SURFING FOR THE FIRST TIME: Surfing Weekend Budget (the basics)
So you finally got that free weekend, got some friends to tag along and decided to have a different beach experience this time. Then here’s your basic budget for a weekend surf trip to San Juan La Union.
FARE:
Php 470: Pasay (Partas bus) to San Juan La Union (tell the driver to stop at SEBAY)
Php 470: San Juan La Union to Pasay/ Ayala area:
= 945
Surf session:
200/hour for board rental
200/hour for instructor
= 400/hour
Accommodation:
Surfer’s Inn (fan room) Php300/day/pax (whole day) x 2 = 600/pax
San Juan Surf Resort:
1240 /night for 2pax (Fan room)
750/pax/night = 1500/2 nights/pax(roughly) (Air conditioned room)
945 + 400 + 600 = Php 1945 + FOOD
945 + 400 + 1240 = Php 2585 + FOOD
945 + 400 + 1500 = Php 2845 + FOOD
Food:
We can cook/bring food at Surfer’s Inn at the same time we can dine at San Juan Surf resort too (prices are reasonable) There are other places to try like Sebay, SeaNymph,Kahuna and Surfbreak (owned by one of our favorite instructors)
And after getting stoked, and you feel like buying your own board, there are a few shops selling pre-owned and brand new boards ranging from Php 15k-40k.
Suggested itinerary:
Day 1 (Saturday)
Leave Pasay at around 1 or 2am and you’ll get to San Juan at around 5 or 6am. You can settle down, have breakfast(or brunch), rest and enjoy the beach, arrange your surf session (if you’re staying at Surfer’s Inn, you can talk to the Kuya Anthony or Ate Lea to arrange it for you. I prefer surfing after lunch time/siesta) Normally for beginner waves they’ll take you to Bacnotan (10mins away from Urbiztondo) Jeep rental would be around Php 60 depending on how many people are sharing the ride going there.
Heading to Bacnotan
I wonder what was going on their heads this time
DON’T WORRY TOO MUCH IF YOU CAN’T SWIM WELL (OR CAN’T SWIM AT ALL) The water doesn’t get deep until late afternoon. One of the things I like about surfing in LU is that there are no corals(less injury) or seaweed (if you’re uncomfortable stepping on them) It’s not white sand but their shores are clean and friendly for all types of surfers. Your instructor will also teach you basic safety while you’re around other first time surfers and of course how to stand up, balance and eventually get to ride that wave.You might be surprised to find yourself dragging your board non stop back to point 1 to get another wave again. You’ll probably feel stuffed soon with all the water you’ll take in (yes from the sea) and (maybe) that’s when you’ll want to have a break. =)
How is it not tempting to just bum around the beach when you have a view like this?
Once you’re back to Urbiztondo, don’t forget to catch the sunset. ( Check the time as to when it’ll set before you leave home)
That's Kuya Mikki teaching my friends
And you might be able to make new friends!
After dinner, you can grab some drinks at San Juan Surf Resort (a place you can have your dinner too) or buy some local drinks from the sari-sari stores by the main road and take them home.
Have a drink after dinner
*I remember last time, it was VERY cold and windy (we never heard if there was a storm) that having remembered why Russians take Vodka, I badly wanted to have a shot not just for socializing but it was seriously freakin’ cold. The next morning, it was all sunny…?!*
DAY 2 (Sunday)
Since you’ll be tired from the previous day’s activity, you’re likely to wake up at a later time. Again, you can do the same for Day 2, have brunch, hang out by the beach and arrange your surf session for the afternoon. If you’re in a big group, you’ll likely have friends who’ll want to have another hour of surfing on your last day (and maybe you too) So for an extra Php 400, off you go -back to the waters.
So what are you waiting for?!
You can pack your bags at around 7 or 8pm after dinner. The buses would just pass along the same area by the main road.
