When In Manila Search

+

When In Manila

  • HOME
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
    • ALL POSTS
    • AUTHORS
    • FAQs
    • ADVERTISE
    • CONTACT US
  • WIM IN THAILAND
    • TRENDING
    • EAT
    • BEAUTY
    • DEALS
    • TRAVEL
    • EVENTS
    • TECH
    • LIFESTYLE
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • ADVOCACIES
    • SPORTS
  • TRENDING
  • EAT
  • BEAUTY
  • DEALS
  • TRAVEL
  • EVENTS
  • TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • ADVOCACIES
  • SPORTS

When In Manila

  • HOME
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
    • ALL POSTS
    • AUTHORS
    • FAQs
    • ADVERTISE
    • CONTACT US
  • WIM IN THAILAND
    • TRENDING
    • EAT
    • BEAUTY
    • DEALS
    • TRAVEL
    • EVENTS
    • TECH
    • LIFESTYLE
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • ADVOCACIES
    • SPORTS
  • TRENDING
  • EAT
  • BEAUTY
  • DEALS
  • TRAVEL
  • EVENTS
  • TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • ADVOCACIES
  • SPORTS
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
Home
Eat & Drink

Vigan 101: Where to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat When in Vigan!

Eat & Drink Editor's Choice Travel & Adventure January 12, 2013 Mae Ilagan

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (79 of 393)

Vigan 101

 

 your favorite internet blogger tandem has launched yet another voyage this year and for their 2013 opener, they’ve decided to journey up north once again to experience the magic of historical Vigan for the very first time!

 

The 10 hr journey to Vigan, Ilocos Sur……

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (27 of 393)

 10 hrs inside the bus ain’t an easy thing but for the spirit of fun and adventure, these 2 nut heads didn’t mind the day long journey despite their busy work schedules.  Frank for example ends his work shift at 7am. He went straight to the bus terminal to meet Mae for their 9am trip!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (29 of 393)

 To go to Vigan, it’s best if you ride the Partas bus along  Aurora Blvd in Cubao. The regular air-con bus fare costs P675 while the deluxe costs P725. They don’t accept advanced reservations so be sure to be at the terminal early!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (45 of 393)

they reached La Union by sunset and saw this spectacular view…

 They left Manila around 8am and arrived 11hours after!

  

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (67 of 393)

they checked-in at the Gordion Hotel which is considered as one of the most respected in Vigan. It currently has a total of 21 rooms and has been in business since the 1950s!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (360 of 393)

 They were warmly welcomed by the staff who attended to their every need! Mariel, who was in charge of the Front Desk made sure the two were well taken cared of. She even gave them a map of Vigan and a lot of tips and suggestions on where to go. Gordion Hotel provides great customer service and both Frank and Mae were very pleased!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (6 of 393)

 The two were really tired and famished after being in the bus the whole day so they’ve decided to have dinner at the Gordion Hotel and tried some of their traditional Ilocano best sellers! They had Igado and Pinakbet!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (4 of 393)

 Gordion Hotel’s Pinakbet: super healthy with a powerhouse of flavors!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (62 of 393)

 the larger than life staircase at the Gordion Hotel was surely eye catching!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (49 of 393)

 they decided to stay at the Junior suite

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (46 of 393)

 it had a queen sized bed, a living area, tv, dresser and mini-ref. It was furnished with antique furniture to give you that very Filipino-Spanish traditional feel! It felt like stepping into another era!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (47 of 393)

 the bathroom was quite spacious and had a very reliable heater!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (66 of 393)

 after the 2 settled their things, they’ve decided to take a late night stroll along the famous Calle Crisologo before calling it a day!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (94 of 393)

 Calle Crisologo: the ultimate place in Vigan!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (86 of 393)

 it was a very quite and enchanting night and the 2 enjoyed taking night shots as they walked  long the cobblestoned street.

Since the street lights were yellow, the whole ambiance felt very vintage as if they were inside a sepia photograph

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (42 of 393)

 festive yet very peaceful. Unlike in other cities, Vigan is one of the very few places where you can safely roam the streets at night!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (115 of 393)

 at the end of Calle Crisologo, they found the only opened establishment which happens to also be one of the most popular dining places in Vigan… Cafe Leona!

  

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (108 of 393)

the two decided to each have a glass of wine and a serving of Vigan longanisa before heading back to the hotel.

They always look forward to drinking wine together and look for nice quiet cozy places to chill  while they talk about the day’s happenings. It was another tiring trip, but it was worth it! They knew that tomorrow was gonna be a big day for them!

