Discovering the Treasures of Luna ~ LA UNION

Dubbed as the "Pebble Town of the Province of La Union", Luna is now an emerging tourist destination in region I highlighting its natural wonders and rich culture and heritage. 

Luna is located at the Northwestern tip of La Union facing the South China Sea. It is bordered by municipalities of Bangar on the northeast and Balaoan on the east and southeast. 

Luna was once known as Namacpacan, which is an Ilokano word meaning "the one who feeds". It was on 18 October 1906, during the terms of Governor Joaquin Luna and Mayor Primitivo Resurrección Novicio, when the town was renamed Luna by virtue of Philippine Commission Act No. 1543. It was the first town that altered its name since the creation of the province in 1850. The change was to honour the famous Luna brothers: Revolutionary General Antonio and Spoliarium painterJuan; their mother, Doña Laureana Novicio Luna, was a native of Namacpacan. (Source: WIKIPEDIA)

Statue of General Antonio Luna at the town's central district.

The Gift from Apo Baket

Luna is famous for its colorful and fine pebble stones of various shapes and sizes. These bountiful treasures seem to have unending manufacture along the coastal barangays despite generations of stone pickers constantly harvesting on this wonderful gift from the town's patron, Our Lady of Namacpacan. 

Through the years, pebble stones that have been flourishing the shore of Luna were used for building homes, roads and bridges and even used for landscaping and home decorations. Tourist can freely pick stones for souvenir. 

Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan

and St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish

Also known as Namacpacan Church, this century-old church of St. Catherine of Alexandria or Santa Catalina de Alejandria houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Namacpacan. Legend has is that a strong storm forced a ship carrying the wooden image of the Blessed Virgin Mary to find shelter at Darigayos Cove. The said image was ordered from Spain by an Augustinian priest for Immaculate Conception Seminary in Vigan in 1871. When the sea was calm, the ship resumed its journey but strong winds forced them to return to the port of Darigayos. The captain of the ship decided to send the image by land and it was temporarily placed in the church's convent. The next morning when the trip was about to commence, men could not lift the image from the place where it stood. Father Camilo Naves, an Augustinian priest, interpreted the incident that the image of the Virgin Mary wished to be enshrined in the town of Namacpacan so they requested to the Augustinian priest who ordered it from Spain to give the image to the town. Upon agreement of reimbursing the expenses incurred during the journey, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was given to the town of Namacpacan and was venerated as the Our Lady of Namacpacan.

The image was canonically crowned on November 24, 1959 through a special decree issued by Pope John XXIII through Apostollic Nuncio to the Philippines Salvatore Siino.

The image of the Our Lady of Namacpacan, standing 6 feet 4 inches (1.92 m) tall, is the tallest-known Marian image in the Philippines and is known as the patroness of Ilocano travelers. (Source: WIKIPEDIA)

The people of Luna call her "Apo Baket" because she appeared as an old woman and offered them food and invited them to be baptized. "Apo Baket" is how the people call the elderly woman as a sign of respect. The image got the name, Our Lady of Namacpacan from the town's old name and retained it even when the town's name was changed to Luna. 

The church's interior

Namacpacan Church was also declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001. (Source: WIKIPEDIA)

Learn more of this, click here: OUR LADY OF NAMACPACAN: THE QUEEN FOUND HER HOME

Museo de Namacpacan

credits: commons.wikimedia,org

Located beside the church is the Museo de Nuestra Senora de Namacpacan that houses the different capes and attires worn by Apo Baket since its arrival in 1871. Other artifacts and religious relics and articles are also exhibited in the museum. There is also a religious store infront of the museum were devotees and tourist can shop for religious articles and souvenirs. 

Baluarte ti Luna

Built by the Spaniards in 17th century, this monumental structure served as an observation post against impending danger from the South China Sea.

Originally, Baluarte is towering at 6 meters in the coastal barangay of Victoria, with an external diameter of 11 meters. Today, the structure stands like a leaning tower, divided in two because of eroded  and weaken foundation.  

Credits to the owner, ABEL BALDEMOR, downloaded from flickr.com

Bahay na Bato

This newly-opened attraction along the coastal area of Barangay Nalvo Norte is earning positive reviews from tourists. It is owned by the Noble Family and was opened to public last June, 2014. It is a two-storey structure made of cobble stones and pebbles of various sizes and shapes and decorated with antique woods and furniture. There are also stone carvings displayed inside and outside the house.

