It was quite disappointing that I wasn't able to go home to Palawan for the Semester's Break. I was supposed to go home and go back packing to Nagtabon, San Vincente, El Nido and then back to Puerto Pincesa City, Palawan. I guess due to time constraints and prior trips. And on top of that, I needed to save for things I'll need for my second major climb this year, Mt. Pulag. None the less, no one could stop me to travel and just have a blast. So I decided to go surfing.
I've always wanted to go surfing. It seems its an innate talent of mine. I guess... Since my family, my mother's side, is from La Union. I'm not sure if my ancestors did some surfing during their era. But you'll never know... My feet and my body was looking for a different kind of adventure; an extreme challenge. So the search began. I saw this very interesting site who offers different group tours in a very creative and exciting way, the TRAVEL FACTOR.
It was my first time to join a group tour, though I do join group hike and climbs. I'm a solo backpacker or a traveler. Traveling alone was something I'm used to. Gone to different road less places, seen scenic places, etc. Anyway, I booked myself a slot to their SURFVIVOR, La Union for October 30 and 31. I was ecstatic to surf and especially I was going to meet new peeps from different walks of life. But as you know, I would either extend my trip or go ahead of the pack. Took note that I might get stranded in La Union on All Souls Day; I decided to go La Union a day ahead. Luckily, I was able to booked a room in MONALIZA SURF RESORT. All of the resorts were fully booked due to the SURF BREAK 5 which was held every year like a festival.
October 29, I left quarter to two in the morning. I was waiting for the bus (Genesis Bus Line) going to San Fernando, La Union. The bus had three stops in different provinces which I can't remember. I just woke up to stretch my legs and for wee-wee breaks. I was able to take naps in between while holding my pack. I remember I was awake and peeped outside my window to catch a glimpse of the signs so I would know where I was. I think I was already in Agoo, La Union. I saw women sweeping outside their houses early in the morning and there were small smoke or should I call it a " morning bonfire". In Tagalog "nag-sisiga". It was a very familiar scene because my Lola Bening used to do that. I said to myself, it was indeed an Ilocano trait. Ilocano women make sure that their surroundings especially the front yard are clean and presentable.
I finally reached San Fernando, La Union around 8:45 am. I went off the Plaza, the town proper and asked around for the jeepney going to San Juan. I wasn't able to take photos of the town but I noticed that it was so clean and street cleaners were making sure the city streets were clean and indeed it was clean. Honestly, the place felt quite home. I guess it was because I was raised and educated by Ilocano women. Familiar Ilocano words and phrases as I listen and talked to the town folks. Not only that, the physical features of the people were very similar to my family members: petite, dark skin, curly or wavy hair, etc. Then, as I walked the streets and passed by the market to looked for the jeepney, I noticed something again. The market was so organized and clean. Not only that some of the stores were I think on sale or have these promos for almost on everything. Indeed, Ilocanos are thrifty; making sure that they get the value out of their money. Finally, I saw the jeepney terminal. For travelers, just look for the jeepneys that have signs of San Juan and ask the driver to drop you off to your resort, and you're there.
Here are the directions for the jeepney station going to San Juan from San Fernando: Get off to the Town Plaza of San Fernando and walk going to the intersection. Cross the street going to your left then walk straight until you see 7/11. Again cross the intersection and walk straight. You'll be in the public market, just walk ahead and you'll see jeepneys with the signs on the side of the jeepneys going to San Juan. Just in case you feel you can't find the jeepneys, ask the traffic enforcers; there are plenty in the area. Make sure to ask the driver if they'll pass by San Juan. Don't forget to tell the driver to drop you off to your resort and just cross the street.
I've always wanted to go surfing. It seems its an innate talent of mine. I guess... Since my family, my mother's side, is from La Union. I'm not sure if my ancestors did some surfing during their era. But you'll never know... My feet and my body was looking for a different kind of adventure; an extreme challenge. So the search began. I saw this very interesting site who offers different group tours in a very creative and exciting way, the TRAVEL FACTOR.
It was my first time to join a group tour, though I do join group hike and climbs. I'm a solo backpacker or a traveler. Traveling alone was something I'm used to. Gone to different road less places, seen scenic places, etc. Anyway, I booked myself a slot to their SURFVIVOR, La Union for October 30 and 31. I was ecstatic to surf and especially I was going to meet new peeps from different walks of life. But as you know, I would either extend my trip or go ahead of the pack. Took note that I might get stranded in La Union on All Souls Day; I decided to go La Union a day ahead. Luckily, I was able to booked a room in MONALIZA SURF RESORT. All of the resorts were fully booked due to the SURF BREAK 5 which was held every year like a festival.
October 29, I left quarter to two in the morning. I was waiting for the bus (Genesis Bus Line) going to San Fernando, La Union. The bus had three stops in different provinces which I can't remember. I just woke up to stretch my legs and for wee-wee breaks. I was able to take naps in between while holding my pack. I remember I was awake and peeped outside my window to catch a glimpse of the signs so I would know where I was. I think I was already in Agoo, La Union. I saw women sweeping outside their houses early in the morning and there were small smoke or should I call it a " morning bonfire". In Tagalog "nag-sisiga". It was a very familiar scene because my Lola Bening used to do that. I said to myself, it was indeed an Ilocano trait. Ilocano women make sure that their surroundings especially the front yard are clean and presentable.
I finally reached San Fernando, La Union around 8:45 am. I went off the Plaza, the town proper and asked around for the jeepney going to San Juan. I wasn't able to take photos of the town but I noticed that it was so clean and street cleaners were making sure the city streets were clean and indeed it was clean. Honestly, the place felt quite home. I guess it was because I was raised and educated by Ilocano women. Familiar Ilocano words and phrases as I listen and talked to the town folks. Not only that, the physical features of the people were very similar to my family members: petite, dark skin, curly or wavy hair, etc. Then, as I walked the streets and passed by the market to looked for the jeepney, I noticed something again. The market was so organized and clean. Not only that some of the stores were I think on sale or have these promos for almost on everything. Indeed, Ilocanos are thrifty; making sure that they get the value out of their money. Finally, I saw the jeepney terminal. For travelers, just look for the jeepneys that have signs of San Juan and ask the driver to drop you off to your resort, and you're there.
Here are the directions for the jeepney station going to San Juan from San Fernando: Get off to the Town Plaza of San Fernando and walk going to the intersection. Cross the street going to your left then walk straight until you see 7/11. Again cross the intersection and walk straight. You'll be in the public market, just walk ahead and you'll see jeepneys with the signs on the side of the jeepneys going to San Juan. Just in case you feel you can't find the jeepneys, ask the traffic enforcers; there are plenty in the area. Make sure to ask the driver if they'll pass by San Juan. Don't forget to tell the driver to drop you off to your resort and just cross the street.
