A Historical Journey to Vigan Cityhood

A Historical Journey to Vigan Cityhood

    
    Known for its cultural treasures and colonial buildings, Vigan is a beloved jewel of the Philippines. Vigan, as humble as it appeared at first sight of a municipality from the past was worthy of a destination to take notice and to be explored.

    Prior to being a city on its own, Vigan was known as a municipality and was touted as a hub of commerce and culture in the Spanish colonial times. Cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and the street named Calle Crisologo became representative of its historical significance. Pottery and weaving were among local industries that thrived and provided the backbone of its economy. That led to floods of search traffic that found a dearth of results outside of the museums; tourism still existed, but not as a priority, serving more as a custodian of its international reputation for culture and history. Despite their limited means, Vigan’s inhabitants appreciated the value of their legacy, and even then the place was a cherished travel destination.

    The foundation eventually paid off when Vigan was officially awarded cityhood in 2001. This ushered in a new era of growth and development, giving the local government more tools to develop infrastructure, incentivize tourism, and defend its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Cityhood also brought new economic opportunities and cultural preservation. This had developed into an important industry, and modern amenities were brought in to facilitate tourism. In its wake, festivals such as the Longganisa Festival and Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of Arts became showcase celebrations of the city’s heritage, calling visitors from around the world.

    
    Today, Vigan City is the beautiful blend of the old and the new. It is still a sign of cultural preservation, where historic sites are well preserved but also events that advance in the local population's standard of living. It has also opened doors for education, healthcare, and livelihood to its citizens, and gives its people "a glimpse of a future brighter." The city is so great that, in 2015, it was voted one of the New 7 Wonders Cities, cementing its status as a word-renowned tourist destination.

    From municipality to city, Vigan has traversed the journey of its historical, cultural, architectural, and economic heritage through its resilience and continuing commitment to preserving its unique identity. In honoring its past and embracing change, Vigan sure is an inspiration to all. This story is a reminder that progress and tradition can exist side by side, sculpting a city that still inspires the hearts and knees of locals and tourists alike. 






References:
Pinterest. (n.d.). [Old photo of Vigan City]. Pinterest. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/344947652681667003/
iStock. (n.d.). Vigan City photos. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/vigan-
iStock. (n.d.). Vigan City photos. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/vigan-city
New7Wonders. (n.d.). Vigan, Philippines. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://cities.new7wonders.com/wonders/vigan-
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Vigan. In Wikipedia. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigan

A New Chapter

    A new year brings a fresh start, and with it, the hope for a "new year, new me." Looking back, 2024 was a year of ups and downs. I experienced moments of joy and success that made me feel proud, but there were also challenges that tested my strength and patience. From achieving small victories to overcoming obstacles, each moment shaped me into a stronger person. I learned to embrace the good days and get up the tough ones, knowing that both are essential for growth.

    Through it all, I learned lessons that I will carry to my next journey. I learned the importance of  patience, and staying true to myself even in difficult times. I also realized how important it is to cherish the people who support me and to never take moments of happiness for granted. With these lessons in mind, I’ve set my New Year’s resolutions to focus more on self, improve my time management, and work harder toward my goals while making time for the people and things I love.

 

    As I say goodbye to 2024, I hold onto the memories, lessons, and growth it brought me. It wasn’t a perfect year, but it was meaningful in its own way. Now, I look forward to 2025 with hope and excitement, ready to embrace whatever it may bring. I hope this 2025 will be great, filled with new opportunities, cherished moments, and a better version of myself. This year, I will build stronger—not just in the things I do but in the person I am becoming.

A Memorable Holiday

     
     Christmas is the season of giving, but it's not the gifts, it's the memories you make with your family. My Christmas vacation started on a special day as we celebrated my birthday on December 22. It was a simple yet meaningful day filled with love and laughter. My cousins visited us this holiday, making the celebrations even more joyful and lively. On Christmas Eve, we went to church, which made the celebration even more meaningful, as it reminded us of the true feeling of the season. That night, we feasted on a delicious spread of food that seemed endless. The warmth of family and the joy in our hearts made it a night to remember.

     On Christmas Day, the celebrations continued as we exchanged gifts and ate more food! We also played games together, which made the day even more fun and lively. The fun and joy during those games brought us even closer as a family. A few days later, we decided to take a trip to Vigan, where we strolled around its beautiful view, admired the beautiful lights, and bought plenty of souvenirs and treats. The amazing city added a memorable experience to our holiday. Afterward, we went to San Esteban for a family gathering. It was a very happy time because my cousins and lolas, whom I hadn't seen in more than a year, finally reunited with us again. It was the highlight of our vacation, as we shared countless laughs, stories, and moments that will forever be in our hearts.

     
    I didn’t receive many gifts this holiday, but I sure received many memories and love with my family.