If you’re looking to buy some pasalubong, you can take a jeep to San Fernando in the afternoon (or even just before you start your next surf session for Sunday) and explore their local market or church. We were even able to buy some fresh strawberries one time! (you’re only a few hours away from Baguio already, in case you forgot)
CONTACT DETAILS:
Surfer’s Inn:
Anthony: 09183400135
Mikki: 09273919797
San Juan Surf Resort:
Landline:
(072)720-0340 / (072)242-0389
Mobile:
+639178803040
eMail:
sanjuansurfresort@yahoo.com
If you’re looking for a tour group though, you can check our SURFISTA TRAVELS - package rate is at: Php4500
You can check them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SurfistaTravels
Philippine Surfing Academy also offers daytrip SURFARI at Php 1500
*Real, Quezon
You can check them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philippinesurfingacademy
Dream on.
Where do you want to be?
I’ve just attended a leadership forum today with Isko Moreno – the current Vice Mayor of Manila who had his share of the rags to riches story. He used to collect trash as a child to feed themselves (literally). What I thought was going to be a melodramatic start for a talk turned out to be a very enjoyable one, all throughout. He told us about how their life was, being impoverished 18 years ago. Where electricity and water was tapped, how public land was eventually owned and even how entertainment was for them back then. His talk was geared towards struggles of an individual and how to actually deal with them head on. He shared that his dream was to be a seaman and eventually be the Captain. Graduating from highschool was a huge achievement for his parents as they barely finished elementary level. But he was determined to follow his dream. He started his first semester as he could only afford to finance his education one semester each year through driving his pedicab after school.
He prayed and prayed.While on the verge to getting tired of being poor and asking how long this would go on,a blessing arrived. After a few days,while trying to feed themselves at a funeral of one of their wealthier neighbors, he was offered if he wanted to be an actor. He grabbed the chance to earn more than what he could ever imagine.He repeatedly gave credit to God for giving him that opportunity.
He shares that the only thing that matters was to have a dream, work on it and pray to God to be given the opportunity to do something great with it.
He admits that whatever advice he gave today was already something everyone knew. But he made sure we were reminded. That no one should stop you from doing what you think you should be.
I must say he damn has a very strong vision. Which I think is the common trait that my dad has too.
My dad, if I may share, had quite the similar case too when he was younger. Born from an impoverished family of 11. My dad worked almost the same odd jobs as a child – selling newspaper and cigarettes on the street this time, being really thankful when they have a banana after meals or tuyo (dried fish) as viand and using only the same pair of shoes during all 6 years of elementary level (yes they already had holes eventually but he continued to use them as he had no choice).
So how did they all get through college when their father’s only source of income was from driving his passenger jeepney? They took turns studying! When one of them was finished with college, they would then support their other sibling with financing their education. Of course, my dad couldn’t contain himself with waiting for financial support. He took vocational courses at night and worked as a janitor by day. He then finally finished his degree in Electrical Engineering at MLQU and even topped their licensure exam!
Anyone who knows Papa, would attest that he’s the kind of person who doesn’t get lazy at all (okay,maybe only during Manny Pacquiao fights?☺ ) Of course he does get tired but he’s also very disciplined and determined to get where he wants get to.
I try to remind myself of this story each time. When I get tired.When I feel lazy.When I feel hopeless.
Both of them are truly the living proof of what determination (and lot of prayers) can do to take you where you want to be.
I’m sure you have your own inspiration. Share if you please.
Tell me,too, where do you really want to be? 
