Vigan: A Time Capsule of Filipino Heritage

• HelloKamusta
  [ka-mus-ta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pa-a-lam]
• YesOo
  [o-o]
• NoHindi
  [hin-di]
• Please/You're welcomeMangyari po
  [man-gya-ri po]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya
  [pa-sen-sya]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [ka-mus-ta ka]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [ma-bu-ti. i-kaw]
• Do you speak English?Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles?
  [nag-sa-sa-li-ta ka ba ng in-gles]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-di ko main-tin-di-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko sanang makita ang menu, pakiusap
  [gus-to ko sa-nang ma-ki-ta ang me-nu, pa-ki-u-sap]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-di a-ko ku-ma-ka-in ng kar-ne]
• Cheers!Tagay!
  [ta-gay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko sanang magbayad, pakiusap
  [gus-to ko sa-nang mag-ba-yad, pa-ki-u-sap]

• Help!Tulong!
  [tu-long]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [lu-ma-yo ka]
• Call the Police!Tumawag ka ng Pulis!
  [tu-ma-wag ka ng pu-lis]
• Call a doctor!Tumawag ka ng doktor!
  [tu-ma-wag ka ng dok-tor]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [na-wa-wa-la a-ko]
• I'm illSakit ako
  [sa-kit a-ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko sanang bumili ng...
  [gus-to ko sa-nang bu-mi-li ng]
• I'm just lookingNagmamasid lang ako
  [nag-ma-ma-sid lang a-ko]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-ka-no i-to]
• That's too expensiveMahal masyado iyon
  [ma-hal ma-sya-do i-yon]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang babaan ang presyo?
  [pu-we-de bang ba-ba-an ang pres-yo]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [a-nong o-ras na]
• It's one o'clockAlas-una na
  [a-las-u-na na]
• Half past (10)Alas-diyes y medya
  [a-las-di-yes y med-ya]
• MorningUmaga
  [u-ma-ga]
• AfternoonHapon
  [ha-pon]
• EveningGabi
  [ga-bi]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [ka-ha-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [nga-yon]
• TomorrowBukas
  [bu-kas]
• 1Isa
  [i-sa]
• 2Dalawa
  [da-la-wa]
• 3Tatlo
  [tat-lo]
• 4Apat
  [a-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Anim
  [a-nim]
• 7Pito
  [pi-to]
• 8Walo
  [wa-lo]
• 9Siyam
  [si-yam]
• 10Sampu
  [sam-pu]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...
  [na-sa-an ang]
• What's the address?Ano ang address?
  [a-no ang ad-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pu-we-de mo ba a-kong i-pa-ki-ta sa ma-pa]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [ka-i-lan ang su-su-nod na bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papuntang ...)
  [i-sang ti-ket pa-pun-tang]

Before the arrival of the Spanish, Vigan was a thriving coastal trading post. It was inhabited by the Tingguians and Ilocanos who engaged in trade with Chinese, Japanese, and other Southeast Asian merchants. The local culture was rich with animistic beliefs and indigenous practices.

In 1572, Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived in Vigan. He named the city 'Villa Fernandina' in honor of King Philip II’s son. The Spanish established a colonial government, built churches, and introduced Catholicism, which led to the construction of Vigan’s famous colonial architecture.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Vigan became an important port in the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. Chinese merchants settled in Vigan, contributing to its cultural and economic growth. The city’s Mestizo District, where Spanish and Chinese cultures merged, became a hub of commerce.

The Basi Revolt was a major insurrection by local Ilocano wine-makers against the Spanish colonial government’s monopoly on basi, a traditional sugarcane wine. The revolt was violently suppressed, but it remains a significant event in Vigan’s history, symbolizing resistance against colonial oppression.

Vigan played a role during the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1896 and later during the Philippine-American War. Notable revolutionary leaders like General Artemio Ricarte operated in the area. After the defeat of Spanish forces, the city came under American control in 1899.

Vigan was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. The city experienced hardship and resistance movements, including guerrilla activities. After the war, Vigan was liberated by Allied forces, and the city began to rebuild.

In 1999, Vigan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. The city is noted for its cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and unique fusion of cultural influences, making it a living museum of history and culture.

Vigan is located in the province of Ilocos Sur on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The nearest major airport is Laoag International Airport, around 80 kilometers away. From Laoag, you can take a bus, van, or taxi to Vigan, which typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport and take a bus or rent a car for the approximately 8-hour drive to Vigan. There are several bus companies that operate routes from Manila to Vigan, including Partas, Dominion, and Viron Transit.

Vigan is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local transportation options include tricycles, calesas (horse-drawn carriages), and jeepneys. Tricycles and calesas are ideal for short distances and city tours, while jeepneys are commonly used for traveling to nearby municipalities. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the city at your own pace.

The official currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Vigan, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the city, but be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage. Currency exchange services are available at banks and authorized money changers.

Vigan is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and public transportation hubs. While Vigan does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities, including Gabriela Silang General Hospital, are available in Vigan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow or a handshake. Use 'po' and 'opo' as a sign of respect when addressing elders. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Vigan like a local, visit the Vigan Public Market early in the morning for fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with the locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss walking down Calle Crisologo, a well-preserved Spanish-era street, particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon. For a unique experience, try riding a calesa around the city or taking a pottery class at Pagburnayan Jar Factory to learn traditional pottery-making techniques.