A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
La Union, the surfing capital of the Northern Philippines, has always been a popular destination for those coming from the metro, especially during weekends and holidays. There’s something about the magical sunsets and laidback surf life that attracts families, couples, weekend warriors, backpackers, digital nomads, and solo travelers, and keeps them coming back.
Situated on the northeast tip of Luzon Island, the province of Cagayan is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs. Cagayan was originally one of the earliest provinces established in the Spanish colonial period covering the whole northeastern part of the island of Luzon, so you can expect it to be rich in both heritage and natural attractions.
“I wish I had a beach house,” I thought to myself as I lounged in the air-conditioned comfort of a private beachfront cabin in Calatagan, Batangas. Who wouldn’t want to watch the sunset every night and wake up to the view of the beach every morning. There’s a laid-back lifestyle that comes along with living at the beach even if you have to work remotely from there. There’s no rush to go anywhere. You can easily go for a swim in the morning or evening after work hours, and people seem more friendly without being burdened by the stress of traffic and city living.
Did you know that there are three Creative Cities in the Philippines officially designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)? In 2023, Iloilo was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Before that, Baguio was named a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017 while Cebu was given the title of Creative City of Design in 2019.
If you’re a frequent traveler in the market for a foldable smartphone that can be used for content creation or an all-around gadget for busy days on the road, the HONOR Magic V2 is a promising premium option. The Magic V2 is the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone, measuring just 9.9mm thick when folded, 4.7 mm when unfolded. Depending on the model, it weighs from 231 to 237 grams.
Looking for a new museum to visit for National Arts Month this February? Step back in time and explore the Manila Clock Tower Museum, housed in the city’s most iconic landmark—the Manila City Hall.
In case you didn’t know, the Philippines has its own Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Sightseeing tour bus in several hubs around Metro Manila. As of February 2024, three out of the six planned routes are currently operational in the areas of Manila, Makati, and Pasay. The three other hubs in the areas of Pasig/San Juan/Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Quezon City, are expected to be launched later this year.
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines has loads of beaches to choose from. While there are many popular beach destinations that you can travel to on quick weekend getaways, there are a few more remote and secluded spots worth seeking out. I’ve always preferred quiet beaches away from the crowds where you can enjoy a quality experience. If you’re a solo traveler or introvert who just wants to enjoy a peaceful beach and get quality alone time, you probably feel the same way too.
There’s something about the sunset in La Union. No matter how many times I’ve been here, walking barefoot on the sand, watching the fiery orange glow sink into the horizon, and listening to the sound of waves, it always feels like coming home after a long day.
I’ve watched the sunset on various visits to the surf town over the years, but it felt even more meaningful as I watched a clutch of baby sea turtles scurrying across the sand to the ocean for the first time.
La Union is famous for its surf scene, but foodies know that it’s also a great place to go on a food trip. You can find a variety of Filipino and international cuisine here catering to all kinds of travelers, from weekend warriors on a budget, barkadas in the mood to party, and families with the whole clan in tow.
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