tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47829477786055892692024-03-13T03:04:07.291-07:00Explore IlocosEdmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-25360681083171182222019-02-19T06:08:00.003-08:002022-02-04T00:38:38.992-08:00[Narvacan] ► 5 Reasons to Visit & Enjoy Narvacan's Highland Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[NARVACAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: The town of Narvacan is known for its <i>bagnet</i> and as the gateway to the province of Abra. People who travel frequently to and from Abra would regard this highland trail as an ordinary thing, like nothing special. Speaking of highland trail, I'm referring to the Narvacan segment of the Ilocos Sur-Abra National Road (a road connecting the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra, as the name implies). </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For individuals who would like to appreciate and unearth the beauty of places we usually consider ordinary as locals (since we see these places everyday as part of our daily lives), here is a list of five (5) reasons why visit this highland trail in Narvacan. Let's label this place from a different perspective or point of view.</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>1. It has a breathtaking mountain view.</b></span></blockquote>
<img alt="NARVACAN, ILOCOS SUR" border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1517" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-UEq2RCE5c/XGqJ_Y2xrJI/AAAAAAAAoLw/LLvt-zA2WwsfwMNDpSexzo7sNuq7AQL0wCLcBGAs/s1600/NARVACAN-2.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<center style="text-align: left;">
<b>[NARVACAN] ► Narvacan has its own version of a highland landscape that changes in apperance from dry to wet seasons.</b></center>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For individuals yearning for a relaxing mountain view away from the busy downtowns of Ilocos towns and districts, this is a great option—like a great, cheap, nearby option.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You don't need to travel to Cervantes or Suyo just to experience the Ilocos mountain ranges, because Narvacan's segment of the Ilocos Sur-Abra road seems to be the most practical option due to its accessibility. The breathtaking mountain landscape changes from season to season. Go! Unearth your appreciation of mountains!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2. It's very accessible.</b></span></blockquote>
</div>
<img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1517" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1OaOuPa7yQ/XGqLzjrfsoI/AAAAAAAAoL8/Ig8axLRr3_05PIrJQ3T4ddvVLqJyWX7awCLcBGAs/s1600/NARVACAN.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="text-align: left;">[NARVACAN] ► The Ilocos Sur-Abra Road can easily be accessed from the Narvacan Junction.</b></blockquote>
<b style="text-align: left;"><br />
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its accessibility is an advantage. You could reach the trail for like an instant from the Maharlika Highway at the Narvacan Junction. There's no reason to back out, because it's near the doorsteps of Ilocos Sur's lowland towns!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Go get your car, motorbike, or even your tricycle! It's 30 minutes away from Vigan or Candon—a quick fix for your relaxing mountain view cravings without the need for a full gas tank!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>3. It's a safe highland road. Well-paved.</b></span></blockquote>
<img alt="ILOCOS SUR-ABRA ROAD, NARVACAN" border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1517" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYXJMgt88hc/XGv847fCF_I/AAAAAAAAoMI/6d-RwnHSERYKcF8WNP9TgWfkBomW-kkwACLcBGAs/s1600/NARVACAN-3.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="text-align: left;">[NARVACAN] ► This segment of the Ilocos Sur-Abra Road is well-maintained.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">It may not be the most perfect road, but I would say it's well-maintained and well-managed. Although there are series of high cliffs along the snaking pavement, concrete road blocks are reliable (unless you are the careless driver, in which case, that would be your fault).</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Go enjoy the winding trail without worrying for humps and bumps!</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4. It's a peaceful place to reflect.</b></span></blockquote>
<img alt="ILOCOS SUR-ABRA ROAD" border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1517" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKs4-Ksu6hI/XGv_iX8mSEI/AAAAAAAAoMU/_NLUXURGRCgg4J7lbzc605sAMM1lRSeNgCLcBGAs/s1600/NARVACAN-5.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>[NARVACAN] ► Do you need silence and space?</b></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So you need a peaceful place to reflect without the tourist crowd of Vigan or away from the traffic jam of Candon? This portion of the Ilocos Sur-Abra Road would be a great silent option. Aside from the occasional buses and vehicles, the rest would be a relaxing sound of silence.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It would be best to visit this trail in the morning or late in the afternoon for sunset-viewing.</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">5. It's one of the best vantage points to view the Bantay Abut and the Sulvec Bay.</span></b></blockquote>
<img alt="BANTAY ABUT, NARVACAN" border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1517" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ti9Pu-VDLA/XGwABOHU6NI/AAAAAAAAoMc/bg49nX3V_-IcqHis9KecQCuAYCGSm_6CgCLcBGAs/s1600/NARVACAN-4.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>[NARVACAN] ► The Bantay Abut is an iconic landmark in Narvacan.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In terms of accessibility, the Ilocos Sur-Abra Road is the best option to view the Bantay Abut and the Sulvec Bay. Unleash your hidden admiration for Narvacan, because it is indeed a charming admirable municipality with beautiful landscapes and wonders.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Find your place and view the sunset unfolding over the horizon!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
► What's your take about this place in Narvacan? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! </div>
<br /></div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.463462 120.4933624000000217.342276 120.33200090000003 17.584648 120.65472390000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-24391078950263604792017-07-20T15:59:00.000-07:002019-02-17T08:02:57.603-08:00[San Nicolas] ► McDonald's Branch in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[SAN NICOLAS] ► ILOCOS NORTE: San Nicolas is a boomtown in Ilocos Norte. With the birth of the Valdez Center, big investments have come to establish their presence in this town. Now, let's check out the McDonald's branch in San Nicolas which also made a space in this business center.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The McDonald's in San Nicolas is located in Venvi IT Park, also located within the Valdez Center. This branch is the third McDonald's in Ilocos Norte. It's located near the Venvi Hotel and Casino Filipino and few steps away from the Robinson's Place Ilocos (Exension Mall).<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8_z9GJ92v4/WW4ZO6diD3I/AAAAAAAAkyQ/BqqOunbHfgQQeFeHIK5xFnFdCEJd8aTNACLcBGAs/s1600/MCDONALD%2527S%2BSAN%2BNICOLAS%2BILOCOS%2BNORTE%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1017" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_dxpJJZbjA/WW4dWIf0OYI/AAAAAAAAkyc/a6mi0LHR0UEyxJ7R6AM_XlnFECvRO0d0ACLcBGAs/s1600/MCDONALD%2527S%2BSAN%2BNICOLAS%2BILOCOS%2BNORTE%2B%25288%2529.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1017" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoTkgbMSRu0/WXE0xij9VdI/AAAAAAAAkzE/ZsX3-hGlvLADYGX7NuIN5O2gMrVCO45RgCLcBGAs/s1600/MCDONALD%2527S%2BSAN%2BNICOLAS%2BILOCOS%2BNORTE%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1017" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpqjfivaZ6w/WXE0xzmn_KI/AAAAAAAAkzI/wIuranXtq207ew3H7MaJNW4fbFViPp8OACLcBGAs/s1600/MCDONALD%2527S%2BSAN%2BNICOLAS%2BILOCOS%2BNORTE%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1012" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEmzTGhwDKY/WXE0xnJ5nYI/AAAAAAAAkzA/94g-40-GT9w8-SvpwEFi_OY4R0NYhzXtgCLcBGAs/s1600/MCDONALD%2527S%2BSAN%2BNICOLAS%2BILOCOS%2BNORTE%2B%25283%2529.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1017" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qT41nsu1qBM/WXE0zMBipyI/AAAAAAAAkzM/xJjRlZdK90MXxXDY84fXqU0-Gw_0VT6-gCLcBGAs/s1600/MCDONALD%2527S%2BSAN%2BNICOLAS%2BILOCOS%2BNORTE%2B%25284%2529.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1017" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5SGH4FGFV8/WXE0zKFbAJI/AAAAAAAAkzQ/RXh2u3T7-0MWs3iveDf1OOBdNlfPQV36ACLcBGAs/s1600/MCDONALD%2527S%2BSAN%2BNICOLAS%2BILOCOS%2BNORTE%2B%25286%2529.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">
<BR /><BR />
They're open for breakfast and kiddie parties. It also has </span>drive-thru<span style="text-align: justify;">. McDonald's San Nicolas is equipped with both indoor and al fresco dining options and it's usually loved by BPO employees working nearby.</span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Have you been in this McDonald's branch in Ilocos? Share your experience!</span><br />
<div class="tl-recentMag tl-recentHeadline tl-recentH-S2" data-label="Where to Shop and Dine" data-results="15" data-vmt="+">
</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines18.1470823 120.5854673999999718.0263688 120.42410589999997 18.267795800000002 120.74682889999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-11635371585442838862017-07-17T05:54:00.001-07:002019-02-17T08:18:45.850-08:00[Vigan] ► 5 Reasons to Try the Sitio Food Park in Tamag<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: </b><b style="text-align: justify;">The Sitio FoodPark is Vigan's most popular restaurant/food park to rise this year (2017) with its claim as the first urban food park in Northern Luzon. It opened sometime in April and it is located in Barangay Tamag, Vigan City.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a list of reasons why you should try the Sitio FoodPark. While some guests are not happy with some of the things they encountered inside this food park, this article aims to highlight the positive characters of this place depending on the needs of the guest. Let's start.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. It's Trendy and Millennial-Friendly</span></blockquote>
</div>
<img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1017" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyge984mf0o/WWymCkdezGI/AAAAAAAAku8/iYWSwA4YW-4Fy3lgY6nBIwpV1fdwfo03QCLcBGAs/s1600/SITIO%2BFOODPARK%2BVIGAN%2B03.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you're looking for an intagrammable or social-media catchy food hub in Vigan, Sitio FoodPark is a nice option. Get ready with your smartphones and flaunt your best pouting-mouth-selfie with the cool setting of the place. For Vigan standard, the setting is unique and obviously, it's setting a new trend in Vigan—a criterion for Ilocano millennials. Let your selfie slay!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2. Both Al Fresco and Indoor Dining Guaranteed</b></span></blockquote>
<img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1017" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtaTTT_nEXM/WWyoCg0RH3I/AAAAAAAAkvE/3Q-SqEJPHKkkY7M86aFkq4hMURANXbdHgCLcBGAs/s1600/SITIO%2BFOODPARK%2BVIGAN.jpg" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
So you want to stay indoor when dining? No problem. You got the options here. However, this food park seemed to be designed to be more on al fresco or the outdoor type. So if you love dining out, this place is for you. Order your favorite beverage and food and enjoy the fresh air—this food park is away from the busy business district of Vigan. Chill, kid!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. It Has a Wide Variety of Food Choices</span></blockquote>
<img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1017" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrSj-Eg1o3o/WWypFKPD3EI/AAAAAAAAkvI/-megJ0Y-2E4yPDnvQEgolpNf5GORH3LuwCLcBGAs/s1600/SITIO%2BFOODPARK%2BVIGAN%2B05.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
You want some Ilocano flavors? They have it. How about Indian? No problem. If you like some Western dishes too, they got your back. Some complained of its expensive food though but the market of this food park is obviously, for those who can afford it. So if you are a foodie who has the budget to spend some bucks for a variety of food, go show 'em what you got! 👌<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4. It Has Nightly Musical Shows</b></span></blockquote>
<img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1017" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUaZIKwl0YY/WWyqXtX1dvI/AAAAAAAAkvU/rqAwSiN3lisiPtX6HLp-k8tc2ekuYwAbACLcBGAs/s1600/SITIO%2BFOODPARK%2BVIGAN%2B04.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Millennials and non-millennials with love for live musical band performances will surely become happy for this. Sitio Food Park has nightly live performances to meet the demands of music-loving foodies—or just for people who just love music.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. It Has a Wide Parking Space</span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1017" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRLEvBb2_IE/WWytU0mTF3I/AAAAAAAAkvc/GCCMhAwjda0yiEortoWDavR3ZlUsLzOKQCLcBGAs/s1600/SITIO%2BFOODPARK%2BVIGAN%2B02.jpg" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wanna bring your besties, family or neighbors? Drive that car and worry not for the parking area. You might also want to organize your field trip and take the bus? They got a space for you. Don't dare challenge their space. 😅</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Above are some reason why try the Sitio FoodPark. Do you have some more reasons in mind? Share them in the comment section below. :)</b></i></div>
