We just got lucky that we are allowed to check out Gov. Singson’s new mansion in Baluarte in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. That golden citadel like structure is sitting on top of a hill and while on the rooftop, you’ll see almost the entire Ilocos Sur region. Last night, when Gov. showed to us some photos of the interior and furniture inside his mansion, he told us to check the house and have a visit the next morning.
The mansion is not yet complete because the original architect who manages the building passed away 2 years ago, so the building is now having new renovation and also final touches.
Its like a 5 star hotel when you enter the mansion, all corners are fully air conditioned and there’s an elevator on the other side. This mansion is the retirement home for the governor.
Here’s the 2 million pesos worth building post inside the mansion, there’s 4 of this and the exterior are made of mother of pearls.
damn…we hug this when we saw this after the gate hahahaha. Here’s a close up look of the 2 million worth bldg post.
Above are some shiny metallic thingie…
here’s my reflection
now closer….
Here’s a living room area…or in a hotel, we call it lounge area
I always sit down and play the grand piano whenever I see one
And always playing the never ending “Huling El Bimbo” it’s the only piano piece that I know ahhahaha…totoo yun ah
All are made up of gold tint windows, you can see the surroundings clearly and it uses natural light from outside.
Yay!! I wish I can live here
There’s this black monolith infront of the elevator. We went up to the roof top to check out the tree of life diorama.
On top: the tree of life diorama.
below the tree of life diorama are some comfy chairs and also a bar
the view is awesome here!!! check out the mountain views
Here’s the bar area…
grassy rooftop with cute plastic chairs and tables. I think it will be better If they place a swimming pool at the roof top.
In the other floor there’s a dining area, its like a restaurant of a hotel, they host here some dinner events for guest of Gov. Chavit. The caretaker told us that this was used only once.
I’m so curious about this chair..I know it’s a designer’s chair but I forgot who made it.
another view of the dining area
me and the dining area…kulang na lang ay food hahahaha.
sits like a sultan….
Next it that we got permission to check out the master’s bedroom.. ohhh this private room of the Gov.
A resin like wall that glows welcomed us as we enter the governor’s room.
There’s a dining area
and a hightech massage chair…oh man, this is awesome!
Living room area
and the master’s bed
more comfy seats are seen here.
ohhhh jacuzzi inside the bedroom!!!! astig talaga.
yay! wish to live here hahhaha
taking a break…
behind the bed is the closet and dresser
another view of the bed
Here’s another bronze tiger head…. Tiger is the favorite animal of the governor.
You’ll see lots of tiger icons around Baluarte.
Like a family portrait hahahahah
How to go here in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
1. There are two travel options – ride the 8 hour bus from Manila to Ilocos Sur or ride the plane go Laoag City Airport in Ilocos Norte + 1 1/2 land travel to Vigan.
2. We went here via chartered plane of Gov. Chavit Singson, we landed at Vigan City airport, if you have a company trip and want to travel by air, you can try a chartered plane by Sea Air, just inquire to their office on how to get a chartered plane.
3. Air - Domestic flights leave Manila daily for Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, which is an hour and a half ride by bus or arranged vehicles to Vigan. The city can be reached from Laoag City via Partas Bus, Fariñas Transportation, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines, F. Franco Trans, and Florida Bus. – Via http://www.vigancity.gov.ph
4. By Land - The 408 km stretch from Manila to Vigan City is a comfortable eight-hour ride along the scenic Manila-Ilocos Highway. Air-conditioned Partas Bus, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus and Viron Transit ply the Manila-Vigan route regularly. – Via http://www.vigancity.gov.ph
5. Getting Around - The best way to explore Vigan is on foot; the city center is small and compact, yet full of excitement. Experience a calesa ride around Vigan at P150.00 per hour per carriage. – Via http://www.vigancity.gov.ph
6. If you are in Vigan City, there are lots of transportation, you can ride the tricycle or the “kalesa”, horse drawn carriage. The “kalesa” can be rented at Php 100 per hour.
Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
http://www.vigancity.gov.ph/
For Schedules of City Events and Tours please contact the City Tourism Office. Tel No: (077) 722-8771,
Baluarte in Vigan City
http://chavitsingson.net/baluarte/index.html
Opens - 7am-6pm eve
ryday, entrance is free
Tel # 6377-722-7186
Historic Town of Vigan @ UNESCO
Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/502
Vigan.PH
http://www.vigan.ph
* Thanks to Governor Chavit Singson for inviting us to tour around Vigan City
Read my complete Vigan travel blog series
for any questions or inquiries, feel free to email me at azrael@gmail.com
Discovering Vigan City - Ilocos Sur trip part 1
