Have you ever set your foot on the corners of this unique and world class paradise? Or have you ever taste the luscious and dainty empanada of this city that will surely satisfy your cravings? These are just a simple characteristics of the country's pride for the New 7 wonder cities of the world- Vigan.
This historical place is being described by its exceptional and incomparable heritage where old houses and captivating view is being executed. Vigan as a eventful city tells us about the story itself by reflecting the historical places where the four corners of this city can be found.
Bigueñous are the city's foundation of love and kindness because this wonderful city also reflects the unity that biguenious' have.
Vigan is truly a remarkable and enticing place where visitors are welcomed warmly. This place is truly one of a kind.
Now, if you wish to visit a place that shows the ancient cultures and traditions, that old place still exist today , and that is VIGAN. But for this moment, I would like to share to you the history that speaks its famousness and uniqueness of this city-Philippine pride, VIGAN.
The History of Vigan started in an interesting scenery , it was not expected. I just happen.
The name Vigan is derived from the word "Kabiga-an" or *Kabigbigaan" which means a place plenty with tuberous bigaa plants. This coarse, erect plant with large leaves grow along the banks of Mestizo River.
This is told from an anecdote which tells of a Spaniard walking along the banks of the Mestizo River. There he met a native of the place and stopped to ask, "Como se llama de este lugar?' Not understanding a word of Spanish, the native scratched his head. Upon seeing that the Spaniard was pointing toa plant, he exclaimed in Ilocano, Bigaa Apo.
Vigan is the third oldest town founded in the Philippines by the Spaniards. The history of Vigan begins with the arrival of Captain Juan de Salcedo. He was the last and the youngest among all conquistadores and grandson of the Spanish adelantado, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Salcedo arrived at Vigan from Caoayan through the Mestizo River on June 13, 1572.
The Spaniards observed that the natives were unfriendly to them. They frightened them with their cannons. The natives still rejected the peace offered by Salcedo. For this, the Spaniards had to attack the natives. This caused them to retreat
Salcedo entered the town of Vigan. He found no male inhabitants for they already fled to Bantay. He ordered his men not to molest the women and children. He and his men continued the voyage to the north. He approached Laoag and found the natives unfriendly. He had to scare them with several charges of cannons.
They proceeded to Currimao and later to Barol, present town of Badoc. A treaty of peace was concluded between the chieftains and Salcedo in this village.
While they were in Barol, Salcedo ordered Antonio Hurtado to go back to Vigan with 20 soldiers in six small boats to build a fort. This fort would protect the natives from the attacks of the neighboring Tinguian tribes.
The natives readily accepted and even helped construct a fort at Tamag Hills. He further advised Hurtado to treat the natives well.
Salcedo, after rounding Northern Luzon, returned to Vigan in January 1574. He took possessions of Vigan, as well as the Ilocos. He passed a decree that the church Casa Real and a fortification be constructed. These events marked the birth of the town of Vigan.
Vigan is trully a remarkable and historic City where people as wonderful bigueños executes hospitality and generosity in showing love and care to the tourist.
This makes the city speaks its beauty and greatness that until today the history of Vigan as its foundation still remains.