan?
    Firstly, Vigan is the best-preserved planned Spanish colonial city in Asia and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List; secondly, the cobblestone streets of well-restored Calle Crisologo are traffic free which is such a relief when traveling in Asia so you can focus only on sightseeing.


WHERE TO STAY IN VIGAN

Here's a list of hotels and resorts to book for a stay in Vigan City:


hotel luna description hotel luna vigan description hotel luna vigan history hotel luna museum hotel luna vigan rooms hotel luna contact number hotel luna vigan price hotel luna vigan wikipedia
Hotel Luna

ALSO IN ILOCOS

WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS?

Batac   Burgos   Laoag   Pagudpud   Paoay   Vigan


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

calle crisologo history calle crisologo review calle crisologo line calle crisologo vigan calle crisologo history tagalog calle crisologo architecture saan matatagpuan ang calle crisologo what to see in calle crisologo

CALLE CRISOLOGO: Guide to Vigan's Heritage Site (Spanish Colonialism, Things To Do and How To Get There)

baluarte in english baluarte description saan matatagpuan ang baluarte baluarte zoo description tagalog baluarte vigan history tagalog baluarte location baluarte resort baluarte history

This place houses wild animals you rarely see in the Philippines. 

I've been to Baluarte once when I joined a team building trip to Ilocos Norte in 2012. Our team visited the zoo during our quick side trip to Vigan on our way back to Manila. 


Baluarte Vigan – Fortress of Vigan

The Baluarte or fortress is a must-see attraction for first time visitors, and even for those who have visited Vigan before.

Baluarte

The reasons for its being on the list of places to visit are two:

First is that it has a mini zoo with animals from other countries and others endemic to the Philippines. It is a private collection and is therefore continuously being improved.

The second reason is that it is owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a well-loved son of Vigan and well-known to most Filipinos and foreigners who follow the Philippine political scene.

Loading...

The resort complex lies in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the hills, where the former governor’s multi-storey house sits with a grand view of Vigan and the South China Sea.


Within its private area is a landscaped garden complete with its own nature pools. However, the area open to the public has plenty more engaging attractions that visitors can busy themselves with aside from the mini zoo.

Balaurte, Vigan City

There is a butterfly farm, a track for horse riding and a skeet shooting range. Visitors can start with visiting the rows of cages where they can see lions, Bengal tigers, peacocks, civet cats, iguanas, pythons and other reptiles and birds.

In this part of the Baluarte, people will also be able to see the Philippine cloud rat, a nocturnal animal endemic to the Philippine Cordillera region. This very large rodent is an herbivore and hunted by large birds and local people.


WHAT TO PACK FOR VIGAN

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:


From the caged animals, visitors can move on to the fenced areas where they can visit and feed the monkeys, swans, flamingos, ostriches, albino and spotted deer and the one-hump camel.


Children are allowed to sit on top of the bigger animals, but if they really want to ride, they can go to the tracks where they can ride the miniature horses.

For a closer encounter with the animals, visitors may choose to visit and feed the parrots and hornbills that are placed in a more open area where visitors can openly approach them with bananas and seeds. There are also scheduled show and tell times when audiences are introduced to the animals.

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

An added attraction is the butterfly garden where one can observe thousands of butterflies, some endemic to the Philippines, or have a more serene interaction with an animal species.

Visitors from all parts of the Philippines and other countries flock to Baluarte everyday, for these well-cared for animal attractions, and for a chance to meet with the owner of this magnificent property.


Governor Singson does not only generously share his private collection of animals with everyone; he also gives in to requests of tourists for pictures to be taken with him


THINGS TO DO IN BALUARTE

Here are some of the things you can do and enjoy inside Baluarte:
  • Appreciate the view
  • Interact with the animals
  • Selfies with the animals
  • Feeding them
  • Talk with the parrot

Klook.com

ENTRANCE FEE

There is no entrance fee to wander at this amazing animal sanctuary. You can even have a family picnic on the green landscape or dine at Baluarte’s in-house cafeteria.

For those who want to tour around the zoo, a guided tour via electronic cab worth Php 50 is available.



HOW TO GET TO BALUARTE

Via Public Commuting: From Calle Crisologo OR Public Market, you can hire a tricycle to bring you straight to Baluarte.

Via Private Vehicle: From Calle Crisologo, head south and turn left at Rivero Street, then make a right turn onto Quirino Avenue. Drive straight until you reach the arc of Barangay Salindec at your right. Enter Barangay Salindec and turn right. You’ll see a small welcome sign to Baluarte Zoo.

For those who are bringing own vehicle, you may use Waze or Google Maps for directions. If you don’t have a private vehicle, you can rent a car or van here.


Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo

Address: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
Business hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact information: (077) 722-7186
Admission: Free, but there is a Php 50 fee for the e-cab tour around the zoo.


WHERE TO STAY IN VIGAN

Here's a list of hotels and resorts to book for a stay in Vigan City:



ALSO IN ILOCOS



WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS?

Batac   Burgos   Laoag   Pagudpud   Paoay   Vigan



OTHER ZOOS AND THEME PARK TO VISIT

Here's a list of zoos, theme farms and parks you and your kids can enjoy in the Philippines:


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

baluarte in english baluarte description saan matatagpuan ang baluarte baluarte zoo description tagalog baluarte vigan history tagalog baluarte location baluarte resort baluarte history

VIGAN CITY: What to see at Baluarte Zoo (Entrance Fee + Things To Do)

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)