There is an entrance fee of P20/head for adults while children below 4 years old can enter the site for free. The site accepts guests from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, daily. 

There is also a canteen inside the house that serves easy to eat snacks like cup noodles, chips and drinks. No Rice. Bringing of food inside is not allowed. 

Camp Spencer USAFIP, NL -Military Shrine and Park






Named in honor of Private Grafton Spencer who was killed in action early 1943. This camp located in Darigayos was center and base of operations of the USAFIP NL during their liberation campaign of Luzon from January to September, 1945. The camp was deactivated on the orders of the Philippine Army on December 1946.

Camp Spencer, the general headquarters of the USAFIP NL was also the site where General Yamashita was held prisoner before he was executed at the Los Banos "Prisoner of War" camp.

How to Get There

Luna is approximately 297 kms away from Manila and about 6 and a half hour driving (own vehicle) via the Bacnotan-Luna-Balaoan Provincial Road. 

For commuters coming from Manila, drop off point will be at Balaoan town crossing and make an arranged trip with tricycles that ply anytime of the day. Jeepneys located near the San Fernando City Public Market serve commuters as early as 6 am until 7 in the evening.

Products:

1. Pebble Stones
2. Pottery - Barangay Barrientos
3. Sukang Iloko - Barangay Sto. Domingo Sur
4. Special Bibingka - Barangay Sto. Domingo Sur
5. Suman
6. Tupig
7. Patupat

Where to Stay

1. Pilgrims House: (072) 607-0773

2. Morning Seven Resort Hotel: (072) 806-4563 / 0999-8792616/0917-8166251

3. Pebble Beach Resort: 0919-2827646/0920-9690626

4. Harbor Point Resort : 0908-5901568

5. Noble's Tower Resort: 0949-9030026

6. Coral Beach Resort : 0917-9239664

     

Luna Municipal Tourism Office: (072) 607-0099

Luna PNP Hotline: (072) 603-0541

Credits: Luna Municipal Tourism Brochure, Wikipedia, Wikipilipinas

Date of Experience: March 11, 2015

Captivating Dasol ~ PANGASINAN

Some of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines are also among the least popular and least accessible. While it is true that Pangasinan is a favorite weekend destination because of the famed Hundred Islands in Alaminos, and the overrated Patar Beach, Bolinao Falls and The Lighthouse of Bolinao, another gem is just waiting for you to discover – The Tambobong White Sand Beach and Culebra Island in Dasol.

It was in 2010 when I first learned of Tambobong from a fellow blogger, Adventurous Feet. (CLICK HERE to read the article). He did a very good presentation of the place that got me interested. I then told my friends from Addessa (where I used to work) about it. We actually planned several trips but none of the plans pushed through.

It was only on May 1, 2014 when finally, I set foot on the white sands of Tambobong together with my friends from CB Mall to celebrate the birthday of Kysser. 

Reaching Tambobong is no easy [as of this writing] where one must traverse the rugged, bumpy and dusty trail so it is recommended to use a high-wheeled vehicle. From Burgos Town Proper, it can be reached in 1 and a half hours. We rented a 20-passenger seating capacity jitney although we were only 5.. Sad, some of our friends did not make it, but we pushed through with the plan.. 

Set foot, FINALLY!

Very little is known about Tambobong, this secluded barrio in the westernmost part of Dasol, Pangasinan is home to one of the country's best kept treasures. It is a small fishing village with fine, white-cream-powdery sand and crystal clear waters that you can see small fishes or even a school of fish when you take a dip. The water is very calm in the morning and a little wavy in the afternoon. "Papag" or bamboo couch are readily available for rent at the beachfront ranging from P350 to P500 depending on the season. You can reserve or get a "papag" from the resort owned by Nanay Benilda located in front of the beach. 

"The Soul" of Dasol

A trip to Tambobong will not be complete without setting foot on the majestic Culebra Island. So after feasting on the foods we brought, we rested for a few minutes and asked the staff of the resort if there is an available boat that will bring us to Culebra. To our dismay, the staff told us that they can't allow their boatmen take visitors to the island due to rough waves.  Tambobong is situated on the westernmost part of Pangasinan and is also facing the South China Sea so expect bigger waves in the afternoon. It was already past 3pm. Silence and sadness filled our faces. We sat down on the "papag" and just stared at the Culebra Island. Yes, Culebra can be seen from the shoreline of Tambobong and appears like a sand bar stacked in the middle of the sea with three coconut tree. 

