Vigan City: Then and Now

The Unique Villa Fernandina 

                    The city of Vigan is famous for its unique structure as it was formed during the Spanish colonial era. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the few Spanish colonial towns left in the Philippines whose old structures have mostly remained intact. In this blog you will discover what Vigan went through in the past to maintain the stability and peace of this town today.

    It served as a center for Spanish political, religious, and commercial activities in the northern part of the Philippines. Former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines, was also born in Vigan, at the former location of the Provincial Jail where his father was a warden. The city of Vigan went through many tragedies back then. Also, many Ilocanos also died in their fight for the freedom of Vigan, including some of our heroes. Gabriela Silang is a great woman from Vigan. General Maj. Sakae Narioka, Belen Castillo, Soldier Takahashi and Adela are considered heroes who saved Vigan because their love saved the town we live in today. They helped to change the decision of those in the upper levels of the society which then became the way to avoid the bombardment of the Americans.

                     To go deeper, if we compare the situation of the city then and now, it has changed a lot. Vigan City is visited now by many tourists from different parts of the world. And, the Bigueños still maintain Calle Crisologo where they sell souvenirs and local products. The city continues to prosper because of the events that are happening especially now that the Vigan city festival is being celebrated. Vigan city today is full of fun, comfort, and memories because of the people who saved this town during the colonial period. Let's continue to appreciate and preserve it until we can pass it on to future generations.

References of images used:

- https://images.app.goo.gl/FLfuQhvvmC2kYj1W7

- https://images.app.goo.gl/MSeakUMQjMFizz6C6

- https://images.app.goo.gl/Pny7Ff3Hbv2dwDSd8