When we think of Vigan today, we picture cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and well-preserved colonial houses. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. But Vigan wasn’t always like this. In fact, if you visited in the 1970s, you’d see something completely different—an abandoned, crumbling town that many locals had left behind.

So, what changed? And what role did Imelda Marcos play in all this? Let’s dive into the real story of Vigan’s transformation.