<div class="tl-recentMag tl-recentHeadline tl-recentH-S2" data-label="Where to Shop and Dine" data-results="15" data-vmt="+">
</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-79549594809561935212017-05-31T07:16:00.001-07:002019-02-17T08:22:58.475-08:00[Laoag] ► I attended the ASEAN@50 Bloggers' and Information Officers Conference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[LAOAG] ► ILOCOS NORTE: It's rare to have an Ilocano bloggers gathering here in Ilocos so when I received an invitation through email by Cherry Joy Discaya-Garma, I did not think twice. I've always dreamed seeing myself joining a big gathering for Ilocano bloggers but it never happened because there is no wll-established bloggers community here in Ilocos. One reason for this is maybe due to the scarce number of active Ilocano bloggers.</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Prior to the email invitation, I was actually contacted by the Information Officer of PIA (Philippine Information Agency) Ilocos Sur about it. Well, the conference was held at Java Hotel in Laoag City.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7531AZ3nn0/WS2K_jZp8oI/AAAAAAAAkNo/9iYxG6b9w8sB9XrWSuNR9uCRh_DfiQAGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2237.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtKeshbt8Fg/WS6oQU-5FaI/AAAAAAAAkN4/aUmnG_UwHQgjRLTfCp4vxnYCzkL2xfCFwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2246.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The event title was ASEAN Bloggers and Information Officers Conference. Participants who were invited were information officers of different LGUs and institutions in Ilocos Norte. Unfortunately, I was the only one from Ilocos Sur and the only non-government-affiliated blogger who joined so I represented the blogging community.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The conference was about informing bloggers and information officers about the recent happenings in ASEAN. The Philippines is the Chair of the ASEAN this year coinciding with its 50th year as an international organization composed of ten (10) South East Asian countries.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZnKUjs49oA/WS7E6Kly8UI/AAAAAAAAkOI/fQ6jqxrvls4YgtRFK6EL5LYeQtmOnURaQCLcB/s1600/EXPLOREILOCOS.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PzIRuxSywYY/WS7E6F1X-FI/AAAAAAAAkOQ/5VrcGUG3bgMrUM2gm4IPbR_RulFqIC72gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2232.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8MuG7oeuYw/WS7E6GCkK2I/AAAAAAAAkOM/cautubgmahUvA3fdECGu15KnC8j_1KZOACLcB/s1600/IMG_2234.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8t6xfsyB_A/WS7E7MpgijI/AAAAAAAAkOU/znrubqjBfKEogYP6r8SVY_axc_Ix55nCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2236.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNrVxnddbtI/WS7E7CC1eRI/AAAAAAAAkOY/I0MH3YuXQSov2EdaLzCPrrDSw4v0QgT4wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2240.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfVA1iGT52A/WS7E7PU8l2I/AAAAAAAAkOc/O9IwAGLPLckmErIhr847PtAR5mwreGRlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2241.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQTRDICSe-s/WS7E8Hj0lAI/AAAAAAAAkOg/mBQw0A4E_Io-dfKPGp7CmjVbPEokMmxyACLcB/s1600/IMG_2244.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1017" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFU376IskjU/WS2G9W7fezI/AAAAAAAAkNc/GmVixWESfd4AMcsimo_DXYffk8uSOgFfQCLcB/s1600/SAM_7753.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some speakers were also invited to give us an introduction of federalism, a government structure proposed by the Rodrigo Duterte administration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a millennial and a blogger, my favorite topic was the social media handling. It was primarily directed to the information officers handling government social media accounts but the data presented were astonishing and as a blogger, I could use those data to plan my social media posts effectively.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks PIA-Laoag for the invite!</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines18.1960128 120.5926678999999218.075337299999997 120.43130639999993 18.3166883 120.75402939999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-48153061747244412492017-02-06T07:16:00.003-08:002019-02-17T08:32:29.212-08:00[Vigan] ► Kannawidan Festival Grounds Goes to Tamag This 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: The core of the 2017 version of Kannawidan Festival wasn't housed in the traditional location we've known. Heck, Quirino Stadium in Bantay has some more important businesses to do and the Kannawidan festival ground couldn't just grab its rightful space.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks to Tamag. A huge field is still there in the midst of the highly-valued subdivided lots dotted with mid-rise buildings that dramatically changed the surrounding landscape. So, the deserted space is ready to resurrect from its tomb with lively festival activities, mini-amusement park, food fairs and shopping tents.</div>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aHRfY0s46aU/WJh0RtzqqdI/AAAAAAAAipE/3HrkwBuRGJsi7yld4OlVn8UxQv_LTutzwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9738.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
On my walk inside the festival grounds, these are the things I noticed.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Food Fair</b></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As usual, the food fair is here to stay. Perennial food in Vigan's street like <i>empanada</i>, <i>goto</i>, grilled street food and other traditional cuisines were present. There are many food carts but it was a little bit boring this year. Where are the Ilocos Sur favorites like <i>miki</i>, <i>pipian, sinanglao</i>, <i>lumpianada </i>or <i>ginittaan </i>(or I just didn't notice them)? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Though there were many food choices, I just swallowed my saliva to see pastas and shawarmas in the peak of my Ilocano food cravings. Where are you <i>sinanglao? </i>I hope the store owners who rented a space inside the food fair tent would have the balls next time to feature/offer/sell our ever delicious Ilocano comfort dishes. Pffff! I'm craving for <i>sinanglao</i> that time but I didn't find one.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8zDtP67ktw/WJh86PD-vZI/AAAAAAAAip4/X_Q48ig6Gy8ui5BTxLshHdn-aFvJYC1dwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9759.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPR-wGmdPHY/WJh81752oLI/AAAAAAAAipo/XvkoDi2J0eQVHQ5J-0HyWPqrOC8P5NL3wCLcB/s1600/IMG_9748.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrgOcjeMucM/WJh811S81SI/AAAAAAAAipk/qsDcIEb0uHcdWdTCxfQBdmc0moTNt03AACLcB/s1600/IMG_9740.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odT4ituFlpk/WJh81WNM93I/AAAAAAAAipg/jU5Y2beCyXEYCkfJ8p9gX5kvJPUHFHNkACLcB/s1600/IMG_9749.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLEqO9J8Z9Q/WJh83X4hk_I/AAAAAAAAipw/ZkW9VBXW81EDftelYDLA-yVCOpHxy6qPACLcB/s1600/IMG_9755.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gp7tw0Iz1FU/WJh82wQ_rvI/AAAAAAAAips/hryUdjUs9UknqzXS0SvVaeLGQfLIY7lPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9754.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-El3OdaLHkas/WJh84A6X5xI/AAAAAAAAip0/D2anoV4beoMyOsUi4DgZCQ7v1whFLcNZwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9757.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L31OFaUf6CY/WJh86DTrQZI/AAAAAAAAip8/2OMnDYE9J3cNvMIY14PYqvgRhmHZImsiwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9760.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JRoz6S_-xs/WJh87wRwBYI/AAAAAAAAiqE/SrA7_zK-Y78ZPK-lFh3CwrnIl-l6ilThgCLcB/s1600/IMG_9770.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9hb5HQptbo/WJh86_nVuvI/AAAAAAAAiqA/N1YOmRr9VmwB5oNTFnKP7enxaJsCkEBhQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9761.jpg" width="100%" />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Trade Fair</b></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am badly missing the traditional trade fair where each town of Ilocos Sur was given a stall to feature/sell their OTOPs. Before, stalls of every town were labeled with the name of their town. I don't know if I just didn't notice it this time but the OTOP row is gone now, maybe because the space inside the trade fair is limited.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I will go back and see the site the coming days. Maybe I just missed it. But still, last year was more organized based on my personal perspective so it may differ from you. Some might consider the set-up today better. Why not?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Exhibits</b></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The exhibits inside the festival grounds were my favorite part. I gotta see the bird photos exhibit of <i>apo Bokal</i> Christopher 'Topeng" Baterina. In fact I was able to talk with him as we both shared our passions in our genres of photography. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks to Kevin (photo below) of <i>Ballog </i>Adventures, I was checking the exhibits when he approached me and introduced himself to me that he reads my blog and that he follows my facebook posts. It's a small world indeed. He was the one who introduced me to the former. Thank God he recognized me in person (it's my first time to meet him personally). We were able to share thoughts and ideas about sustainable eco-tourism. He's one of the leads of the <i>Ballog</i> adventures, a travel group here in Ilocos Sur. The waterfall images at the background were those that they've visited.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkoKT6WxKvA/WJiI-MSx89I/AAAAAAAAiqY/6Zh-LC7JLZskW3nyqeD82rRYLuau1TKMQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9742.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3Z1y-lLidQ/WJiRGRWpxhI/AAAAAAAAiqo/y2Jq5sffvk4FxUFue5otBU5p1CGwS_v5QCLcB/s1600/13501706_1037808589589744_699033488853781463_n.jpg" width="100%" />
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Jkm0R0gpIU/WJiRGWqigqI/AAAAAAAAiqs/LTR78RxAMOc19pBMBPsc1-WlpZgZaTflgCLcB/s1600/IMG_9746.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Actually, the "Waterfalls of Ilocos Sur" and bird exhibits of Kevin's group and <i>bokal</i> Topeng were eye-openers. In fact, many IlocosSurians have been looking for waterfalls outside the province because few are aware that we have more aside from Pikkang falls of San Juan and Pinsal Falls of Santa Maria. On wildlife, I also discovered that Ilocos Sur has diverese bird species and it made me more interested to unearth the hidden wonders of the province. I hope the others who saw the exhibits would feel the same.</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Street Dancing and Showdown</b></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The street dancing this year was the second installment in the history of Kannawidan festival which debuted last year. I was able to cover the festival last year but this year was a failure. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a work until 6 PM so I ditched the street dancing and just looked forward for the showdown. Since I arrived late at the showdown venue, I could no longer find a place for me to take a decent photo so I decided not to document such event. As an ordinary citizen and a regular member of the thick crowd, I didn't have the VIP pass to bring myself to the action scene for me to take blog and journalism-worthy photos. I had no choice but to leave the place. I was sad to have missed documenting the 2017 installment. My goal of documenting the yearly Kannawidan street dancing history for the next generations to see (through this website) has failed. 😞😞😞</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to see my 2016 blog coverage of Kannawidan Festival street dancing, here's the link (published on my other blog though): "<a href="http://www.edmaration.com/2016/03/kannawidan-festival-vigan-ilocos-sur.html" target="_blank">KANNAWIDAN FESTIVAL</a>"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Plans for the Kannawidan festival this year were well-executed. Saniata ti Ilocos Sur, one of the highlights, was a success with Miss Salcedo winning the title. Saniata ti Agtutubo, on the other hand, was won by Vigan.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dmelh1QzBw/WJnbG2GdwJI/AAAAAAAAirE/pbnn0OP7hnwdWHVhQIc-CVghEQ92ZLkBQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9751.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DcH-tWyJUI4/WJnbGiceEiI/AAAAAAAAiq8/UAUli6jLvuEXLNpPaU5j9tvd-F3DPiqZwCLcB/s1600/IMG_9771-Recovered.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCKftGWNGG0/WJnbG0G8fhI/AAAAAAAAirA/KqGrj_0XKG4QFEQJbvSQTAH4y_dpwGivQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9772-Recovered.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Parking space was plenty and the traffic management employed was efficient somehow. On security, police officers were scattered around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you have more insights or comments for this year's Kannawidan festival? Go speak your heart out on the comments box below.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>More Posts Covering Kannawidan Festival:</i></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.exploreilocos.com/2014/02/bantay-kannawidan-festival-2014.html" target="_blank">[BANTAY] ► Kannawidan Festival 2014 Carnival Ground Photos </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.exploreilocos.com/2014/02/bantay-quirino-stadium-core-of.html" target="_blank">[BANTAY] ► Quirino Stadium: The Core of Kannawidan Ylocos Festival</a></li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-16985021307444111512017-01-17T08:08:00.000-08:002019-02-17T08:39:49.758-08:00[Vigan] ► Review: How Vigan and Its People Handled the Miss Universe Event?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: </b><b style="text-align: justify;">First, let's understand that the Miss Universe event in Vigan invloved several sectors of our locality including private organizations so the success (and failure, if there is) of the event reflects the performance of all the sectors, not just Vigan.</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
