This Week in Vigan (March 14 to 20, 2016)

Weather is sunny and pleasant in Vigan City this week with an average temperature of 30°C from Mar. 14 to 18. However, a sudden rise to 35°C is predicted for Saturday and Sunday, (Mar. 19 to 20) so people in the city are advised to prepare for the extremely hot weather accordingly.

Meanwhile, school year is not yet over in Vigan so heavy traffic is still expected every 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM during weekdays at areas near schools. Typically affected areas include Rizal Ave., Plaza Burgos, and in front of the University of Northern Philippines at Brgy. Tamag. Traffic is generally light in other hours.

Hotel Luna offers the “Deluxe Graduation Treats” promo for PhP6,000 net/night for a family of four (4). It includes an overnight stay in a Double Queen Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast, and welcome drinks for four persons. For inquiries and bookings, Hotel Luna can be reached at (+63) 917-564-0727, (+632) 584-4945 (Manila line) or rsvn.hotelluna@ahmgi.com.

Mindoro Beach in Vigan has deep black sand because of the rich magnetite in the area. Resort accommodation is available in Playa de Oro Resort. It is located five kilometers west from the city proper. Strong waves are expected every noon so swimming with caution during such hour is advised.

The bagnet is pork belly that is boiled until tender and then double fried, resulting in its soft and crunchy texture. It can be eaten as is or cooked as sinigang (pork and vegetables in tamarind broth), kare-kare (stew with savory peanut sauce) or mixed with the Ilocano favorite pinakbet (vegetables cooked in shrimp paste). It is available at the Vigan City market for PhP350 per kilo while restaurants such as Café Leona and Lampong’s Restaurant, both at Calle Crisologo, serve different types of bagnet dishes.

A popular pasalubong is the Vigan longganiza (Filipino style sausage). In Vigan, the longganiza is sold by the dozen ranging from PhP100 to PhP120 depending on the size. Longganiza can be bought at the stores in Calle Crisologo as well as in the public market.

The Lilong and Lilang Restaurant offer local dishes such as the Bagnet Lomo-Lomo, Longganisa, Poqui-Poqui, Sinanglao, Dinengdeng, Warek-Warek, Igado, and Pinakbet. The prices of the meals start at PhP100. This garden-themed restaurant is located at 56 Bulala Centro, Vigan City.

The Skydive Greater Vigan has opened last March 1, 2016 at the Vigan Airport. The price is pegged at PhP18000 per skydive with limited slots only. Although walk-ins are allowed, accommodation can’t be assured as the slots are being filled up thru reservation. For inquiries, Skydive Greater Vigan can be reached at (+63) 917-769-0504.