My eco friendly bathroom

I started being more mindful about my bathroom products around 2017. Since then, I’ve been using shampoo bars, conditioner bars, makeup cloth, just finishing up anything I still had in plastic bottles and reusing the containers, but not buying anything new. Since then, I’ve been on the search of expanding my range, and trying to use less waste.


I totally understand and am frustrated at how much systematic change would accelerate the effects at a bigger scale. But similar to how we don’t litter because it’s just /right/ if you want to see clean surroundsings, without thinking it’ll neccessary stop having dirty streets altogether, it is just consistent with my values. I also believe in building the culture and consciousness for it so that when the opportunity for systemic change does come, we will be ready for it. Certainly, these individual choices also help influence other choices we make – as consumers, as people running businesses, as leaders, as implementers, as humans. Whatever field we are in – we need people who are more conscious of the effects our decisions and actions make on the environment for others. If you have time to do these things, that’s great. If not, there are other ways to be environmentally conscious too.


Anyway, stepping off my soap box now, let’s get to it!I just want to share why I love using these products, and hope to answer any immediate questions that may pop up when considering using these. I have a separate post on actual brands and products I recommend, this is just for the pros and cons of each in general.

  1. Shampoo bar
    1. This is usually the first product, the gateway product, to a zero-waste (or at least less-waste) bathroom.
    2. Does it do the job? I think people would first be concerned at how well it does the job of cleaning and not being too drying. Having used these for 3 years, the answer it does a perfectly good job. The first ever shampoo bar I tried in 2017 didn’t lather much and was a bit drying, but cleaned well. After that first though, every shampoo bar I’ve had has been so easy to use, lathers well, cleans well, and is either scentless or has a gentle scent, in a variety of fresh options!
    3. Does it last long? Short answer is yes! I almost forgot how long a bottle of shampoo lasts with me (around 3-6 mos depending on size?) but shampoo bars also last about 3-6 mos for me. I don’t know how they compute the equivalent number of bottles, but for me it’s about that long. It’s a bar, so just make sure the water drains from the container, and you’re good. You also just need a small amount to get a good lather going. I literally swipe it across my scalp about three times and that’s usually more than enough to get my whole head and hair all bubbly.🙂
    4. What if I have sensitive skin? I haven’t encountered a bar that wasn’t “hiyang” so far, so I wish you the same luck if you have sensitive skin. I used to have a reaction to some shampoo brands (pimples around the hairline and my back where my hair ends), but so far haven’t had the same reaction with any shampoo bar brand I’ve tried. You can go ahead and read the ingredients if you care to. I just try then wait and see haha.
    5. Where can i get it? Lush is a popular mainstream option, which I think kind of lends legitimacy to the idea of it, since liquid shampoos are obviously a lot more popular and mainstream. However, I think it’s great that there are so many sellers now of home-made shampoo bars. I have a list of the ones I see being recommended a lot, with notes for the ones I’ve tried. I used to be able to buy just from this hipster bar I’d go to, but since then, i would see shampoo bars and similar in mall bazaars and more online, both in Manila and in different regions. I also love receiving orders in reused packages. So far, everyone’s consistent with the goal of zero-waste.
  2. Conditioner bar
    1. Does it do the job? Generally yes, but I’ll admit not at the same level of some liquid conditioners. I always tell this story – as a person who is generally careless with their hair, I was so surprised that when I had very long hair and expected it to be dry, people were instead complimenting it and mentioning how healthy it looked. I was just new to conditioner bars then, but it looked like it was working! I only mention that liquid conditioners work at a different level because when I found an unfinished bottle and used it up, taking a break from my usual bar condi, it would make my hair softer practically overnight, while for condi bars I generally would have to be using it consistently to get a similar effect. It’s not a big issue for me though, since the remedy was just to use my condi bar consistently, which I intended to do anyway (I was just lazy sometimes, hehe). So yes, it works.🙂
    2. Does it last long? The answer is generally the same as with shampoo bars.  I would say it’s on the shorter end of the range, but I think that was just because I had longer hair at the time I was really paying attention, and I’d use it from scalp to ends. One tip is to rub the condi bar on your hands and then apply, than rubbing it directly on hair, saying that would have the same effect whie prolonging the bar. Managing use is up to you, but it doesn’t run out so fast as to be lugi. Regardless of hair length, I think any bar would last at least two months, given daily conditioning and long hair.
