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.