La Union

In La Union province, you will find the town of San Juan, which is known as the Surfing Capital of the North.

The waves are known to fall under consistent intermediate quality for surfing. There are two surfing seasons in La Union, one is from July to October and the other one is from November to March. If you are a surfing enthusiast, this will be the best time to visit La Union.

The province is located 273 km. north of Metro Manila. You can reach the place by taking a plane or you can also enjoy a good bus ride or a road trip going here. If you opt to take the road, it will only take you four and a half hours to reach your destination coming from Manila.

The beach in La Union is not only built for surfing. You can also do a little snorkeling and wading by the seaside since not all beaches in the area has high waves. In fact, some beaches have calm and crystal clear water best for swimming, scuba diving, boating and even wind surfing. Other natural wonders of La Union include the Centennial Tree, La Union Botanical Garden, Balikewkew Rice Terraces, Amburayan River, Bambana Natural Cove Formation and the Arosip Ecotrial.

La Union is also rich in historical and cultural sites. There is the Baluarte Watch Tower in the town of Luna and the Pindangan Ruins situated in San Fernando City. Both were built during the Spanish regime. Go to Aringay town and you can see the Centennial Tunnel. It was originally built by the Spaniard but it was the Americans who fortified intending it for trains to pass through going to Baguio. However, the plan was abandoned due to the occurrence of World War II. For a little bit of cultural enlightenment, you can head to Museo de Iloko and Museo de San Juan in order to learn more about the province of La Union and its people. 

History

La Union was formed in 1850 under the rule of then Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco. He merged 9 towns of Pangasinan, 3 towns of Ilocos Sur and several more towns of Benguet to form what is now known as La Union province. The term La Union literally translates to “the union”. In 1896, the Americans collaborated with the Filipinos in order to free La Union from the Spanish rule. In 1945, through the battle of San Fernando, La Union was liberated from American rule.

Festivals

SAN FERNANDO

City Fiesta January 28 to February 15

Patronal Fiesta February 10 (St. William the Hermit)

AGOO

Town Fiesta May 6
Patronal Fiesta May 4 (Our Lady of Charity)

ARINGAY

Town Fiesta December 4-13

Patronal Fiesta May 4 (St. Lucy)

BACNOTAN

Town Fiesta December 27-30

Patronal Fiesta September 29 (St. Michael the Archangel)

BAGULIN

Town Fiesta March 18-19

Patronal Fiesta March 18 (St. Joseph)

BALAOAN

Town Fiesta December 16-23

Patronal Fiesta May 9 (St. Nicholas)

BANGAR

Town Fiesta December 26-28

Patronal Fiesta July 25 (St. Christopher)

BAUANG

Town Fiesta April 21-28

Patronal Fiesta April 26 (Sts. Peter & Paul)

BURGOS

Town Fiesta February 21-23

Patronal Fiesta Easter Sunday (Our Lady of Fatima)

CABA

Town Fiesta April 15-18

Patronal Fiesta June 24 (St. John the Baptist)

LUNA

Town Fiesta November 22-25

Patronal Fiesta November 25 (St.Catherine of Alexandria)

NAGUILIAN

Town Fiesta May 1-8

Patronal Fiesta May 5, (St.Agustine)

PUGO

Town Fiesta January 21-23

Patronal Fiesta Sunday after Christmas (Holy Family)

ROSARIO

Town Fiesta April 17-19

Patronal Fiesta December 8 (Immaculate Conception)

SAN GABRIEL

Town Fiesta April 19-21

Patronal Fiesta March 25 (St. Gabriel the Archangel)

SAN JUAN

Town Fiesta December 27-30

Patronal Fiesta June 24 (St. John the Baptist)

SANTO TOMAS

Town Fiesta April 24-27

Patronal Fiesta October 2 (St. Mary of the Sea)

SANTOL

Town Fiesta March 23-25

Patronal Fiesta December 19 (Our Lady of Victories)

SUDIPEN

Town Fiesta April 28-30

Patronal Fiesta December 30 (Holy Family)

TUBAO

Town Fiesta May 11-15

Patronal Fiesta May 14 (St. Isidore)

Tips

Waves from October to March is called the North Swell, this time is also the jellyfish season so better look out for some jellyfishes when surfing. The highest waves come when there is a typhoon so check the Philippine weather forecast for that one. Other sites in La Union, though, are best enjoyed during the dry months of March to June.