Stoked in La Union

When  somebody mentions La Union, the first thing that comes to my mind is SURFING! Yes, surfing is truly more FUN in San Juan, La Union.

Getting to La Union took us about 6 hours, we head on to NLEX, SCTEX and pass by Hacienda Luisita.

you'll know you're few minutes away when you see this sign

We checked in at SeaNymph Surf Cafe on a 1 BR Air conditioned room at an affordable price of Php1,500 per night. We stayed for 3 days and 2 nights which is just right. The room was clean with refrigerator and a small kitchen where you can cook.

Surfing lessons are available for Php600 including the use of surf board good for 4 hours. Surfing is basically EASY as long as you listen and follow your Instructor. This is the first time we've tried it and after few falls, we were able to stand up like a pro. The basic surf  lesson usually takes about 15mins-30mins so you still have more than 3 hours to perfect your balance on board afterwards.

You can contact Kuya Chris/Ate Mench at 09194805217. If you don't get any response, that's OK. As soon as you arrive at SeaNymph,  you can simply look for any surf posts along the beach. Just walk in and inquire. Besides, they all have the same rates after all.

We went here during Holy Week so there were tables set up along the beach and strip of food stalls to choose from.

In the morning, you can walk by the beach, watch the sunrise and enjoy a cup of coffee by the sea. Morning waves are far better than during sunrise. Waves are bigger, lesser people are at the beach so you have bigger space to splash on when you fall. When I say morning, you have to be at the beach and already had your breakfast before 6AM. at the far end of the resort, you can take your photo on those beautiful , uneven rock formation.

 When your done surfing, you can drive to Thunderbird Resort which is just 20mins away from SeaNymph. The guard will ask you if you have reservation, but don't mind him. Just say you're there to check the place and walk in. The place is truly majestic and picturesque. We didn't get to check the room rates as we didn't plan to stay overnight. Just a 30 minute tour around the place will suffice.

After dropping by at Thunderbird Resort, we did Visita Iglesia and went back to the resort to watch sunset and have some quiet time after all it was Holy Week.

Overall, It was a fun,simple, relaxed and meaningful way to spend your Holy Week. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city and away from all material and worldly pleasures. What better way to experience life than to;

PRAY :  Visit 7 Churches in La Union

1. Church of Saint John the Baptist (San Juan La Union)
2. St. William Cathedral of San Fernando (San Fernando La Union)
3. St. Peter and Paul Parish Church (Bauang La Union)
4. St. Lucy Parish Church (Aringay La Union)
5. Basilica of Our Lady of Charity (Agoo La Union)
6. Our Lady of Captives from the Sea (Sto Tomas La Union)
7. The Immaculate Conception Parish Churh (Rosario La Union)

EAT:  Don't forget to eat Tupig, Dynamite and Sugpo

TRAVEL:  While in San Juan La Union, drop by Thunderbird Resort for a cup of coffee.

San Narciso, Zambales

This is the second time were going out of town during Holy Week. We only had a week to plan, do research and prepare on where and how we will spend Lent this year.We've encountered few options but what were really after is to look for an affordable getaway since will be bringing the entire family, a place not so far from the Metro where we could enjoy the sun, sand and beach.

We bumped into this website http://www.sabinabeachresort.com/ and we decided to check in and find out for ourselves...

Reading thru blogs, Zambales should be 2-3 hours travel from Manila but since its Holy Thursday, half a million cars are scheduled to leave Manila and travel North thus as expected, we traveled from 6:30AM to 2:00PM (7.5 hours) just to get to San Narciso Zambales. So I suggest, do this trip during off peak season.

Along the way, you'll pass by Bataan and see WWII First Line of Defense Monument and since its Holy Week, you'll also see group of men alternately carrying wooden cross as a form of their penitence.

You also have the option to pass by Subic Bay and take few photos but since we were on the road for more  than 6 hours already we decided not to roam around Subic and head on. 

We arrived at the resort just in time for the 2pm check in. We booked for 2 rooms 1SD non-air conditioned room (Php 1,600) good for 4pax and 1 air conditioned room (Php 2,400) also good for 4pax. At the entrance of the resort, there were several rules like corkage fee of Php 100 per bottle of soda and any alcoholic drinks but these were not implemented strictly during our stay so it was of benefit to us. Bringing in food is definitely OK including bringing your own Gasulito so you could cook your own food. The room does not include any refrigerator so make sure to bring your own cooler. There are ice tubes for sale along the way in Castillejos, just a town before San Narciso for Php 50 per bag which is enough to cool your food and drinks overnight. Grillers, Hammock, Huts are available free of use. There is no swimming pool in the resort. Its just the beach, the sun and the sand to enjoy. 

If you are looking for a budget friendly resort, you can consider staying here. There are also 2 other beach Resort just beside Sabina which is Johneva and the more popular Crystal Beach Resort. If you've been to Boracay or Palawan then do not attempt to compare the sand and beach because you'll end up disappointed. 

Sand is gray but there is a vast shoreline where you could take a quiet walk and simply enjoy the sunset and sunrise. You can also enjoy beach volleyball, badminton and frisbee. You can even do camp fire and set your tent by the beach if you want. A lot of people are doing these while we were there. 

Before heading home, you can buy the famous Zambales Mango which is of export quality for Php 50 per kilo. There were also crabs for sale but I didnt get to check how much it costs. 

You can contact Ms Ruth at 09328860151 for any inquiries. 

Pray: Refer to this site for San Sebastian Church http://pinoychurches.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/san-sebastian-parish-church-san-narciso-zambales/

Eat: You can stop by at Double Happiness in Lubao Pampanga for a light snack and buy some   pasalubong

Travel: Overall, it was a family budget friendly travel near the Metro. My rating will be...