    3. Sensitive skin and where to buy. Same on not having any adverse reactions so far, though you are welcome to read ingredients – most (if not all) brands are transparent about the ingredients. They can generally bought where shampoo bars are at too.
  3. Feminine wash bar and other bars
    1. Does it do the job? Yes. The single brand of femme wash bar i’ve tried so far is a bit strong, but not stronger than some liquid brands. I simply rub a less amount on my hands before using and it’s perfect. I’ve also been using a face bar with tea tree from my previous dermatologist and it’s been great. I’m trying lotion and deo bars (packaging-less) for the first time this month.
    2. Does it last long? Yes, especially since I just need a little. I’ve been using my current femme bar and face bar for about a year I think. I break both apart too for home and travel.
    3. Where to buy? Same as the first two.
  4. Wooden toothbrush
    1. Does it do the job? Yes! Works just the same as a plastic one really. After a while, I got used to holding the wooden handle and plastic felt weird. Some brands have softer bristles than others, some also have the tapered end bristles that I prefer and I think feel better. I’d recommend seeing a sample first if that matters to you.
    2. Does it last long? Yes, I use each of mine for about a year before the bristles fray. I know dentists recommend changing every 3 months, but I just wait for the bristles to fray to be honest. It’s pretty sturdy. I just recommend not putting it in those opaque jar-like containers and instead placing it where it can fully dry so no parts of the handle darken, especially the bottom end. Water often collects at the bottom of containers, and especially if they’re opaque, you may not remember to empty them. A clear glass/jar or just lifting it from the container a bit is fine.
    3. Is it safe? No problems so far. It’s the same as a plastic toothbrush, just wooden. No problems with the wood.
    4. Where to buy? Most eco-stores have it too, but I think one brand is also now available in Watsons! It’s usually cheaper at the eco-stores, so you can just add it to the cart if you’re buying other things there too.
  5. Makeup remover cloth
    1. Does it do the job? Yes, and a much better job I think! I have a local version and the original, both work just as well. I used to use liquid makeup remover and micellar water with cotton, and then with a reusable cotton round. Because I’m cheap I always try to use just enough and never too much, so it was a bit of a hassle to estimate how much to use, haha. Sometimes it takes some scrubbing especially for eyeliner and lipstick, which would irritate my lips. However, upon switching to the cloths, it’s so much easier! Just wet it, and with at most 2 wipes through (pressing on the cloth for a couple seconds for areas with waterproof makeup), the makeup is gone. It takes out the guesswork and care in avoiding contact with eyes etc (which you don’t really need after a night out and barely enough focus left haha) and is so easy and effective. It’s especially great for the waterproof makeup and lipstick. And you just throw it in the laundry! Like with the menstrual cup, I never have to think about running out of supplies, and just make sure to clean it when used. I have two so I can throw one in the laundry and use the other in the meantime. When I had just one, I’d use my old cotton rounds on laundry day, and it works similarly, though it might take a little more scrubbing.
    2. Does it last long? Just wash it and keep going til it goes threadbare I guess!
    3. Is it safe? It is just cloth, and works on a physical level. The tiny fibers all grab at the makeup, and with the cloth being filled with tiny fibers, its able to remove all your makeup while being gentle. I can’t seem to find the most “scientific” article I read before, but this article says the same thing. Remember Van der Waals forces from high school/undergrad chem? I imagine we kind of took them for granted since they were alsways present anyway and were always “the weakest” forces. Well, makeup remover clothes mutiply the weak Van der Waals force that would be present plus the force of friction by having a much larger surface area for it to do its work – the surface o all those tiny fibers on the cloth! Anyway, yes, it’s basically just fiber-y cloth of certain specifications, with no chemicals, so it should be safe. And since one or two wipes is enough, scrubbing is generally unneccessary.
    4. Where to buy? Got mine at Beauty Bar and Rags 2 Riches. The local one is from Happy Island which should be online and/or in other shops.
  6. Menstrual cup
    1. I think I should make a separate post for this, but let me outline the basics! I love it though and I’m never going back to pads or tampons.
    2. Does it do the job? Yes! Once you get the hang of it, no spills, no tagos, no rashes or anyting either. Best.
    3. Does it last long? The one I have says it can be used for 2 years, but I think it can be used as long as the silicon is still fine. I read somewhere it can be used for 10 years. Probably just clean and store it properly, and check it as usual if it starts to look and feel different. I’ve had mine for three years and it’s still great.
    4. Where to buy? Most have online stores. I’d recommend checking out reviews and FB groups like Menstrual Cup Users Philippines to get an idea of what brand and model would work for you. They’re also great places to have open discussions have this often still taboo topic.

