Pasalubong From La Union
Few years back, I was thinking of what to bring home as pasalubong from La Union. Since I was in La Union, pasalubong should be their native products. I didn’t know that their major products are basi, sukang iloko, honey and inabel not until I visited their website before we travel to La Union. Dried fish along the highway before Bauang, you could see stalls selling various kinds of dried fish.
Many years ago, we used to buy daing na espada (dried swordfish) in a specialty store in Baguio. I guess, this is also one of La Union’s products since I can’t see any store selling daing na espada in Baguio. I could say that its one of my favorites because of its crispiness and its not salty unlike any dried fish. However, I’m lucky to find a vendor selling the said dried fish on the overpass near Burnham Park and bought Php 100 worth of daing. I should have bought more…
Anyway, if you’re looking for authentic La Union products, you could visit La Union Trade Center beside San Fernando, La Union Municipal Hall. The products from image above, from top to bottom: Basi, a native wine from sugar cane juice and tastes like red wine… sukang iloko, native vinegar of Ilocos and honey.
Vacation To Bauang, La Union
Few pictures from my vacation to Bauang, La Union. There’s nothing much to see in Bauang except their beach. Surfers are frequently in San, La Union and we failed to go there because its not surfing season. We always spent few days vacation here yearly because my friend is a part owner of the beachfront compound. We didn’t spent much money except for transportation and food, we call this “budget vacation”. Beach sunset is always a theraphy on our stressful mind and body and we love going back here yearly, and avoided peak season especially during holy week ang summer vacation.
I took pictures of the cottage we stayed, the bamboo bridge so pass by the fishponds with lots of mangroves, the sunset, the fishermen… feel free to click the images for larger view. Since we are always here, my 5th time according to my friend, I was looking forward to explore more places near the area. I research for places in Bauang but their website is not yet accessible. I guess, exploring Bauang will be the next priority aside from visiting San Juan, La Union on our next trip here.
La Union's Dinakdakan
Dinakdakan is one of Ilocandia’s native dish as well as kilawen. Its a grilled pig ears/snout/face cut in small slices with spices and mayonnaise. It is a somewhat similar to kilawen (kilawin) that is actually serve as appetizer for those drinking for those who love drinking liquor but it is equally good for viand. In La Union, this is where I first tasted dinakdakan years ago and craving for this authentic dish for months. I’m sad that the eatery we used to eat when we are there had stop their business, we looked for nearby carinderia and we never had luck. Some of the nearby resorts are offering this dish around Php 180-200 per order.
The picture was taken in one of the establishment near Burnham Park in Baguio City. Its ok but not better than the one I tasted before. Price: Php 80.
I'm Back From La Union
I’m back! This was my fifth time in La Union and first time to explore other tourist destination in La Union. Itinerary was changed, I’m sad that San Juan, La Union was omitted because the wave wasn’t that good for surfing. People there told us that the best month of going to San Juan is November. So, we will try to go back in November.
Beach in Bauang, La Union is still relaxing, we enjoyed swimming from 7 – 10am and late in the afternoon. We explore some parts of San Fernando, La Union and Baguio when the sun is too hot. Students there were not having yet school vacation yet so beaches were not crowded. hmnn… better timing for a good sunbathing. I experienced Holy Week here (my first time), place is too busy and travel time from Manila is around 6-8 hours. Thats the reason why we never came back during Lenten season.
For the record, this is consider as a budget tour. We rode a Partas Bus to San Fernando, La Union from Pasay, Edsa is Php 371 per head, its 5 hours trip. Going to San Fernando is minimum fare of Php 7 on jeepney. Tricycles is everywhere if you want to go from one place to another especially in San Fernando, rates depends on your destination. The beach where we stayed is free because my friend is a co-owner, we stayed in a nipa hut fronting the beach. We bought food from carinderia (canteen for passers by) along the highway, supplies from San Fernando groceries. Other known beaches nearby were Bali Hai, Long Beach… its easier to walk along the seashore if you want to go beach hopping than coming from the highway entrance. Believe me, its a long walk if you come from the highway.
See the picture, almost like Bataan beaches, gray fine sand and almost warm water. The best place to stop over to take a rest or sleep before going to a long trip to Ilocos or Baguio. We usually spent the last day in Baguio City before going home, we took the bus from there.
Gone For La Union
I’m just waiting for my friends’ call so that we can start traveling from Manila to La Union. I planned our itinerary, our first stop will be Bauang, then San Fernando, then Baguio. I always dream of seeing San Juan, La Union. Surfing, snorkeling, waves and seeing surfers in action! I hope the new shift load of my friend will be effective next week so we can stay longer.
Its been two years since my last vacation in La Union and I’m really excited. My bags are packed and ready to go…
Pictures of my nature trip will be posted soon.
