Good day my Dear tourist. In Ilocano, naimbag a bigat kinyayo. Welcome to Ilocos Sur.

I’m Ate Cy your

tour guide for today. So, let me tell you something about Ilocos Sur. Ilocos Sur is composed of 32
municipalities and 2 Cities. My dear Tourist dyk that in may 2015 Vigan City was officially recognized as
one of the new seven wonder cities, together with Beirut, doha, Durban, Havana, kuala lumpur and
Lapaz. New Seven wonders foundation president and founding member Bernard Weber, led a ceremony
held at Saint Paul Cathedral where he handed a bronze plaque. Yes Bronze Plaque. The Vigan Mayor Eva
Grace Sinason-Medina. Signifying the heritage City’s Election as one of the worlds wonder cities.

Ilocos Sur was founded by the Spanish Conquistador, Juan de Salcedo in 1572. It was formed by the
North and now called Ilocos Norte split from the South and now Ilocos Sur at that time it included parts
of Abra and the Upper Half of the Present day La Union. This current boundary of the province was
permanently defined true act 2683 which was signed in March 1917. The Province is home to two
UNESCO world heritage sites namely, The heritage city of Vigan and the Boraque Church of Sta. Maria.

When we mention Ilocos Sur tourist spor in Vigan always stops the mind while its undoubtedly
fascinating Ilocos Sur is more than the cobblestone streets of Vigan. The province is known for its rich
culture and history. The heritage sites, adventure parks, and of course the food. But this time, we’ll be
putting the highlight on the beautiful places to visit in Ilocos Sur. Whether its for the long vacation or
quick breather from the hustle and bustle of city life. here are some of the most beautiful tourist spots in
Ilocos Sur that certainly wont dissapoint. Buckle up your seat belt just sit back and relax your dream
travel is about to happen.

There are so many events and festivals held in Ilocos Sur but im just goint to introduce the VIVA Vigan
Festival and the Longganisa Festival. Viva Vigan Festival every 1st week of May Vigan place host to visitors
for this festival. Featuring paintings and product exhibits. A calesa parade and agricultural activities. Also
the longganisa festival of Vigan City held every 22nd of January, features the longest longanisa with the
hope of entering to the Guinness book of records as the longest longanisa of the World. The longanisa
plays a major role in promoting the identity of the city as a major producer of longanisa which is famous
not only locally but also abroad.

Baluarte Resort and Mini zoo, another popular attraction in Vigan is the Baluarte resort and Mini zoo.
This is a good destination for the kids and the whole family to enjoy holidays and take selfies with the
animals especially with this gigantic dinosaur replica. The best thing about the place is that its open to
the public and admission is free. Next stop is the Mindoro Beach. The Mindoro beach is located just 5
kilometers east of the town proper of vigan. Unlike other beaches facing the china sea which are mostly
white sands. The beach is covered by black but smooth and fine sand. Mindoro beach is absolutely a
good place of relaxation and best spot to watch the gorgeous sunset.

Gather around and lets proceed to our next destination. Welcome to hidden garden. Another attraction
in ilocos sur that will delight your eyes and tummy, is the hidden garden in vigan. Its not just a garden,
though as there are food stalls and a café where you can eat while appreciating the beautiful view. They
also sell plants and flowers there. When craving for an Ilocano dish, hidden garden is the best place to
be. In the middle of the garden is a restaurant surrounded by beautiful plants and trees with the most
try Ilocano foods at an affordable price. This is a must visit place when you want to experience nature
while munching great food.

Plaza Burgos is one of the major plazas in Vigan City Which was built to remember one of the 3 filipino
martyr priest, Fr. Jose Burgos. Although this is a public area. The place is well maintained.

Empanada is the best in Vigan City and a must try when visiting plaza burgos.

Bantay Bell Tower, this is a nice stop when visiting Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Built in 1591 it serves as a towns
watch tower before being turned into a bell tower by the nearby church. Never leave Bantay Ilocos Sur
without climbing up the bell tower where you will be treated with the breathtaking views of the church
from above.

Pagburnayan Jar Factory, this is the one of the most visited in the city of Vigan that you shouldn’t miss.
Visiting the place to watch the pottery works and being able to try. It is the absolutely an incredible
experience here in Ilocos.
Syquia Mansion. Syquia Mansion was served as the home of the late president Elpidio Quirino and his
family. His century old mansion was build in 1830 and was given as a dowry when president Quirino
married the descendant of the Syquia Family. Most part of this old mansion was preserved and well kept
so new generation can still look back on how filipinos used to lived.

Padre Burgos House. This museum is the ancestral house and birthplace of father Jose Burgos. It is one
of the notable historic structures of Vigan that houses the memorabilia of Father Burgos and his family.
You will definitely enjoy this place if you love history.

Next stop, Crisologo Museum. In October 1978 Conversant Floro Crisologo was inside the simplest
cathedral when he was shot by an identified gunman. To honor him, the country’s old family mentioned
was converted into a museum. Crisologo Museum is a must see for all foreign and local travelers since it
contains lots of interesting artifact and great information about way of life in Vigan during the 60s to 70s.

Next stop, Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. This roman cathedral in Vigan Ilocos Sur is also known as
the Vigan Cathedral. Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is huge and has a great architectural design from
the inside and outside. Definitely another worth visiting attraction when in Vigan City.

Welcome to Plaza Salcedo. Infront of the sinful cathedral is plaza Salcedo. This is nothing but a plaza with
a fountain in the morning but turns into an awesome attraction at night when the musical fountain starts
dancing. The dancing fountain of plaza Salcedo is absolutely one of the best thing you should never miss
in Ilocos Sur.

Okay, I undusrtand that travel isn’t just about the beautiful destinations. But travel also means food
right? So work up quite the appetite while walking Vigan’s historic streets head on over to Bartech.
Which pride itself as being the 1st and only dinner buffet in Vigan. It also serves alcoholic drinks which
fitting since bar tech takes its name from the Ilocano word bartek which means to get drunk. Try out
their bagnet longanisa meal served with kbl which means kamatis, bagoong and lasuna.

Okay, down to our last destination. I know most of you is familiar with this but introducing Calle
Crisologo. This 15th century Spanish street situated inside the Vigan heritage village is considered as one
of the heritage sites in the Philippines. And is also one of the most popular historical tourist spots in
Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Its history dates back centuries ago and it will take you back to that filipino Spanish
colonial era. Calle Crisologo is a beautiful preserved place of history where you can shop for souvenirs
and more.

So this marks the end of our Ilocos Region Tour. Is there any suggestions or questions that you would
want me to know? In behalf of BA department tour and travels I would like to thank you all for choosing
us and for choosing Ilocos Region on your dream travel. I hope everyone learned a lot and enjoyed about
this trip. Again do not forget to include region 1 on your bucket list for your future travels.