Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wandering Vigan -- Baluarte

After lunch, we rushed to one of the famous place in Vigan – Baluarte, the fortress of Vigan, owned by the famous Chavit Singson. It is a park with mini zoo perfect for the whole family. One best thing about it is you can visit there for free. They also have some picnic huts if you decide to have your lunch there while enjoying the sceneries with rare live animals.
The landmark of the park
Before we entered the place we signed up the visitors’ logbook. At the entrance of the park, we saw some colorful birds wherein you can have photos with them. You can put them on your shoulders or even at the top of your head. Did I say it’s also free? Not quite, but all you have to give is at least a “tip” for its caretakers.

Guestbook sign-up at the entrance
Colorful birds for photo opts
Cutie birdie saying "Hello" at the entrance
Welcome to a place called Baluarte
A bunch of miniature horses welcomed us. They have carriers so we can have a ride with them together with its driver just like a mini-kalesa. Off we went, we were toured around the main grounds. We also met some animals roaming freely within the vicinity. Did I say again that it’s free? Not quite, you just have to give “tip” for the driver after we were dropped back to the starting line.

Miniature horses for a ride
Joy ride with the miniature horse
Our friendly miniature friend
Back to the starting line
Feeding the camel
One of the attractions here is their own version of animal show wherein they showcase their trained domesticated pets with some audience participation. Since we came all the way from the home of the Champions (Gensan), we were like instant celebrity and were given privilege to meet and greet the live animals in the show.

Getting ready for the show
My turn for the show
The eagle on my arm
Yes! An eagle it is!
Fearless me!
The proud volunteers
Preparing for the unknown
My oh my! It's a huge snake!
Reverse position, aw-right!
The tiger & Chavit
The tiger in the cage
The place was so huge and its landmark is also huge. It’s as big as the replica of dinosaur residing beside it. On its side is a man-made water falls which is very refreshing to the eyes.
Approaching the landmark
The dinosaur gatekeeper
Dino-friendly guest
Watching over the place
The refreshing waterfall
Want to take some dip
Pet wannabe
The yellow submarine
Indiana Jones
The safari car
The bomb shooters
 There was also a tall golden building in the inner portion of the park but guests are not allowed to enter its perimeter. It is said that it is the house of the Singsons.

The golden structure from afar
Whew! Baluarte









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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Wandering Vigan -- The Heritage Village


It looks like we’re in a historical period movie while we posed for pictures in a cobblestone street where there are century- old Spanish houses as part of the background.
We we’re like reliving those Crisostomo Ibarra & Maria Clara eras with Sisa, Basilio & Crispin.
Capiz window
Strolling in the cobblestone street
Salakot revolution
Kalesa on the side
Max and Leona Florentino
Street smart
The sun rose so proud that day while the sky is blue. It exposed the glory of the Heritage Village – rustic, classy and nostalgic. The only modern touch of this old-looking street are the souvenir shops of colorful stuffs from key chains to wooden crafts.

Vendor mode
Framed up
Bags anyone?
Artshop at Escolta
Souvenir shoppe rumble
Kalesa terminal
Resting place
Vigan metallic tricycle
Beside a mall
Under the blue skies
Where else to go
Backdoor escape
Adding to the ancient-feeling scenery is the kalesa, a famous mode of transportation in this village. We were given option to ride the kalesa for an hour for PhP300 but we opted to take our feet to unravel and discover the beauty of the site.

Bibingka galore
Empanada express
Merienda time
More souvenirs here
Plaza Burgos landmark
Sitting by the window
Off to go back









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