Sunday, October 2, 2016

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.

Friday, September 30, 2016

SAN FERNANDO CITY TOUR (LA UNION)

Location: San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines


San Fernando City, is a third-class city and is the capital of the province of La Union, one of the provinces of Ilocos Region. It is in itself a charm of the province due to its very rich history dating back the time of the Spanish period.

The busy footbridge fronting the city plaza

Like any other cities in the Philippines, San Fernando is not spared of heavy traffic. Riding a jeep from its DFA Office to the city park took me around 30 minutes.

The busy main road of the city

The Town Plaza


The lush green town plaza

The park's stage and basketball open court

The plaza's ampi-theater

Saint William the Hermit Cathedral


The facade of Saint William the Hermit Cathedral

The interior of Saint William the Hermit Cathedral

San Fernando City Hall


The statue of Francisco L. Ortega: A Statesman, Legislator and Patriot

San Fernando City Hall

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Pagoda


The Pagoda Temple

The Capitol of La Union


The Capitol: The province symbol of pride and governance

Ma-cho Temple


Mesmerized by the festive Ma-cho Temple

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

THE MAJESTIC TANGADAN WATER FALLS

Location: Barangay Tangadan, San Gabriel, La Union


This is just a part of my 3-day La Union Trip. It was a mix of chasing water falls, city tour in San Fernando, beach surfing in San Juan, visiting old churches and other tourist spots of the province.

Diving from the 40-feet Tangadan Water Falls

I did not have plan of touring around La Union but then I have to go back there to pick-up the passport I applied in DFA San Fernando. It was almost two months since my passport has been due for pick-up but the time of going there which would consume at least one and a half days just for traveling back and forth was really a problem due to my hectic schedule.

Brgy. Bucao: The place of my tour guide

Realizing I will be consuming much time and expenses as well for the round trip bus fare, I decided to maximize everything when I go there in San Fernando City. The first time I went there was when I applied for the passport on its DFA Office and I also visited its Tourism Office housed on its Provincial Capitol for some query of its tourist destinations. The very accommodating staff gave me brochures but the problem was no specific contacts were given. I kept these brochures as reference thinking I can find time of touring around there maybe for summer which was too remote then. However, picking-up my passport was pressing me to go back there. It was only the night before my departure that I searched some blogs for possible tour guide. The blog which I read highly recommended a certain Pedro "Peter" Macaraeg or also known as Kuya Raymond and right there and then I called him. I can sense he was nice and so I finalized the deal.

The scent of newly harvested rice

The trek starts with rice paddies, the green rice fields and piles of harvests. It was just rolling and malling-like walk. My digicam started to grind for every step was a sight to behold.

Part of the trail heading to the water falls

Left Cubao at 10:30 P.M. boarding an airconditioned Partas bus with its terminal along Aurora Boulevard and arrived San Fernando City at 4:30 A.M. the following day. It was still dark and cold and so I stayed at the Partas bus terminal till 5:00 A.M. I managed to ask the bystanders to locate the jeep terminal of the route to San Gabriel and it was just walking distance anyway. The jeep left at 5:30 A.M. and the whole travel duration took 65 minutes to the town of San Gabriel. As per instruction of Raymond, I only have to take a tricycle going to Barangay Bucao which I did and I found him right there in their house.

The scenic upstream trail of the Baroro River

Coming from an exhausting trip, I decided to take an hour sleep in the ancestral house of Raymond. His whole family was so welcoming and I was so comfortable with them. After breakfast, at exactly 8:00 A.M., we left their house and using his sidecar as service vehicle, we headed to the water falls. We passed thru picturesque ricefields and typical green countryside. We left his sidecar at Barangay Dagup where all vehicles are parked and started the 30-minute trek.

The inviting and clear water of Baroro river which forms part of the trail

The trek was refreshing. The water of the river was so clear that you can see the reflection of your face. Big boulders of rocks are either on the river or along the river where we occasionally hop and climb. There is an amazing backdrop of the thick forest. We happen to pass through cottages halfway and a cargo zipline for transport crossing Baroro River.