Benefits of bars over liquids

Eco-friendliness aside, bars have a lot of perks. They’re good products in themselves, not just replacements for a standard. Here are my favorite things about bar toiletries.

  1. Leak-free travels. My favorite one is that it’s so much less worry to bring when travelling!!! Obviously, I don’t like sachets, and anyway I always had trouble portioning them and opening them with wet hands.  Before, I often  would reuse small bottles and pour out enough for the trip from a bigger one. But more often than not, I’d be surprised with a spill when opening my bag. It seems that after a while, the containers get loose or aren’t as secure as I thought. I’m not sure either if pressure changes have an effect? In any case, I hate it when I open my luggage and I could already smell the sweet scents of my toiletries – it means something spilled and not only do I have to clean this up, it means I have less of that liquid than what I had planned to bring for the trip. Hay. In the past few years of bringing bars, I haven’t encountered a similar problem. I suppose the equivalent concern would just be figuring how to bring the bars in the most efficient way, but it’s still a lot easier to deal with imho. Some people use small baunan. Right now I’m using a couple of reused containers, the larger of which contains three mini bars, separeted by a small roll of plastic cut from an old mini tube. It works just fine, and no spill-like troubles yet.
  2. Less worry on liquid restrictions. Another bonus is for travelling to the US or other countries with additional rules on bringing liquids. I believe there’s a 100mL limit for liquids in handcarry, and they prefer for it to be in a clear ziplock. I also forget the amounts too often. In any case, if your shampoo, conditioner, lotion and other are bars, that one less thing to worry about when packing.
  3. It takes up so much less space. I have a few photos for this. It’s hard to explain, but I just feel a relief seeing only one or two small soapdishes in the shower than several bottles that take up so much space.  It looks better and feels less cluttered. It’s also a lot easier to see when you’re about to run out, so you don’t have to dilute with water or reach out with wet soapy hands to your bathroom cabinet for extras.

Here is a side by side of bottles versus bars, including two bottles for the condi and body soap, because I would usually just open and place the new bottle while finishing up the old one (than run out in the middle of a bath).

Here is a side by side that’s more one-to-one. The femme bar is lying down on the dish so it’s not visible, but you can see the space there. Still so much less space, so much less clutter! I love seeing the colors of the bars too, and not the brands and walls of text of ingredients and other info I won’t be reading in the bathroom.


Cons and Tips

To show that I’m being fair, I’ll also list the cons. I’m generally comfortable with these though, and online communities have been great for sharing solutions to some common issues.

