Salomague, Philippines (June 8)

Unlike recent mega cities we’ve visited, Salomague is a poor tiny fishing village, but the main port for much of Ilocos, the northern Philippines . The major tourist attraction is a colonial town, Vigan City, about an hour south. We opted for a walk. Everyone was excited to see the “big ship” in port and entire families came to see it and take pictures; people were very friendly and welcoming. Despite the heat, the change of pace was refreshing.

According to local tourist info, “Salomague Port was an ancient port for seafarers, merchants, and traders from different Asian countries. During the American occupation, it served as a mooring place for boats that ferried Ilocanos enlisted to work at the sugarcane and apple plantations in Hawaii and California.” Who knew?