There was a time in history when La Union was a collective of nine

Pangasinan towns, three Ilocos Sur towns, and even a few Igorot
villages. It wasn't until 1854 when the province was created as a
union of all those communities, thus the name. Now, it has been
classified as a progressive and developing region, not only for the
economic progress in San Fernando and the surf tourism boom in
San Juan, but also because of all the other destinations and
establishments
Natural Wonders
• Urbistondo Beach
San juan
Urbiztondo Beach is popular among all kinds of surfers—from the
beginner who can easily ride on soft waves breaking on a sandy bottom to
the advanced surfer who can maneuver through the trickier waves breaking
on coral reefs. On calmer days, beachcombers can just take an afternoon
dip and lounge on the long strip.
Tangadan Falls
San Gabriel

• It wasn't until 2007 when Tangadan Falls, tucked in the town

of San Gabriel, was discovered by local surfers—and we're
sure glad they did. Five years later, it was opened to the public
and people can't get enough of the lace curtain-like waterfalls
draped on smooth boulders.
Cultural Landmarks
 Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity
Agoo

• Better known as Agoo Basilica, the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity
in La Union’s oldest town catches many visitors' attention because of its
two non-identical bell towers, beautiful chandeliers hanging from the
wooden ceiling, colorful window panes, and stained glass. You can also
find the Santa Monica Parish Museum to the left of the church where
extensive memorabilia of the basilica's former archbishops are kept.
 Poro Point Lighthouse
San Fernando

• Because of its terrain that juts out into the West Philippine Sea, Poro Point
has served as an important marker for maritime navigation since the
1880s. The first lighthouse made of steel was built during the Spanish
colonial period, then changed into a concrete tower during the American
occupation. It was also converted into a U.S. reservation, then called
Camp Wallace or Wallace Air Station.
 Pindangan Ruins
San Vicente, San Fernando

• The Pindangan Ruins, tagged after San Fernando's original name, was
once a church built by Spanish friars Francisco Romero and Santiago
Holarte in 1764. It was frequently raided by Japanese, Chinese, and Moro
pirates, so the clergy decided to transfer the church to Barangay Tanqui,
then to Barangay Cabaroan. Now, all that's left are buttresses, walls, and
an old well—all maintained by the Carmelite Sisters, whose monastery
stands behind the ruins.
Where to Eat
Halo Halo de Iloko
12 Balay Mercado, Zandueta Street, San Fernando

• Halo Halo de Iloko Balay is a classic when it comes to La Union's local

fare. The two-storey resto attracts customers with knickknacks, paintings,
wood works, and colored bottles adorning a wall. The capiz window might
even remind you of lola's house, where you used to indulge in generous
amounts of halo-halo topped with ube halaya, yema, pastillas, and more.
This makes Halo-halo de Iloka Balay feel just like home.
 El Union
MacArthur National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan

• El Union Coffee, owned by Kiddo Cosio, started out as a small corner

café. Now it’s a two-storey lounge where you can drink their "expert-
roasted and thoughtfully prepared coffee" while having a good time with
friends post-sesh or attending their workshops and social events on the
second floor. Be sure to pair their drinks with either a plate of the fluffy
Indoor S’mores (P160) or the huge and sinful Skillet Cookie (P160).
Tagpuan sa San Juan
MacArthur National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan
Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Wednesday to Monday)

• You can find Tagpuan sa San Juan on a street corner just because there's
no need to be fancy when you're with friends. They serve no-nonsense
rice bowls such as tapa (P95) and bagnet (P120), tokwa't baboy (P50),
and even lugaw (P40). If you're scrimping, they have combo meals that
you can wolf down after a tiring afternoon.
Where to Stay
• Vessel Hostel
MacArthur National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan
E-mail: vesselhostel@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/VesselHostel
Rates start at P980/head
• Architect-surfers Buji Libarnes and Nikki dela Paz-Libarnes opened Vessel
Hostel in December 2016 and it immediately became a hit. Can't blame
the regulars! Not just any other place to stay, it is built from repurposed
container vans and maintains a "60s, mid-century modern vibe," according
to the owners. All rooms have air-conditioning and the roof deck-slash-
kitchenette is perfect for wave checks over breakfast.
San Juan Surf Resort
MacArthur National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan
E-mail: sanjuansurf@yahoo.com.ph
Contact: 0917-887-5470
Room rates start at P1,930++

• San Juan Surf Resort was established in 1992 by Australian surfer Brian
Landrigan, father of surfer-model Luke Landrigan. It has expanded from
having three rooms in the ‘90s to the current 35-room resort with its own
restaurant, bar, surf school, surf shop, and swimming pool.
The End