A Short Visit, A City Full of Stories

The Vigan Festival runs from January 16 to 26, and even though I only visited for a few days, the experience was more than enough to make it memorable. I did not go on the exact feast day, but the events I witnessed still showed how alive and colorful the festival was. Each visit felt special in its own way and made me appreciate Vigan more.

On January 21, after our periodical exams, Aubrey and I

decided to go to Vigan as a way to relax. We went to Calle Crisologo, a place known for its old houses and peaceful atmosphere. Walking along the street felt calming, especially after days of studying and exams. 

The sound of footsteps on the cobblestone road and the warm lights around the area made the place feel comforting. We took our time walking, talking, and simply enjoying the moment. After spending some time there, we went to McDonald’s to eat. It was a simple meal, but it felt rewarding after a long and tiring day. That short visit helped clear our minds and made us feel refreshed.

On January 22, we went back to Vigan to watch the festival dance competitions.

The place was filled with people, music, and excitement. I was truly amazed by the performances, especially Category A, which was composed of elementary students. Despite their young age, they performed with confidence and energy. Their costumes were colorful, and their choreography was well prepared. It was impressive to see how much effort they put into their performances.

We also supported our school’s dance troupe, Sanggalaw. Watching them perform made the event more meaningful for me. 

After the dance competitions, my classmates and I went to the food fair.

 

There were many foods to choose from, and it was fun trying something new. I tasted pani puri, an Indian food, for the first time.

 

Unfortunately, I was only able to taste the base and not the sauce, but even so, it still tasted good. The experience of trying food from a different culture made the festival even more exciting.

At around six in the evening, we watched the festival showdown. All the performances were amazing, and the energy of the crowd made everything more exciting. When the winner was announced and our school’s dance troupe won, I felt very proud. It was a happy moment not only for the performers but also for those who supported them.

After the festival dance, there was a band performance.

Parokya ni Edgar performed that night, and I felt very emotional because they are one of my favorite bands and will always be special to me. Watching them perform live was something I did not expect, and it made the night even more unforgettable.