Mestizo River. One of the rivers that surround the core of Vigan City and has a great involvement in the history of the city and on the culture of Vigueños as well. During the pre colonial period, it was used by Asian traders in bringing their mercantile to the old city and sometimes, they used the river bank as trading post. When Juan de Salcedo, a young Spanish conquistador, explored the Northern Luzon, they passed through this river and landed on its bank.
With these contributions, the Local Government of Vigan City gave importance to the said place by including it as one of the tourist spots in the said city. They established the Vigan Heritage River Cruise where tourists will ride in a boat and explore the beauty of the Mestizo River and its history as well. The cruise starts and ends in the port located in Brgy. Beddeng Laud and as the tourist travel along the river, they will see the tableaus erected in different areas along the riverbank depicting the highlights of Vigan’s history held in the said river.
On May 1, 2009, the city government of Vigan headed by its mayor, inaugurated the place which also marked the start of its operation. Said activity was started with a simple program including the blessing of the port and the boats and after which, followed by a tour in the river.
The river, especially in the area where they put the port, was a part of every Beddengians' (people from Brgy. Beddeng Laud)childhood including me.
And as part of my past, I witnessed the said activity. I was happy because the contribution of the place was being recognized and promoted. I also felt bad because the river I have known during my childhood was changed and developed especially in the place where they placed the dock. This is because, in this area, it was consist of stones instead of mud as its base. During low tide, the water level reaches the ankle of an adult person while it reaches below knee during high tide. This was also the area where we get some “soso” and “shek” (a kind of marine mollusks) and kangkong for our meal. We also did some fishing activities aside from swimming. When i got bored, i asked my childhood friends to go to the river to have fun.
Now, that they had developed the area just to promote the history of the place, I’m wishing that its natural beauty will be preserved and respected.
NOTE: photos were taken during the inauguration of the place on May 1, 2009
