Juan de Salcedo explored the Ilocos region in northern Philippines and founded Villa Fernandina, which was later renamed Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan, in honor of Prince Ferdinand, the son of King Philip II of Spain. Vigan was originally an island separated from the mainland by three rivers and served as a coastal trading post, where Chinese traders exchanged goods with the local population. Don Juan de Salcedo officially established Villa Fernandina de Vigan on the island in honor of the Spanish royal family.