La Union

Welcome arch at the La Union-Ilocos Sur border

Location in the Philippines

La Union is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in the island of Luzon. Its
capital is the city of San Fernando, which also serves as the regional center of the whole Ilocos
Region.

The province is bordered by Ilocos Sur to the north, Benguet to the east, Pangasinan to the south
and to the west by the shores of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

History

La Unión, "The Union" in English, was formed in 1850 when the Spanish colonial government of
Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco merged the three southern towns of Ilocos Sur province,
the nine northern towns of Pangasinan, and the western towns of Benguet to the east (Eastern Pais
del Igorotes in the Cordilleras). Pangasinans were the majority in the new province because most
towns had been in the province of Pangasinan.

On October 29, 1849, Governor General Claveria issued a promovido to fuse the Pangasinan-
Ilocos-Cordillera areas into La Union. On March 2, 1850, Governor General Antonio Maria
Blanco signed the Superior Decreto of La Union (34th province from Cebu-1565), with Captain
Toribio Ruiz de la Escalera as the first Gobernador Military y Politico. Isabella II of Spain decreed
the province's creation on April 18, 1854. In 1661, Andres Malong (Pangasinan) failed to recover
La Union from the Spaniards after the Battle of Agoo.[3] In 1896, the people of La Union began a
revolt against the Spaniards, who had called La Union "Una Provincia Modelo" ("A Model
Province"), led by Manuel Tinio Y Bondoc under Emilio Aguinaldo. The Americans collaborated
with the Filipinos to end the Spanish.

Dr. Lucino Almeida became the Presidente Provincial of the American regime, followed by the
appointment of La Union’s first Civil Governor in 1901, Don Joaquin Joaquino Ortega.[4]

On January 4, 1945, La Union was liberated by the Battle of San Fernando and Bacsil Ridge

La Union is famous for the beach town of San Juan, the surfing capital on this side of North
Luzon.

This province is a great place to travel for non-surfers and surfers alike. There is more to
experience here apart from its famous surf. And, there are many interesting places worth visiting
in nearby towns if you want to venture outside of San Juan.

You can experience a lot in La Union, even on a short trip!

Plan your trip with this list of the best tourist spots and things to do in La Union:

Surf in San Juan

La Union is home to nearest surfing spots from Manila. Aside from good swells, this is one of the
reasons why it had become a popular destination for avid surfers and people who want to learn the
sport. Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan is the most popular surfing spot and main tourist area. In
contrast to other beaches in the Philippines, its peak season starts in October until March when the
best waves arrive.

Tangadan Falls cliff diving

Take a break from the surf and enjoy a dip at Tangadan Falls. This waterfall in San Gabriel is an
easy day trip from San Juan. Tangadan Falls has a spacious plunge pool that is perfect for
swimming. You can ride a bamboo raft to the main cascade and enjoy a cool waterfalls shower
massage. Nearby, you can find two smaller waterfalls that are popular for cliff diving. One is
located on the upper level, upstream, and the other is farther downstream.

La Union sunset
La Union’s coastline is blessed with glorious sunset views including Urbiztondo Beach. Go to the
rocky area on the south side of the beach for dramatic views.

Food trip & nightlife in Urbiztondo

The rise of San Juan as a popular beach getaway near Manila attracts a steady crowd of Millenials.
Urbiztondo had grown a bit of a hipster feel to it. Don’t miss the Instagram and tummy-worthy
food scene. Then, cap the night off with drinks at many beach and roadside bars. My personal
favorite places to eat/drink are Olas Banditos (Mexican), Mad Monkeys (Burgers), Surf Shack
(Restobar) and Tagpuan (Affordable meals).

Halo Halo de Iloko

The food scene is exciting as well in San Fernando, the capital city of La Union. Getting there
only takes 20 minutes, it’s a shame if you miss it. The most popular place to eat here is Halo Halo
de Iloko, located along Zandueta Street. They sell Halo Halo with a tasty twist. Try the Buko Halo
Halo, Ginataan nga Halo Halo or Deep Fried Halo Halo. They also serve delicious Ilokano-fusion
dishes. You might have to queue a bit before getting a table since the restaurant is almost always
full. The wait is worth it.

Ma-cho Temple
While you are in San Fernando, stop over at Ma-Cho Temple, a picturesque temple found on top a
hill. It is the first Taoist temple and only one in the Philippines that is dedicated to the Chinese
sea-goddess Mazu. Some of its interesting features include the towering main building crowned by
an unusual spider-type dome, the Majestic Five Door Gate, and interiors filled with ancient
Chinese decorations. As you can imagine, a lot of people come here to get a selfie with the sign
“Macho.”
Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point
Seeking a luxurious stay or romantic dinner? Go to Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point in San
Fernando. This Santorini-inspired resort is famous not only for its imposing white-washed
buildings and blue domes. It’s also praised for its gorgeous cliff-top location, facing a serene
sunset view of the West Philippine Sea.

Kamay na Bato
From San Juan, head north to the town of Luna and check out Bahay Na Bato, the newest tourist
attraction in the province. Built from stones found along Luna’s rare pebbled beaches, the rest
house sits on a peaceful property owned by Dr. Edison and Dr. Purita Chan-Noble. In the interiors
and around the grounds, you can find many interesting stone and wooden sculptures made by
Korean artist, Bong Kim. The artistic feel of the place reminded me a lot of the Black Houses in
Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Luna Pebble Beach

On the beachfront of Bahay Na Bato, you can find the most beautiful pebble beach that remains in
Luna. This section of the coastline is surrounded by vibrant blue waters and strong sea waves. The
town is known as the Pebble Capital of the North because of its many pebbled beaches and big
stone-picking industry.

Luna Church and Baluarte

Visit some of Luna’s remaining heritage sites. The St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, also called
The Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan or Namacpacan Church, stands beside the town plaza.
This Spanish-colonial church was built in 1690. It is one of the grandest churches in the province.
It is listed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. A few
hundred meters away, the Luna Baluarte or Watchtower stands along a pebbled beach. The
watchtower served as a fortress that was used by Spanish colonizers to warn residents of pirate
attacks.

Immuki Island
Immuki island or formerly known as kaparingitan by the locals, is it intriguing? Well, the island is
24 km away from the city, another discovered destination located at barangay Paraoir, Balaoan, La
Union. Visitors are requested to register at Paraoir barangay hall. Visiting hour is at 6:00 AM to
6:00 PM. It is strictly prohibited to bring food, alcohol, drinks, and cigarettes to the island. You
cannot go there barefooted. You must use at least aqua sock water shoes to be safe from sharp
edges of corals around the area. It is not advised to dive but surely, you’ll enjoy the ambiance of
swimming with your friends.

The place was known as a hidden paradise connected by the two lagoons with a crystal-clear
water. It’s so clear you can visibly see the fish swimming around you; it’s like welcoming inviting
you to explore the island.

La Union grape farms & fruit picking

Before leaving La Union, drop by the grape farms in Bauang. You can go grape-picking here and
bring the fresh harvest as pasalubong. Grape farms in the country are a surprising discovery for
most Filipinos because we have a notion that this fruit can only grow in cold weather. There are
numerous grape farms in town and many of them are open to the public.