Pagoda Hill of La Union

Situated in the city of San Fernando, the capital of La Union. Pagoda Hill is comprised of Chinese-themed architecture atop a hill which offers a commanding view of San Fernando City. The hill can be reached by a 15 minutes walk and short hike from the city proper and has an approximate elevation of 300 ft. It is also known as the Filipino-Chinese Friendship park because it commemorates the bond of friendship and long history between Filipino and Chinese people.  

How to get there:
1. Once in San Fernando you can ask the locals for directions

Ma Cho Temple in La Union

I visited San Fernando, La Union and was fascinated by this wonderful Chinese architecture known as "Ma Cho Temple", which is actually the biggest Taoist temple outside China. The wordings are not mine, taken from the historal artifact of the temple.

Nestled atop a hill overlooking the beautiful San Fernando bay of the town of San Fernando, La Union, the MA-CHO Temple was constructed in honor of Ma-cho hailed from the scenic island of Moichow, province of Fukien in Southeastern China. In the Philippines among christians Ma-Cho is known as the virgin of Caysasay. The image of the Virgin of Caysasay first appeared in Taal, Batangas in 1603.

It was constructed on September 11, 1975 through the initiative of then Tourism Minister Jose D. Aspiras and cooperation of the Chinese community, this majestic Taoist Temple is located on a hill 70 feet above sea level at Barangay II, San Fernando City, facing the China Sea. Here, people form all walks of life come and pray for change of luck from Ma Cho, a Chinese deity, whose eight inch wooden image surprisingly has a counterpart in the Roman Catholic faith known as the “Virgin of Caysasay” who is enshrined at the Basilica of Saint Martin in Taal, Batangas.

According to Chinese history, Ma Cho was born in 960 AD during the sung Dynasty. According to legend, she did not cry at all during her first month of infancy, thus, she was first named “Mo”, meaning keeping silent. Intelligent, gifted with a photographic memory and blessed with healing powers, she became a monk at the age of 10. Growing up in the fishing village of Meizhou in the province of Fu Jian, she actively participated in rescue operations for fishermen during typhoons. It is also believed that she can accurately predict the weather in upcoming days in the sea, earning for herself the titles “Dragon Girl”, “Goddess of the Sea” and “Queen of Heaven”. Dying at the young age of 27, it is believed by Chinese sailors and fishermen that her spirit, dressed in red, continues to save the lives of those who are in distress in the high seas.

Devotees offer incense, food and money at the shrine. Every other week, a “Buyong” session is held where temple elders read or interpret Ma Cho’s message to the faithful. 

How To Get There:

Once in San Fernando, La Union ask the locals for the direction of Ma Cho Temple.

Halo Halo de Iloko

Halo Halo de Iloko is one of the must-visit resto in San Fernando, La Union. The resto offers Filipino dishes featuring the Ilocano taste as a part of owner’s advocacy.   

The dining area is an art haven that showcases wood works, photos, colorful paintings, artifacts, traditional items, and other ingenious materials which reflects the owner's love for travel, food, photography and arts. It was featured in several television shows which includes: Kris TV, Unang Hirit etc. and magazines such as: Living Asia, In Flight Magazine, Food to name a few.

The best sellers are:  Okoy Tikyoso, Sinampalukang Buknok, Surfer’s Mixed Sea Food in Sweet & Spicy, Pinakbet with Bagnet and of course the star of their restaurant the "Buko Halo Halo". The nice presentation equates with their quality ingredients and taste. 

Rating:

7 out 10

How To Get There:

1.) From San Fernando, La Union ask the locals about the location of Halo Halo de Iloko. Their resto is located in Zandueta St.

La Meya River

La Meya is a river with slabs of flat rocks which is the precursor to Hulugan Fall's grand cascade and has a vertical drop of 240 ft off the cliff. It is composed of a 30 minutes trek through a well established yet forested trail in the heart of Mt. Banahaw which starts from the jump off point (Brgy. Hall).

Precaution and vigilance must be observed at all times especially during rainy season; flash floods do occur and will definitely sweep anyone into the falls most especially that rocks are also slippery. The Pinoy Solo Hiker does not encourage anyone taking selfies near the cliff (safety should always be exercised).

How To Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Sta.Cruz, Laguna (tell the conductor to drop you off in Lucban jeep terminal located in Pagsawitan)

2. Ride a jeepney bound for Lucban, tell the driver to drop you off in Brgy. San Salvador.

Matutina's Seafood Restaurant

Matutina's Restaurant is one of the must visit resto in Dagupan City (they also have branches in Urdaneta). It was already featured in GMA 7's TV show and even featured in Karen Davila's newspaper column, so I've decided to take a visit and experience for myself what they have to offer. The resto was named after the wacky, high-pitched helper (kasambahay) of Donya Delilah who appeared in the popular 80’s sitcom “John en Marsha.” The restaurant was named as such because Dagupeños fondly called the owner of “Matutina” after the said character.

