Calle Crisologo : Street Often Traveled

Walking through the fabled street Calle Crisologo that is, with its cobbled pavement , old looking ancestral houses with their windows adorned in capiz,whitewashed by time, horse carriages down to the vintage antiques which are displayed on every corner; felt like being displaced in another space and time. You've probably read these lines a few hundred times from travel blogs of the same theme yet I can write over and over again about how this Unesco World Heritage Site and one of 7 wonder cities in the world can transport you immediately back in time.

 

So on a breezy, lazy Monday morning, we strolled along Caller Crisologo. Being a touristy place, we braced ourselves for a crowd pushing their way to capture that perfect selfie or groufie in the middle of the street. Could be out of sheer luck or a blessing in disguise, it was almost empty. And I silently jumped with glee! Standing in the middle of Calle Crisologo is like seeing a postcard come alive. 


Before Calle Crisologo became Calle Crisologo, it had its share of name changes. From Calle de Escolta De Vigan during the colonial era it shifted to Washington Street during Uncle Sam’s time. The Japanese, while they were able to invade the city, left the name as it was
We meandered aimlessly, taking photos and glaring at every wall, window and door. Everything was moving in slow motion as if time stood still and for a brief moment, I had wished we can stretch time to marvel at this historic site.
I loved the street even more at night. The cobbled street glistens with the reflection of the light coming from the streetlamps. I literally exclaimed, "Golden Hour". It was almost midnight and while my aching stomach craves for Vigan Empanada; I savor every second I have wandering along the old, historic and serene street of Calle Crisologo. 








The decision to come to Vigan was a product of our spontaneity and done in a whim.I didn't have a planned itinerary nor done any form of research. Sometimes, you just have let the place surprise you. To let yourself be enthralled at the history and let it captivate your tastebuds and satisfy your appetite for cultural immersion. Calle Crisologo is indeed a street often visited by many, frequented by masses and adored by photo enthusiasts; but in the heart of Ilokanos, the street will always remind us of resiliency, having to withstand calamities and preserving a bit of our past for the future generation to see. 




Xo,
Jhesy