Ilocos Regional Complex | Where Artifacts and Artworks Meet

Have you ever wondered where the first Ilocano President of the Philippines was born?

To facilitate the nation's cultural and natural heritage, Proclamation No. 798 was signed in 1991 and made the month of October to be celebrated annually as Museum and Galleries Month in the Philippines.

Various museums in the whole country are, of course, expected to be filled with many individuals and enthusiasts, especially to museums with free entrance. It not only fulfills the museum-hopping experience but is also a perfect time to bond with family, special someone, or me-time as well.

Getting to Ilocos Regional Complex

It is situated near the provincial capitol building in Vigan. If you are in the Calle Crisologo, you may opt to walk to get here as it's just a few hundred meters away. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays (except on days that are special holidays) from 9am to 12noon and 1pm to 5pm (but the cut-off time for the entrance is 4pm). Ilocos Regional Complex is managed by the National Museum. It comprises Padre Burgos House, the Old Carcel, or the former Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail, and the Magsingal Museum. It also shelters the National Cultural Treasure Basi Revolt and the memorabilia of the first Ilocano President, the late President Elpidio Quirino, born on the 16th day of November in 1890, in the Warden's apartment of the old provincial jail when his father was a warden.

Wayawaya (Liberty)

Situated beside the stair near the entrance, this statue of Wayawaya or Liberty was sculpted by an unknown artist in the 1920s. It was initially located in the plaza of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

Visions of Vigan Part II

This oil on canvas painting by Benito C. Sabio placed in the right portion was done in 1988.

An old carcel

Introduction to the Exhibition

The exhibition features basi, including the 14 paintings of Basi Revolt painted by Esteban Villanueva and symbolisms that provide a way to explore the identity and rich culture of the region.

Here are two old photographs in pictures of how basi, a well-loved alcoholic beverage made from fermenting sugarcane juice, is prepared and made.

Ang Aklasang Basi (Basi Revolt) ni Esteban Villanueva y Pichay

The Basi revolt occurred in 1807, particularly from 16th of September until the 28th of the same month. It was when there was a colonial ban on the production of basi wine that made many Ilocano villagers protested toward the capitol of Vigan led by Pedro Mateo and Saralogo Ambaristo. The group faced the Spanish-led army bravely. This led to a battle and ends with executing the condemned rebels.

It was in 1821 when Esteban Villanueva y Pichay, an artist, a descendant of a prominent mestizo family, and many more, the 14-series painting depicting the details of Basi Revolt was accomplished.

Now here are the said 14 paintings depicting the event from the "Vigilance of the Alcalde Mayor on his rounds" up to the "The condemned are decapitated as sentenced."

I Vigilance of the Alcalde Mayor on his rounds

XIV The condemned are decapitated as sentenced

The field

Outside is a field with a mesmerizing view. There is also a circle-ike thing on one corner and it seemed like a well.

I went upstairs and visited the next building where the memorabilia of the late President Elpidio Quirino is housed.

He was once a law clerk of the Philippine Commission before he entered politics. Then he met the former President Manuel L. Quezon, the one who became his mentor in life and politics. In the field of politics, he first served as congressman, then senator, then a cabinet secretary before having been elected as the Vice President of the Philippines in 1946. During that time, Manuel A. Roxas was the president. When president Manuel A. Roxas just died suddenly because of heart attack, Quirino took over the position as the head of government in the country and later on elected in his own term the next year.

These are his canes, old barongs, stamps, and other things found inside.

There's a lot to see inside and I was really pleased with all things I have seen and experienced. I haven't vsited yet the other one which is the Magsingal Museum, but I am hoping I'll be able to visit it next time.

Despite the fact that it's just a quick tour, what I have experienced is already more than special. It makes me proud of our identity, and having a rich culture and history is worth sharing. Truly, it is great that after a year of just having tours virtually, we can once again be able to see some of the country's most fascinating artworks and artifacts in person and in my case, I had a great experience at Ilocos Regional Complex, particularly in the Old Carcel.