Guimaras-Iloilo City-Cebu in 4 days (Part 2)
Day 3 Iloilo City Night life
We arrived at Ortiz Port at around 3:30pm. Since our friend had a relative who lived in Iloilo, we arranged to meet up with them at SM Iloilo. Took a cab from Ortiz to SM which cost us only Php100. We decided to have our late lunch and what we thought would be our dinner altogether. We travelled to Miag-ao, Iloilo for about 30-45mins (all of us were able to take a quick nap on the road) and arrived at the house where his Lola, along with Tito’s and Tita’s were waiting. After taking a quick shower, they took us to a local seafood restaurant. Again! Another session of exploring Iloilo’s food platter. We had Seafood mix, Chicken Inasal and some beef dish which I totally forgot to ask about since I was so busy eating. They then took us to the town proper of Miag-ao. Unfortunately, since it was already late, the church was already closed. We saw how huge the structure was from outside. I heard from a friend after the trip that this church was famous because it was one of the oldest churches and how it has retained its beauty despite numerous storms.
Miag-ao Church from http://philippineartsandculture.blogspot.com
We took a jeep to Iloilo City – Php 45 – and got off at Diversion. We walked past the bridge and found ourselves enjoying the view of a strip of bars by the river. There was a strip where anyone can rent bikes or simply hangout. We were amazed how Iloilo can be so developed as a city but can still afford activity areas such as this where it seems to be so safe. We walked further and passed by a branch of the famous Ted’s Lapaz Batchoy which didn’t look like anything from the ones we see in Manila. It was a complete restaurant structure with the ambience too. We even thought it was Max’s!
Ted's La Paz Batchoy
We finally reached Smallville – Iloilo’s famous strip for bars and restos. We looked around before deciding which bar to get our first drink for the night. The strip was amazing! Every inch of it screamed- Parteeey! We went inside Pirates bar, since we weren’t exactly dressed for super clubs at that time. They had a live band where some guests joined a few sets. My friends went crazy with Wifi. They almost stopped talking and forgetting that I wasn’t Wifi ready. Hahaha. And like everyone else’s advice, it’s about time I should change my 4 year old phone.
Smallville strip at Iloilo City
Smallville strip in Iloilo City
After having two rounds of Tanduay Ice, we looked for another bar. We stayed at Brewery this time since they wanted to have a better view of Smallville from the rooftop. Brewery’s more laid back and their DJ played 80s music that night. It somehow reminded me of the MacLaren’s (yes from How I Met your Mother) but with open air. I finally had my bottle of Heineken. There were other imported beers I haven’t heard of at the Brewery but was just too sleepy already to have another one.
My friends were hungry so we walked to the Mexican place they were eyeing earlier. I was literally sleeping at the bar while they were waiting for their order. When their food arrived, they forced me to have a bite. Yes. Forced. I’m glad I tried it though. It was good! I was already shut down for the night but I guess you can’t afford NOT to have space for food in Iloilo. It was easy to go around Iloilo because there are a lot of (honest) metered taxis.
We hired a taxi back to Miag-ao – Php700.
Day 4 Iloilo to Cebu City
We slept soundly and had a hearty breakfast from our warm hosts in Iloilo. I would’ve wanted to wake up earlier and visit the local market or attend mass like what I did in Dumaguete – but I was just really tired from last night. We were lucky because our hosts offered to give us a ride to the airport! Sweet!
The flight to Cebu from Iloilo wasn’t as short as we expected. When we arrived at Cebu, we took a cab to Crown Regency Hotel where our main stop for that day was. The taxi ride was something. There were 5 of us in the group and we all got in the taxi. The taxi driver motioned to the airport security guard that it would be overloading. They spoke in Cebuano, so I’m not quite sure what his response was to the driver. But the taxi left the airport anyway. When he was asking where we were headed he got mad because apparently, there were 3 Crown Regency Hotels in Cebu! We only knew that we wanted to go to the one with Skywalk. So here he was, ranting and speeding up the car like a mad driver. Since my friend couldn’t tolerate his behavior, ergo the line…
“Manong, kung galit kayo wag niyong daanin sa ganyan. Kung overloading pala, eh di sana hindi kayo umalis sa pila para nakalipat yung iba sa’min. Ngayon maggaganyan kayo.Hindi naman kami nagmamadali. Ganyan ba talaga gusto niyong ipakita sa mga turista dito? First time nga namin sa Cebu kaya nga wala kaming masyadong alam. Dapat kayo nga nakakaalam niyan kasi kayo driver. Ganyan ipapakita niyong ugali. So, ahh…ganyan pala mga taga-Cebu? Ha Manong?!”