The end of the trail will turn right and presto the store huts are there

Opposite the water falls is dotted with stores where food and drinks can be bought as well as life vest for rentals. There are also two comfort and shower rooms available for the guests.

Tangadan Falls with barely two guests around

A solo guest, Kuya Raymond and I were the first to be in the water falls at around 9:00 A.M. However, I've noticed that the water was brown. Unfortunately, there was a continuous heavy rain the night before. But according to the locals, during summer time or non-rainy season, the water is crystal-clear.

The view from atop the second layer of the falls

Raymond toured me around to the second layer of the falls and I find it there better as I felt so intimate with the falls. Though one has to be cautious because some parts of the massive rocks are slippery.

A zoomed out shot from atop the first layer water falls to its bottom radius

The second layer of the water falls has also a basin and its more calm compared to the basin down the first layer of the water falls where roars like a thunder in sound.

Diving again, this time at the basin of the second layer of the falls

According to Raymond, the basin has an average depth of 15 feet while the basin of the main falls has an approximate depth of 20 feet. But he had advised me to be cautious as there were already two lives claimed by this water falls.

After my first dive at the second basin

I have the reason to stay longer on the second basin as people have crowded down the main falls. As you see bamboo raft down there has been flocked with guests to get closer to the water falls.

A not-so-cold swim on the second basin

Fortunately, I was lucky that even if water falls has freezing cold water, that time it was not. I just realized it was scary to swim in a brown water where I can see the basin rock bed.

Stayed longer at the second basin

I was highly engaged in the second basin as I stayed longer here. After all, only teenagers and athletic guests scale this height of the second layer of the falls.

Recapturing the trail back to the jump-off point

After three hours of swimming and diving, I got tired and decided to take my lunch from the nipa stores around. Raymond was not available to serve as my guide the next day to Kapandagan Falls and so I he looked one for me.

Such a postcard perfect picture


Trekking back was easier and faster though it was already hot because it was 10:30 A.M. but some parts are shady anyway. I took my time trekking and I engaged myself in getting the details of the trail. I look at them up-close. I must be in love of the serenity and beauty of the place.

HOW TO GET THERE


1. Take any bus going to La Union or any other bus going to Vigan, Abra or Laoag for 5-6 hours night travel: Partas (Cubao), Farinas (Cubao), Dominion (Cubao), Viron (Cubao, Sampaloc) or Philippine Rabbit (Oroquieta Street,Manila; EDSA Balintawak)
2. Lift at San Fernando City, La Union preferably at Partas bus terminal.
3. From the Partas bus terminal, ask to find the terminal with the route going to San Gabriel town proper.
4. From San Gabriel town proper fronting its municipal hall, tricycles are available going to the jump-off point to Tangadan.
5. You have the option to wait for Raymond fronting the municipal hall, or take a jeep going to their house to Barangay Bucal.
6. Follow the same pattern in heading back to San Fernando City.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN


SN Particulars Amount
1. Round trip airconditioned Partas bus fare from Cubao to San Fernando City (P410 one-way)
820
2. Round trip jeep fare from San Fernando City to San Gabriel (P25 one-way)
50
3. Round trip tricycle fare from San Gabriel town proper to Raymond's house (P20 one-way
40
4. Tour guiding fee
500
5. Life vest rental
50
6. Four meals at P45 per meal
180
TOTAL
P1,640


CONTACT PERSON/GUIDE



Pedro Macaraeg or Kuya Raymond


Mobile Numbers: +639953992099 and +639462222102


GUIDE RATES


Day hike charges P500 for one guide for a maximum of 5 guests

In excess of five guests from 6 to 8, each has to pay P100 and 9 to 10 pax, two guides are required

For overnight, same ratio of guests-guide, however, the rate is doubled.