So without too much ado, as a legit Bigueño who've been documenting the different events here both in writing and in digital media (photos, graphics and videos), here's my honest review of how these sectors handled this Miss Universe event in my capacity as a citizen observer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SxP5hN-z4/WHue8Q3-OYI/AAAAAAAAigk/Geb6cybdgR8d32hYrBiCZJymdAROVoAEACLcB/s1600/IMG_8814.jpg" width="100%" /> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> The Advisories</b></span></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The advisories released by Vigan City LGU were timely and there was no better way to spread the news other than using the social media—thanks to social media pages of popular new websites, bloggers and social media influencers who immediately picked up the advisory to inform everyone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The liquor and gun ban was a winner! While I was browsing some popular pageant websites, I've read raves from pageant forumers around the world (foreigners) about the actions imposed by the city government. They indeed admired how the city ensured the security of the candidates.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Traffic Management</span></b></blockquote><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</span> <span style="text-align: justify;">On the traffic management, the blue boys of our streets did a great job in maintaining an orderly traffic! Motorists and car owners were well-informed of the traffic route. In fact, there was a dry-run of the traffic route implemented. An advisory of the traffic route was also released prior.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Crowd Control</span></b></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The Vigan officers were dressed in white long-sleeved polo. They looked so different you'd think they're not officers of the Vigan PNP. They strictly enforced the rules and kept the Miss Universe-crazy crowd in their rightful place.<br />
<br />
Obviously, Plaza Burgos was not enough to contain all the fans so big screens were prepared to allow the other audience watch live on screen as it happens.<br />
<img 0="" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3VVlVX20Ks/WH4_-GCXRMI/AAAAAAAAihs/Y4oUBOPDnREd6A7ENr5baiYhChZfvchbQCLcB/s1600/EXPLOREILOCOS02.jpg" width="100%" /> <img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MTaGAeWRxPs/WH4_-RFhQhI/AAAAAAAAihw/J3z3sl73L6Eqrx1TGFJGAsw7leF92L7FwCLcB/s1600/EXPLOREILOCOS04.jpg" width="100%" /> <img 0="" border="0" div="" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxhbK3KaPNk/WH48khbxogI/AAAAAAAAihc/mE-ncwUdlLMsOoioQRR01RdzkFbT3UsHQCLcB/s1600/EXPLOREILOCOS05.jpg" style="text-align: justify;" width="100%" /> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> People's Discipline</b></span></blockquote><br />
The discipline of the people was just astounding. No one brought bags and bottles. No one wore a cap. The advisory prohibiting the possession of the things aforementioned was well-followed by the fans. Also, no one attempted to take a selfie with the candidates.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></blockquote><br />
The Miss Universe in Vigan may only happen once in our lifetime so I would say it was just right that the preparation was overdone than not being prepared at all.<br />
<br />
Indeed, the Miss Universe girls were not just the stars that day, Vigan, too, as the city showed its beauty and the discipline of its people to the world, the universe rather.</div></div>Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-791984371627083822017-01-15T08:50:00.003-08:002019-02-17T08:44:39.940-08:00[Vigan] ► Calle Crisologo is the Most Beautiful Street in the Universe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: The Miss Universe 2016/2017 fever is on! For the first time in the history of Vigan and of Ilocos Region as a whole, a Miss Universe event was held.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The selected Miss Universe candidates landed at Vigan Domestic Airport with crazy fans welcoming them. They visited Baluarte for the press conference then stayed at Hotel Luna, their official Vigan residence, to rest.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KQzFUMnMZ0/WHurZFmODRI/AAAAAAAAihE/mMRtCfjM1dgj4sQBFjB0UkNGpKCqOefrQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8783.jpg" width="100%" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
At night, Calle Crisologo served as the runway for the Miss Universe candidates before they reached Plaza Burgos for the <i>abel </i>Iloko-inspired <i>terno </i>fashion show.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <i>terno</i> worn by the Miss Universe candidates were designed by Filipino designers from Manila and Ilocos.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Calle Crisologo was crowded by die-hard pageant-loving Miss Universe fans from different parts of the world. Indians, who are also a great fan of beauty pageants, were present in the event in big number. The Indian crowd was mainly students of the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan. I've also spotted some Latinos, mainly for media coverage. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Below are photos of the most beautiful girls in the Universe. With beautiful girls walking in Calle Crisologo, they've transformed Calle Crisologo into the most beautiful street in the Universe too!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNF4VlaZg6k/WHue1eqUdaI/AAAAAAAAif8/lblwda7O0Xwla2d2213lWVa5ubYn1VJbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8790.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wk33v-QvSPM/WHue0lzBiLI/AAAAAAAAif4/lRUYIDjBk-sJQZGJcUmNnuErjLcmepp9gCLcB/s1600/IMG_8791.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FN8gvlJG120/WHue1dE9djI/AAAAAAAAigA/JIO9CSxavHU5v38Yl9jzpa3AILMvZvvmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8792.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kdA5rP5TmA/WHue2QzKwPI/AAAAAAAAigE/S1MnJwWl0c0L0aidAWkjalqCVkQlvy-PwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8795.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-AAIFY_U5k/WHue4AC0WOI/AAAAAAAAigM/JIQV2wguExcp2REbEzVBE1ktI8SNXWZRACLcB/s1600/IMG_8798.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uh8tf392ZFY/WHue3vnX45I/AAAAAAAAigI/kjCTBtuscsYqR3hlF43KXPtxUbT4XD7cgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8799.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njdyzxG43MU/WHue5lfw9hI/AAAAAAAAigU/hlbEWKDcW10_edZEVwOqcPV5KvK2oj0WQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8801.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8G3JeuJ8wk/WHue5Yn5aXI/AAAAAAAAigQ/ajwVfQ_vRgESnQ2kQ4FYZeVCiUHAKOVzgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8805.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGeemux3eP8/WHue7RE-__I/AAAAAAAAigY/L6gfYdfI6Gcr-7XtsvhmtzIYCU26Zo6ZQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8806.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HWl7_xK5ds/WHue7vB33dI/AAAAAAAAigc/EFJuainIjlUIvKRSCMRabe1ephph_bQkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8808.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Q3UqOJIVAM/WHue7yWZEFI/AAAAAAAAigg/jpfBCt8kcsENlyLSmfrDFOlx6DYehwx0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_8812.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SxP5hN-z4/WHue8Q3-OYI/AAAAAAAAigk/Geb6cybdgR8d32hYrBiCZJymdAROVoAEACLcB/s1600/IMG_8814.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edJCiHG5x7I/WHue85sSjbI/AAAAAAAAigo/cHRs8PM7dx8siBptb_1s16_iDYOhE0YrACLcB/s1600/IMG_8817.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3HzfXWwIjU/WHue9WvaUQI/AAAAAAAAigs/TAAkjwLcgMU3psO9yUm0J6204WQzmgtfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8818.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvJKJCXSeeE/WHue-BjXF_I/AAAAAAAAigw/QMUkrp4CN_QvLO3R7qsQG9GdRK5cbeojACLcB/s1600/IMG_8819.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3yyvtuY4po/WHue-5Uw5GI/AAAAAAAAig0/fHBsgMh5UkcaMYfHAPCW8k5OpwgVHoenQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8821.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4IqLdZhHkc/WHue_8j0IrI/AAAAAAAAig4/ZCv9Uk5x1dMJS4ilgYd2_J2-tCoeMqd3ACLcB/s1600/IMG_8822.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="MISS UNIVERSE VIGAN" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIAfgjcJWww/WHuauJOu5aI/AAAAAAAAifw/IlnRSW7TOisZgC-HAqk9fPDwzx2jUSQrgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8783.jpg" width="100%" /> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Calle Crisologo in Vigan again gained another milestone in its history with the coming of Miss Universe candidates. The Ilocanos surely did a great addition to Miss Universe Organization's beautiful history.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Other post/s covering Miss Universe in Vigan</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.exploreilocos.com/2017/01/vigan-stage-for-miss-universe-show-is.html" target="_blank">Stage for Miss Universe Show is Vigan Architecture-Inspired</a></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-32419777908029988422017-01-12T10:11:00.000-08:002019-02-17T08:51:46.975-08:00[Vigan] ► Stage for Miss Universe Show is Vigan Architecture-Inspired<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: Vigan is lucky to have been chosen as one of the cities in the Philippines to be visited by the Miss Universe candidates. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks to former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson for funding this big international event at $12 million. Apparently, Vigan is Singson's hometown so this city has all the opportunity.</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WrsZb6bVSaU/WHe0rBsrVqI/AAAAAAAAidM/bzrUX3RIaBEgQue1DAAqz2jFxXCq6dWjwCLcB/s1600/Miss%2BUniverse.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Plaza Burgos</b></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
An <i>abel</i> fashion show will be staged at Plaza Burgos. Twenty Miss Universe candidates will be traveling to Vigan to grace this occasion—Miss Philippines' Maxine Medina included.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three days before the event, I visited the venue and noticed that the stage was almost done. Plaza Burgos is a historical public square in Vigan named after Padre Jose Burgos, one of the three martyr priests collectively known as GOMBURZA. These priests played a big role in the Philippine history during the Spanish colonial era. Their patriotism has inspired many Filipinos up to now. Padre Jose Burgos was born in Vigan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many big events in the city have been staged at Plaza Burgos and big names in the show business have performed here including Jasmin Trias, the Filipino finalist of American Idol.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Miss Universe <i>abel </i>fashion show being staged at Plaza Burgos is indeed a history maker in Vigan. That would become the largest international event to happen at Plaza Burgos.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Relevance of the Stage Design to Vigan's Culture and History</b></span></blockquote>
<br />
Vigan is probably one of the most popular UNESCO world heritage cities in Asia now due to its inclusion in the list of New7Wonder Cities of the World and what a great way to showcase its rich culture and heritage through international events like this.<br />
<br />
Vigan is a Spanish colonial town. Although under the political control of Spain for more than three (3) centuries, Spain wasn't able to totally erase the local culture of Vigan that has been developed before they arrived. Instead, a unique mixture of Spanish, Chinese, Mexican and local indigenous cultures was developed making Vigan a uniquely important cultural and heritage gem with universal value and qualities nowhere else to be found in the world. The ancestral/antique Vigan houses are reminiscent of this unique culture.<br />
<br />
To showcase the rich culture and heritage of Vigan, the Miss Universe stage at Plaza Burgos was based on Vigan's unique architecture carved in details from the window design, the door, the eaves to the use of bricks.</div>
<br />
