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A sojourn in La Union
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: MA. GLAIZA LEE
Date: 2010-04-24
 

Our Lady of Namacpacan Church (photos by PINGGOT ZULUETA)

While most tourists often flock to La Union for surfing, this Northern Province has more to offer than its surging waves.


Unknown to some people, La Union is blessed with several majestic waterfalls. A must-visit is the Tuddingan Falls in Naguilian. Going there is relatively undemanding since there is a 700-meter cemented pathway from Bagulin Road up to the hill overlooking the waterfall.


The 70-feet magnificent waterfall provides a fantastic view, showcasing an enormous cascade with a strong and high water drop. Some adventurous tourists love to jump from the multi-layered rock formations into the man-made pool-like base of the waterfall.


For a more exhilarating discovery, pursue the trail leading to Balay Anito Falls. The waterfall cascades to a 20-meter deep water pool, which the locals call “ban-aw.” The trail leading to the waterfall is quite steep that one has to cling to the exposed roots of the trees along the stream of the water just to get up and down.


Located between Barangays Lon-oy and Bayabas in San Gabriel, be amazed with the Lon-oy Spring. Nestled in an estimated 10 hectares land area are the numerous natural springs and three grand waterfalls that possess pristinely clear and invigoratingly cool waters.


Walk along the garden path and discover the beauty of nature at the La Union Botanical Garden, located in Sitio Japan in Cadaclan, San Fernando City. With a serene Japanese setting, the botanical garden boasts of a diverse collection of indigenous plants from the Philippines and other tropical countries which is housed in the various theme gardens such as Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Evergreen Garden, and Herbal Garden, among others.


The garden aims to become a haven for environmental education, scientific research, biodiversity conservation, and aesthetic recreation as well as to congregate all the Philippine native and ornamental plants suited to the Northern Luzon provinces.


Since La Union is overwhelmingly Catholic, it is no wonder that one can visit numerous century-old churches such as the Our Lady of Namacpacan. According to legends, the Apo Baket (as the locals call the Blessed Mother Mary) appeared to the indigenous people as an old woman who was asking for food and water, and would give blessings and miracles to those who were kind enough to provide provisions for the old lady.


The province borders South China Sea in the west, so it is not surprising that long stretches of white and gray sand beaches besiege its towns, particularly San Juan, Bauang, and Agoo, all are ideal for water sports including snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and diving, among others.


San Juan beaches, located approximately eight kilometers from San Fernando City, which is the capital town, are known for their strong waves, especially during the months of November to February.


Part of the Agoo-Damortis National Park, the Agoo beach has a historical significance since it was where the Japanese traded with the locals during the pre-Spanish time, thus earning the name “Puerto de Japon” in the early days.


Far from the usual white and gray sand beach, beaches in San Carlos and Santiago Norte are becoming most-frequented tourist sites because of their sands which are almost black. This is due to the fertile metallic iron deposit in the beaches.


The pebbled beach of Luna is home to the impressive Baluarte, which was built during the Spanish period as a watch tower and observation post for impending dangers from the sea. It was used by the locals to keep an eye, not only on typhoons and tsunamis, but particularly from the pirates who usually raided towns. Today, the Baluarte seems to lose its grandeur since it is vertically cut in two, with the base and foundation weather-beaten, and is only supported by concrete posts on the side to keep it intact.


Scattered all over the Baluarte are the industrious pebble pickers, unmindful of the scorching sun just to make a living. The collected stones are sold to buyers who often use them for interior designing purposes.


After an adventurous day of traversing and exploring the wonders of La Union, it is nice to come home to a serene yet luxurious place. Greatly influenced by the Santorini Islands of Greece, the Thunderbird Resorts is situated in a 65-hectare land area located in Poro Point, San Fernando City.


The Mediterranean-inspired resort features stylish yet cozy suites perched on a cliff. The resort is nestled on a scenic cliff, overlooking the white sand beach and the vast South China Sea. It offers a distinct terrain, character, and contours since the resort management followed the natural terrain of the place and worked around the natural environment.


Within the sprawling property is the all-weather 9-hole golf course, which is seated at the highest point of the Poro peninsula, and sand-capped according to the specifications of the US Golf Association.


The Beach Club waterfront offers a dreamy relaxation concept, complete with a hillside veranda, a lounge area, and an outdoor spa. Its seaside landscape is part of the Poro Point Boardwalk, which is home to the Presidential Rest House, the Catalnaan, as well as the Philippine Navy Detachment in the south point. On the other side of the resort is the round-the-clock international Fiesta Casino, adjacent to the Vegas Café and Cabana Bar.


What’s great about visiting La Union is that tourists no longer need to suffer the six-hour drive to this charming province since the San Fernando Airport is now ready to serve and meet the tourism demand. SEAIR will have regular flights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.


Although for those who don’t have the budget, there are several buses that will ferry passengers from Manila to La Union province. Travel time usually takes five to six hours.


Whatever you fancy – be it a sojourn with nature, a taste of the local culture, or a walk down historical lane, La Union has it all covered.

[ San Fernando City Wiki ]

 

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