While we were travelling to Sta. Maria, we passed by coastal area of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. Aside from its beautiful view, we can’t help but notice the grotto on top of a rock. This grotto is called Paraiso ni Juan, named after Captain Juan de Salcedo.  The captain’s fleet was shipwrecked in this area. Historians say that he named this place Narvacan because he thought that this was what the locals were saying to him while being rescued.  Apparently, the locals were only asking him “nalbakan” meaning “are you shipwrecked?”. Interesting story indeed on how Narvacan was named. 

It’s very seldom that you enjoy a tourist spot with less people. I was just in Vigan last week, the storm has just passed in Ilocos (literally) and not much tourist in sight. I think we’re the only few who went there on vacation. This is when I appreciate a place when it’s not very much crowded.

Since there weren’t many tourists, there were much idle time for the souvenir sellers and calesa drivers in Calle Crisologo. Calle Crisologo is one of the most visited places in Vigan because of its cobbled streets and heritage houses. Most of them were already transformed into souvenir and antique shops.