And then there was silence. A slower paced car. And manong’s next line “Ma’m ayan po yung hotel na pupuntahan natin” while pointing at the tall structure from afar.
The taxi fare was only about Php150. We still gave him Php200 anyway.
The Skywalk was located at the Crown Regency Hotel in Fuente (gotta remember that) It seemed to be the only feasible activity for our 6-hour stay in the city. As we went up on the elevator, we had a view of the city looking smaller and smaller through the glass window. Then we realized.What were we going to do again?! Walk on the rim of the hotel from the 38th floor?!Yikes.
Skywalk at Crown Regency
We took the Php750 package –Skywalk and Edge Coaster ride plus a snack and a shirt.We decided to do the Skywalk first. We put on our “gear” and then after a few instructions from the guide, we walked slowly. At the first corner, they’d ask you to pose for the camera- with one foot on the edge and the other foot up on mid air. It was the most difficult smile I had to make. Whew! Skywalk was about 10 minutes or maybe even shorter coz it seemed too long for me (Hehe) Then we went up to Edge Coaster. Since each car can only accommodate two at a time, and there were only 5 of us, one of us had to go solo. My friend and I went first and we were told that it tilted up to 50 ̊ -which I didn’t bother trying or even imagining how it would be. The ride is only for 3 minutes. As another tourist put it, “isang kanta lang yun”. The first turn of the coaster would be tilted automatically. After that it’s all up to you to how far and how long you want to be tilted. As for us, call us scaredy cats, but we never tilted our seats after that first corner. Not even a bit. Hahaha.
Ain't easy as it looks
Edge Coaster
After eating our snacks (which we weren’t too happy about), we hired a taxi to take us to Mactan Shrine, Tabuan and back to the airport for Php600. It would’ve been cheaper if we just hopped on and off different cabs but since we had our huge bags with us, this was the better option. And this time, the driver did not complaint about overloading. We couldn’t leave the taxi all at one time though, as we feared he might runaway with our bags.
Magellan's Cross in Cebu City
Magellan's Cross at Cebu City
Basilica de Sto.Nino
We went to Mactan Shrine and I seemed to have expected something else. It’s a given that since there’s a church there’ll be a lot of people. But it seemed to me like I was back at the not-so-clean parts of Manila. Anyway, I said my prayer, lighted some candles and then went back to our cab. We went to Tabuan next to buy our pasalubong. This is where mounts of danggit made from different fish and seafood are bought from. A kilo would cost from Php400 up which of course you can buy in lower quantities. Dried mangoes would cost at 3 for Php100 for the regular sized ones. I didn’t know about Cebu’s longganisa until I got back to Manila and someone asked me if I’ve tasted it. Something to add on my list when I comeback I guess.
Mounts of Dried Seafood at Tabuan, Cebu
After a few minutes, we were back at the airport. It was night time already when we arrived in Manila. We all decided to have one last hurrah for our food trip before we went home to our respective homes.
We were still happy about how our adventure turned out to be. It was a complete mix of mishaps and funny moments. This was my first out-of-town trip with my Highschool friends. I’m glad it finally pushed through after much planning. This trip happened during Thanksgiving.And on that note, I want to say thank you to my amazing friends for this trip which couldn’t have been as interesting and crazy without them. This is my last trip for 2010 and it surely has been a memorable one. I look forward for my first 2011 trip with you guys again. Let’s say hello to those waves! Yeba!
