Taga- Bantay ng Vigan

Aside from Vigan there are other towns that is worth exploring in the province. Tourist might miss this place, because it is unnoticeable. We also didn't notice the town at first but, we did stop on it on our way home from Ilocos Norte going to Manila.

The belfry situated atop the hill.

Others might see an ordinary belfry but if you really have a look on it and feel its vibe, you will then realize that it is not any ordinary belfry you see in churches, it stands there for a reason. 

Before reaching Bantay, you will pass by the town of  Narvacan, it is not much, but you will see a grotto situated at the Abra River but few tourist stop by there, they only take pictures at it. Another sight to behold is the old truss bridge that connects the towns of Narvacan and Bantay. During our first visit to Vigan, we still got to pass this bridge, but now it is closed and not passable by cars anymore. When we are talking about infrastructures, it should be renovated in time, but  I really don't have any idea why they build another one. My opinion is they build a new bridge which is much stronger and sturdier in order for the old bridge to be a tourist attraction in their town. 

The old truss bridge of Narvacan

You might recognize the bridge from other films and this is the bridge where they shoot it, isn't it beautiful? 

The new Narvacan bridge

Well Bantay came from the word Bantaoay if I got it right, or it is derived from the word Bantay itseld, because the town acted as a guard and a shield during the Spanish era.

To explain further, a belfry was built atop the hill near the San Agustin Parish, in order for the belfry to also serve as a watchdog and not just a bell tower. Communication during those times whenever there are danger are done by ringing of bells. Because during those times, when your house is not built near the church, and you cannot hear the sound of ringing bells you are considered as a "tulisanes". In the case of the Bantay bell tower it plays a significant role towards the town of Vigan, as you can see, Vigan has preserved its heritage, and I think this is one of the factors that contribute in keeping that heritage alive.

Situated beside the Bantay bell tower is the San Agustin Parish church it is also the home of the miraculous canonically crowned image of Our Lady of Charity, also known locally as "Apo Caridad". 

Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of Bantay

The original and canonically crowned
 image of Our Lady of Charity of Bantay

The Our Lady of Charity of Bantay was canonically crowned for 60 years already this 2016, they consider the said Marian image as the Queen of Ilocandia and as the protector of crops and guardian of the fields. The virgin is also the oldest Marian image in the province of Ilocos Sur. Many miracles were also attributed to her such as healing and other unexplained miracles during the Spanish era and World War II. 

The chapel outside the church

You can see the well preserved church of Bantay, because it consists of a chapel outside and ruins at a certain part of the church. 

Bantay bell tower

Since the belltower is up the hill, you will climb a steep stairway, and sometimes you need to fall in line because only five people are allowed to stay for 5 minutes or so at the top floor of the belfry. If you don't want to go to the topmost floor you may go to the second floor and just look at the view. 

View from the second floor of the belfry, you can now see the town of Vigan. 

The reason why a belfry was built at that part so that the town of Vigan during the Spanish time will be alerted whenever there are approaching invaders coming from the other town such as "tulisans" and other uprisings during that time. The watcher will ring the bell depending on what kind of danger the town should face and for the people of Vigan to evacuate. 

By the little bit of history I said, you probably got the idea of why the town is named "Bantay", because the town served as an alarm for Vigan and other neighboring towns as well. The belfry is also one of the oldest bell towers in the province. 

So for others who are planning to go to Vigan, please do stop by this tourist attraction, because it is worth going to!

All the photos used are mine.