BALUARTE: A HISTORICAL LANDMARK OF LUNA

Location: Barangay Victoria, Luna, La Union, Philippines

The town of Luna, La Union (formerly called Namacpacan and now named after one of the town’s famous sons, Gen. Antonio Luna and Juan Luna) is the home of one of the historical landmarks that denote La Union’s rich history.

The Luna Watchtower was built during the pre-Spanish times as a lookout point for impending attack by pirates or danger from the sea. Because of its massiveness and height, guards were able to warn the residents of Luna and prepare the peace officers to defend the properties and lives of their constituents. Like a guardian looking over its subjects, this ancient structure had served its purpose very well for countless times in the past.

The symbolic Baluarte watchtower

BAHAY NA BATO: LUNA'S NEW TOUR DESTINATION

Location: Barangay Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union Philippines

Bahay na Bato has been built by professional doctor couple Edison Noble and Purita Chan in 2000 along the beach stretch of Luna where this place is tagged as the Pebble Capital of the North. Some locals thrive on this industry of stone-picking. It was designed as a resthouse of the couple to enjoy the tranquility of the place.

The charm of Bahay na Bato
The house, aptly called "Bahay na Bato," was made from the stones and pebbles found along the beaches of the municipality. Aside from the stones that make up the foundation of the house, painted pebbles and wooden sculpture made by Bong Kim, a Korean, also adorned the interiors and the grounds of the Chan-Noble's secret hideaway.

The spacious living room of Bahay na Bato

SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA PARISH CHURCH

Location: Luna, La Union, Philippines

Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church

SAN NICOLAS DE TOLENTINO PARISH CHURCH

Location: Brgy. Baracbac Este, Balaoan, La Union, Philippines

Balaoan Church also known as the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Balaoan, La Union, Philippines under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Fernando de La Union.

The Baroque architectural design of Balaoan Church

BALAOAN MUNICIPAL HALL

Location: Balaoan, La Union, Philippines

Balaoan is a further north of the province of La Union in Ilocos Norte and 6 - 7 hours drive at 295.8 kilometers from Manila via Road-8, North Luzon Expressway/Road-8 and MacArthur Highway/Manila North Road/Manor.

Balaoan Municipal Hall

KAPANDAGAN WATER FALLS

Location: San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines

Kapandagan Falls and and Tangadan Falls if one opts to use the short cut route using a vehicle has only one jump-off point. It is a 5-tier water falls though the first three has its own jump-off point and the fourth and fifth has different jump-off point. It is not as famous as Tangadan Falls but I find this one to be amazingly magnificent and by it itself, so mystical.

The mystical Kapandagan Falls

SAN JUAN SURFING CAPITAL OF THE NORTH

Location San Juan, La Union, Philippines

San Juan is a second class municipality in the province of La Union, Philippines and as they claimed it, "The Surfing Capital of the North", San Juan is bounded on the north by the municipality of Bacnotan along the Baroro River, and ... (5.0 mi) north of San Fernando City, the capital of La Union and regional center.

Surfing enthusiasts at San Juan surfing ground
This location is only 5 to 6 hours drive for 279.4 kilometers via R-8, Northern Luzon Expressway/R-8 and MacArthur Highway. It is close to its neighboring San Fernando City or just 27 minutes at a distance of 10.7 kilometers via San Juan - San Gabriel Road.

San Juan surfing site is so accessible
Driving along San Juan - San Gabriel Road, one may find San Juan surfing site to be accessible. Various establishments, resorts and hotels are very visible just along the highway. You have an array of choices where to stay and dine.

Such a catchy and cozy company signage
I did not ask the driver where to drop me, I just scanned all the company signage from the stretch of establishments I have seen. I was so impressed how the proud and very much corporate San Juan Surf Resort signage was conceptualized. The location was actually not distant from the beach.

Another good option for accommodation
Well, G Hotel is almost opposite just across the street leading to San Juan Surf Resort. What captured me most is the visibility of Figaro. I love its hot chocolate.

The modern San Juan Surf Resort
San Juan Surf Resort was established in 1992 by an Australian surfer Brian Landrigan who started its operation for only 3 rooms as a surfing resort. Since then, it has grown to 35 rooms and led the industry with an approach to hospitality. Today, it has a restaurant and bar at Coast Call, bar, spa, surf school and surf shop.

The dining hall of Coast Call Kitchen and Bar
Known for its consistent intermediate quality surf, the resort is blessed with two seasons; July to October (South Swell) and November to March (North Swell). The visible beach from the dining hall
For reservations, you can contact the resort thru: (+63) 917-887-5470 and (+63) (072) 687-9990 or email them at sanjuansurf@yahoo.com.ph and they can be exactly located in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, Philippines 2514.

The spacious veranda to accommodate more guests during the peak season
For the resort's accommodation rates, information about its restaurant and bar and its surf school, you may find this in their homepage very helpful through this link.

Part of the resort's surf school
The resort's main building
Obviously, a surfing resort
The neighboring resorts conducive for boozing
A last look of the surfing beach scene
The last establishment I saw before boarding the jeepney back to San Fernando City
Well, if you are planning to enjoy more of La Union, this destination is just a tip of the iceberg because if you will read my post on 20 Things To Do in a 3-Day La Union Trip, you will have more things to do other than surfing. More importantly, it will provide you a budget, itinerary and other helpful information.