Calle Crisologo & The Quiet Art of Letting Go

Every great story starts with a bad idea and a backpack that’s seen better days. On a random Tuesday in October, I impulsively booked a trip to Ilocos, with no clear plans or even goals. I just wanted to walk along the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo and stare at the massive windmills of Ilocos Norte. And for someone who’s usually bombarded with meetings and responsibilities, that tiny act of recklessness felt like reclaiming a little piece of myself.

As I strolled along Calle Crisologo at night, I realized why this small act felt so satisfying. 

Lately, I’d started feeling like I traded my carefree and messy side for deadlines, calendars, and the illusion of control.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped leaving room for life to surprise me. 

Everything was planned, timed, and measured. 

But here, surrounded by century-old walls and warm light, I started learning the art of letting go again.

So, what exactly did I learn in Ilocos?

And how did a simple walk down Calle Crisologo bring me back to the art of letting go?

My Calle Crisologo experience 

“How do I become happy?” 

It’s funny how that simple question rents the most space in our minds, even when we thought we’ve already figured life out.

I’ve done things I once only dreamed about.

I wrote a novel, became a dad, and climbed the tallest mountains in the Philippines, like Mount Pulag and Mount Apo.

And yet, that question still visits me from time to time.

I always thought happiness was something you could build, like stacking bricks to form a house.

I thought that I’d work harder, collect experience, and achieve more, happiness would naturally follow. 

But life doesn’t always work like that.

Sometimes the more I tried to build happiness, the heavier everything felt.

The more I tried to control outcomes, plans, and people, the heavier life became.

Then, somewhere on the long ride back to Manila from Vigan, I remembered something simple.

Something I had forgotten while trying so hard to hold everything together.

Turns out, the Universe didn’t need to shake my world.

Just a walk under old streetlights, a sleepy trip home, and one little whisper: life feels lighter when you let go.

Baluarte Zoo

The epiphany didn’t start in Calle Crisologo.

It began earlier, in the most unexpected place: Baluarte Zoo.

Here’s the funny thing about being a little reckless and impulsive: it comes with perks.

In my corporate life, there’s hardly any room for that carefree, spontaneous version of me.

But out there, in the real world?

That reckless side is the one that still knows how to live.

How to notice small joys.

How to follow curiosity instead of a calendar.

Before flying from Cebu to Manila, I didn’t really plan anything.

Sure, I booked my ticket and picked a tour operator, but that was it.

No obsessing over itineraries.

No Googling “the best restaurant in Calle Crisologo or the best things to do in Ilocos.”

I didn’t even have a proper packing checklist.

I just threw clothes into my backpack a few hours before leaving.

And I guess that’s why Baluarte Zoo felt like such a pleasant surprise.

I wasn’t forcing moments to happen.

I wasn’t chasing anything.

I was just there, curious, unhurried, and open.

Honestly, I didn’t even know the zoo was part of our itinerary.

While I wouldn’t put it in the same class as Cebu Safari, it was still a fantastic stop on our tour.

From Baluarte Zoo, we hopped back in the van and made our way to the final stop of our Ilocos tour: Calle Crisologo.

The trip from Baluarte Zoo to Calle Crisologo

On the drive, I checked our itinerary and noticed a few changes.

As the operators always say, the travel itinerary is always subject to change.

For some people, especially those with OOTD plans, that shift would feel inconvenient.

But for me, it was nothing.

It didn’t bother me at all.

Here’s the thing. 

Our stress mostly doesn’t come from what’s happening.

It comes from us trying to make every single thing go perfectly. 

We predict, plan, and even rehearse for all the possibilities, hoping nothing can go wrong if we just stay on top of everything.

But the reality is, control is an illusion. 

Travel taught me that years ago, through detours, missed flights, wrong turns, and plans ruined by rain.

And the more I traveled, the more I learned this simple truth: Life rarely needs your grip. It needs your trust.

Travel isn’t always smooth or convenient.

Plans break. Schedules shift.

And guess what? Life works the same way.

But when you stop forcing everything to go your way, the world feels softer and life feels lighter.

You move with life instead of against it.

You stop missing the moments right in front of you.

And that’s the real magic. 

The real magic is not the perfect itinerary, but the freedom to flow with whatever comes.

Arrival in Calle Crisologo

When we finally reached Calle Crisologo, the first thing I noticed was the crowd.

It was touristy, loud, a little chaotic and still unbelievably charming.

I could still feel the old-world charm of this Spanish-era cobblestone street.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, I felt like I was transported in another era.

As I took photos, I watched people vlog, laugh, and share tips about what to do and where to eat in Calle Crisologo.

Before I continue with my story, I just want to make one thing crystal clear.

I have nothing against vloggers or anyone trying to earn a living through content creation.

If it makes you happy and helps you pay the bills, then go for it.

Don’t listen to the naysayers, bashers, or online trolls.

Just keep doing what sets your soul on fire.

But if you’re doing it just for validation? Please, let that go.

Let go of the ego’s constant need to be seen, liked, and approved.

One of the biggest barriers to living a happy, full life is the hunger for external validation.

We chase recognition, likes, and applause, hoping others will confirm our worth.

But the truth is, no amount of praise or attention can ever fill that inner void.

Years ago, I stopped giving a damn what people think of me.