my travel buddies during the trip
Guimaras – Iloilo City – Cebu City in 4 days (PART 1)
FARES AND FACTS
DAY 1 - MANILA TO GUIMARAS
Departure from Manila 08:30am
Arrival at Iloilo City 09:40am
Cebu Pacific Ticket: Php 3,086 MNL- ILO- via CEBU- MNL flight (booked about 4mos before the trip)
Iloilo Airport
Iloilo Airport to Ortiz Port (One of the ports going to Guimaras Island)
Option A: Hire a van – best if you’re in a big group with at least 5 to maximize the trip and cheaper fare – Php500
Option B: Take the public van – costs Php50 each. Downside is that you have to wait to fill the van with passengers
Ortiz Port to Jordan Wharf (Port located at Guimaras Island)
The trip only takes about 15mins.
Option A: Take the pumpboat (public)- Php13.00 adults, Php12.00 kids and senior citizens
Option B: Hire a pumpboat for Php450.00 – not really recommended -compared to the public boat which isn’t really crowded anyway,plus the travel time is just short too.
On the way to Jordan Wharf from Iloilo City
Jordan Wharf to Alubihod, Nueva Valencia (where one of the main beaches are located,good point for island hopping)
Travel Time: 45mins
Option A: Hire a multicab- Php350-400 – recommended if you’re in a large group
Option B: Hire a tricycle- Php250-300 – for solo trips or smaller groups
Riding the multi-cab from Jordan Wharf to Alubihod
*Not sure of other means of getting there but we saw a fare matrix which says the public fare to Alubihod, Nueva Valencia costs around Php 40? So I’m guessing there is a public jeep/multicab travelling to and fro.
The trail from Iloilo City to Alubihod, Nueva Valencia
[As for our first night, we stayed at Baras Beach resort to experience their Bali Inspired cottages on cliffs ]
From Jordan Wharf, we travelled to Puyo Wharf where our boat was waiting to take us to the resort.
(FYI: the boat ride ain’t complimentary from Baras- it’s a good Php300)
On the way to Baras Beach Resort from Puyo Wharf in Alubihod
Baras Beach Resort (Php1500/night - good for 6pax)
It has about 7-10 cottages all located on top of the cliffs where the terrace has an expansive view of the sea and a few islands. You may want to request for cottage no.1 as it’s one of those which has a better view. As some said, it’s like having your own villa on top of an island. Our cottage had a good view of the sunset too. It’s perfect for those wanting to have a quiet vacation. A great retreat from the bustling city life.
Although we found the food a bit pricey – Php400-450/kilo – choice of pork,chicken or prawns,which you can then just ask how you want your meal to be cooked.
The best Adobo and Sinigang!
We ordered half a kilo of pork and half a kilo of chicken – in Sinigang and Adobo respectively. Plus a huge bowl of rice for Php100.00. Despite being hesitant about the price of our meals at first, we found ourselves enjoying a delicious meal! It was our first meal in the island and it was just awesome! After thanking our cook, we eventually found out that he actually works as a seaman and is just on “vacation” – meaning working as a cook on the island.
This was then the start of the food trips we had in Iloilo.
Tip: Bring your own water. Buy some from the city and make sure it’s enough for your whole stay.Of course,if you wanna have a drink,bring your booze for the night too because they might come a bit expensive or you just may have very few choices.
Baras offers a few activities at the resort such as volleyball, billiards and some paddle boats.
Baras Beach Resort
Since it was a lazy afternoon, all six of us decided to try and cross the water going to the small island we saw from our cottage. It didn’t seem to be that far for a regular pump boat but using a paddle boat was quite a feat! Most especially when you have friends who are afraid of drowning despite having their life jackets on. You’ll be laughing through the course too if you’re not exactly knowledgeable of how to control the boat.Hihi… =)
Dreading for our boat to topple over
We managed to get to two islet stops. Only to be disappointed though because the corals were bleached which probably caused the sea floor to look a bit muddy. We decided to go back to our cottage after a while that we realized we won’t be able to swim in that area. We enjoyed a great view of the sunset from our cliff instead.
