Luzon Blog: Vigan, A gem in need of protection Every post-colonial nation I have ever been to has a preserved historical town that retains old architecture. Often, said architecture pleasingly blends the best of indigenous and European style. Vigan is the Philippines' addition to the colonial city crown, and it's a gem. That's because it possesses a unique cultural DNA: Spanish, Filipino and Chinese. The result? Peeling paint walls, breezy balconies that wouldn't be out of place in the Mediterranean, airy hallways and the sloped, Imperial-style roofs of mainland China, all presented in a pleasing, solid chromatic colour scheme. And: there are cobblestones, horse drawn carts, cafes that do a mean latte, stores selling local arts and crafts that make perfect bohemian souvenirs. Well, all this around Calle Crisologo, the 'main street' of historical Vigan, plus a few surrounding streets. Otherwise, Vigan is a standard, chaotic, horn honking mid-sized Filipino city. I'm tempted to write that the modern assemblage is the 'real' Vigan, but the fact is, both cities exist side by side. Filipinos are proud of the pretty, if petite, historical district. They ooh at the way light falls through capiz, an almost translucent local seashell that forms the panes of Vigan's windows. The problem is, some people strip and said sell windows. It's nice that parts of Vigan are well preserved, but it does seem a lot of local curio shops get away with selling the town's heritage for a quick peso. When you come, enjoy the ambience, and the genuinely delicious iced coffees. Just try not to participate in this town's selling off of its own heritage!