We’ve now arrived in Vigan, an amazing, UNESCO World Heritage city. 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.
The town is located in the delta of the Abra River, off the coastal plain of the China Sea, close to the north-east tip of the island of Luzon.
We will be here for two days, exploring and photographing the town. One of the unique features here is the use of the Kalesa. This was one of the modes of transportation introduced in the Philippines in the 18th century by the Spanish that only nobles and high ranked officials could afford. The Kalesa driver is commonly called as “Cochero” or “Kutsero”. When “Cochero” direct the horse to turn right he says “mano” and he says “silla” to direct the horse to turn left.
Vigan is a popular tourist destination for Filipinos, and they love taking pictures as much as we do. They even have a standard “jump shot” that they love to do. I asked them to do one for me and they eagerly agreed.
Anietra Hamper, one of the tour guests, is blogging this trip, be sure to check out her fantastic blog with stories, pictures and information about our adventures!
Anietra’s blog “ThreeWordPress”, LLC operates off the foundation of three words that are the elements of human connection — Hope, Love and Laughter.
Here’s a bit of information about Anietra, taken from here Biography…..”ThreeWordPress, LLC operates off the foundation of three words that are the elements of human connection — Hope, Love and Laughter. Those words are the core of my work and guide the written and spoken messages I create for clients. Whether it is writing a compelling story for a website, designing an intriguing corporate bio, re-shaping a public image or crafting a speech, my niche is defining a precision-focused message and helping clients decide the best way to deliver that message.
For nearly 20 years as a television news reporter and top-rated anchor, I covered powerful stories of triumph and tragedy. Whether I was seeking out the human element in hidden homeless camps, interviewing presidential candidates or pulling 9G’s in an F-16 fighter jet with the U.S. Thunderbirds, the end result was always an emotionally connecting story.
Long before hitting the airwaves, I was making those kinds of connections with people through poetry, public speaking and speech writing. My ability to craft a focused message was further developed by analyzing speeches, studying the elements of persuasion and assisting in the points of argument for The McLaughlin Group television debate forum in Washington D.C.
ThreeWordPress brings my decades of award-winning journalism and speech writing experience to my clients who are looking for a new way to share their stories, their mission and their image to the world.”
