To Be 44: And to Return to La Union After Four Years

The last time I was in La Union was before the pandemic. Even though it had been a while since travel to La Union was opened and the commute was already possible, I couldn’t find the opportunity to visit until my 44th birthday. I decided to go on a Thursday, October 5, the day before my birthday. I really wanted to go there on a weekday when the beach would be less crowded.

I arrived early at Partas Pasay Station, and the bus left around 6 a.m. I ate breakfast first at Jollibee because I knew the trip would be long, even with a stopover at the Arnes Bus Stop when we arrived in Pangasinan. I got at my location after around six hours. I got off at San Juan Surf Resort, my go-to home away from home in La Union. I got one of their cheapest accommodations. It was my first time staying in that room at the resort, and it was okay, there was nothing really special with it. There was no view, but it was clean and decent. Unfortunately, the bathroom had a foul odor, and the water flowed intermittently while I was in the shower. The room was P3,580 per night, and I’m not sure if it was worth the money. I realized I’m ready to hunt for new lodging when I return to La Union.

I can’t deny that the backyard at San Juan Surf Resort is one of the best in the neighborhood. It was great to see it again, and the weather was perfect save for a few afternoon rains. I was able to receive my vitamin D every morning by sunbathing for a few hours. I couldn’t swim because the current was too strong. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do so the next time I return. It was also good to see some of San Juan Surf Resort’s surf teachers; familiar faces doing what they do best: instructing people how to surf. Even though a lot has changed in the area, I’m glad that they still ride the waves literally and figuratively speaking.

Port San Juan and Alpas La Union

I’ve been seeing and hearing a lot about two areas that have developed in the surftown that I really wanted to visit: Port San Juan and Alpas La Union. Port San Juan is co-owned by singer-songwriter Rico Blanco, while Alpas La Union is co-owned by Hale’s Champ Lui Pio. Port San Juan is this area where you can discover a variety of food sellers, essentially a nice food court that is walking distance from the beach. I didn’t dine there, but I did hang out there on the eve of my birthday while listening to their Thursday acoustic band. I even got free advance happy birthday beers from my manong Rico, who had his main person, Port San Juan manager Ryan, buy them for him to be given to me. There are still a few food spaces that need to be filled, so anyone interested in renting would be wise to do so because, according to Rico, Motel Mambo, which is currently being built on top of Port San Juan, will be completed by Q1 next year. Motel Mambo is going to be a mix of private rooms and dormitories, so YEY for more accommodations in San Juan. The Italian restaurant La Kantina, owned by Kermit Siargao’s Gianni Grifoni, is located just outside of Port San Juan. I had to taste their pasta because the restaurant at Kermit Siargao is one of my favorite Italian places I’ve ever visited and dined in. La Kantina isn’t like Kermit Siargao, where you can have your Italian meals while digging your toes into the sand, but their Pasta Pomodoro was delicious. It was a wonderful first dinner for that trip in La Union. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The following day, on my birthday, I had to be picked up by my friend Champ so we could travel to the resort that he co-owns; his refuge Alpas La Union. It was a few minutes’ drive from where I was staying because it was all the way in Bacnotan, another town in La Union. Champ had been telling me about Alpas since last year, and now that I had the opportunity to visit it, I was quite proud of him. The resort’s natural setting made for a serene environment, and guests could enjoy the area’s many amenities, including a full-service restaurant, tree decks, a band set-up, and ample seating and table arrangements. Several local musicians have already performed in Alpas namely Hale (of course), Urbandub, Parokya ni Edgar, Autotelic, Ebe Dancel (who’s also a part owner, I believe), Mayonnaise, and a lot more. They are already working on Alpas’ accommodations and according to Champ, by early next year it will surely be done. YEY again for more accommodations in San Juan.

A lot has changed in Surftown La Union; prices have risen (as they do everywhere in the Philippines), some businesses have closed, but there are more new ones, and there are more people, but it is still my happy place. It was a much-needed break before I returned to the “real” world. I’m excited to come back and see the development of the place yet again. Now in my 44th year on Earth, life has been challenging yet full of unexpected gifts, both good and bad. Appreciative of those who have stayed and those who have gone. I am eternally blessed to have God’s favor and to be the universe’s baby. Til’ my next visit, La Union.