Below are some photos of the stage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoUQPoOzoww/WHe0vpGn6DI/AAAAAAAAidU/_DxEmClnfUcaCDADxEguHem4Ea8HuLffwCLcB/s1600/Miss%2BUniverse%2B02.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4N3GbFwsRCo/WHe0v5a77xI/AAAAAAAAidY/o0bnamo2P-cS7WVUgs94Oc37esyRaYecgCLcB/s1600/Miss%2BUniverse%2B03.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NbY2LVP08JQ/WHe0vv5dynI/AAAAAAAAidQ/fmZexn9mSQwVT64k0I5cWwRspylJoGmRACLcB/s1600/Miss%2BUniverse%2B04.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Miss Universe Show</b></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The classic feel of the stage would surely bring spectators back in history the moment the ladies parade their <i>abel-</i>inspired Filipiniana dress. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Watch the show on 15 January 2016. Take note that you are not allowed to take selfies. The LGU also prohibits everyone to sell/drink/buy alcoholic beverages from January 14-16, 2017. Bringing bottles, all types of bag, drones, caps, sharp/pointed objects and food in the venue is also prohibited.</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-25496988754764855692016-12-11T00:59:00.000-08:002019-02-17T08:57:35.420-08:00[Vigan] ► Myanmar is Mister Tourism World 2016, Philippines 3rd Runner Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: <span style="text-align: justify;">Mister Myanmar, Ye Htoo Win from Yangon, Myanmar made history when he bagged the first ever Mister Tourism World title held at the Vigan City Convention Center. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Mr Myanmar also bagged the Social Media Award that automatically gave him a spot in the Top 8, Best in Tourism Speaking and Best in Style and Fashion.</span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ip6vpYktiic/WEz9CDFTELI/AAAAAAAAh2s/YO9UJIuC9gQ68EZ42kx-41aRK7zM1Vv1wCLcB/s1600/IMG_7499.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Mister Tourism World</b></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The world finals night was held on 10 December 2016. Prior to the finals night, the 13 pioneer candidates traveled around the heritage province of Ilocos Sur to discover the host province's tourism gems.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the tag "charmingly cultured men," winners of this new international pageant advocate for the promotion of tourism as tool for cultural exchange and community development.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This edition's delegates were from Australia, Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand and Vietnam.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>WINNERS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Below is the list of winners:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Mister Tourism World: MYANMAR - Okkar Min Maung (Ye Htoo Win)</li>
<li>First Runner Up: NEPAL - Sangit Shrestha</li>
<li>Second Runner Up: BRAZIL - Tieze Emiliano</li>
<li>Third Runner Up: PHILIPPINES - Kian Sumague</li>
<li>Fourth Runner Up: THAILAND - Khunphan Suphachok</li>
<li>Mister Eco World: VIETNAM - Mario Hien</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>FORMAT</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Based on the finals night I've personally watched, aside from being charmingly cultured and a good role model, being a good speaker was an important factor in this pageant. Obviously, in terms of public speaking, MR NEPAL and MR MYANMAR had the best performances both in the casual interview and speech portion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The pageant started with a parade of the candidates in their Ilocano <i>abel-</i>inspired <i>barong, </i>followed by the swimwear competition, formal wear round, speech, casual interview then the question and answer portion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>SOME HIGHLIGHTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside the Philippines' Kian Sumague, MR THAILAND was a Filipino crowd favorite. He got an ample support from the Ilocano audience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
MR PHILIPPINES, during his speech, said that the support he was getting from fellow Filipinos made him felt like he was a real man. When asked what hashtag he'd be using for this particular event, he chose #Unity. MR THAILAND on the other hand highlighted Bangkok and Chang Mai as the most popular tourist attraction in his country during the casual interview and he promised to study English harder if he wins Mister Tourism World. MR INDONESIA took pride of the beaches and islands in his country being the largest archipelago in the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
MR GHANA was the only delegate in color and the only one from Africa but he stunned the crowd with oozing hotness in his well-built physique during the swimwear round.<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WR254CKV8fg/WE0M4haeNaI/AAAAAAAAh3A/igIaZh_jAMEg819kXgpsTok6YzfS10fQACLcB/s1600/IMG_7447.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MR MALAYSIA RECEIVING HIS BEST IN PHYSIQUE AWARD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yukwo1LL8sc/WE0M3oYwoHI/AAAAAAAAh28/oCFdVTJ9MvIRE1Oh0kgyhYhe-whcspkbACLcB/s1600/IMG_7448.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE AUDIENCE INSIDE THE VIGAN CITY CONVENTION CENTER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORlf0CMMJzU/WE0M4mTXHII/AAAAAAAAh3E/j6MFmu3VqcEU7fGnwekuOKEAQJkIBZuVgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7450.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MR MYANMAR DURING THE QUESTION AND ANSWER ROUND</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZrf2XPzvYA/WE0M6VLq5gI/AAAAAAAAh3I/keM5LESyfHQScAKhVFKcYimm-Oh5Hc7vgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7470.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MR BRAZIL RECEIVING HIS SECOND RUNNER UP TITLE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GApvFXYazCM/WE0M7nQNAdI/AAAAAAAAh3M/O9qZqabzWBQhsQau5fjhu0h8W9EdWekaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7478.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE CROWD RIGHT AFTER MISTER MYANMAR WAS ANNOUNCED AS WINNER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFpEgBJHXsI/WE0M79qbH_I/AAAAAAAAh3Q/eVke_wzFdywco1GqlK3IAv32scUVEFHawCLcB/s1600/IMG_7485.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE MISTER TOURISM WORLD WINNERS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Congratulations Mr Myanmar</span></b></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
MR MYANMAR and MR NEPAL has a tough friendly fight for the title but MR MYANMAR captured the heart of the judges with his sincere words and clear tourism advocacy. Below are more heart-warming winning moment photos.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UST6hjXiW60/WE0QCpTX69I/AAAAAAAAh3g/l-VeiHjEatA5emPKqd80khz-xbFfSxEEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7479.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yj3zf8itjQU/WE0QFb5jBUI/AAAAAAAAh3o/ihtIfIoFzsIjYl9rtAgOcZz9IzF408qrgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7487.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DL7fsG8apOM/WE0QFbS7M4I/AAAAAAAAh3k/1BfRhDHivTQ80utKDdfApxHWiWaATcVhwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7488.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJdMari4RLc/WE0QGvUeVWI/AAAAAAAAh3s/ZCXfF-uCnAEZBrJtNWpzM7VhhYTPKx3lgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7489.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-20TOid2Z39c/WE0QVFznjeI/AAAAAAAAh3w/HvsmtILJzWM5D-C9oTDzpy_cFmhKFPVgACLcB/s1600/IMG_7490.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIOu-hMiCDw/WE0QVjR0cyI/AAAAAAAAh30/yHXQm0dUuHs6FD9wyZXxZEFrWyHT-u-NwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7491.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjSBEL8veU4/WE0QZajE6hI/AAAAAAAAh34/f6-CRAWlu0YycnXPUjcQEuYNaTAA1OEcACLcB/s1600/IMG_7492.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OsAFu31Emg/WE0Qa0yVSTI/AAAAAAAAh4A/2ROgGuPsi3I68F-eu7Mex4GbHDsu4UhYwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7493.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5SpmTcjJfw/WE0Qas7dQlI/AAAAAAAAh38/Wyw6aqzYVNELuL8inwwrDeu92o94orrlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7494.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWyikQPy3yo/WE0Qc2EiutI/AAAAAAAAh4E/iqkVWzWdg8gl1pC_Dp_lsz22milPQ_PHACLcB/s1600/IMG_7497.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjS2wz2MOnM/WE0QonJTQiI/AAAAAAAAh4M/1dpDD5gBCe4UhbYyrbz6weZZ2-u2dP7NgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7499.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qO0kd3QOFw/WE0QoZ7ObgI/AAAAAAAAh4I/Lpw_n8X4gGwGPgMz4qs9NxNCTxtjOJn6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_7502.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhUYDEw15xE/WE0Qxcrzb7I/AAAAAAAAh4Q/9GKGYZufI_cWdglEaANZ2YhvMzivgQ6aACLcB/s1600/IMG_7503.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIvBQ4XHjWA/WE0Q1Zox0TI/AAAAAAAAh4Y/dgIKGJ3S5GostzbjV0zVQQxJi3Dur7KvwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7504.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISTER TOURISM WORLD 2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4DqLnXp2NE/WE0Q1e6dIVI/AAAAAAAAh4c/sMWnCQXG2eE7qV6q6sHE4In-qxUc0J2CgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7505.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
MISTER VIETNAM was chosen as Mr Eco World and he will be the Heritage City of Vigan's international tourism ambassador. Congratulations <span style="text-align: left;">Ye Htoo Win and the winners. Have a fruitful reign in the world of tourism!</span></div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-62691380357359778312016-12-07T09:04:00.001-08:002019-02-17T09:01:11.893-08:00[Vigan] ► Mr & Ms PASUC National Pageant 2016 Held at Calle Crisologo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>[VIGAN] ► ILOCOS SUR: The Mr and Miss PASUC (Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges) National pageant was held at Calle Crisologo in Vigan yesterday, 06 December 2016. This event is part of the PASUC 2016 Arts and Culture Festival hosted this year by the University of Northern Philippines, Ilocos Sur's premiere university.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">All the regions of the Philippines (except the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) were represented in this arts and culture festival so being an arts and culture lover, I did not miss the opportunity to witness this event.</span><br />
<br />
<img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcaI54g040c/WEgd7xO_RDI/AAAAAAAAh0M/uid7_egVlRgwrUzulb_Gd4JpvRBYN5EnQCLcB/s1600/exploreilocos.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I arrived at the venue, the regional costume round was already ongoing. I was able to see the beautifully crafted costumes they wore that represented the culture and heritage of the region where they came from.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ilocos Region's (Region 1) male representative was from Mariano Marcos State University in Batac Ilocos Norte while the female candidate was from Don Mariano Marcos Mermorial State University in La Union.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Below are the photos I took. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oL-pveocqc/WEglMelrFuI/AAAAAAAAh0g/eHmxRmbwq-kJROpQ2sJdLPRpS384QQXMACLcB/s1600/IMG_7351.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6NnbOb9NLk/WEglL4ofWeI/AAAAAAAAh0c/byQQcDnMWlwDsDrNiqxfzmcsJYnuDG4XACLcB/s1600/IMG_7352.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JBWFJ9-1R9k/WEglMw75lbI/AAAAAAAAh0k/q5oAd9YEznYu0f4_-Iv3OI6kWPDj1i3LwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7354.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93cTUMqUk-0/WEglWGLr_7I/AAAAAAAAh0s/yEui9UHvSkoXkN_OiIS6MaiZeQxdgCvSQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7355.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCKG69-BUpI/WEglZh-s_UI/AAAAAAAAh0w/-camB6UeqVQZJGqnW9JTTyqVPthUzKzCACLcB/s1600/IMG_7357.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8k9MYytENY/WEgleP5833I/AAAAAAAAh04/D9Vw_lPkqOkLe4nefF2n2X-1C2FG6U9HQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7358.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K06pEFSH_Lo/WEgliHRWYuI/AAAAAAAAh08/pTCCamoCL_8_LmRMscSHlZVhwGRErknTQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7361.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SbVivzE_Zs/WEgllGZ0v5I/AAAAAAAAh1A/kSLB6_ULedo7j4cmZUUS1mqPYjdoEXM-gCLcB/s1600/IMG_7365.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CW8YsokOMIU/WEglm4GpllI/AAAAAAAAh1E/zSpGakkPIAgRZyTwljycE9rhR-O_9nR1ACLcB/s1600/IMG_7366.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfhS9svHmZc/WEglqBTtLmI/AAAAAAAAh1I/Es9Fk-WOBAM8k1odEO9df_3-ZOdW9UZbACLcB/s1600/IMG_7367.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUv4bTH7pXM/WEglvSK75zI/AAAAAAAAh1M/C3OpUcSMDD4AIspJNZfZhtya3zJDoLOgQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7368.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><img alt="MR AND MS PASUC NATIONAL 2016 VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COY07adLwcc/WEglxheLbOI/AAAAAAAAh1Q/4J7wQYSgwWQxdZWkG1W9_eJR8aFa3JISwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7370.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="100%" /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr PASUC 2016 National title was bagged by Region 6 (from West Visayas State University) while the Ms PASUC 2016 National title was bagged by Region 8 (from Eastern Visayan State University).<br />
<br />
The idea of staging the event in the middle of Calle Crisologo was a great idea since this pageant is part of the PASUC festival featuring the arts and culture of the Philippines. Vigan is well-known be culturally-rich and what a beautiful way to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Vigan through events like this. It was just timely and interrelated.</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-42758932452214485022016-10-31T11:32:00.000-07:002017-07-17T07:57:29.384-07:00[Vigan] ► Black Light Run by Color Manila: First Time in North Luzon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MmnU73UWVs/WBd-7SwJ8gI/AAAAAAAAhfE/mv_zQ9w6TtYPoNiag6wakDLjlVVS7SSEACLcB/s1600/IMG_6544.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b>
