La Union: More than surfing

Only six hours away from Manila is the laid-back province of La Union, which has literally made waves in the tourism industry as a surfing destination. The GMA News TV travel program “Weekend Getaway” visited this surfing capital and discovered other cool things that La Union has to offer. San Juan Surf Resort Ever since surfing became big in the Philippines, La Union has claimed the title of “Surfing capital of the North.” The San Juan Surf Resort is one of the more popular surfing destinations in La Union, and offers excellent surfing lessons for beginners, headed by surfing expert  and 1st Asian Beach Games silver medalist Luke Landrigan. Lessons cost only P400 per hour. This resort is also easy to find since it’s by the highway, and is only 8 kilometers away from the capital San Fernando. Baluarte Watch Tower and Pebble Beach Luna, La Union is the home of the Baluarte Watch Tower, which stands on the famous Pebble Beach and is the oldest watch tower in the province. Watch towers were built by the Spanish authorities to spot invaders coming in from the sea. Pugo Adventure For more adventure, be sure to visit  “Pugo Adventure” (PUGAD) in Pugo, La Union. This adventure park offers visitors exciting activities from ziplining to wall climbing, rappelling, target shooting and more. The entrance fee is only P150 for adults and P100 for kids. The prices of the activities inside the facility also start at P150. PUGAD is only an hour away from the capital San Fernando. Basi or native wine When in La Union, don’t forget to try one of the most famous local products in Ilocos and La Union: basi, or native wine made of fermented sugar cane. The Ilocanos love this local wine so much that it once even inspired a revolt. The Basi Revolt of 1807 was caused by the Spanish government’s efforts to monopolize the production of basi. Today, the Basi Revolt is commemorated every Sept. 16 in La Union. For more local travel destinations, tune in to “Weekend Getaway” every Friday at 11PM on GMA News TV Ch. 11.-Angel Bombarda/PF, GMA News