 

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (180 of 393)

 Frank and Mae woke up quite early the next day and before touring the city, they’ve decided to have breakfast at Gordion Hotel‘s  Garden by the Ruins!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (176 of 393)

 Frank had Vigan Longanisa

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (174 of 393)

 Mae on the other hand ordered Gourmet Tuyo

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (291 of 393)

 Aside from the Garden by the Ruins, guests may also relax and chill at the Cafe Alhambra

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (290 of 393)

Gordion Hotel by day. The only colorfully painted Hotel in Vigan. Impossible for people to miss it!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (189 of 393)

the 2 decided to tour the city in style… and the best way to experience historical Vigan is to ride the Kalesa! For only 150/hr, you can visit around 8 popular spots and you also get an instant tour guide! The tour usually lasts for 3 hours so prepare around P450 for the tour.

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (191 of 393)

 They were fortunate to meet the very friendly Robin and his 3-old horse named Jessa.

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (200 of 393)

 For their 1st stop, Robin took them to the Bantay Bell Tower

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (197 of 393)

It looked so majestic and enchanting! The place looked soooo dreamy!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (202 of 393)

Next stop was the Vigan Museum which was also the birth place of Father Jose Burgos, one of the 3 priests of GOMBURZA

entrance fee: P20

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (206 of 393)

 the two definitely enjoyed looking at all the historical icons and antiques…

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (209 of 393)

 Frank acting silly as usual

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (210 of 393)

 they were mesmerized by the antique kitchenwares  and dinnerwares

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (215 of 393)

 They always look forward in trying out and learning  new things with each travel experience.

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (103 of 393)

When in Vigan, you never should miss visiting the Paburnayan or the place where people make clay pots

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (226 of 393)

Frank seriously  working on his pot

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (220 of 393)

Mae doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty for the sake of experience 

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (261 of 393)

 another must see attraction in Vigan would be the Baluarte– a local zoo owned by Gov. Chavit Singson.  No entrance fee!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (237 of 393)

 as you enter the Baluarte, be sure to get a cool cup of sugarcane calamansi juice for P40

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (238 of 393)

 Frank with his refreshing Sugarcane Calamansi juice

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (244 of 393)

Here you can meet a lot of wild animals! Fortunately, the tiger in the photo seemed to be very full that it didn’t bother eating our annoying writer at the back

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (260 of 393)

 The Baluarte also has this relaxing butterfly sanctuary filled with butterflies flying all around!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (259 of 393)

 Frank being one with nature. Mae was so envious! 

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (289 of 393)

 Their last stop was at the Hidden Garden where both enjoyed more flora and fauna and had another unforgettable food trip!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (287 of 393)

 The Hidden Garden was such a relaxing place, people should never miss it!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (265 of 393)

 here you can buy export quality pots to take back home

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (286 of 393)

 they found a very delightful dining spot inside the Hidden Garden

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (285 of 393)

 they found these Asian tables and decided to settle there  for lunch…

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (273 of 393)

 the people of Vigan pride themselves of their local delicacies and their  trade mark Vigan Empanada should be enjoyed a lot!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (281 of 393)

they ordered 2 of the most celebrated dishes in Vigan.. the Bagnet and Poqui-poqui!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (141 of 393)

Poqui -Poqui is a popular Ilocano dish made from egg and eggplant. It may not be the best looking dish but definitely one of the tastiest!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (284 of 393)

 double-fried ultra crispy pork specialty of the Ilocanos… the ever mouthwatering Bagnet!

Literally a heart stopper!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (155 of 393)

 After a short siesta , the two once again went to the famous Calle Crisologo to buy pasalubong and try another popular delicacy while the sun was still up. Best time to visit according to the locals would be around 5pm onwards!

 

and so the two did their thing….

 

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (321 of 393)

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (300 of 393)

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (151 of 393)

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (152 of 393)

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (325 of 393)

 after a few minutes, they stopped by one of the makers of the best when in comes to Vigan Empanada – Irene’s!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (335 of 393)

 Irene wasn’t really there that day but good thing her mom was there and told  them about their business. 

The two learned that Irene’s family had been making Vigan Empanada for decades now…

 

 

 Mae was able to take quick shots as their empanadas were prepared

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (328 of 393)

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (327 of 393)

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (330 of 393)

 Nothing beats having authentic Vigan Empanada along Calle Crisologo! Completes the whole experience!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (158 of 393)

 each Vigan empanada costs around P35

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (162 of 393)

Irene’s own recipe was definitely meatier and richer than the others! No wonder they”re soooo popular!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (358 of 393)

 never go home without these….

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (368 of 393)

 Night time came and they  just couldn’t resist the wonderful night ambiance at the Garden by the Ruins at Gordion Hotel.

The Gordion Hotel is probably one of the most romantic places you can find in Vigan!

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (359 of 393)

 <3

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (169 of 393)

one of the most romantic spots in Vigan..

