Philippine E-Journals

Vintage Vigan in a Journey through Digital Shots

Jimmy R. Soria

 

Abstract:

This study examines the collection of structural and landscape photographs of Vigan City. It is called rephotography and looks into the historicity and collective memory and consciousness of the same significant sites in Vigan City with a time interval. This visual method, also known as “then and now view,” develops historical emphasis coupled with a sense of value and aesthetic focus, which are necessary for objective comprehension especially among the present generation. Images and photographs were taken from archives and several databases. Analytical commentary describing the photographs taken by the early historians as well as the use of interview with city residents was conducted by the researcher. Rephotographs were then made of some of the landmarks while some images were taken from known databases. The rephotographs, when compared with the original images, provided visual proof of change among the distinguishing landmarks of Vigan City. Changes that occurred were essentially due to urbanization, environmental changes, economic and cultural makeovers. These historical shots provide visual database for future research and a good practice for keeping intact what is left of 38 Jimmy R. Soria the affluence of a nation. Recommendations, among others, are centered on the drafting of a sustainable program in documenting historic sites not only for aesthetic reasons but also for heritage conservation.