  1. Melty shampoo bars
    1. I’ve actually only encountered this with shampoo, but not with conditioner or femme bars. The degree to which this happens varies, but a lot of shampoo bars get melty at the base if it’s not drained properly or if the area isn’t well-ventilated. This is especially a concern for me when traveling and there isn’t always a window to help dry it. The amount that gets melty isn’t really substantial, it’s just…not solid, haha.
    2. To remedy this, I used to use the side of the shampoo bar so less of it gets wet and needs to dry. Apart from that, I make sure to put it in a container that drains water well. I just learned to not mind it, haha. Just hoping future formulations find a way to improve on this.
  2. Toiletry bars don’t always mix well together.
    1. When travelling, I used to put the bars together in one container. Until one day, there seemed to be some weird reaction where one “ate” into the other – it basically just caused a crater where they touched. The bars were still usable and all, it was just weird, haha.
    2. To remedy, I just added dividers to the container. I’ll play around with using a container with dividers versus having separate containers, since having just one would be easier to bring out and keep again. Perhaps one for actual bath and one for after bath (face, deo, lotion).
  3. Can’t buy at the grocery
    1. You have to buy them separate from the usual grocery trip. It’s not really a big deal, but for lazy/busy people it’s something. As a cheapo, I also mind the delivery fee every time, haha.
    2. Remedy: when i used see them at bazaars at the mall, I buy a couple of each item I need. Usually, by the time those are about to run out, i’d see the bazaar in the mall again. Now that bazaars aren’t open, I do have to buy online and pay delivery, but this also opened a world of canvassing and comparison shopping for me. Since they’re basic hygeine products, they usually just differ with regard to the scents and price (and appearance, but I like them simple). I usually invite friends for a group order to diffuse the delivery cost, and buy all the things I need from one shop/brand so I only have to pay one delivery fee.

So that’s it! I just wanted to write down my sermon so that I can share  it to more people and answer any FAQs friends may have. I used to hoard old shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover bottles for reuse, so I can imagine fairly well how many bottles I’ve saved from the landfill by using bars instead. Also, it takes out the effort of thinking how to reuse bottles, since recycling in the Philippines is still a mystery to me, and is end of-the-line option anyway.


I enjoy using these things because they’re eco-friendly and for many reasons besides. They’re convenient, look and smell good, work well, and support small local businesses!


I would happy to answer questions if you have any, but also recommend zero-waste groups online as the pooled knowledge would probably have a lot of insight and perspective as well.


We take a bath every day, I just thought we might as well be mindul of and enjoy it. That’s all, keep safe and good luck on your own less-waste and/or self-care journey!

One local’s guide to La Union

Since a few people have asked me for advice on what to see and do in La Union, and I’ve taken my friends on a personal tour a few times as well, I figured to write this down so that anyone can just take a look and enjoy the parts of La Union outside the surfing district too, and get to know the city I grew up in and continue to love.
This is generally the tour I take my friends on. While these places can be commuted, it’s a lot easier to go around by car. This way, the whole tour takes just about 2 hours. I can’t say that this is totally encompassing; but these are my favorite spots and I think give a great idea of SFLU from my point of view!