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (380 of 393)

 Dinengdeng with seafood: It was way different than the usual  for it had a very light “consome” style soup

  

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (376 of 393)

 Gordion Hotel‘s Bagnet was truly crispilicious!! Their homemade Ilocano Vinegar tasted the best!

 

Gordion Hotel Vigan Frank Ruaya Mae Ilagan When In Manila (373 of 393)

 Gordion Hotel‘s own version of Bagnet  – thinly sliced crispy pork bites! Frank and Mae just couldn’t get enough of it!

 

IMG_20130107_030706

Too bad they had to wake up really early to catch the earliest bus bound back to Manila. It was really hard for them to leave such a lovely place and their Junior Suite at Gordion Hotel was just soooo cozy they wished they could sleep more….

 

IMG_20130107_031552

 But of course, they both know that they will definitely be back soon to discover more about historical Vigan!  It was truly a great way to start the year and they are looking forward to more trips in the coming days!

 

They brought home with them lots of goodies, new  tales to tell , captivating photos to show and a whole bunch of experiences and memories to cherish….. as always, they came back never the same

  

 

The world is really a big classroom and like them, we should all be courageous enough to get out there to educated and learn not only about what’s out there, but to discover and understand more about ourselves.

 

No matter how busy our lives may be, may we all find the time to get out of our comforts zones, conquer new places and experience how it is to truly LIVE! 

 

  

Gordion Hotel 

V. delos Reyes corner Salcedo Sts., 2700 Vigan, Ilocos Sur

063 (02) 246 15 02; 063 (077) 722 25 26; Mobile: +63917-568-3330;

happyalcantara@yahoo.com

 

Like them on Facebook

 

 

 

Congratulations Herson Villalba Agmata for winning our 3days/2nights stay for 2 at Gordion Hotel promo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

need an ideal camera for travel photography? Try the NEW SONY SLT a99!

by SONY PHILIPPINES

 

 

To know more about our adventures and misadventures, visit us on EATS A DATE!

 

To read more of our WHEN IN MANILA adventures, click HERE

 

 

To know more about our adventures and misadventures, visit us on EATS A DATE!

 

To read more of our WHEN IN MANILA adventures, click HERE

 

 

 

To further enjoy life to the fullest, it pays to have a healthy body and mind!

Practicing yoga has truly helped me in achieving balance.  Truly life changing!  I encourage you to visit  BEYOND YOGA today!

 

 8032222 orig

 

 

Vigan 101: Where to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat When in Vigan!

Related

  • Guide to Hiking in the Philippines for Beginners
    Guide to Hiking in the Philippines for Beginners
    June 5, 2022 0
  • Shakeys Texas Chicken BBQ Pizza thumbnail
    Shakey’s Texas Chicken BBQ Pizza is Back
    June 3, 2023 0
  • Gardens By The Bay Singapore Kryz Uy scaled e1685757791569
    5 Toddler-Friendly Activities You Can Enjoy in Singapore
    June 3, 2023 0
  • thumbnail 10
    LOOK: Gram Cafe Unveils Adorable Miffy-inspired Meals and Drinks
    June 6, 2023 0

About The Author

Mae Ilagan

PR Director of WhenInManila.com. + Food & Travel connoisseur who weekly explores various destinations in the country and beyond. Awarded as Sooo Pinoy's Ultimate Pinoy Food Blogger by Unilever Food Solutions. Has guested in various talk and tv shows such as GMA 7 News To Go, The GoodNews, Pop Talk, Ang Pinaka and Unang Hirit as a resource person for food and travel-related stories. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram at @mayoilagan

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

Popular Posts

  • thumbnail 10
    LOOK: Gram Cafe Unveils Adorable Miffy-inspired Meals …
    Jun 6, 2023
  • BayaNinja
    LOOK: This Hub Offers Delivery Riders Free …
    Jun 6, 2023
  • See You in My 19th Life Netflix KDrama
    6 New KDramas on Netflix That Will …
    Jun 6, 2023
  • 4 Compelling Reasons to Stream “Hunger” on …
    Jun 6, 2023
  • Jessie J baby
    Jessie J Shares Her Joyful Childbirth Experience
    Jun 6, 2023
  • ONE OK ROCK header
    ONE OK ROCK’s Manila Concert Ticket Prices …
    Jun 6, 2023

ABOUT WHEN IN MANILA

WhenInManila.com is a community of writers, photographers, videographers, and storytellers, who share their discoveries and stories about Manila, Philippines, and the world. We are the biggest blog and online magazine in the Philippines, garnering millions of impressions per day throughout our various online media outlets. Connect with us now to get featured or to promote your business, products, or brands! For advertising inquiries, head to Advertise Page. Find more info on FAQs Page.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
HOME  |   AUTHORS  |   ABOUT  |   ADVERTISE  |   CONTACT US  |   FAQS  | TERMS & CONDITIONS