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A Touch of History at San Esteban, Ilocos Sur


San Esteban is a serene seaside municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur with a scenic locale and some Spanish era and World War II history that can be as interesting as they are enjoyable.

by Jane Dacumos on June 20, 2012

San Esteban is a serene seaside municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur with a scenic locale and some Spanish era and World War II history that can be as interesting as they are enjoyable.  The province is formerly known as Cabagbagototan. Spaniards named the pueblo San Esteban when they received reports of a beggar named Iban having been stoned to death and beheaded by hostile natives in the place called "Naglawlawayan," which is an early place of worship by the natives, and currently the site of the municipal cemetery. "Iban" is the Ilocano equivalent of "Stephen," hence the pueblo being named San Esteban.

San Esteban was founded by Augustinians friars in 1625, but was always attached to Nueva Coveta (present-day Burgos) and to the municipality of Santiago until 1911. It was once a visita of Narvacan because of a shortage of ministers.

Sights to see:

Moro Watchtower is the oldest landmark in San Esteban. It is today considered as one of the tourism attractions in the province declared by the Philippine Tourism Authority and an authentic historical structure found in the registry of the National Historical Institute. Legends say that the watchtower was once a vanguard against approaching pirates during the Spanish times.

Apatot Beach is one of the historical sites of San Esteban. It was the site of a US-Filipino operation when the Second World War was coming to a close. The USS Gar, a comissioned submarine that snuck behind enemy lines, delivered its payload of fighting men, armament and logistical support for an operation for operations in Isabela.  A historical marker that commemorates this event can be found on the site.  Nowadays, this bay in San Esteban is frequently visited by  swimmers and picnickers.

Great Tips and Trips to Vigan

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

Then from Vigan, private transportation is recommended and available for rent to access the must-see places across the different towns. There are also tricyles, buses and mini buses that ply these towns which will bring you to the different locations of interest.

From Vigan City Airport: about 40 minutes by car/bus to San Esteban, Ilocos Sur

Accommodations to Vigan: There are many inns, pension houses and hotels located in and around Vigan. My Vigan Home Hotel and Gordion Hotel are some of these that offer great accommodations during your stay in Ilocos Sur.

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.

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