It’s been almost a decade since we set foot on a rejuvenating journey to La Union, Ilocos Norte, and Baguio, but the 10-kilometer stretch of Bauang’s sands and Pagudpud’s soothing ambiance are still fresh in memory.
Sunset at La Union
Bauang, La Union
Back then, Bauang is one of the North’s many go-to places during summer vacations. The shore, no matter how ordinarily brown, was a pleasure to tread on. Bauang’s calm waters, low cost accommodations, awesome sunsets, and proximity to San Fernando and surf haven San Juan, were among its many promising qualities.
Oh happy day. Pagudpud near dusk.
After a taxing 6-hour journey from Manila, we arrived at the sassy Long Beach Resort Hotel, where we stayed in two adjacent family rooms (P2,500/night for 2 rooms). Each were spacious enough to comfortably accommodate a family of four, and had complete amenities, including cable TV, a fridge, hot and cold shower and a veranda that opens to a lovely view of the sea. My mother particularly fancied the hotel’s seaside resto-bar, where one can savor the hotel’s delicious Spanish omelette or listen to live nightly performances while enjoying magnificent ocean and sunset sceneries.
Saud, Pagudpud
Braced for a frenzy to explore the farther beaches up north, we made a 4-hour run to Pagudpud the following day. It was a scenic drive along coastal roads as we headed for Saud Beach Resort and Hotel, which is nestled in the quiet town of Saud – a stone’s throw from the famous Maira-Ira beach.
Magnificent sunset at Pagudpud
While the hotel was on the upscale side, the ‘rents weren’t too happy with the quality of the overpriced food and accommodations. The P4,000 daily rate (and that was in 2003) was a bit too much for a family room that didn’t have TV and cellphone signal.
Pagudpud: Grainy cream sands
Disappointed, the ‘rents simply decided that we spend the night at the hotel and head back to Bauang the next day. For me, though, the best thing about Pagudpud is its refreshingly serene surroundings that everyone in Manila seems to be evading – not to mention, too, the beautiful view of the sun setting on Pagudpud’s expansive shores We spent the rest of the afternoon frollicking on the beach and sunset-watching.
Visitors with tots may want to keep them near the shores though, as the waves are much too strong (which on the other hand, is perfect for surfing), which is said to have caused the sands to slope very steeply from the shore (you’d be surprised how deep that next step could be after knee-high part).
A short stop at Baguio and back to La Union
We drove to Baguio by morning to buy some delicacies from the famous Good Shepherd convent in Mines View. Now I don’t and haven’t fancied ube at any point in my life, but Good Shepherd’s extra smooth, creamy and subtly sweet ube jam is just heaven. Other must-tries include the strawberry preserve, peanut brittle, coco jam, and lengua. Sooo goood! Such comfort food for the soul.
We were lucky to have the same duplex rooms still available to us when we went back to Long Beach Resort.
Nowadays, Bauang is a dying tourism destination, with many new resorts in the outskirts outplaying the town’s then-glitzy state. Still, Pagudpud and Bauang has etched an indelible mark in my soul during that trip, where I snagged McArthur’s line and said, “Someday I shall return.”