San Fernando

1. Pindangan ruins

I’ve been going to the church beside the Pindangan ruins since I was a kid, and I think it’s a great way to start a tour of the city. For one, it makes a great introduction to the origin of the city and its name. I think seeing the ruins itself is lovely, giving an idea of how old the city is, and how far it’s come. Take a nice walk around the old church to see the flowers and a well, and don’t forget to see the white statue of Mama Mary, the only remaining one from the original church. The giant tree behind it makes a great background too and contributes to the sense of history of the place.
Below is an excerpt from the NCCA’s Sagisag Kultura (in Filipino), interspersed with info from the city website(in English), on the origins of the name and arguably the origins of the city. I love the little trivia story on how the city is named San Fernando, yet its patron saint, for whom the cathedral in the plaza is named for, is St. William.
“Hango ang pangalan ng lugar sa lumang pangalan ng San Fernando, “Pindangan,” na sa wikang Ilokano ay nangangahulugang isang pook para sa pagpapatuyo ng “pindáng” (karneng may asin para maipreserba).Ang mga guho ay ang mga labĂ­ ng pinakamatandang simbahan sa pook na itinayĂ´ noong 6 Mayo 1786.Ang Simbahang Pindangan ay naging sagisag ng pagsasanib ng dalawang sityo, ang San Vicente de Balanac sa dalampasigan, at ang San Guillermo de Dalangdang sa paanan ng bundok. During the Spanish times, a settlement was a place where there were about 200 families. Diumano’y laging nilulusob ang San Vicente ng mga pirata tuwing tag-init, when the sea was calm and perfect for sailing (who would come and plunder settlement, taking along with them the women and children leaving behind them a trail of blood, at ang San Guillermo ng mga mamumugotulo (namumugot-ulo – headhunters) mula sa Cordillera (supposedly, during summer, when the fire trees were in bloom, the populace was attacked by headhunters who saw in the red flowers the fire trees as a sign of the gods asking for human offering.). Noong 1759, pinag-isa ang dalawang pamayanan sa pangunguna ng Agustinong fraile na si Jose Torres. Fr. Jose Torres convinced the two settlements to come together to a place not so near the sea and not so near the mountains so they will not be plagued by their annual problems. In this place, they built a church with San Guillermo, the Hermit, as the patron saint. In 1765, the newly assigned priest, however, suggested to the inhabitants that they replace the name Pindangan, to San Fernando, after the Catholic King of Spain, retaining San Guillermo as their patron saint. The name of the parish priest was Fr. Fernando Rey, Rey being the Spanish word for King. This was also the time of Diego Silang, as  know, Silang would travel to and from Manila on his white horse and was killed on May 28, 1763. Ang resulta: ang Pindangan, na siyá namang muling pinangalanan bilang Ministerio de San Fernando bilang pagkilála kay Haring Fernando ng España.Noong 1892, napinsala ng lindol ang Simbahan ng Pindangan. The parish priest decided not to rebuild in the same place because during the rainy season, the church would get flooded. There were two other sites where the church was transferred until it found its present place, and it is now called the Cathedral of St. William the Hermit, of the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union. Noong 1974, itinayĂ´ ng mga madreng Carmelite ang kanilang monasteryo sa pook, at silá ang nangangalaga ng mga guho.Sa kasalukuyan, matatagpuan sa mga guho ang mga dingding ng dating simbahan, pati isang lumang balon na gawa sa batong tangrib at tisa. Nakukumutan ng mga halaman ang maraming bahagi ng mga guho. (PKJ)”

Today there is an active church right beside it run by the Carmelite nuns. Services are given at 7 am regularly, and on special Catholic events such as Holy Week, Christmas, New Year, and other liturgical events.In the past decade, the ruins have been used for cultural events, like concerts and poetry readings, but have not been used much since. There are efforts to restore a garden at the back, near the well. From there, you can also see the tops of colorful houses from the collection of Al Valencia.
Note that there is currently a small fee to be paid when visiting the ruins.
source: Pindangan Ruins. (2015). In V. Almario (Ed.), Sagisag Kultura (Vol 1). Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/pindangan-ruins/
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/sfcsite/index.php/en/visiting-csf/tourist-destinations/130-pindangan-ruins

2. Provincial Capital (geography, political importance of SFLU)

Next I like to bring my guests to the Kapitolyo, or the provincial capital. From you here you can have a great view of the city and see a few small exhibits on past governors and officers of La Union, and usually there are displays of photos of recent city events. Just be nice to the guards and log in before you enter. If you wish, you can go to the back and ask to see the hall where councilors meet, and you’ll also see the seals of each municipality of La Union. San Fernando is the capital of both the province of La Union and of Region I (Ilocos region). By land area it’s the smallest, but it’s quite busy and important in terms of political and administrative power. I like to use this as an excuse for why we don’t have many specialty foods or trades compared to other provinces. We’re more of an administrative center than one of specialty trade.On your way up, keep your eyes out for a Hollywood like sign on the hillside that says “Good Luck” or something. I have no idea who put it up or what it’s for, but I think it’s cool.