Baras cliff (just outside our cottage)
Tipid meal was our goal for dinner.Our friend was smart enough to bring canned sausages and cup noodles!Yey!
Our booze arrived later that night (they had to buy it from the main island in Alubihod) The drink only costs Php70 originally and it was Php150 from the resort.
A bit of a downside is that since Baras Beach is secluded, they only have electricity from 17:30 to 23:00 everyday through their generator. It’ll save you from having to attend to your phone all the time though.
Baras Beach Resort
Mosquito nets were setup on our beds because we had the door to the veranda wide open.I guess some of my friends had a hard time sleeping because they found it to be warm at some point(maybe because of the vodka?!). As for me though, I slept well.
DAY 2 - GUIMARAS
My favorite part of that stay was waking up in the morning and feeling the cool Christmas breeze run through my face, my first sight was the sea by the terrace and to top it up, a couple of my friends were already up and having a chat while playing a Christmas song on our ipod. I couldn’t help but smile.
Our terrace with an awesome view
We had our breakfast and decided to go island hopping so we could explore more of Guimaras.
Boat rental cost Php400 for the first hour and Php150 for every succeeding hour.
(1st stop for Island hopping) Inside Baras Cave
Our first stop was Baras Cave. It was a fairly small cave compared to those in Palawan but since it was getting hot that time,we all decided to take a dip at the cool water. Just watch out for the bats’ area though.Doesn’t exactly smell too nice,obviously.
outside Baras cave
Next up was Lawi Marine Turtle Rescue center where we got to see huuuugge pawikans. Paid an entrance fee of Php10.00 each plus donation.
One of the huge Pawikans from PawCaf
We then asked to stopover Alubihod Beach so we could drop by Raymen Beach resort and possibly transfer once we get back from island hopping. While walking around the resort, we had glimpses of heavenly food again and decided we’re definitely moving tonight! hahaha
Along Alubihod Beach
Seahorse at SEAFDEC
SEAFDEC was a very interesting place to visit. They had a number of fishes where they each studied and bred so that the fish population would increase again. We were greeted by humongous Lapu-lapu’s! Seriously HUGE.Big time. They were half my size and we were told that they grew as big as Volkswagen Beetles!
Giant Lapu-Lapu
Besides being able to hold a Seahorse and an Angel Fish, we bought a kilo of Pampano (fish) which we caught fresh from the pond for just Php160/kilo.
Since Guimaras Island is definitely bigger compared to Boracay, it really took some time before we reached each stop.After about 15-20mins,we went to our final stopover, Ave Maria islet. This was the only beach area at that time that we were really able to enjoy swimming at. There were a few corals and rocks but definitely tolerable compared to those at Baras. It was a short stretch of white beach and a vast area of shallow water to waddle in.
Ave Maria Islet, Guimaras
After eating our Pampano dishes,we finally packed and left Baras for Alubihod.
Our total bill for Baras was just Php800 each! (That’s an overnight stay, food and drinks we ordered and the boat rental during our island hopping )
Steamed. Inihaw. Sinigang.
DInner at Raymen Resort
The only mango we've tasted in Guimaras 
Dinner at Raymen Resort
We were all excited about being able to swim while watching the sunset and also knowing we’d have some great eats that evening. After finishing our very sumptuous dinner, we hung out by the beach with a few drinks at hand and great music. It was another cool evening which was cut short unfortunately because the tide was getting higher.
DAY 3 GUIMARAS TO ILOILO CITY
We rented a tricycle this time to take us around the island. For Php500 we visited Guisi Lighthouseand it’s beach and the Trappist Monastery. We were still supposed to visit Valle Verde Mountain resort but since we were a bit pressed for time, we cut our tour short. Lesson learned from this tricycle tour, don’t drop by Trappist unless you’re on your way back to Jordan.Simply because, it’s along the way! Another thing, if you’re in a big group, keep the contact no.of the multicab which took you from Jordan to Alubihod so you can ask him to pick you up when you’re to leave.Why? Because it’s quite rare to get an available multicab from Alubihod to Jordan.Most of them already have passengers scheduled for pick up.