<b>VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR</b> ▬ All Ilocano millennials and pre-millennials' road lead to the Vigan Domestic Airport. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wearing identical shirts, this multitude all gathered at the Vigan Domestic Airport to join the first event of its kind in Northern Luzon—the Ilocos Sur Black Light Color Run—organized by Color Manila Run. The event was the initiative of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was actually a fun run with a twist. Runners wore their headlamps. As they go along the way, they'd be tinted with colored powders.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iD8RPWSJA5U/WBeCM2JvTAI/AAAAAAAAhfY/Ge6_sfQI9oMzYQilvbIHWDsUIkgMfMILwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6546.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybhIqagI_a0/WBeCM18eJiI/AAAAAAAAhfU/c4ZCxogDg-gUcYkkjtylVGbcgvXyPv5egCLcB/s1600/IMG_6548.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylbqMH-vko4/WBeCLvCuRrI/AAAAAAAAhfQ/Nu9yE7qnTvE9u0NASUPzWh71-2glHcunACLcB/s1600/IMG_6551.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HAREaXppfI/WBeHQYn3ySI/AAAAAAAAhfw/ekJVSkWY9h04eE-crD4VC4P-R5q_9wJRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6493.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8nbmzPlM2Y/WBeHPo94BiI/AAAAAAAAhfo/y0Ows0asZ9cFeyojJ-9KRY4i75c59053ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6494.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaV-ArY7UAE/WBeHQFch0WI/AAAAAAAAhfs/z3Ahp-tN7qQ4xrbPplMKnmLBInlo-1u9gCLcB/s1600/IMG_6507.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eq3EEX8kEPI/WBeHSC5DZYI/AAAAAAAAhf0/MUH50mBIosIrlrtzB54HfaNLwfADo-tXQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6530.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqp7mFWwEAQ/WBeHUq_MpKI/AAAAAAAAhf4/K253mSoJbDcXxggbcY1AwxFyRC4Ls-sqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6535.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2L4v0oGB05M/WBeHWLm4YFI/AAAAAAAAhf8/XbR9CBr5DSgy1Y6A66O668DgVr8Sv2L_wCLcB/s1600/IMG_6538.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BLACK LIGHT RUN, VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKSiwJ08cAM/WBeHaQUxWNI/AAAAAAAAhgA/P26pHuvSrfUxzDsl8cRqGmjeGpmWSLSRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6549.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thousands of runners joined the event that started at the Vigan Airport up to the Provincial Capitol and back. The assembly area (Vigan Airport) was set-up with party vibe. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Insights & Observations</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The response of the Ilocanos for this event was overwhelming (maybe because it's first of its kind to happen not just here in Vigan but in Northern Luzon as claimed by the event host).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Brgy Bulala was traffic-jammed because of the event. Well, it's expected because of the thousands of attendees that flocked at the airport.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the organizers and the LGU worked hand in hand for this event. There were water stations and emergency/rescue team at different points.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The crowd of joiners was mammoth! It was indeed a successful event.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The early-bird promo for this event was 350 pesos which included a bag and a t-shirt. Later, it became 650 pesos. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I hope it will happen again next year!</li>
</ul>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.387329899999942.2366793000000005 99.733032899999941 32.9043003 141.04162689999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-19079150162358524502016-10-19T08:42:00.000-07:002017-01-12T10:21:32.467-08:00[Sta Maria] ► Ally's Restobar: Chill Place to Dine in Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3olGC-JN6M/WAZrB-UqJ5I/AAAAAAAAhJQ/EeoVLzgcruwG7lWiBtVdUGJCSFpTpX-BgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5330.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>SANTA MARIA, ILOCOS SUR ▬ </b>In terms of lifestyle in the Ilocandias, the town of Santa Maria doesn't fail to impress. Aside from its beautiful Pinsal Falls and the UNESCO World Heritage Church of Nuestra Señora de Asuncion that are attracting travel and adventure-loving millenials, the town has also a growing food and dining scene.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, <a href="http://www.exploreilocos.com/2015/04/sta-maria-sm-savemore-sta-maria-ilocos.html" target="_blank"><b>SM Savemore</b></a> is already in town and believe it or not, this mega-business has stimulated growth around its perimeter. One of the business establishments near it is Ally's Restobar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Surprisingly, restaurants like this never appeared in towns outside Vigan and Candon for years. The good news here is that the town seemed to have been ready to embrace a new dining scene. For small towns like Santa Maria, fine dining may not be accepted. People would still prefer the traditional. But yeah, Santa Maria is getting there and Ally's Restobar is a good sign.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFwWq21Qxko/WAZuCUTgpTI/AAAAAAAAhJY/ag2-8e5mvnkcPpjNVS_mhoB5oByVcGI4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_5350.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7577fW5wycc/WAZuCvf9YBI/AAAAAAAAhJc/Dgj94eU-Aook7vnzN8SwiBBtMf4_ezlbgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5351.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFUN0QxDAyU/WAZuC7HHiXI/AAAAAAAAhJg/gZ56odn0hD0Vo8ZSq4G4_pWwpNDBGcCGwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5352.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The exterior displayed catchy red and white colors. Its location is very visible from the national highway. Architecture-wise, it's not impressive. However, why care for the building design if you're looking for food anyway?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Inside is air-conditioned and they have a free WiFi for customers. The staff looked professional. They were dressed well. I swear this restobar has class compared to other restaurants here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They don't have the menu book though during my visit. Their food offerings were all written on the white board. There were also meals featured on a big tarpaulin but they told me it was "not yet" available. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We ordered <i>canton guisado </i>for 60 pesos/plate that is good for one person. I think the price was just right considering the size and the convenience inside the restobar. We also ordered <i>halo-halo</i> for 60 pesos.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CpL5JSXxiq0/WAZwVhUchCI/AAAAAAAAhJw/zmwC22uUVFwSzatO0hSb6IC4gjXtNj61gCLcB/s1600/IMG_5342.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXF1xJx-Prs/WAZwVVpFM4I/AAAAAAAAhJo/dloRkgd47gEBL9B9tZei5lm0GoOk68Q5QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5345.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g2uegOOSnFw/WAZwVnqGxOI/AAAAAAAAhJs/4hSbroHfTnwvzDw2B6CEJG28VEefBQonQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5346.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yq7feavY6Bg/WAZwWspIWfI/AAAAAAAAhJ0/fDNtoBhyp-s2ueoHppQI7KLq-xBhyFaGwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5347.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1gdfJgbi8Q/WAZxxj7OGWI/AAAAAAAAhKE/AbG_Zs-FvHs-LSJrMixlwgyZR0He2CzrACLcB/s1600/IMG_5327.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yO8bJzS1GVw/WAZxxGYxY2I/AAAAAAAAhJ8/xT2azi9OT-0r6KMVaCmVDMMbOpr6Xo_OgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5328.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hmzJ4kLTrA/WAZxy_VkUhI/AAAAAAAAhKI/P2XzoR590WkeOqkVyymKtaYvCWaUUeDJQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5332.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="Ally's Restobar, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ktj3ma9ZPI/WAZxy6vn6uI/AAAAAAAAhKM/EV9M0uULUOoWzCaB93CttWI6MRBqgXznQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5340.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The interior was spacious. But I noticed they do not have a long table for group business meetings or family dining. It's not an issue anyway if you're just here to dine alone or with someone.<br />
<br />
Visit them at Poblacion, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. It's located just beside the national highway near the SM Savemore.</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.3788066 120.4933624000000217.2575691 120.33200090000003 17.5000441 120.65472390000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-14865444665479451222016-10-09T08:42:00.001-07:002017-07-17T07:57:44.339-07:00[Vigan] ► Ms Gay Ayusan Sur 2016 Blog Coverage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lZGFVL4EXM/V_oLqNtXk1I/AAAAAAAAg04/z37ogYyPADYhYDmtiRUhB50degz3tGQcgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5311.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Beauty pageants are important ingredients of the Pinoy pop culture; and here in Ilocos, pageants are as popular as bagnet. In Brgy Ayusan Sur of the Heritage City of Vigan, a Miss Gay pageant was held last Oct 03, the date of its Barangay fiesta.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
October 03 was the final day for the barangay's [almost] week-long celebration this 2016--also the proper date of its barangay fiesta.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the barangay plaza, residents of the barangay flocked to watch this year's Ms Gay Ayusan Sur as the main event for the NGO night. It is also noteworthy that some residents of the neighboring barangays and the <i>beki </i>commuity joined the crowd to support and watch the event live.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Six candidates, all residents of Ayusan Sur, joined to grab the title. The founder/author of this website, yours truly, was one of the hosts for this event.<br />
<br />
Since I could not take my own photos, I hired someone to do a photo coverage for this event. Thanks <i>ading</i> Joshua del Castillo!<br />
<br />
For those who were not able to watch the event live and for Ayusan Sur citizens who are working/based abroad, below are some photos taken during the competition. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oP9XY4VXVfc/V_oq-R5PmJI/AAAAAAAAg1Q/EUAmzBLojhUWfydYMIAcevd5HxWfVgoNwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5025.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLFd2zqSQOA/V_oq6xTR91I/AAAAAAAAg1M/nrPBKuYxVcsSPTSBEm1Z18htjLyfG4BmQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5031.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpU7Ag5z28o/V_ordOf1ZMI/AAAAAAAAg1U/bUX2ZdxtHRALeQ77jTDWjLXmTI5LG7n9gCLcB/s1600/IMG_5037.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZU57CcS9SU/V_or27S78kI/AAAAAAAAg1c/5s3peGLNqVcTlev6slhrIdfikn1Iv1wTgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5038.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2LhDRblv6M/V_or3zVRShI/AAAAAAAAg1g/aZ3q7pBHy7Uw_5e6vOTBQBJbUgm2RN8mwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5040.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imsUNLWV808/V_osG0BXk7I/AAAAAAAAg1o/0ic8MlbSpjINQR75t-gP7CNEAgy2MBMwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5042.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGPGvCPVixc/V_osUsEaR9I/AAAAAAAAg1w/MNk8WcXsK8kbuxnaKBdVb60zPPzkEdbVgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5051.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGftSYOTxfo/V_osmvykAFI/AAAAAAAAg10/Y9Zfc18uIdop64pyIxAtbf956A_RXb0XACLcB/s1600/IMG_5054.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJaCjl9fhpk/V_osxq9dymI/AAAAAAAAg14/0A93gBzDNnY5e1VBhQOPHDy0JMzKvOhfgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5056.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6bNQmpKHlE/V_ouwI_Wd0I/AAAAAAAAg2M/EW0LwdmY3HQfap19YW8G09buf05ekyd8wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5060.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1xvOrbOqtCA/V_ozUVUoG2I/AAAAAAAAg2g/lx1OmYK8pSktnSysACjr1E-h2A7wdqdZgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5061.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LCo5Wd0Ois/V_ouuLomY4I/AAAAAAAAg2I/-nR4WwpH8WweiAgSj8bATtu7exULezE0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_5063.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wv4jnOFzwM/V_ou-5b__-I/AAAAAAAAg2Q/BoWQvQSgNpQqcjbGr2j0oS8qy-N0YyilQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5065.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zSer6Pjqh8/V_oyydUz8JI/AAAAAAAAg2c/5CD_RVZrlpEVeFBldkIMNQVViy_PLGh-ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5066.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kwMPBGdB6s/V_ozUlvhgJI/AAAAAAAAg2k/5Q6hrRkeYVYCsQ1Erq6eSjlPKkMpv0CrwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5077.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVu25pn5H4Q/V_ozlUrWOsI/AAAAAAAAg2o/l51i9n6gXWQudZNMhEyoEdTcEtp4h6OvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5079.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x22p82lSnUI/V_ozqSOdnoI/AAAAAAAAg2w/hULQMMYe3OA3Q4nkBcXUrDYyEO7IxdIbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5082.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gt-zGuh55OA/V_oznCjScSI/AAAAAAAAg2s/iO06eHBAiGMMdJ-2k1x2UY0-73n6wa3lwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5083.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2UQ-RonyEI/V_oz4D5OsHI/AAAAAAAAg24/_7Lj4JWUTds6niD0L61zZ62evGMGMzTdwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5084.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4NedyeVYtw/V_oz2xs26nI/AAAAAAAAg20/394jRMxjqr8TQZwoRLMLla4gdTp_6VgOwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5091.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdCReWpTWMI/V_oz-CfTxwI/AAAAAAAAg28/lwcOjJJYeygXUX2g3jmwMN4hYAyFB2x6wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5093.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvCNyxUjZGg/V_o0Ms8EvXI/AAAAAAAAg3A/1Rc9zL4x3289TP-jTKxpvZqcB7YRLiQgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5094.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9_dcYz9j6Q/V_o0iB93yGI/AAAAAAAAg3M/ttlvDQmpaUsHPJwfVczka-6iR5tLvbh0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5098.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieAbz6qlBj4/V_o0iP7Q2oI/AAAAAAAAg3I/tEbI4iPwdGcmNZ9YsMhsKmRMn2v9gsomQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5101.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVLs-pJ9jnQ/V_o0zDVLjTI/AAAAAAAAg3U/uhr4fL0S0Zc42zv8LxkO6f70UGZmXTtYwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5104.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HaXQpKu0mo/V_o05vvKSzI/AAAAAAAAg3Y/-0KTGfIBpEgelIRbiOux05HpvSbI5etYACLcB/s1600/IMG_5109.