*if for some reason you fell in love and want to learn more about the local history, you check out these posters on the history of San Fernando from the Spanish period until Post-EDSA, uploaded on the City web site. They’re also posted physically at the Science Centrum, which is on the way to Botanical Garden (noted in our Honorable Mentions). Not much else to see in the Science Centrum, but I love that they posted a bit on history!

3. Pagoda – my place for art. find your favorite graffiti.

Leave your car at the capitol and take a short walk to the Filipino-Japanese friendship pagoda. Apart from the neat little bit of Japanese culture and friendship, I also like to call it a center of urban art and self-expression because of the multitude of graffitti. If it happens to be freshly painted while you’re there, it’s a lovely place for photos and to see a bird’s eye view of the other side of the city, facing the ocean. If you’re facing the ocean, and look from left to right; from this point, you can see Poro Point (docks), the plaza (see the almost comically high pedestrian overpasses), Ma Cho temple (red and well-decoreated; which you’ll get to later), and a Christ the Redeemer statue (to your 2 o ‘clock ish if youre facing the ocean directly). If the Pagoda is not freshly painted, you’re in luck! Find your favorite piece of graffitti or “calligraphy”. My favorite so far was “HIPE BES”; the rest I don’t think I care to publish online 🙂 Please share you fave graffitti with me!!
*bonus: from the Pagoda , you can also go down to Orros Park. It’s this almost vertical park that you can access from stairs right at the entrance to the Pagoda. It could use some sprucing up, but last Christmas (2018) they put some beautiful lights on there and I found that it’s a lovely place for a walk too.*bonus 2: Going down you can also pass by Freedom Park (?). It’s this long straight white path of steps with statues of Philippine heroes on either side. It’s cute, but not very shaded so I often skip if it’s hot. It’s old, so one fun thing to do is take a photo with Emilio Aguinaldo with a funny face, because thanks to college history we know better.

4. Town Plaza (current life, culture)

Going down from the hill where the Capitol and Pagoda are, you’ll be right in town! You’ll see it follows the traditional plaza structure that you’ll have learned in elementary. If you’re from abroad and unfamiliar, this is an excellent example! So in the middle you have the Plaza with a performance space, a park, and playgrounds. In time for Christmas 2018, they recently put up dancing fountains too, just in front of City Hall. Around the plaza, which is the absolute center of downtown activity, you’ll find everything a city needs to be a city – Christ the King College, one of the oldest schools and run by the ICM sisters; St William’s Cathedral (patron saint as you learned recently), City Hall, City souvenir and exhibit center (where there’s art by local artists!), and of course the old market. If you need to withdraw money, there’s a slew of banks in the street leading to here, so get your money now before heading to the surfing district, where there are few ATMs.LU Expo is also here, but it’s quite expensive. I’d recommend heading to the old market instead for some authentic souvenirs with more choice and better prices. Head inside and go upstairs to buy Ilocano blankets, and anything else you may need, like Havanas slippers or an eyelash perm. Markets are always great places to get a pulse of a city. There’s also a fruit stand near Taipan that’s open 24 hours a day, except for Saturday night. Isn’t that dedication? You can also buy usual street snacks here. There used to be an excellent booksale deep inside, but it has since closed, since I think my friends and I were the only customers. In any case, I love going around and being familiar with all the little shops. If you’re one who likes going to random practical stores, I also like pointing out LU Metro houseware, where they have everything from raincoats and plastic furniture to high end liquor at the back. I also love seeing the crazy designs on the cheap mugs there. That might just be me though.