I learned to accept myself for who I really am, a messy, evolving and imperfect human. 

And that’s exactly why I still write blogs in an era drowning in reels and short-form videos.

Writing is my passion.

And even if no one reads my blog, I will still keep writing. 

Because I do it not for validation, but because it sets my soul on fire. 

Riding a kalesa in Vigan 

A kalesa ride is one of the most popular Calle Crisologo activities.

At 200 pesos for a whole kalesa, it’s honestly a bit steep.

But I didn’t mind paying that amount to someone who works hard to make a living.

I’d rather give ₱200 to someone working hard for an honest living, especially these days, when the country’s tourism is barely staying afloat.

And that small bill? It helps keep someone’s dignity and livelihood alive.

And let’s be real. 

We’re even handing over our hard-earned money, through taxes, to people who do absolutely nothing.

From Calle Crisologo, we explored more of Vigan aboard a horse-drawn carriage.

There were a few interesting sights along the way.

The kalesa driver gave us some local tips on what to see and do beyond the postcard-perfect Calle Crisologo architecture.

One of the stops he suggested was a local jar factory, but we skipped it, hoping to make it to a nearby museum instead.

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, it was already closed.

So yeah, our kalesa ride wasn’t perfect.

But did it stress me out?

Did I get annoyed?

Not even a little.

Without even realizing it, years ago, I let go of perfectionism, and I never looked back. 

I let go of the mentality that everything has to be perfect.

You see. 

Perfection is a thief of joy.

It’s the enemy of good.

And the constant need to get it all right only leads to exhaustion and frustration.

The happiest people I know are imperfect.

They ask for help.

They laugh at their own mistakes.

And they let things be “good enough.”

And that short kalesa ride from Calle Crisologo?

Well, that was good enough for me. 

Exploring Calle Crisologo

After a short kalesa ride in Vigan, we explored the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo on foot.

To my surprise, there were many quiet corners in Calle Crisologo.

It’s just 500 meters long (about five blocks), but there’s a lot packed in.

You can grab a bite at a charming cafe in Calle Crisologo, hunt for souvenirs, or snap your fill of vintage-looking photos.

We opted to do something free, which was to explore and enjoy the sights of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

We were like kids, seeing Calle Crisologo as one big playground.

We didn’t have planned activities in Calle Crisologo. 

With curious eyes and an open heart, we took slow steps, and enjoyed the historic charm of Vigan.

And somewhere along that walk, it made me realize that life’s too short to keep taking everything so seriously.

It made me realize I need to let go of always being so serious.

I don’t want to be stuck in a loop of overthinking, second-guessing, and worst-case-scenario daydreaming.

I don’t want to keep replaying conversations or decisions I can’t undo.

Like kids, I want to be mindful.

To laugh hard for no reason.

To dance without music.

To let things go the moment they go wrong.

Calle Crisologo at night 

Earlier, one of the tricycle drivers in Vigan told us that Calle Crisologo is more beautiful at night.

So, we decided to have dinner early, and explore the street again later that evening. 

We looked for options, and were amazed that even the fast-food chains in Vigan looked postcard-worthy.

The moment we stepped back onto Calle Crisologo, we were stunned.

And trust me, words and pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of Calle Crisologo at night.

Its beautifully preserved buildings made me wonder how many wars and storms this street has survived.

And as we strolled down the cobblestone path, another thought crossed my mind:

Like Calle Crisologo, we go through our own battles and transformations.

But unlike this heritage street, we’re not meant to preserve every version of ourselves.

We have to let go of the old ones.

The version who failed, the one who hurt someone, and the one who didn’t know better.

Growth means shedding some skin.

The person you were a year ago, or even yesterday, doesn’t exactly define who you are now.

You’re allowed to start over.

You’re allowed to change your mind.

And you’re allowed to grow, evolve, and rewrite your story, anytime.

In a world that constantly rushes forward, perhaps what we need is a slow walk down an old street.

To remember who we are, what we’ve survived, and that it’s okay to soften, breathe, and start again

From Calle Crisologo, we made our way to our van, and officially called it a day.

With phones full of photos and hearts a little lighter, we were ready to face life’s harsh realities again.

This time, we’ll face them not just with fresh eyes, but with the strength that comes from knowing it’s okay to let go.

What is Calle Crisologo known for?

Calle Crisologo is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone street lined with ancestral homes, antique shops, and charming cafes. It’s the most iconic street in Vigan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a glimpse into the Philippines’ colonial past.

How long is Calle Crisologo in Vigan?

Calle Crisologo is approximately 500 meters long, stretching across five blocks in the heart of Vigan’s historic district. It’s a short but stunning walk filled with old-world charm, heritage houses, and photo-worthy scenes at every turn.

Is Calle Crisologo one of the seven wonders of the world?

No, Calle Crisologo is not officially one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Town of Vigan. While it may not carry the global title, its charm, cultural significance, and Spanish-era architecture make it a wonder in its own right, especially for history buffs and heritage lovers.

How to get to Calle Crisologo?

The easiest and convenient way to get to Calle Crisologo is to join an organized tour from a trustworthy operator. If you prefer to take this route, I recommend Vanlakwatsero. It’s affordable, and includes stops to iconic attractions, like Bangui Windmills.