Established to commemorate the brave Filipinos of the north who gave their lives for freedom, the Gabriela Silang Park and the Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park found in Santa, Ilocos Sur help keep patriotism alive.  Of particular interest is the Gabriela Silang Park, which is a tribute to the heroine who continued the struggle for freedom from the Spaniards started by her slain husband, Diego Silang. A historical marker stands nearby to commemorate the great contribution and sacrifice of the patriot.

The Heroism of Gabriela Silang

Gabriela Silang was the first Filipino woman to lead a revolt during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. An active member of the insurgent forces of Diego Silang, her husband, and led the group for four months after his death before she was captured and executed. 

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang was a mestiza of Filipinos of Spanish and Ilocano descent. She was adopted by a wealthy businessman who later married her at the age of 20, but left after three years. In 1757, she married again, this time to 27-year-old indigenous Ilocano rebel leader, Diego Silang. She became one of his closest advisors, a major figure in her husband's collaboration with the British and the brief expulsion of Spanish officials in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Her ferocity and death became a symbol for Filipino women, their pre-colonial importance in Filipino society and their struggle for liberation during colonization.

Great Tips and Trips

From Manila there are various bus lines that offer trips to Ilocos.  There is one in Edsa-Pasay (Partas Bus Terminal) and in Cubao (Partas Bus Terminal & Florida Bus Terminal). An evening trip is encouraged because it's a 9-hour bus ride to get to Vigan.

Then from Vigan, rented transportation is encouraged and are available to access must-see places in-between towns. There are also tricyles, buses and mini buses that ply these towns that can bring you to these attractions.

Accommodations in Vigan: There are many inns, pension houses and hotels located in and around the town center, like My Vigan Home Hotel and Gordion Hotel.

My Vigan Home Hotel is located at 14 Plaridel corner Bonifacio Streets, Vigan (Ilocos Sur), Ilocos Region, Philippines 2700. Gordion Hotel is located at V. Delos Reyes corner Salcedo Sts., Vigan (Ilocos Sur), Ilocos Region, Philippines.