The most beautiful street in the Philippines can be found in Vigan -- Calle Crisologo.
It was restored to its pre-war beauty with its cobbled streets and old Spanish houses. It is the only town during World War II that was saved from destruction because of a love story.
Legend has it that a Japanese General, who married a Filipina in Vigan, promised the parish priest that he would save the town from destruction from the retreating Japanese if he would agree to take care of his family.
It is not only a preserved historical street like the ones in Intramuros, but it is full of life, especially during the Festival of the Arts.
Leona Florentino welcomes you to Calle Crisologo.
She is considered as the "mother of Philippine women's literature" and the "bridge from oral to literary tradition" (wikipedia)
In the Philippine Historical Committee 1958 marker, she is described as:
"Foremost Ilocano poetress, subtle satirist and playwright. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur 19
April 1849. Daughter of Marcelino Florentino and Isabel Florentino and mother of thelate Isabelo de los Reyes. Distant cousin of Rizal. A poet at the age of ten. Her works in Spanish and Ilocano were later exhibited in the
'Exposicion General de Filipinas', Madrid, 1887 and in the 'Exposition Internationale', Paris
1889. Her name with a list of some of her works appeared in the 'Bibliotheque Internationale des Quevres desFemmes', edited by Madame Andzia Wolkska, 1889. Died 4 October 1884."
Walking along Calle Crisologo is a must for every Filipino seeking to understand our heritage.
Calle Crisologo is one of the streets in the Philippines where you can still see and ride an actual calesa. In Manila, you can also do this in Intramuros or Binondo.
Abel Iloko weave is also another signature trademark of Vigan. Simple hand towels are made elegant because of the weave. Most Filipinos buy the table runners, hand towels and the blankets.
(Prices change depending on how well