Where everything is classic: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ Itinerary in La Union

In the era of sophistication and modern influences, history and culture of many communities are usually eclipsed by new perspectives and practices.

But for the province situated in the North, known for its pristine beaches and diverse food, change isn’t a problem as long as the old customaries are never forgotten. This province knows exactly how to  make a good balance between old and new influences to give way for newer and fresher perspectives-- La Union.

Fun fact:

Before we explore the nooks and crannies of the place, did you know that La Union actually means ‘The Union?’

In 1850, the Spanish colonial government of Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco merged different towns from Benguet, Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan, hence its name. Majority of these towns are from Pangasinan as nine of which were originally part of it.

How to get there:
If you’re coming from Manila, you will have to travel by land for six to eight hours as traffic is, as always, unpredictable.

But the long and tedious travel sure is worth it as La Union has a lot of wonderful offerings in store for anyone who wishes to experience its heavenly beauty. Most of which are classic.

Classic Locations

Saint Christopher Church
Bangar, La Union
Free of charge

In Bangar, a centuries-old church is erected. This was founded from 1695-1698 by Father Francisco Albear. Earthquakes struck and damaged the infrastructure time and again but with locals’ passion about it, it remains standing.

This Baroque renaissance and Muslim-inspired convent is popular to the residents and tourists alike as it is the only church in the country with three belfries.

Lomboy Farms (Vineyard)
Bauang , La Union
P100.00

La Union takes pride of the fact that their province houses a vineyard which locals and tourists alike are very fond of visiting. They come back here again and again as they find the place truly relaxing and one of a kind. Here, you can pick grapes anytime and anywhere you like. With a meager cost of  P100.00, you can already tour around the vineyard all day long. Each kilo of grapes costs P250.00. These fruits are guaranteed to be free from toxic and other harmful chemicals.

Tangadan Falls
San Gabriel, La Union
Free of charge

Calling all travel junkies out there! Are you up for a two-hour trek? San Gabriel is for you.

Behind a massive green mountain (which by the way, does not have a name yet), sits a waterfalls that will surely take your breath away. It usually takes two hours of trekking to reach it but as what tourists and locals always say: “It’s worth the trek!”

The thousands of leaps and steps you made just to get there will be paid off as soon as you step on its solid and unique rock formations. No doubt, tourists flock to the place even during rainy days. They are encouraged, though, to be extra careful as rocks get slippery when wet.

Thunderbird Hotel and Casino
San Fernando, la Union
(not mentioned)

White houses lined up in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, topnotch rooms with quality services—basically a high-class hotel and casino that sits along the vast beach of La Union.

If you’re yearning to experience how it feels like to live in Santorini even for a day or two, this hotel is a perfect alternative. Just make sure, though, that you will not come here empty-pocketed.

Classic Food

Pizza Ilocano
P 250.00-500.00

Ever heard of a pizza topped with longganisa?

La Union’s thunderbird hotel and casino offers exactly just that. Ilocos is known for longganisang Vigan which they use as one of the primary ingredients along with tuna, onion rings, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

Needless to say, it is a classic pizza with a twist!

Bagnet
Villa de Elita
Bangar, La Union
P 150.00-250.00

In Sudipen, a town situated at the edge of La Union and Ilocos Sur boundary, there is a restaurant that has put not just one but seven twists to what is known as a classic food of the province – Bagnet.

They played with different colors, flavors and ingredients to transform a simple bagnet into seven equally flavorful dishes: spicy chili garlic bagnet fried rice, dinakdakang bagnet, sizzling bagnet sisig, sinigang na bagnet, bagnet with KBL, Kare-kareng bagnet, and pinakbet with bagnet.

Each has distinct flavors that will surely win your heart.

Greek cuisine
Gfseis Grill
Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union
P 200.00-1000.00

La Union’s food is one of the perfect examples of its diverse culture. Aside from their usual local delicacies, they have also embraced Greek food such as those offered by Geifsis Greek, a grill house located by the bay: fried zaganaki cheese, basically a fried cheese mixed with lemon; patzitio, a type of macaroni with meat sauce; and souvlaki, a chicken beef lamb.

Classic Activities

Surfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing
San Fernando, San Juan, among others
(not mentioned)

Dubbed as the ‘Surfing Capital of the North,’ foreign and local tourists visit La Union in search of a perfect surfing area. Well, the search is actually tough as there are a lot of great places to choose from.

Aside from surfing, wakeboarding and jet skiing are now also making big waves as theybecome increasingly in demand among tourists.

Pottery
San Juan, La Union
P100.00- P 1,000.00

A  pottery house in the town of San Juan stepped up its game by actually letting their customers make their own pots.

The molding of these pots is done manually, meaning customers will have to sacrifice their well-polished nails and clean hands for few minutes in exchange for the once in a lifetime experience of doing it personally.

They can also have any color and design of their choice.

 La Union is a haven for old souls and new breeds. You see, its traditional elements have perfectly blended with modern influences. It integrates new ideas to its original practices which gives birth to something even more classic.

La Union is  a gem. Never miss a chance to visit it. ---BMS, GMA Public Affairs