This is probably the most intricate architectural masterpiece I have ever seen. Since I am not yet well-traveled, I am saying that "so far" this has to be and I am looking forward for seeing more intricate architecture soon. 

This jaw-dropping dome is taken inside the Ma-Cho temple in San Fernando City, La Union. This is a Chinese temple located at a hill in the said city.

I wonder how they are able to maintain and clean this dome and it is really very detailed.

Heritage La Union

I only saw it on post cards, now it is a reality. It was a dream come true that the photo I used to see on postcards and elementary history textbooks is now before me.

Being a first timer, I can not say even a single word because I was speechless. I am so much fascinated seeing the ruins and how it served to be a religious center of this place hundred years back. The Mayon Volcano was just so powerful that it has made the church now into a ruin.

Albay Heritage

I really loved what I saw in Sariaya, Quezon and I am referring to the old houses and structures preserved. But there was a threat, the call of modernization is rushing to sweep away all the old charm seen by me.

It was a lovely experience to see Sariaya, Quezon's old houses but there really are great threats. This power-line is vying to capture the attention of visitors competing with the old houses.

It was just a sign that progress is trying to erase the old way. Well, this should not be the case. Progress and conservation must go hand in hand. I also noticed that new buildings with modern designs are popping up in between the old houses breaking architectural harmony.

Heritage Quezon

Pindangan Ruins serve as the remnant of a once grand church, now just a display - can no longer hold a decent mass. It has been dilapidated and abandoned. It is located at Brgy Parian in the city of San Fernando in La Union.

The sad thing here is that the structure wasn't just ruined, the history itself was also ruined by the people that's why I called it Double Ruins. The people (not all) of La Union doesn't know about this Pindangan Ruins when I asked many of them for a direction.

Even tricycle drivers that regularly ply the city roads also didn't know about it. They are more familiar to Carmelite Monastery, located in the same compound with the Ruins.

So if going here, tell the local driver "Send me to Carmelite Monastery" instead of Pindangan ruins because he might not know about it. The history was also ruined.

Heritage La Union

Vigan's Heritage Village is a discipline zone. It is a regulated place. If one will go here, one can notice that there are no dangling wires seen at the street and also, no motorized vehicles and only the calesas are allowed. 

The city wants to just maintain the architectural and cultural harmony of the place, thus regulations. For this Christmas, I think there must be a rule too. Christmas decorations at the Vigan Heritage Village need not to be overdone. Everyone must be aware that what is too much can lead to imbalance.

For the Heritage Village, the highlight is always the ancestral houses. Overdoing Christmas decorations could overshadow the optimum beauty of the city which can be seen in its simplest setting. As I went to this area on a high noon, I have this smile in my heart and somehow very glad that it is Christmas everywhere and I am seeing it at the heritage village.

Many people prefer to have the grandest Christmas decorations given that they have the means but for this case, the simplicity of the decorations is itself enough to feel the touch of the Christmas spirit. 

The white Christmas decorations that are hanging at the old houses were just perfect to maintain the simplicity and the beauty of the place. Too much of them with different colors could be an eye sore to the place.

I have tried imagining putting a lot of colorful decorations at this street and it doesn't really look good even at the pictures of my imagination.

What is simple could be the best. I would always prefer the white decorations and adding more of it could already alter the beauty of the place which comes from the very simple concepts.

At the Vigan Heritage Village, simplicity is a virtue and the simple decorations can already speak a lot that the old street is enjoying the spirit of Christmas. Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone!

Heritage Ilocos Sur