Narvacan in Ilocos Sur may not ring a bell or be part of your travel itinerary, but soon, it would be especially as a seven-hectare property owned by Luis "Chavit" Singson called "Sulvec Greece" will have attractions available to tourists and the public in the future.
Aerial views of the Sulvec Greece, Singson's Greek-inspired property in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
The municipality of Narvacan, where Singson served as mayor from 2019-2022, enjoys proximity to Vigan, which is just less than an hour drive away. Vigan, of course, is known as a popular historical destination, with the Singson family closely tied to its development and progress. It should also be noted that Singson was responsible for putting Vigan on the global stage with the hosting of one of the events of the 2016 Miss Universe in this World Heritage Site.
Singson, longtime governor of Ilocos Sur and now the president-emeritus of the League of Municipalities of Philippines, recently invited some members of the press for a trip up north. He showcased not only Vigan, but also presented the tourism potentials of Narvacan.
There's no need for the seven to eight-hour drive to Vigan, as Singson's plane can reach the city via a 45-minute flight. Guests were able to tour Vigan first via a tour bus, stopping by the Baluarte compound. There was a feeding activity with the friendly giraffes, which seemed to always want more carrots.
After that, the group proceeded to the Safari Gallery to view Singson's hunting collections on display. There were a lot of tourists visiting during that day and it seemed like it was a preview of the Lent week, when Vigan was filled to the brim with visitors from all over the country and the world.
In front of the gallery is a lion’s den where Baluarte’s main star, King, the rare white lion, is located. Guests enjoyed taking pictures with him. Even Lee Seung Gi, one of South Korea’s superstars, was spotted taking a picture with King when he visited the place.
Baluarte’s main star, King, the rare white lion.
For accommodation, there's the Safari Hotel and Villas. Aside from enjoying a safari-inspired ambience, guests can indulge in a hearty treat of the famous Vigan Empanada, Hawaiian pizza, and longganisa pasta.
One of the villas inside Safari Hotel and Villas.
A trip to Vigan will not be complete without the mandatory stop at Plaza Salcedo. Watching the dancing fountain, a project of the former governor in Plaza Salcedo, was exhilarating. The stunning display of colorful lights and the towering pillars of water dancing to the beat was a sight to remember for guests. Another dancing fountain, similar to Vigan’s, is now found in Narvacan.
For a different experience, guests didn't stay overnight in Vigan but in Narvacan. The Sulvec Greece property has guest rooms available for groups. In fact, this Greek-themed, palatial property was the taping location site of Coco Martin's "Ang Probinsyano." Though this is not open to the public yet, there are plans for some property features to be utilized for tourism purposes.
A chapel inside Sulvec Greece; below: a full kitchen in one of the residences.
Chavit Singson is Ilocos Sur, he is Vigan, and he is now Narvacan. What he did for the province, he intends to also do in this municipality of around 50,000 people. We can't wait what's next to come for the north!