A kalesa or calesa (sometimes called a karitela) is a horse drawn carriage used in the Philippines. The word, also spelled calesa, predates the Spanish conquest and descends ultimately from an Old Church Slavonic word meaning “wheels.” When the kalesa was introduced in the 18th century during the Spanish colonial period, it became one of the modes of transportation in [...]

Baluarte is not just a zoo, It is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens. They are dedicated to facilitating education, conservation and protection of endangered species and wildlife. Children and those who are young at heart will rediscover life amongst the animals in unique and entertaining ways [...]

A fun throwback to colonial days is the calesa horse-drawn carriages that still clip-clop through Vigan’s streets. Rates for calesa rides should be the same as those for the many tricycles (P8-P10 within the city limits) that will undoubtedly by vying for your custom. But you could also hire a private calesa for around Php150 per hour. The Mestizo District [...]

Abel-weaving involves the use of a wooden handloom and other accessories. The wooden handloom was the equivalent of a sewing machine in the past, and it produced most of the fabrics used in the homes, including clothes, blankets, and pillowcases.It is one of the few surviving traditional crafts in Vigan. At least three barangays in the city still have abel-weavers, [...]

Most of the people visiting Vigan City in the province of Ilocos Sur are not aware that at the edge of the historical town is a roaring, charming beach  and it is only 30 minutes from the town proper. To get there from the town proper, you will need to hail a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) or tricycle (auto-rickshaw) to reach [...]