In the latest race for a nomination as New 7 Wonders City, Spanish-baroque Vigan in the Philippines hopes to become a new Asian urban icon.
VIGAN – It was named ciudad Fernandina de Vigan and for centuries it was the bastion of Spanish conquest in the Philippines. Vigan, a historical city located in the Northern part of Luzon Island –50 minutes away by flight from Manila- was a palce of utmost importance for Spain. As the seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia, Vigan became the heart of all religious, commercial and social activities in this part of the Philippines.
Some historians doubt the authenticity of today’s Vigan. But besides polemics on the true character of the city – it seems that a program was implemented by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos to make the city even more Spanish in the name of cultural revitalism-, Vigan exhults today an old world atmosphere which is unique in Southeast Asia. Its cobbled streets lined with Hispanic style houses – especially along Calle Crisologo-dating mostly from the late 18th century/early 19th century- makes Vigan a unique destination in Asia.
Walking at dusk along the streets of Vigan with its crumbling facades painted in fading colours, sparsely lighted by old lanterns is probably one of the most romantic experiences to have in Southeast Asia. In 1999, UNESCO recognized the exceptional architectural heritage of the city with its palaces, baroque style churches, belfry and its high number of colonial houses by inscribing Vigan into the World Heritage List.
However, despite this nomination, Vigan remains largely unknown from world travellers. They are little data available but it seems that only 35,000 to 40,000 international travellers so far visited the city.
The city has now embarked on a comprehensive campaign for its bid for a slot in the roster of New 7 Wonders – Cities of the World. According to the website of Vigan City Council, the destination currently ranked number one in the race to nomination among some 300 cities being short-listed in the Asia/Pacific region. “It is our pride to have been included in the list”, remarked Mayor Eva S. Medina. Vigan is the only city in contention in Northern Philippines.
The search for the New Seven Wonders- Cities of the World has five voting phases: Nomination -January 7 to March 7, 2012; Qualification – March 7, 2012 to March 7, 2013; Short-listing – March 7 to March 21, 2013; Finals -March 21, 2013 to July 7, 2014; and the announcement of the official New Seven Wonders – Cities of the World -July 7, 2014.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
