Vigan

A street lighted by small lanterns (parol), a few minutes before daybreak

Vigan, according to the UNESCO, is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Established in the early 16th century, it is also among the most preserved vestiges of early European city planning. The structures--scenic and well-preserved--reflect an architecture that fuses cultural elements from indigenous Philippines, China and Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that, according to UNESCO, have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

Postcard pretty, black and white rendition of a street corner

In black and white, fountain fronting the municipal hall

The buildings are not only well-preserved, they are habitable. In fact, some residents actually live and do business in these very houses.

Bolinao Part 1

Bolinao is a third class municipality in Pangasinan, located about 80 kilometers away from Lingayen. The municipality boasts of powder white beaches, such as that in the photos. Bolinao is also home to one of the UP Marine Science Institute's research laboratories--and, I think, a marine sanctuary.

Some years ago, Bolinao was at the center of a historical controversy when some people claimed that it actually was the site of the first Christian mass in the Philippines, and not Limasawa as history books have long held. As to the veracity of this claim, no one can tell for sure. Perhaps only time (and scholarship) can shed light on the issue.

Nevertheless, enjoy the photos.

A great euphonious in every box