Bantay Belfry was built in 1951 and this is said to be  the people’s watchtower which is part of the city’s defense that helps in alerting people or warn them against possible enemies

On a historical aspect, Banatay Belfry is where Diego Silang and his troops were said to have fought with the Spaniards in 1763.

From the top of this tower, you may see the view of Vigan and some claimed that you may see most parts of Ilocos Sur from the there.(I wasn’t able to climb to the top most part of the tower because I have Acrophobia “fear of heights”, my knees were shaking all the way up to the mid part of the tower, that’s the farthest I can go and I almost crawl going down hahahaha)

Tourist who wanted to visit and explore this very historical landmark will definitely love and enjoy their tour in the tower. It is worth visiting.

If you are getting married, this is a nice place to do a pre-nuptial photo shoot,very nice spot.

Fun Photos at Belfry Tower

And just a few meters walk from the Belfry Tower,tourist can  visit and see an old church,  the St. Augustine Church which is also one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur. It was built in 1590. This church suffered damages from  the World War 2 and was reconstructed during 1950.The church suffered damages from World War II and so it underwent reconstruction in 1950.

This tourist spot is very accessible, just ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off to Bantay tower or St. Augustine Church they know it already.

Other places to go to at Ilocos Sur: Baluarte, Vigan Empanadahan, Heritage Village, Vigan Plaza Hotel, Cafe Leona, Plaza Salcedo.

IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

Traveling is fun, but it is more fun to travel if you get to taste and eat the delicacies of the places you’ve gone to.  So, I embraced that kind of fun when I went to Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

The Vigan people loves vegetables in their cuisine that is why they made this dish.

 One of the very popular delicacies in Ilocos Sur is the VIGAN EMPANADA.

BATAC/LAOAG EMPANADA(credits to the owner of this photo)

VIGAN EMPANADA

 In Manila, I have tasted the orange-colored empanada and according to the folks in Vigan, if the color of the empanada is orange it is the BATAC or LAOAG EMPANADA from Ilocos Norte  and if the color is light yellow in color, it is  the Original VIGAN EMPANADA from Ilocos Sur.

I visited 2 stores of VIGAN EMPANADA…

Outside BALUARTE, along the souvenir shops. It will not be hard for you to find the store because they are the only store selling VIGAN EMPANADA ther. Price: Php35

 The Vigan Empanadahan  near Vigan City Plaza. (credits to the owner of the last photo)

Do you want to learn how to make one? here’s how…(source: Kusina 101)

Ingredients:

Filling:

4pcs. Vigan Longganisa
2 large unripe green papaya
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Crust:
1/4 kilo ground rice(galapong)
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 egg
atsuete to add color.

Preparation and Cooking Procedures:

3. Set aside while you make your filling. Before you make your filling preheat your deep fryer by adding the cooking oil and set aside.

4 . In another skillet pan sauté garlic and onions in oil. Add longganisa sausage and season with salt and pepper to desired. When sausage is cooked put in a bowl and mix it a little to cool it down. Wait 2-3 minutes and mix in grated papaya.

5.  Spoon out 2-3 tablespoon of filling to flattened dough and crack a piece of fresh egg. Seal the sides anddeep fry in the preheated deep fryer.

6 . Place Empanadas in a plate topped with plenty of paper towels to blot oil. Serve in another clean platter and with sweet chili dip or garlic vinegar on the side.

Thats it!, now you know already how to prepare and cook VIGAN Empanada. Enjoy Eating!!!

 IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

Other places to go to at Ilocos Sur: Baluarte, Vigan Empanadahan, Heritage Village, Vigan Plaza Hotel, Cafe Leona, Plaza Salcedo. Bantay Belfry and St. Augustine church