From the new seven wonders cities of the world, there is one city that is not only wonderful when it comes to its appearance, its story and history can also make anyone amazed. That city is none other than Vigan City.
From the new seven wonders cities of the world, there is one city that is not only wonderful when it comes to its appearance, its story and history can also make anyone amazed. That city is none other than Vigan City.
Vigan City is located in the north. It is situated in the province of Ilocos Sur. It is the best-preserved example of a designed Spanish colonial city in Asia. Its structure echoes the fuse of cultural elements somewhere in the Philippines, having Calle Crisologo as its most famous site. Up until now, it was preserved. And once you go here, you will feel the ambiance of the past. It is a perfect place to contemplate history.
Now, you may apparently be asking yourself how the town survive the world war. To satisfy your curious mind, I will also tell to you this story I once heard and read.
Let me start the story this way:
In the middle of the war, it is not only the soldiers that act like heroes. Filipinos are known to be brave, and with the raging courage that runs through the veins of Filipinos, anyone who wanted to save the place that time really fought even if they knew that their lives might be taken away.
Manila, which is the center of trade, has taken vast damage. Other provinces also faced the same fate, but there is one town that was spared from bombing, and that was Vigan.
Here are the two love stories which saved the town. Yes, not only one, but two love stories. The first one is the love story of Major Sakae Narioka, A Japanese Soldier, and Belen Castillo, a bigueña (a name given to each woman in the place). The other story is Major Fujiro Takahashi's love story and his wife Adela Tolentino, a bigueña also.
According to the story, the Americans desired to bomb Vigan because of the appearance of the Japanese there. But the attack and bombing were halted and redirected to a different place because the current parish priest of the place at that time said to the Americans that there were no more Japanese soldiers in the area. With this, they regarded the call.
Their love stories are why Vigan has triumphed over difficulties and unwanted events, saving the city from the destruction of war, making it more than just a cobblestone street where something about the history of the past was still preserved and being told and enjoyed today.
While walking in the street, the story that was told may resonate. The old houses are the witnesses of this love story, and if only they can speak, I would like to hear each story they may tell.
Indeed, love does not only give charm. It can also make something more than that. These two love stories prove that love is magical. A magic that makes us amazed that even the fright of war could still conceive a matter of beauty. It cannot only move a mountain, but it can also spare a town from being bombed.
If you visit the place someday, I recommend you try the delicacies the place has to offer, such as the famous Vigan Empanada, bagnet, and Vigan longganisa.
You can also visit other tourist spots of Vigan and roam around the city while riding a Kalesa, a horse-drawn vehicle that will surely give you a different vibe. If you ask about the rates, it ranges from PHP 500 depending on how distant and how long you will rent it.
Thank you for reading this article of mine. I hope that you enjoy this read. If you have any thoughts and/or comments, let me know by writing them in the comment section below.
Yours truly,
@Stories
the power of love can save a city, attract and invite people to the city of Vigan