Roadtrip UP North (Exploring La Union)

The Northern part of Luzon is a perfect destination for tourists, pilgrims at adventurers alike. Almost all tourist spots were already accessible and the trip was cut shorter because of the North-Luzon exressway (NLEX), SCTEX and the newly opened Tarlac-Pangasinan-Lingayen Expressway (TPLEX) which saves you 2-3 hours if you're travelling to Pangasinan and other nearby destination. There's a lot of pit stops along the expressway, so its ok if you forgot to fill up your tank and you can grab a bite to this pits stop whenever you go hungry.

It was a Sunday morning, while everyone still asleep, we load our packs in a Hyundai EON, thanks for my brother for letting me use his car. I was a newbie in long distance driving and its our first roadtrip with my wife and my two year old son Buwie. How much fun can it get?

First stop: Our Lady of Manaoag (Milo St, Manaoag)
There is not much traffic on the expressway specially the newly open TPLEX, we own the road at that moment and it goes all the way to Carmen exit and after 4hours of driving, we've reach the Church of Manaoag.

Many miraculous claims has been attributed to this place, it could probably one of the reason why a lot of pilgrims, devotees and tourist were attracted to visit the shrine of Manaoag. The town's name itself comes from Virgin Mary's call or taoag to the young men. Manaoag comes from a local dialect mantaoag which means to call.

The church holds masses almost every hour and where just in time for the 10am mass and since its a sunday, the church is full house. And there was a long quiee for those who want to touch the vestment and whisper prayers to Our Lady. And my wife take the long queiu, while Buwie and I explore the area and took some selfie.

Second stop:  Agoo La, Union

We decided to stop in Agoo for a lunch break, and since we dont know the place and did not research on that part. We just stop on what ever fastfood along the way, and fortunately there was a newly opened Greenwich branch just in front of Museo de Iloco.

I'd say, Agoo La Union has a nice ambiance. Its like being turn back into time because the building and infrastructure were uniformely themed in the spanish era. Even the interior of the newly opened Greenwich has the pre-colonial touch. Its a relaxing feeling and added impact to that laid back sensation.

Third stop: San Juan, La Union.

Its still a 3 hours drive to San Juan from Agoo, passing several towns like Bauang and its capital San Fernando, La Union. Its fun driving to this area, no need for aircon, just open your window and taste the breeze of cool fresh air.

 
San Juan is a small town after San Fernando, we choose to go here for its beaches and a chance to surf its waves. But unfortunately it was off for the surfing season, the sea was calm and you'll never hear waves break on its shoreline. We stay at Fat wave hotel, the room rate is very much affordable and they serve delicious Vigan Longganisa, tapsilog, tocilog, longsilog and other breakfast favourites. And  we almost ate 2 times every meal time.

The next day, the sea were still calm, no waves but is does not stop us to enjoy the beach. We woke up early and Buwie on his rash guard, ready for a swim. Since its still early, the sun is not yet harsh to the skin. We enjoyed playing and swimming on the beach.

We explored San Fernando in the afternoon. The city is an hour away to San Juan. And twe had our lunch at MidWay grill. Its one of the famous restaurant in the city, you've never been completely to La Union unless you tasted its famous and delicious, spicy baby back ribs. The meats literally melts in your mouth. They also serve other western and Filipino food on their menu and all of them were superbly mouth watering. Eating here is an experience by itself.

 Around the city, there are tourist spots to explore, like the new thunderbird resort which is located at Poro point. Constructed in a 64 hectare land, with a Mediterranean inspired architecture which overlooks the west Philippine Sea. If you want to experience sunset ala Santorini without living the country, this place can offer you that same feeling.

Pindangan Ruins

The Pindangan Ruins is also a must place to visit, near camp Oscar Florendo, the Rigional Headquarters of PNP. This were the ruins of a church built by frayles in 1764 to start the evangelization in the area. The church was then transferred to Brgy. Tanqui due to Japanese raids and chinese and moro pirates frequent looting. Then it was moved to Brgy. Cabaroan and afterwards to its present location in front of the city auditorium. Now, all that remains are the ruins of the old church which is taking care by the Carmelite Sister.

  

Poro point light house. Located in Brgy Poro, the light house was built and facing West Philippine sea on the western side, San Fernando Bay on the north and Philippines sea to its south. The site is perfect for sunset viewing, and we were rewarded to witness the beautiful and most breath taking sunset I ever see, were orange, red, yellow and blue colours illuminated the skies with a very wonderful cloud formation, it was magical. I manage to took some pictures and my wife took some selfie shots with her GoPro.

Poro Point Light house

It was truly a relaxing and memorable experience, complete with family bonding, food tripping and site seeing, and we will do it again definitely on our next vacation. Its really more fun in the Philippines!!!

Last foodtrip at Kambingan