I really hope that people would understand the titles that I choose for my trips, especially those for LU, it's so witty and I'm very proud of it hahaha
Anyway, this is my second time in La Union in two years. I also went with Kaye just like the last time, but now with her jowa and Jeff! It was another Triangle trip! We were planning to go for a long time already but we can't since no one will be left in the office. We mentioned this to Joni and then he asked us to go after a week or so. Another cool boss points! So of course we took the chance to unwind and have a really good time.
We reached San Fernando in a very unusual way. Instead of taking the bus, we took a random white van that was very sketchy. A lot of people were apparently going to LU that time since it was a long weekend so all the bus stations were full. We found the van near one terminal in Cubao. There were a lot of people in there, waiting for it to be full, too. After 4 hours or so, we got to San Fernando town proper, and had to take a jeep to get to Urbiztondo, where our booking is.
We placed our bookings only a few days before the weekend, so we only got a good enough place to stay for a night. We are planning to trek Tangadan Falls again this time with the other two first timers and try cliff jumping once again. When we get to our rooms, we immediately changed to our, this time, appropriate trekking clothes and took off.
Compared to last year's, they now offer motorcycle rides all the way to the falls' peak. It would cost us, I think P200 each, but since we actually prepped for the trek, all gear and outfit, we decided to take the long way. I personally also want to beat our trek record last time because we did pretty bad haha
On the way, we saw another tour guide rushing down to get help. Apparently, someone drowned. When we got to the cliff jumping area, midway to the falls itself, we saw a man being resuscitated. It pains me to see this because I know I could have done something had I known how to do basic life support. Although, I know I lack the knowledge and skills, I can see that the people who are trying to save the man were doing it all wrong... It's also frustrating to know that there were no trained life guards or paramedics on standby in a place that is always filled with tourists. We saw the man being carried out by the stretcher, around 20 minutes after we got there but we do not know anymore if he made it. We were all hoping he did.
Because of the accident, they no longer allowed people to swim on that part of the falls. As much as we want to make Jeff and Karl John try the cliff jumping, we don't really want to risk anyone's life, so we moved on with the trek.
We reached Tangadan Falls itself, this time in a much shorter time compared from the last and instead of going to the main catch basin (?), we went to the top of the falls. It was 45 ft up, and KJ wants to try and jump. But of course, we didn't want him to, so we only did the 10 ft jump on the other side of falls haha the one at the back. There were fewer people there but the water is still so nice and cold. After relaxing, we went down and back to our place again to change and get some rest.
Annoying mag-jowa moments hahahaha
Look at me, Storm-ing hahaha
We were ready to have dinner when we got out later that afternoon. None of us were in our swimsuits so we can't swim even if the water was calling us to take a dip. For this trip, we made sure to experience the locals' food and the beach life. So we ate with all our hearts and partied till we can't that night hahaha we were so lucky to spot an event serving cheap drinks with solid DJs! The youth in me has never been so alive in a long time. We danced and freaking got drunk yeaaaaah
I remember getting hit by a flag pole when I got up on stage that night. I think I also called out a couple of guys for hogging a tricycle...hmmmmm
The next day was terrible though, with the heat and hangover and all hahaha I woke up early, just like I always do after a night of drinking and was craving for breakfast already. After an hour or so, they finally woke up and then we headed out to Tagpuan. Their servings were small so we opted for the one in front of them instead where we planned to look for another place that offers air conditioning. The owner of the place heard us and offered us her friend's place. It was also nice that she noticed Karl John is Ilonggo so we really got along. After checking out, and settling to our new place, we rested for a bit. It was too hot to go outside so we waited for the sun to calm down.
Around 4pm, we all went out to finally visit El Union, Surftown's well known little coffee shop. I have been wanting to try their coffee since I've heard a lot of reviews saying that it is really good. And it was, oh my god. Upon entering and smelling the coffee, I was reminded why I fell in love with it. The food were also very goooood ahhhhhhhhh i think it was my favorite part of the trip. We also did surfing but we didn't get any surfing coach and tried to do things on our own. It did not go well compared to my first experience but all in all it was good day. Until I got stung by a jellyfish.
YUH. I was already walking up the shore with my board when I felt something painful on my knee, and then another one at the back of it. It stinggggggggs so bad. And I'm almost crying and was really struggling when Jeff dismissed me and said that I'm just being OA :( When I got out of the water, I saw that I have elongated red marks on my knee and when I asked the Kuya who rents the surfboards, he said that it was indeed a jellyfish sting. Tangina. I don't have a Chandler Bing around.
We got back to our place, and asked the landlord for some vinegar to treat my knees. I have low pain tolerance so it really stings for me while the rest of the crew were just laughing at me for my sheer bad luck. After changing, we went out for some dinner and spotted a nearby unli sefood grill place. It was all nice until Kaye complains of not being able to breathe properly. She's allergic to seafood, yet still insisted to eat there. In that moment we realized, we might not make it out alive in this trip hahaha
It was unusually quiet, only to realize that last night was the last night to have drinks because there's a liquor ban due to the upcoming elections. We all went home sad because we wanted to drink so bad, but then again that's why we have this long weekend pala because it's the elections on Monday. We headed home instead and watched The Belko Experiment that was playing on cable.
The next day, Jeff and I got up earlier than the two so we headed out to El Union once again before we leave for Manila. Kaye and KJ followed soon after and took some pics for the gram on our way back. We left for the bus terminal around noon but the terminal was already full and there's a long line of queue. We bought our tickets and went out for lunch at this well known halo-halo place, Halo-Halo de Iloko. I wasn't a fan of the Ilocano's dishes, mainly because everything is sweet, even their supposedly spicy food, and I'm more of a salty person. Our dining experience was okay, although we did not get to try their special halo-halo because it was out of stock.
We got back to the terminal after 2 hours, and luckily, we were just right on time. Our number was being called and our bus was already boarding passengers. It was a long ride back home but it definitely did not take us 10 hours just like before.
So far, this is my favorite trip with my friends. It was very chill and there were no pressure with regards to time or in budget, because I know I deserve this break. I also got to do all of the things I want to try in La Union and actually have some time to take my mind off some stuff.
Oh by the way, I'm hella blonde during this trip :P
You see right thru me but I can't get past your eyes I'm right where I wanna be With you here in front of me You'll never know how much I love to love you No matter how hard it gets, at the end of the day, I wanna come home to you. I'll always come home to you. #IL2LU #Always #ThoseEyesTho