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24KEfobmStE/V_o06AAen8I/AAAAAAAAg3c/JaLZKjOCvEsPa8avpcD3jhSO4AUuoEnUQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5113.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmu2ufJRb-Q/V_o0_-IExiI/AAAAAAAAg3g/iOrX6vXvRCIROEo3Bo9GUsVYaoHm3DmXgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5117.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--00Ob6HmHeM/V_o1NOhuGMI/AAAAAAAAg3k/U7U1Qq3cGPgLIanVpQCthQ45OL3nNFEpQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5123.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxonjd_rFFY/V_o1OyAfp-I/AAAAAAAAg3o/iLsisN55FDY8IJ3yueYFWW3MbhJ8gSM9wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5124.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pILsAbE9O-Q/V_o1Qv98oTI/AAAAAAAAg3s/hr-RQKhZhIQ3YjjPFRJhvi51MunmbdKXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5125.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6l3NrTAd5e0/V_o1YQNOSnI/AAAAAAAAg3w/_fpUnNvLKN8UBnSb3bdBY5mZ1qS9brCnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5126.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKypSfkeKrY/V_o1ehnLFjI/AAAAAAAAg34/mxOVST62xeorcpJYl0dXYLESt5YNcXcsACLcB/s1600/IMG_5133.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z11s7ckYwJo/V_o1enFPgXI/AAAAAAAAg38/4agjITKZ10Ib6K4SlHJ5R07B4NdfE3_2gCLcB/s1600/IMG_5137.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajjaCD15usg/V_o1jPL7fII/AAAAAAAAg4A/qMkaSTOtTRkk2lyNk1DJuunTCS7U55CIwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5139.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgYvGKuU3zY/V_o1sT2MBTI/AAAAAAAAg4E/nIuWMhr87d4WwffhQCdRtEC0BGyw9QKyACLcB/s1600/IMG_5140.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mbBbQMt4yU/V_o1scRgkrI/AAAAAAAAg4I/UUvPxHPFGq0fFyweldXPMV898NqMP8SuACLcB/s1600/IMG_5151.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVGFaBmvnfg/V_o1u2-mKBI/AAAAAAAAg4M/0I4mJj2bH8ck5CDKUW0xxuD6AdFY88VoACLcB/s1600/IMG_5153.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YuyP2jgM4Ro/V_o14sJRpRI/AAAAAAAAg4Q/1sWq1J2Dz8k-DJ3dqQdbCILfyGdkX5iyACLcB/s1600/IMG_5161.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFX6cgR4vRc/V_o2AdCMn5I/AAAAAAAAg4U/-JVitoC6ntAO2wwijafVcv23dTECEyKoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5162.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbnCjQYnNzY/V_o2FzFTtoI/AAAAAAAAg4Y/z437UK7hshI0NI17KsiEP31bgtn7K4f2QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5164.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6Odadn5QLU/V_o2LomRXUI/AAAAAAAAg4c/7_zAF6HlTWELHQ2-a3ROLDA4OK9Z-guYQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5202.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo9CQHHqSiU/V_o2TW5mdmI/AAAAAAAAg4g/gzxmRDsp7jMp9FY6R3XGaefIcJ43NPEuACLcB/s1600/IMG_5206.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_detunfKGFA/V_o2YkjPUJI/AAAAAAAAg4k/ObxneAV1TKcTYXlD_dPwcAUrr3NCbn82ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5214.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVAnKd-KHm0/V_o2ZSZXjzI/AAAAAAAAg4o/COyt5bPJyD0a625u56-FMUEm_eTzZxueACLcB/s1600/IMG_5224.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWk3dm4Xj70/V_o2gDZq-PI/AAAAAAAAg4s/8lY5cXrxYnQrD1GFzCxCWH6fxWq5SfUJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5227.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kc4dbJK7ug/V_o2qLWIIaI/AAAAAAAAg4w/ThiApIjf_YABZFlrvJLliWhevljkhrOaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5236.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKdBEvvpHe0/V_o2vOPyTfI/AAAAAAAAg40/nWf3ur8w3_kg5j0bSJFAFFFF1sdOPDc1ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5254.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqWoJlTxUxc/V_o2zAX7SzI/AAAAAAAAg44/wsVAnmjHyOwzZYSYvxGpuwoCXOJBRk0pQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5258.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="MISS GAY AYUSAN SUR VIGAN" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plnZEzHtqxQ/V_o22fxRXTI/AAAAAAAAg48/Qp_zoy4EmpEI7mTBr-_AxpM9zmuU3v21QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5263.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
The following were the rounds for the competition:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Shorts attire</li>
<li>Casual wear</li>
<li>Talent</li>
<li>Evening gown</li>
<li>Question and andswer</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The following were the awards given:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Face of the Night: Candidate #6</li>
<li>Best in shorts attire: Candidate #6</li>
<li>Best in casual wear: Candidate #6</li>
<li>Best in talent: Candidate #4</li>
<li>Best in long gown: Candidate #6</li>
<li>Miss Intelligence: Candidate #6</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Miss Gay Ayusan Sur 2016 title was bagged by Candidate #6, Joshua Barcellano Reyes aka Carla Abellana. The first runner-up went to Candidate #3, Mark Salazar del Castillo aka Christine Reyes while the second runner-up placement was awarded to Dave Ladines Paz.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Congratulations to the winners and happy fiesta Brgy Ayusan Sur!</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-5444482120152702342015-09-09T05:27:00.000-07:002017-07-17T07:57:58.553-07:00[Vigan] ► Shopping at Solidarity Day Food and Trade Fair: What to Expect?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1437187134"></span><span id="goog_1437187135"></span><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS8Efr8nVBw/Ve8TgVQIdxI/AAAAAAAAXC0/HbaZuqF5yio/s1600/IMG_5223.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE VIGAN FOOD AND TRADE FAIR ON CALLE FLORENTINO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR</b> ▬ September is for the Solidarity Day officially called as the World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day and Cultural Festival. It is a festival happening worldwide but only limited to chosen few cities—basically UNESCO world heritage cities where Vigan is included.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In all the 4 festivals organized and funded by the city of Vigan, there is always a trade fair which is traditionally located south of the Plaza Burgos occupying a few hundred meters stretch of Calle Florentino.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This trade fair showcases the local products of Vigan, the Ilocos land as a whole and even products from other provinces in Luzon. Merchants as far as Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya even brought their products here to join the trade fair.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what to expect in this trade fair? I visited the area to observe what's going on and these are the things I've seen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3oJHEYvhpAs/Ve8Yimm7S2I/AAAAAAAAXDE/BONFVyfCe5I/s1600/IMG_5217.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>TULTULANG</i> (BONES) BEING BOILED.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8bYjmIhcSYs/Ve8YjcqpOYI/AAAAAAAAXDM/yjnr5pgDRnQ/s1600/IMG_5218.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I SPOTTED THIS IN THE FOOD TRADE FAIR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Furniture</h2>
The town of San Vicente northwest of Vigan is known for its wood furniture industry. This industry has made some families here well-off. The demand for their products is nationwide.<br />
<br />
Furniture made of wood is a mainstay in all the trade fairs happening in Vigan.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-244dB8XzlXM/Ve8ajUMq2uI/AAAAAAAAXDY/sScedS4qMB8/s1600/IMG_5219.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YOU CAN CHOOSE A VARIETY OF SETS HERE FOR YOUR GARDEN OR SALA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hWanNkTNZY/Ve8bEjSgtbI/AAAAAAAAXDg/26HxlHC36AQ/s1600/IMG_5230.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VIGAN-INSPIRED FURNITURE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Ornamental Plants</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Popular products showcased in the trade fair are ornamental plants. Orchids are the most visible here. Check out below for some photos. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ew0eEoW39k/Ve8hHFbcjqI/AAAAAAAAXD0/TIj8E3HyCMg/s1600/IMG_5221.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEMON</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJfCy6dwwgM/Ve8hN_kcLsI/AAAAAAAAXD8/ViVhms2fHcE/s1600/IMG_5224.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BONSAI</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCHhmVobJBs/Ve8hR4iCS1I/AAAAAAAAXEE/iaKEbiUKino/s1600/IMG_5225.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS ONE IS GOOD IN THE HOUSE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVRKVtIYE4g/Ve8hYLJxdUI/AAAAAAAAXEQ/GBK-10ROEcQ/s1600/IMG_5241.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOME AERIAL ORNAMENTAL PLANTS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lG13opkTYJw/Ve8hX0PNV7I/AAAAAAAAXEM/vhrcs_rhXZ4/s1600/IMG_5242.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHITE ORCHID</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWweU7MWwtA/Ve8hbQUJk7I/AAAAAAAAXEc/CaUHjtVxMh4/s1600/IMG_5247.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VIOLET ORCHIDS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are actually a plethora of choices here from aerial plants to bonsai. Orchids at least cost 100 pesos and get more expensive depending on the size, quality and variety.</div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Some Local Food</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vigan won't be complete without <i>bagnet</i>. In this trade and food fair, this local food is plenty. There are also Calasiao <i>puto</i> capturing the Bigueno palate among others.</div>
<br />
<img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zq_VnM23sgA/VfAeS44eMTI/AAAAAAAAXEw/-7EixpAcQF8/s1600/IMG_5248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" />
<img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7U7f-CIwQ0/VfAed3DBK5I/AAAAAAAAXFI/gequtSxlK7Y/s1600/IMG_5253.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" />
<img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1AJCfKXBbY/VfAeYl0iniI/AAAAAAAAXE4/OIoHVsIfqhs/s1600/IMG_5250.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" />
<img alt="VIGAN SOLIDARITY DAY" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1R_z44EYe_k/VfAebGbwPII/AAAAAAAAXFA/MxfnJz9emOw/s1600/IMG_5249.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<BR />
These are just some of the things I found in the Solidarity Day trade and food fair and I swear there are more. Visit it yourself and have fun!</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-84608408756045594932015-08-16T11:48:00.002-07:002017-07-17T07:58:12.161-07:00[Vigan] ► Saturday Thai Food Festival in Cafe Leona<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Cafe Leona Vigan" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdZVm01xKqw/VdC1cXo-LXI/AAAAAAAAWkw/WJmcT_OmmrU/s1600/IMG_5168.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PAD PAI KRAW PAO NEA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR ▬ </b>Are you craving for Thai food or just curious to try it? Well, you don't need to fly to Thailand anymore or go to Manila to try Thai-owned restaurants there because in Vigan, Cafe Leona has its Thai food festival every Saturday!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Conveniently located along Calle Crisologo, Cafe Leona can satisfy the curiosity of every Ilocano wanting to get familiar with Thai cuisines. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pad Pai Kraw Pao Nea, Yam Mo Yung, Kangmatsaman, Pla Muek Pat Pick, etc! So what are those food? I'd say it's better to eat than to pronounce them. Head to Cafe Leona on a Saturday Night.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1JrKSob40g/VdDC2AAo6SI/AAAAAAAAWlA/so8jTdWjdFI/s1600/IMG_5130.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THAI FOOD FESTIVAL MENU</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pyOQ9vPMnA/VdDC9G81DjI/AAAAAAAAWlQ/nrXH4XkKSGg/s1600/IMG_5169.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SEAFOOD PAT PICK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6UKyFusqRs/VdDC8cPG0VI/AAAAAAAAWlI/VJuZbihOtfQ/s1600/IMG_5170.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPICY CHICKEN CURRY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgCdFX51Vnc/VdDC-zsi-kI/AAAAAAAAWlY/k2TozV7vDGw/s1600/IMG_5173.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPICY THAI FRIED RICE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Cafe Leona offers al fresco dining at the very heart of the Mestizo District's Calle Crisologo. Their Thai cuisine servings are usually good for a group of 3-4. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Al fresco dining starts at 6PM and their Thai Food Festival happens every Saturday.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img 100="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU6gYB-MVJ8/VdDZVJcol3I/AAAAAAAAWmQ/gMS0d8WGD3o/s1600/IMG_5107.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAFE LEONA AL FRESCO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img 100="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XGP_ifrpUGQ/VdDZbgXQp7I/AAAAAAAAWmY/UGOjfDFNr2k/s1600/IMG_5123.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAFE LEONA FACADE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gleZYeuqiPY/VdDZdZK2MoI/AAAAAAAAWmg/_pkiBKPgkr0/s1600/IMG_5124.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CALLE CRISOLOGO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img 100="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eoUkJne2Da0/VdDZfwBd7bI/AAAAAAAAWmo/-slrpazcCHY/s1600/IMG_5154.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100%" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BLUE HOUR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The best time to dine in this part of Cafe Leona is at dusk. The blue hour makes the ambiance even more romantic and nostalgic.