Alubihod to Jordan (port going back to Iloilo City)
Option A: Solo? Take a tricycle going to Crossing - Php40.00 and then take the public jeep/multicab going back to Jordan. Tip: Allow at least 1.5-2hrs of travel because the jeep could take a while to fill up and leave.
Option B: In a group? Hire a multi cab/ contact the driver who took you to Alubihod. Alternatively, if you failed to get his number, you can wait for one who’ll be taking people to the resort for their first day. Costs about Php350-400.
Ruins at Guisi Lighthouse
Ruins at Guisi Lighthouse
The Guisi Point Lighthouse was built during the 18th century to guide passing ships cruising along the Guimaras Strait (info from www.byahilo.com) We took a few pictures around the ruins and had a short trek down to the beach. It was a bit muddy and we were quite hesitant to take the pathway that was shown to us because there was a flimsy looking bridge. Being the smaller one in the group and badly wanting to step on that beach, I crossed it first to test whether it could still hold all of 5 us.And it did!
Going down a beat up bamboo staircase
Guisi Beach
Guisi Beach
Jam at Trappist Monastery
Trappist Monastery - located at Brgy.San Miguel,Jordan and run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (info from www.exploreiloilo.com ) They sell a variety of mango goods from Otap, Piaya, jam,etc. It was the only area we bought our pasalubong from- and probably the closest we got to tasting sweet Guimaras mangoes since they were off season and were only sold at the east coast of Guimaras.
Last swim at Guimaras
Before checking out from Raymen resort, we had our final dip at Alubihod beach. The sun was up and the water was perfect for swimming. Our overnight stay at Raymen cost us around Php320 each(6 pax)
Guimaras sunset
We bid farewell to Guimaras after lunch and moved on to our next stop which was Iloilo City. We had our share of living the simple life – almost like our own Survivor series. Although we were just halfway through our 4-day adventure at this point, it already proved to be a memorable experience. After mosquito nets,paddle boats and expensive (cheap) drinks, we said hello to the night life of Iloilo City. (to be continued…)
Sunset in Urbiztondo
Sunset in Urbiztondo, La Union
We first met the waves in November of 2010. It was a pretty damn good feeling.
I guess that’s what they call Stoked.
Surf Weekend: How to get to San Juan, La Union
- Sunset at Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union
(Photo by RachelPeralta © Copyright .All Rights Reserved.)
FARES AND FACTS:
- Take a bus from Pasay,Manila. PARTAS has trips to Laoag where you can then get right off San Juan Surfing site ( Php 398)
PARTAS BUS COMPANY
Telephone Number: (02) 727-8278 (PARTAS8)
VICTORY LINER
Another option is to take the Baguio route from Victory Liner located at Pasay too. Deluxe trips would cost youPhp 700 though.(with the comfort of a spacious chair and free Wi-fi. Then get off Rosario, La Union then take another bus to Laoag - Php88.00
You can just check the schedules from PASAY TO BAGUIO CITY
http://www.victoryliner.com/schedules/
Again, you’ll just have to get off at Rosario, La Union.
P371.00 (one-way only)
The San Juan Surfing site is located just right off the main road. Any bus heading to Laoag will actually pass by this area. So even if you decide to take a stopover at Pampanga for example, simply hop on a bus bound for Laoag and you’re sure to get to San Juan,La Union soon.
Ask the bus driver/conductor to drop you off at SEBAY - this is at the left side of the road from Manila
Travel time from Manila to San Juan,La Union : 5-7 hours
(depending on stopovers and traffic)
As for returning to Manila, you can wait for a bus to pass by the same main road you got off. There are a number of buses that pass by. PARTAS bus line passes by between 7pm to 8pm – which takes you all the way to Pasay again. The good thing about it is that it passes by all through out EDSA -so it’s easier to get home too.