That time, we were so helpless. We thought of the long and winding road we passed on just to get there.. and the possibility that we may not be able to get there, again.. We felt that we can't let that day pass without stepping on the island. So we looked for a "bangkero" (boatmen) around and negotiated for a short trip to Culebra. The bangkero said the waves are big and rough already. But we insisted and asked for a possible way we can get to the island. Good thing the bangkero we negotiated with is very accommodating and grasped our eagerness and frustration to get to Culebra. The next words he uttered are music to our ears. Culebra here we come! 

Culebra (or Collibra or Snake or Camaso) Island is a small island that can be reached by an outrigger/fishing boat, 20 to 25 minutes from the shoreline of Tambobong. It is said that the island got its name from a sea snake "Culebra" or "Collibra" that according to old folks and locals inhabited the place long time ago. It has fine, white-cream sand. It is best to visit the island in the morning as the waves are not that rough and the sun is not too harsh because the island has few trees to give visitors a shed.

There were 4 coconut trees on the island but the other is is already dying. Camping is allowed and as of the moment, there were no camping fees or entrance fees collected to those who wants to stay overnight on the island. Just the rent for the boat that ranges from P750.00 - P900.00 for a short trip (2-3 hours stay). Higher fees or additional fees will apply for longer stay or overnight since boatmen will have to fetch you the next morning or on the time you specify. 

Five For Fun ~ Jofrel, Jen, Ella, Kysser and Joel [me]

Where to stay in Tambobong

Tambobong White Sand Beach Resort is one of the pioneering resorts in Tambobong. It is a family run resort headed by Nanay Benilda. The resort offers Airconditioned Rooms, Fan Rooms and Kubo (Nipa Hut). They also owned some of the "papags" at the beach front and can arrange a boatride to Culebra Island. We were not able to meet Nanay Benilda when we visited Tambobong, but there are a lot of reviews and feedbacks saying that she is really kind-hearted woman. 

Starfish. Sea grasses appear during low tide, usually in the afternoon.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Own Vehicle:

Take the road going to Alaminos City. From Alaminos City, take the Alaminos-Olongapo Road. You will be passing by the Municipality of Mabini until you reach Burgos town proper. From Burgos town proper turn right to A. Guian St. (before Elementary School), and follow the rough, bumpy and dusty road until you reach the Brgy. Ilio-Ilio marker on the right side and the big vehicle wheel on the left side. The big vehicle is actually the landmark going to Tambobong. Turning right will lead you to another Gem of Pangasinan, the Cabongaoan Beach (CLICK HERE to read the article about Cabongaoan). Turn left and follow the trail until you reach Tambobong. Travel time from Alaminos City is approximately 2 and 1/2 hours.

Commuters coming from Manila:

If you are traveling from Manila, take Five Star (or Victory Liner Bus) with terminal in Pasay (Tel. No. 02-911-7359 / 421-4716 / 421-4717) and Cubao ( Tel No. 02-853-4772 / 851-6659 / 851-6614). They have daily trips to Alaminos City via Dau and Camiling, Tarlac. FOR MORE DETAILS, CLICK HERE!

From Alaminos, take Five Star or Victory Liner bus bound to Sta. Cruz or Olongapo, Zambales then tell the conductor to drop you off to Burgos Town Proper. Then from Burgos Town proper, make an arranged trip with tricycle going to Cabongaoan Beach, Brgy. Ilio-Ilio. Travel time is approximately 7 to 7 and 1/2 hours. 

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:

1. Tambobong can be reached 1 and a half hour ride from Burgos Town Proper - this is the easiest way to get there.

2. Rentable "papag" at the beach front ranges from P350-P500 depending on the season.

3. Boatride to Culebra ranges from P750-900 for a short trip (2-3 hours stay), higher or additional fees apply for longer stay or overnight.

4. Camping overnight is allowed in Culebra Island.

5. Bring hats or towels and apply sunblocks - there's not enough shed on the island.

6. Kill nothing but time. Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.

Date of visit: May 1, 2014

With: Kysser Mirador, Ella Sta Cruz, Jennifer Zamora and Jofrel