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La Union is located at the northern part of Luzon. We travel by land (5 to 6 hours away from Manila). I have been to the province several times, surfing at all instances no matter how deadly the waves were (thankfully, I'm still alive).
I'm not much of a swimmer, so big (HUGE) waves intimidate me so much. I first went surfing back in summer of 2006 with my college friends. It was a first for all of us. It took me around 4 times to garner enough courage to even attempt to stand up. I remember Lemon (Philemon) being my instructor. He was awesome by the way, but I haven't seen him since. He was strict, he would always tell me how my board seemed to be flipping because I was way at the tail of the board or otherwise. The moment I was able to stand up, it was pure bliss. It's amazing how therapeutic a few seconds felt. It was such an adrenalin rush.
Three years fast forward and I finally went back to La Union. That was a bit traumatizing because the waves were really huge. Even the instructors told me that the waves were for advanced surfers. Great, just my luck, I thought. Despite that, we braved the waves and I managed to have a few but short rides. That was when I concluded that in order for a person to be a surfer, one must really be a great swimmer. We were lined up at the part of the sea where it was around 2 people deep, and I needed to get off the board at around 6 feet deep (without the waves breaking yet, mind you). Going back to the line up was such a chore, that experience really worked my body up. I gave up when my right foot was about to cramp.
Then just early this month, I came back again with a bunch of friends from office. I didn't know it would be possible because days before the trip, the forecast was saying the water is going to be... dare I say it? PLACID. We still pushed through with the trip and luckily, there were baby waves during Saturday afternoon and 4-5 feet waves the morning after. So, we enjoyed ourselves and did not fear that we might get ourselves killed (excuse the morbidness).
As usual, it is still the best feeling ever. Even with sore arms, bruised elbows and knees, I'm willing to go through that over and over again in exchange for such a heavenly feeling. Nothing like an experience which takes your mind off everything else (your work, your life, your future) and be one with the sea. Nothing like focusing on how you will revive your strength to go back to the line up in order to be able to ride another wave after a few seconds. Nothing like the adrenalin you get when you finally hear the waves rushing towards you. BLISS is an understatement.
In San Juan La Union, I have not experienced staying overnight anywhere but in San Juan Surf Resort (+63-72-7200340). It's a good enough place to sleep at after a day's work-out and beach bumming. Nothing fancy, just your basic, beds, small TV, and bathroom (w/o hot water, wah!). Though it's fine because the rates are so cheap (we got the room for 6 at around Php 2,300). The best thing about the resort though is that there's free wi-fi, so you can get an update on the city life.
Craving for some good food? While in San Juan, Midway Grill is your best bet. Coming from San Juan, head towards the direction going back to Manila and in around 7 minutes, you're there. It is located at Anez Building, San Fernando La Union, right before a Shell Gasoline Station. There are a lot of choices all in reasonable prices. The best thing to order? BABYBACK RIBS! At Php 199 only, this good-for-two dish (one, if you're a carnivore at heart) is oozing with soft meat and strong barbecue flavour. I don't get tired of this dish and I always ask for more barbecue sauce. Add in a bottomless lemonade (or iced tea for Php 35!) and you're good to go.
You want something else other than the ribs? There's also a lot of breakfast meals, chicken fingers, sinigang, pork binagoongan (which doesn't taste like it, but it is yummy anyway). The atmosphere is laid back, like a 50s diner. The waitresses are warm and they are quick in serving the food.
So as of the last trip I've had, here's a breakdown of the expenses for your reference, just bring Php 2,300 just to be on the safe side if you are travelling with a group:
Gas (Php 1,800/ 6 people) = 300
Toll (Php 486 / 6 people) = 81
Room (Php 2,290 / 6 people) = 382
Board and surfing instructor (Php 200/hr – board; P200/hr – instructor) = 800
Breakfast at McDo = 80
Lunch at Patubos (few steps away from Surf Camp) = 55
Dinner at Midway Grill (shared the ribs) = 180
Brunch at Patubos = 70
Water from 7-11 (for the entire trip) = 50
Total: 1997.68
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