WHERE TO STAY:
Surfer’s Inn
Php300/head/day – Fan Room
Contact: Mikki @ 0927 391 9797 or George @ 0926 719 5369 (They’re surfing instructors too)
Surfer's Inn (Photo by RachelPeralta © Copyright .All Rights Reserved.)
Outside Surfer's Inn (Photo by RachelPeralta © Copyright .All Rights Reserved.)
San Juan Surf Resort
Fan Room and Air-conditioned rooms available
Rates start at Php 890 for fan rooms and Php 1500 for Air-conditioned rooms
Contact no.s: 09178803040 , (072) 720- 0340
Email: landrigan@sflu.com
Website: http://www.sanjuansurfresort.com.ph/home/
At Bacnotan - surfing where the "little waves" are =) (Photo by RachelPeralta © Copyright .All Rights Reserved.)
Kahuna Beach Resort
A high end resort in San Juan
Rates start at Php6000
Website: http://www.kahunaresort.com/
Surf Betty and New Surf Project (Photo by RachelPeralta © Copyright .All Rights Reserved.)
Next up…
La Union: Surfing Weekend Budget
Sunset in Pagbilao,Quezon
Our first shoot during our Chasing Light workshop.We almost thought it would rain or the clouds would cover up the sky. Luckily,that didn't happen.
What book/s to buy?
Finally!!! I now have my National Bookstore vouchers! After a number follow-ups with my card provider, I now have a new (very nice) problem : what book/s to buy? I honestly haven’t been able to read recently except for my travel and photography magazines.
I realized as well that I haven’t followed a blog which posts updates on good reads. So help me out guys!
The last book I've read
Chasing Light 17 Workshop (Step two: CHECK)
I’ve promised myself this month to have discipline with updating my blog on a regular basis. Obviously,this blog, my Step 1, is still a work in progress.
Hence this post.
It’s been a quick weekend road trip for me. I discovered that singing out loud “energizes” a person because I had no sleep and came off straight from a 14 hour shift that Saturday. It was inevitable as the radio signal drowned out, I was tired of my CD and my iPhone unfortunately, still hasn’t been synced yet since I upgraded to iOs 5. Call it, no choice.
As for my Step two, I have now learned how to create beautiful landscapes by trying to find my perfect scene and chase the light.
I don’t think anyone can imagine how excited (and anxious) I was for this workshop. Without a doubt, I was further inspired and actually “challenged” once again.
Chasing Light Photography Workshop has been memorable for me and very useful since the lessons were based on a LOT of experience by two of the Philippines’ great Landscape Photographers – Jay Jallorina and Edwin Martinez. We’re lucky enough as they’ve felt the desire to share what they know, giving individuals like me a chance to master and share this passion with them.
Our workshop consisted of several lectures and two outdoor shoots.The tandem of the two mentors were very much entertaining at the same time, you’d see how eager they were with sharing what they know and encouraging aspiring hobbyists to take this field as high form of Art.
I’m pretty sure, I would never have felt this stoked, in awe and excited if I attended other landscape workshops. (Honestly speaking, I really don’t know if there’s anything like this at all elsewhere)
Anyway, as part of Step 2, comes – practice. Of course.
Helloooo… photo safari!!!
To know the next Chasing Light Workshop schedule, please visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChasingLightWorkshop
or email: chasinglightworkshop@gmail.com
My output from the workshop. I wasn't able to do the "starburst" effect unfortunately but definitely looking forward to perfect a scene each time. Although it has been critiqued during the workshop, please feel free to comment or give feedback. Thanks.
Travel writing workshop
I’m looking forward to this! A little structure and a LOT of tips would really help
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