</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-15938533228443289422015-08-12T11:39:00.000-07:002017-07-17T07:58:26.283-07:00[Vigan] ► Watching the Sunset in Govantes Dike/River. Have You Tried?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="GOVANTES RIVER" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJo5NYVU2qc/VcnqmQ--IhI/AAAAAAAAWi8/c3w1D6dKTi0/s1600/IMG_4941.jpg" width="100%" /><b> </b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR ▬ </b>The creep of the sunset is subtle. It went slow for me to decipher that it is already being swallowed by the horizon. The moment was like a short love affair and the river was able to capture it. Ah, dalliance! This is an assemblage of love and peace!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a comely Sunday afternoon when I roamed around the demesne of my hometown Vigan armed with a panoply of beautiful heritage. I landed to the recently constructed bridge—called by the DPWH as twin bridge—spanning the Govantes River in the Govantes Dike coming from Bantay, from the north. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I killed the engine of my motorbike and parked on the right lane of the bridge to unearth the Bigueño creativity gushing from the nook of the Ilocano creative-juice-factory-on-demand whenever a sunset is showing.</div>
<br /></div>
<img alt="GOVANTES RIVER" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/560/20379320961_492550852d_b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Sunset in Govantes Dike/River</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Govantes River separates the <i>poblacion</i>s of the city of Vigan and of the municipality of Bantay. In this gap, a dike was built to contain the flooding. It is also in this gap where I first appreciated the sunset with the Govantes River.</div>
<br /></div>
<img alt="GOVANTES DIKE" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/298/20346958246_dc5b40faca_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="GOVANTES DIKE" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/19752259913_a24fd64e34_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="GOVANTES DIKE" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/511/19752261653_89be60cf80_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="GOVANTES DIKE" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/417/20379329401_d3989ec39a_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="GOVANTES DIKE" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/437/20379331391_7656b97d36_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="GOVANTES DIKE" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/393/20185214458_252e4e62ed_b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
On the Twin Bridge</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time, the sunset hovered over the city. The stylish street lamps decorated with calesa added drama. </div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-59033789842103785072015-08-01T09:46:00.001-07:002017-07-17T07:58:38.208-07:00[Vigan] ► CJ's Empanadaan: Eating Empanada in an Ancestral House + Ruins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAN VIGAN" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keVVoCLlUTc/VbzebR8s31I/AAAAAAAAWa0/PDUYuFhj6pg/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" width="100%" /> </b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR ▬</b> This heritage city is constantly changing—even its <i>empanadaan</i>. Gone are the days when the only popular place to eat <i>empanada</i> in Vigan is Plaza Burgos. With the high demand for this popular Vigan delicacy, more and more <i>empanadaan</i>s are appearing in no time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Vigan, we use the word <i>empanadaan</i> to describe a place, stall or store that serves <i>empanada</i> as the main food.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN VIGAN" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LojrqVyR7zg/VbzodQOu0XI/AAAAAAAAWbE/ZdITGIfIeq4/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">CJ'S EMPANADAAN HAS A SMART CONCEPT</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the industry of <i>empanada</i> making in Vigan, for you to be known, you must be unique. Since the <i>empanada</i> has its standard ingredients and manner of cooking, all <i>empanadaan</i>s offer <i>empanada</i>s with almost the same taste. So the 'being unique' I am referring here is not limited to the <i>empanada</i> recipe. The set-up of the <i>empanadaan</i> is a big factor. In CJ's <i>empanadaan</i>, they set-up theirs in the ruins beside an ancestral house and no one has even done this in Vigan.<br />
<br />
The locals loved it. Tourists followed. Now it's a hit in Vigan. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZaUtltGBek/VbzpjqN0vpI/AAAAAAAAWbM/KrFuBkxAR2Y/s1600/IMG_2815.JPG" width="100%" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DINING BY THE RUINS</span></b><br />
<br />
Ventura de los Reyes Street goes parallel with the Calle Crisologo. This street is also lined with ancestral houses. Some have turned into hotels and shops. But there is this ruin beside an ancestral house. Here is where this <i>empanadaan</i> can be found.<br />
<br />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/359/19553107333_7ecbecf6b1_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/279/19985960428_f8f63dd252_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/407/20179220231_33a8126fe7_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/318/20179243601_0b125c535d_b.jpg" width="100%" />
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">INDOOR DINING</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have to say that the place is not limited to eating <i>empanada</i> by the ruins. You can also dine inside the ancestral house where the ruin is attached and enjoy its spacious Spanish-era interior. Some bricks on the walls were purposely exposed. The walls are very thick.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/371/19986101160_19bd5e488e_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/545/20179749441_cca72e4c53_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/276/19987507829_24b74c184a_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/353/19987503269_986318389b_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/269/19551500004_115d7d204f_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/551/20147857196_6b6d6b5c4d_b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">MENU</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This <i>empanadaan</i> has different <i>empanada</i> variations. They've innovated their recipes. However, this is not new in the locality. Many have also done this style, even in Ilocos Norte.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For their menu, look at the photo below.</div>
<br /></div>
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/481/19987446539_4c3dc8007c_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/535/20165986032_21315feedf_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/20179143311_70d129dce6_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/19552546943_9650259893_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/410/20165425192_fd6425d5b3_b.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WAITING TIME</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've heard a lot of comments and seen facebook posts telling that the waiting time here is very long, sometimes even an hour especially during peak seasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The reason I think contributing to this issue is the lack of facilities and manpower to make the service faster. The volume of clients is also a factor. Since they have limited stoves to cook <i>empanada</i>, you really have to wait until your turn for your <i>empanada</i> to be cooked. Sometimes there are also orders from hotels and other business establishments that are to be delivered adding more in the queue. </div>
<br />
They give numbers to determine who will be served next. It's first come first serve basis.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/426/20147285576_0e7a3a4e8c_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/517/20179180851_6cb42588f3_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="CJ'S EMPANADAAN IN VIGAN" border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/424/19986028048_0fcd8bdde4_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">OKOY</span></b><br />
<br />
Like other <i>empanadaans</i> in town, <i>okoy</i>, a crispy <i>torta</i> with shrimps is also here.<br />
<br />
CJ's <i>empanadaan</i> opens at 2 PM and closes at 9-10 PM depending on the volume of customers. </div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-48554375557027983862015-07-30T08:33:00.000-07:002017-07-17T07:58:50.572-07:00[Vigan] ► Coffee Break: A Trendy Coffee Shop in Vigan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oXV6JX9cCHE/Vbo2huUeO-I/AAAAAAAAWaI/tB2vJZU_ZCk/s1600/Coffee%2BBreak%2BVigan%2B%25288%2529.JPG" width="100%" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR ▬ Located at the corner of Calle Crisologo and Salcedo Street is a coffee shop that has been in Vigan for years. This coffee shop is loved by college students and young professionals.</div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">INTERIOR</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is located inside an ancestral house and it is no doubt that the interior is Vigan-inspired. A huge painting of Calle Crisologo crowded by children is displayed prominently inside while the tables are made of the old-age <i>capiz</i> windows used in centuries-old ancestral houses of Vigan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some parts of the interior have walls with brick designs to appear Viganesque. It has cool temperature inside. The space is limited though but there is an upper deck decorated with hand-written testimonials and photos of customers. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/355/20135551452_7f3e7c0686_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">MINIMALIST WALLS WITH FRAMES AS ACCENT</span><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/390/20149185591_239c896a8b_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">BRICK WALLS AT THE COUNTER</span><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/359/20135556692_0f64c30f77_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">UPPER DECK</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You actually have the choice where to seat inside. There are soft couches and wooden chairs. At the upper deck, there are pillows to provide extra comfort if you wish to do the Indian cross-legged style of seating.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">TACO CHIPS</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For peer groups, they serve taco chips topped with lettuces, mayonnaise, cheese and ground meat. It's a cool finger food for group conversation while inside the coffee shop cooling down.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/508/19955575340_5d8a7001a0_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/486/20149141881_fc6c639171_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/508/19520957584_da34c720fc_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">BEVERAGES</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This coffee shop offers different types of coffee, hot or cold. I personally go here for the iced coffee. There are macchiato, black forest and many more varieties.</div>
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/272/19955570650_a2c9341266_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/451/20143578355_ba255bc0be_c.jpg" width="100%" /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/307/19520929154_bd04f75070_c.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">CHILLING WITH FRIENDS ON A GOOD FRIDAY</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This coffee shop is one of the firsts in Vigan. In spite of the mushrooming of other coffee and tea shops in the city, Coffee Break continues to catch up in the trend.</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-51659874400684393462015-07-21T09:10:00.002-07:002017-07-17T07:59:02.362-07:00[Vigan] ► This Road in Tamag is Making the Ilocano Ass Sick and Tired<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/19699304040_b89ba1c44c_c.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>VIGAN CITY</b> ▬ The monsoon hit Ilocos so bad. In the city of Vigan, the drainage system has been declogged to prevent flooding in the poblacion. But there is this one notorious road in Tamag known for annoying every road user. This is a still-to-be-named road connecting the southern end of Rizal Street to Quirino Boulevard in Tamag.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dry Season </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
If you think this road puts pain on everyone's ass only during rainy season, not really. The dry days are not exempted. During the dry season, you'll see that some road users use face mask to protect themselves from inhaling harmful particles. People with bronchial asthma are sure victims. On the side of establishment owners, dusts keep entering their stores. The sad part here is that most of the business establishments along this road are restaurants/<i>carinderia</i> that cater to the general public. Since these stores are not fully-enclosed, dust particles may mix with the food that the general public is eating. Tsk! These students who chase for cheap meals from <i>carinderias</i> are also victims. I hope they won't get sick.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Traffic Jam </span></b><br />
<br />
When the small bridge in Cuta started to be replaced/repaired, this road served as an alternate road replacing the very busy Quirino Boulevard, the main access road to the University of Northern Philippines. Aside from that, this road is also used to access the tourist attractions in the southern part of the city.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zq5pkhFwD-M/Va5U9bJrSwI/AAAAAAAAWUc/9NAOnQiQcQM/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But this has caused heavy traffic in this part of Vigan and the flooded road made the situation worse. Well, there's nothing we can do because this is the only possible alternate road but the road condition is not helping commuters. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If this road is concreted, the excruciating situation would at least be minimized. The dirty flooded road especially near the Jardin de Caridad including the long queue of commuters and vehicles is a chaos. Commuters and road users cry that this road should be paved.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/284/19861003656_dce90046a1_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/19700561659_aa17bc7b96_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/557/19266304953_7b243b77e1_c.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So What Now?</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whenever I talk to tricycle drivers, I usually hear them say "<i>Ania met detoy nga dalan. Kastoy ti New7Wonder City?" </i>(What kind of road is this? Is this what we call a New7Wonder City?). And I would agree to these tricycle drivers. How more if you're a first time visitor in Vigan expecting to see beautiful views then what you're going to experience is this?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll know how passionate I am in promoting the tourism in Vigan as well as in inviting tourist to visit my hometown. But this road situation is something that should not be ignored. There will be more damages in our reputation if we, residents of Vigan, will remain silent and just allow this road to destroy the good image earned by Vigan for many years. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I personally see tourist buses taking this very ugly road going to Baluarte or Caoayan and it's my fear that if the respective LGUs or government departments tasked to take care of this road will not make urgent solution for this problem, more and more and more and more tourists and visitors will experience the notoriety of this road. What will they say about this New7Wonder City that has gained popularity in the global community? What if there are tourists who will take photos of this road and post them in their social media accounts with bad captions? The reputation of Vigan is at stake just because there is one ugly road. The good image can be wiped away instantly. You know the power of social media. One photo can change the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In fact, our title as a New7Wonder City is a big pressure to live with. With this title, tourists are expecting that Vigan is really a wonder city. But like any other city in the world, Vigan also has flaws and this road is one those flaws. But are we going to wait for more days before we pave this road? I do not know who is tasked to manage this road: Vigan LGU? PGIS? DPWH? But are we going to wait before it's too late?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The issue of jurisdiction should not bar these government agencies to make 'good deeds' for the good of every citizen. Instead of pointing fingers, what if all of these agencies will work hand in hand to give solution to this problem? If there is conflict over the jurisdiction of this road, why not put solution for these conflicts urgently?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/519/19266317813_55c50fd675_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/437/19887256515_5b677da815_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/509/19699226938_0f730768d1_c.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Everyone has personal reasons why they want this road to be paved ASAP. Some are annoyed of the traffic it is causing. Some complain for the extreme inconvenience. In my case, I am writing this to voice out my personal reason also. I am active in advocating for the promotion of tourism in Vigan and as I have mentioned above, my fear is the destruction of the reputation of this New7Wonder Heritage City as a beautiful tourist destination.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wrote this to raise awareness and I hope the officials of the Vigan LGU, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur and the DPWH will read this. I don't know who is in charge of this road so I am mentioning all of the foregoing LGUs/department. But I believe if we have an initiative, the issue of jurisdiction is not a problem. The cry of the people is to pave this road (<i>sementuen yo kuman apo</i>). I hope the work will be done before it's too late. Shall we?</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-31971992891386565552015-06-08T10:23:00.001-07:002017-07-17T07:59:13.377-07:00[Vigan] ► Cafe Uno: Great Food, Great Interior<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91JZMMq7wYY/VXXLN_BQMcI/AAAAAAAAVyg/0-u0Wm7IeRU/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="100%" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>VIGAN CITY</b> ▬ In Vigan, restaurants have spread like wildfire. I mean, they've appeared in no time popping out like mushrooms. One reason I can relate to this is the booming tourism industry in Vigan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In spite of the sprouting of the new dining places, there is still the old favorites and Cafe Uno would be a safe mention.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oG97TqbXoxE/VXXMTGw13tI/AAAAAAAAVyo/1kjFoXxKnmc/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%252811%2529.JPG" width="100%" /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0xNSvV7OZg/VXXMVU9_FBI/AAAAAAAAVyw/Wo5AoJKDVZo/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%252813%2529.JPG" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was actually craving for the Vigan authentic dish <i>pipian</i> when my friend suggested to visit Cafe Uno hoping the restaurant serves such dish. We were not disappointed. We found it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to sir Nanie, co-owner/manager of the restaurant, their <i>pipian</i> here is a fusion dish. They intended to make the soup thinner because they want to serve this as <i>ulam</i> and not <i>merienda</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Pipian</i> is actually an Ilocano <i>merienda</i> dish but Cafe Uno put some twists. The taste? Good!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n11ThZrbRv0/VXXOLBr9_OI/AAAAAAAAVzc/iDqFdWJbcbQ/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%25287%2529.JPG" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEZKDUhdF5I/VXXN4gZu5nI/AAAAAAAAVy8/MeCfLoi9pFs/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%252821%2529.JPG" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXYBqmehEHE/VXXOHleZsOI/AAAAAAAAVzM/5oYdxaOTXQg/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%252822%2529.JPG" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hY8gGzJ5lEk/VXXN_61chCI/AAAAAAAAVzE/OCRJ5_9Dop8/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%252824%2529.JPG" width="100%" />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fMX3acgYHk/VXXOIq52MGI/AAAAAAAAVzU/BEJ_tJRSJoc/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B%252825%2529.JPG" width="100%" />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
