Baluarte Zoo

One of the fun places to visit when up North is Baluarte Zoo in Vigan. It is owned by Chavit Singson. What's great about this place is that entrance and rides are absolutely free!

Baluarte is open everyday from 7am to 6pm. It is best to visit from 7am to 9am as the temperature rises at 10am.

The owners and staff of Baluarte are dedicated in protecting and conserving the endangered species. The set-up is not just a zoo but an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility that educates guests and tourists alike.

It seems that the animals here are fed and taken cared of very well. They are free to roam in big grounds.

We indulged riding the "tiburin", a small horse-drawn carriage.

I have heard many stories in the past about this yellow submarine. It is proudly displayed in one corner, I just don't know if it still works. We forgot to ask the person-in-charge.

Viva Vigan

History of Vigan

Juan de Salcedo, grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, settled in Vigan in 1572 and renamed the area Villa Fernandina after his King’s son. He built Vigan patterned after his grandfather’s construction of Intramuros. In 1755, the seat of Nueva Segovia, the diocese of northern Luzon that was first established in Cagayan, was moved to Vigan. The cathedral was built in 1790 and 1800 and stood out among Vigan’s beautiful sights. Since then, the city was developed by the Chinese merchants and artisans who inherited the next aristocracy.

Things to do in Vigan:

Watch the ruins..

...and the still good structures.

Picture-picture with family...

...girlfriends, Zeny and Amy...(our names ends in 'Y')


...and the kids, too...


...not to forget, the MEN in our lives, who drove 10 hours to reach Vigan.

Ride the Kalesa

Shop for pasalubong...

Shop...

Shop still...

Shop, till you drop...

Popsicle eating, the Vigan way, is a refreshing treat for the little one especially

on a hot summer days

What not to do in Vigan: Urinate outside the restroom

(Nah, my man is just pretending, he likes making 'kulit' or funny pose)

You wouldn't miss Manila for Max's is just around the corner...

...and McDo...

Remember to laugh...

...and pray.