"Sooo Pinoy", a national search for the ultimate Pinoy dish sponsored by Unilever, Inquirer Lifestyle and Dept of Tourism recognized Matutina's for being one of the country's best restaurants that serves "Sinigang" and "Daing na Bangus". Bestsellers from Matutina’s are: sinigang na bangus, crispy hipon, pusit kilawen, inihaw na bangus, sizzling bangus sisig, buttered talaba, and buttered spicy hipon.  The food taste great, it was served and prepared well. Though, I'm just disappointed with the Mango Juice that I've ordered, I thought it was a fresh mango juice, it was just Mango Juice in a can.

Call it hospitality or marketing strategy, it is one of those resto's that is classified as no turning back zone (how can you turn back and decide to live if waiters immediately prepare a dining plate complete with utensils, sweets and a pitcher of  water in your table). We also waited almost an hour before our orders were served, perhaps due to the influx of customers. It's a good thing, that their Dagupan branch is just beside Tondaligan Beach so I was able to walk around and take some pictures.

Rating:
7 out of 10

How to Get There:
1. Ride a bus bound to Dagupan.
2. From Dagupan, ride a jeep bound for Bonuan/Tondaligan.
3. Tell the driver to drop you off in Matutina's

Trek to Talay Falls

Located in Luisiana, Laguna the trek consist of about 30 minutes walk  through a muddy and forested terrain of Mt. Banahaw. 

Talay falls is composed of a series of 3 water falls cascading through a large boulders of rocks. The exploration of Talay waterfalls system is an adventure itself. In one waterfall, you have to use a vine to rappel your way up; and all sorts of ‘maneuvering’ skills to go all the way through a series of boulders. Each part of the system has its distinct beauty, and since it is at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, the forest is also serene and scenic.

It is a must see, before you visit Hulugan Falls.

How To Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Sta.Cruz, Laguna (tell the conductor to drop you off in Lucban jeep terminal located in Pagsawitan)

2. Ride a jeepney bound for Lucban, tell the driver to drop you off in Brgy. San Salvador.

Muddy Trek to Hulugan Falls

Located in the town of Luisiana in Laguna with an elevation of 1000 ft. above sea level, Hulugan Falls was recently opened to the public. It has a grand cascade similar to that of Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, it is truly a must visit for any nature lover and explorer.

Whereas all the other waterfalls that I have visited requires no more than fifteen minutes of trek, Hulugan Falls requires level 3 climb and takes 1 to 1.5 hours to reach. The almost 2-hour trek of about 600 ft.  descent from the jump-off point must not daunt the would-be explorer, as Hulugan Falls is really grand and marvelous. The cascade of water is approximately 270 feet of drop, it further descends to form a catchbasin that is big and deep, perfect for swimmers, the rocks are very slippery though. Beneath the falls, there is a nearby cave, similar to that of Buruwisan Falls. The trail to Hulugan Falls can get really muddy in the rainy season, much like the trails going to Mt. Romelo and it really made my trekked slower.

How To Get There:
1. Ride a bus bound to Sta.Cruz, Laguna (tell the conductor to drop you off in Lucban jeep terminal located in Pagsawitan)
2. Ride a jeepney bound for Lucban, tell the driver to drop you off in Brgy. San Salvador.

Fried Calamares: Newest Street Food Favorite

"Calamares" is a Spanish word for squid.  In recent years, Fried Calamares has emerged as one of the most popular street food in the Philippines along with Fishballs" and "Kikiam". It is the street food version of the Mediterranean's breaded fried squid dish, Calamari. It is usually dipped in breadcrumbs but the local version uses flour and dipped fried until it is golden brown.

Spiced vinegar is the favorite sauce used for Fried Calamares, it gives the crispy squid a spicy yet sour and an after taste of garlic that sticks to the mouth and definitely a not so fresh breathe.

Rating:

6 out 10

(For me, Fried Calamares is actually the best buy among the street foods. Just check the cleanliness of the food handler and the foods that are being served before buying.)

Panaderia Antonio Bakery & Restaurant

As part of New Year celebration my wife and I decided to celebrate it somewhere cozy but I insisted that it should be a local resto in the area so we end up in Panaderia Antonio Bakery & Restaurant located in De Venecia Hi-Way in Calasiao, Pangasinan. It was established in 1998 and started as a Bakery which specializes in bread, they also claim that they are the ones who started "Plato Wraps"

The place and setting is really nice, ideal for a great picture souvenirs though there are some flies flying around which I believe the owners should really deal with. They also sell souvenirs such as shirts, Spanish sardines, Starbuck's Frappucino Cafe is also available together with other imported goodies.

We ordered their pizza called "Pizza Supremo", it is huge and the taste is great for it's price. Chicken Pesto is okay though I find it quite expensive considering it's not that special. We also had a Coleslaw for a side dish - it was nice, and it's really worth it for the price. The chocolate and strawberry shake is fairly good but what I'm really disappointed at is with is the Chocolate Mousse and Tiramisu. I thought it was a cake placed in a cup, how disappointed I am. It was just pure icing, nothing but icing.

Rating:

6 out of 10