On the other hand, Cafe Uno's interior is one to beat. The classic elegance is an addition to the appetite. Its cool and pleasant interior makes dining here a great experience.<br />
<br />
Cafe Uno is open from 8 am to 12 midnight daily. Tel No. (077) 674-0686 or 674-0729.<br />
<br />
<i>Acknowledgment: Special thanks to Mr Ernanie Pasimio, owner-manager of Cafe Uno for providing the food during my visit.</i></div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-41691216044644622182015-05-02T09:36:00.001-07:002017-07-17T07:59:26.732-07:00[Vigan] ► Don't Miss: 20 Photos from Binatbatan Street Dancing 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8703/17341711302_61a6400211_b.jpg" width="100%" />
</div>
<b style="text-align: justify;">VIGAN CITY ▬ </b><span style="text-align: justify;">The Heritage City of Vigan celebrates Binatbatan Festival annually to showcase its beautiful </span><i style="text-align: justify;">abel</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Iloko fabric primarily. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the word <i>batbat</i> which means a piece of stick (used to separate the cotton pods), Binatbatan is now a folk dance. Participants wear clothes made of <i>abel</i> Iloko. They simulate how the cotton pods are separated with the aid of music and graceful moves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Check these photos from the Binatbatan Street Dancing 2015 held in Vigan.<br />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KaJhPSwV9Hs/VUTyOJgXa9I/AAAAAAAAVM8/_SgULEXESYA/s1600/IMG_3170.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8841/17155942920_95313a36a1_b.jpg.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7752/17155947370_ea988f9741_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7698/16721040874_06b06fc602_o.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8847/17155955210_85205119df_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7779/17155958440_8c4d2b10ba_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7688/17343151781_41b64a79c4_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7745/17343154221_9b7214ae62_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7784/17155970850_5b4ef15ef0_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8738/17343167311_bc052ef328_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7741/17343171301_44a26daf11_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7697/17343175751_3b4db79f0a_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8708/17155769568_49e78ed79b_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8700/17343576505_3a63e6b6d0_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7670/17156009560_c0718662d2_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7732/16721104734_85379e1014_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8699/17156017770_1985d8e4e9_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8885/16723347333_f1275ff736_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<img alt="BINATBATAN FESTIVAL 2015" border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8694/17157371859_24eb939631_b.jpg" width="100%" />
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">The street dancing was followed by a showdown in Plasa Burgos. This is Binatbatan Festival 2015. As usual, this is a crowd-drawer.</span></div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-75321092559970671072015-04-24T08:38:00.003-07:002017-01-12T10:25:04.124-08:00[Sta Maria] ► SM Savemore Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHgk0y_XdKY/VTpiqc3MLaI/AAAAAAAAVLw/XLj-kUWLpmY/s1600/11109185_939972246048169_8568166072439380360_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>SANTA MARIA, ILOCOS SUR ▬ </b>The historic town of Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur is home to the first SM Savemore branch in Ilocos Sur. Situated along the highway, this shopping center conveniently offers a one-stop shop for all your needs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-40703285899844667112015-04-24T06:18:00.000-07:002017-07-17T07:59:39.209-07:00[Vigan] ► Ice Cold and Hot Coffee with Artistic Toppings at Cafe Uno<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Cafe Uno Vigan" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnKhV5gRoVc/VTo9BugcGeI/AAAAAAAAVLg/TbfzkN0U3-Y/s1600/Cafe%2BUno%2BVigan%2B(1).JPG"/>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>VIGAN CITY</b> ▬ Vigan City blossomed to be a premier tourist destination in the Philippines. With the influx of tourists, new restaurants popped out like a mushroom. But in some old favorite restaurants in Vigan, they made it sure to join the latest trends. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cafe Uno has been around in town. This cafe is situated at the corner of Quirino Boulevard and Bonifacio Street. They serve ice cold coffee and hot of different varieties and presentation. They put arts on their coffee that's so beautiful you don't even want to disarray it.</div>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/17252881462_a00a392c0a_c.jpg" />
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7673/16632183184_1260850286_c.jpg" />
Aside from the coffee art, you can also enjoy an ice cold coffee this summer with inviting toppings. For less than 100 pesos, you can quench the thirst.</imageanchor><br />
<br />
<imageanchor>Cafe Uno is open from 8 am to 12 midnight daily. Tel No. (077) 674-0686 or 674-0729.</imageanchor><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<imageanchor><i>Acknowledgment: Special thanks to Mr Ernanie Pasimio, owner-manager of Cafe Uno for providing these beverage during my visit.</i></imageanchor><br />
<imageanchor>
</imageanchor></div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-33035016948316247412015-04-10T07:51:00.000-07:002017-07-17T07:59:53.768-07:00[Vigan] ► Semana Santa Procession: a Holy Week Highlight in Ilocos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CV0IP02Wac4/VSfKgVZFIPI/AAAAAAAAU_Q/wxxt48oEf6Y/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" width="100%" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>VIGAN CITY</b> ▬ Vigan is home to rich culture. No doubt about that. On a Good Friday, I made it sure to cover the procession this time. Vigan is saturated with Roman Catholic followers, a religion introduced by the Spaniards during the colonial period. The Spaniards established the city as a religious center in the north.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thousands of people flock in Vigan every Good Friday making it the most crowded day in the year. The <i>Semana Santa</i> procession (or <i>pursisyon</i>, as called locally) starts from the Vigan Cathedral. <i>Carroza</i> of the sculptured replica of saints make their rounds in the city <i>poblacion</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Disclaimer: I don't join processions like this but I usually document it so that people will become aware of the culture and practices of the places I am going. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let us virtually tour Vigan on a Good Friday in photos.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8749/16890670927_f06e18a068_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">FOOD STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THICK CROWD</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7689/17096547702_bfc497cb6b_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">A CALESA SQUEEZING IN THE CROWD</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8779/16910512120_464748f0cc_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> CANDLES SOLD TO DEVOTEES AND <i>PURSISYON</i> JOINERS</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/17096551462_2840baba97_b.jpg" width="100%" />THE CROWD PERSISTENTLY WAITING FOR THE START OF THE PROCESSION</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8777/16890678797_71d8640a35_b.jpg" width="100%" />FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE APPEARANCE OF THE FIRST CARROZA </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7694/17096541942_3528106a6d_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">THICK CROWD IN FRONT OF THE CATHEDRAL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7714/16911839559_5ae7c9bdc3_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">A CARROZA PASSING IN FRONT THE ILOCOS SUR CAPITOL</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <i>pursisyon</i> starts at 6 PM but a crowd of procession joiners (<i>maki-pursisyon</i>) wait for couple of hours before the start.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first <i>carroza</i> was pulled (<i>ginuyod</i>) by young men dressed in red. Usually, those who join the procession choose the <i>carroza</i> they want to follow. Some devotees help in pulling/pushing the <i>carrozas</i>. Those who voluntarily do the <i>guyod</i> are called <i>makiguyod</i> locally. It is a belief that they are closer to God or their sins will be forgiven if they will do such little sacrifice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8754/16890663357_090a4ed1cb_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>CARROZAS </i>GETTING OUT OF THE CATHEDRAL</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7680/16477909263_524d4d7cbd_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">SCULPTURE RIDING ON A HORSE</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/16910496140_f0c271c71c_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">A SET OF SCULPTURES IN ONE <i>CARROZA</i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7600/16910273108_0ca38abcf2_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">SOME DIDN'T JOIN THE PROCESSION. THEY OPTED TO WATCH IT. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8776/16475606724_892b671c7e_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">A CROWD OF <i>MAKI-PURSISYON</i> IN FRONT OF THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8777/17096522872_bf203ce2bd_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">SCULPTURE OF CHRIST WITH 2 <i>HUDYOS</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8684/17098042465_4ba8f4b419_b.jpg" width="100%" /> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">THE PROCESSION IN QUEZON AVENUE</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8717/16911841109_e8694e842d_b.jpg" width="100%" /> THE PROCESSION MAKING A TURN TO BURGOS STREET</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To those who haven't seen Vigan on a Good Friday, this is how it looks like. You need to get ready squeezing in the crowd. Be sure not to bring your valuables. Although this is a religious activity, thieves and pickpockets still abound.</div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782947778605589269.post-64111093811579574462015-04-05T10:17:00.002-07:002017-07-17T08:00:06.731-07:00[Vigan] ► The Good Friday (Viernes Santo) Sights and Actions, the Peak of Semana Santa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-OJ2gaCD8I/VSEaK9F5VHI/AAAAAAAAU8Q/LswD0NxwArQ/s1600/IMG_2747.JPG" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>VIGAN CITY</b> ▬ Within the course of the Holy Week celebrated by many Filipino Roman Catholic followers, Good Friday is the main day in Vigan. The largest gathering of Roman Catholic followers in this heritage city happens during Good Friday and probably, this is the largest gathering of all city/town processions in Ilocos Sur.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In front of the Vigan Cathedral is a saturation of Roman Catholic devotees: some are here for their faith, some are here for the tradition and some are here just to join the tradition without knowing the meaning of this event at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For this post, I'll be writing my commentaries and observations based on what I experienced and saw from different prominent spots in Vigan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
The Traffic Congestion</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If we talk about wide roads, Vigan is an obvious loser. This small city was originally designed during colonial period with narrow roads for the <i>calesa</i> and a few vehicles. Who would dictate the future? Vigan is now a burgeoning little city stimulating the big appetite of the business sector to invest on its promising tourism and hospitality industry.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vigan is now congested with vehicles. Several ordinances have been passed to regulate and control traffic congestion to the point that other tricycles-for-hire are deprived to enter Vigan's main road (Quezon Avenue).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLqvV3S07tE/VSEjoDzFkgI/AAAAAAAAU8w/ORCZT1id2a0/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">THE ANDRES BONIFACIO ST AND GOV ALBERTO REYES ST CROSSING
IS AN ACTION SCENE</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMH5PPjMn3A/VSEjd0V4BVI/AAAAAAAAU8g/6SdvOcroCO4/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" width="100%" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">ENTERING PLAZA BURGOS VIA GOV ALBERTO REYES STREET</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span></span><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdHpWN0dSU8/VSEjjs0haxI/AAAAAAAAU8o/Ls9nP8UsBKo/s1600/IMG_2720.JPG" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF PARKING SPACE IN VIGAN</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the over two decades of my stay in this old town, the worst of the worst traffic congestion just happened these past few years and the Holy Week is a holiday to deal with: and for those who're planning to bring their vehicles in Vigan, Good Friday is a day to plan and strategize carefully if you don't want to end up getting stuck in the middle of the road for hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I used the Gov Alberto Reyes Street to enter Plaza Burgos only to find out that just after Bonifacio St, you can no longer pursue the driving due to presence of countless motorbikes and cars parked along the street. This is a normal scenario in Vigan every Good Friday but it seems to get worse yearly (I hope and pray it won't).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Good Friday <i>Daing</i> Market</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Vigan, we say <i>daing</i> to refer to a sun-dried fish. Sun-dried fish market is busiest during the Good Friday. Vendors get their stalls near or around the Plaza Burgos. Some just choose to stay in the public market. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8817/16851964798_d7607b01b9_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">DAING VENDORS NEAR PLAZA BURGOS</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7687/16417329214_ef957b85ab_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">DRIED FISH MARKET IS IN ITS BUSIEST DURING GOOD FRIDAY</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7690/16852221180_8f228de2c7_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">CHOOSE, BUY, EAT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The rise of demand for fish is related to the belief of the Roman
Catholic followers that eating meat during the Holy Week is prohibited.
But I saw a lot of people eating burgers in McDo and Jollibee with patty
made of beef. Many are also buying barbeque and hotdog (all made of
meat) in Vigan's perennial street market, also in Plaza Burgos (probably
these people are not clinging on to traditional belief).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Plaza Burgos</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't understand why the Plaza Burgos in Vigan is the consistently most crowded area during Good Friday and of the Holy Week. But one thing that I know is the presence of the street market where shopping is inviting. Cheap goods ala Divisoria are always here to stay. Food kiosks abound, name all the Pinoy street foods you know, they're [almost] all here. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7668/17038891181_6e2c0822dd_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">PLAZA BURGOS CROWD: JACINTO ST SIDE </span><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8773/17038895561_1b8842aa04_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">PLAZA BURGOS CROWD: BIRD'S EYE VIEW INSIDE THE SQUARE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span>
<img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8779/16419586583_a64c455634_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">PLAZA BURGOS CROWD: BURGOS ST SIDE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7685/17013747536_bfd20c5124_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">PLAZA BURGOS CROWD: STREET-LEVEL VIEW INSIDE THE SQUARE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span>
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7587/17038898931_d3c261e341_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">PLAZA BURGOS CROWD: FLORENTINO ST SIDE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span>
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/17039747385_d194eed287_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">PLAZA BURGOS CROWD: ALSO FROM FLORENTINO ST SIDE
</span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So people are saturating in Plaza Burgos on a Good Friday. The public square is closed to all types of motorized vehicles because the foot traffic is just hard to manage now. What more, if these trikes and motorbikes including tourist vehicles join? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Vigan Cathedral</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The grand perennial <i>pursisyon</i> in Vigan happens on a Good Friday. All Roman Catholic followers flocked inside the church. Because the church can no longer accommodate these thousands of <i>pursisyon</i> joiners, the area in front of the church serves as a catch basin of the flooding crowd.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7715/17038287072_8ede75ecb5_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">THE VIGAN CATHEDRAL CROWD ON A GOOD FRIDAY</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7719/16420094093_18f7b4b5d3_b.jpg" width="100%" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">THE EXIT OF THE FIRST CARROZA MARKS THE START OF THE <i>PURSISYON</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <i>pursisyon</i> started at 6 PM this Good Friday. The devotees waited for the <i>carroza</i> of their choice which they will be following. This <i>pursisyon</i> depicts how Jesus Christ died and rose from dead. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have documented the <i>pursisyon</i> so be sure to come back on this blog for the next days if you haven't seen one yet. ▬ <b><i>to be continued...</i></b> </div>
</div>
Edmar del Castillo Guquibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963289345260592053noreply@blogger.com0Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines17.5704898 120.3873298999999417.5099358 120.30664889999994 17.6310438 120.46801089999994