5. Ma-Cho temple (culture) – finally found out how the moons work. No Dating.

Going a little way North from town, turn right into a little alley with a red Chinese arch to the Ma-Cho temple. Also there’s a clearly visible sign that says “Ma-Cho Temple, this way”.Apart from the beauty of the structure itself and the decorative statues and bright paint inside, I like how it’s also a charming example of the fusion of Chinese and Filipino culture. Pink and violet bougainvillea adorn the sides of the temple, while a tall trio of arches frame a gorgeous view of the blue sky and sea.This is clearly mainly a Buddhist temple, evidenced by its structure: the statues of various Buddhas along the side and little dragons on the stairway, the oven for burning paper houses at funerals and the clear ceremonial chamber complete with joss sticks and offerings. However, the temple is also dedicated to a Sto Nino; the details of which I already had in a brochure but which I lost, and will write in her later. Nobody seems to have a problem with this religious crossover, and it’s an interesting cultural artifact.
There are no explicit rules aside from “No Dating”, and plenty of people come in shorts, but I’d recommend not wearing anything too casual or revealing, out of respect.
Some people can be seen here too consulting for advice in the traditional way. It took me a very long time to finally understand it, including an old Chinese man who tried to help me but couldn’t communicate in Filipino/English, and a different angry old Chinese man who’d rather I was shooed away, but I finally figured out how it works. How it works is with a couple of wooden moon-shaped blocks. You say a little prayer, and ask the gods for advice. Then, you take the two moon-shaped blocks, and drop them onto the floor in front of you. Their position will indicate a yes or no answer from the gods. Maybe it will take me another decade to find someone to ask who can answer me what positions of the blocks mean yes or no.

6. Sunset/chill

I wish I had a definitive place for you to go next, but over the years a lot has changed in my favorite places. So I’ll just give you a couple of choices! At any of these places, you can watch the gorgeous colors that paint the sky, sea and sand at about 530-630pm. I’d recommend getting here by about 530; the sunset can go quite fast once it nears the horizon.
            a. I think the best option right now is to have a fruit shake or beer somewhere along San Juan. This is the town right next to San Fernando, and actually the main reason people know about and go to La Union. I like places like Sebay or Seanymph, that have seats facing the ocean, so you can watch the sun set. These and the places like it are also the older places that have been here since the time no one but foreign surfers knew about the place, so they’re pretty authentic. When surfing was still niche and only the truly dedicated and the utter beginners attempted it, watching the pros and your relatives who tried was the only entertainment here, and these ocean-facing seats would be full every Surf Break in October. These places are also very relaxed, so if you were looking for lively nightlife, you’re welcome to move elsewhere after the breathtaking sunset.
            b. Before this, my favorite sunset spot recommendation was at Thunderbird resorts. It’s still in San Fernando, so it would’ve perfectly capped off a SFLU city tour. The hotel looks like Santorini, and the road has this cinematic turn I like where one minute you only see bushes, and next you’re greeted with a sweeping view of the ocean. From here you could also see the Lighthouse, harkening to the the history of this area as a port and former naval base. It’s quiet, and the rocks jutting out from the ocean are a lovely and different foreground for a sunset. However, this is a resort, and while entrance here used to be free, they’ve since tightened security and now require a P100 consumable entrance fee. If you can/want to afford, I’d recommend checking it out at least once.

Honorable mentions:

What I’ve detailed above is just my usual quick tour, and follows a convenient path. If you have more time and want to look into other local things not just in San Fernando but all around La Union, here’s a short list of recommendations:


a. Agoo church – It’s actually a Basilica, and also quite old. Nice for people who like old buildings and religious sites.

b. Botanical Garden – formerly our main claim to fame, it has since been overshadowed by the surfing and nightlife and San Juan. It could really stand to be better kept, but the large grounds make for a fairly pleasant stroll and a place for long conversation, especially if you like nature but aren’t quite up for a hike. It’s easy to follow and about a 20 minute drive from downtown.

c. Hike to the falls – The most famous is Tangadan, but there are actually a lot of small waterfalls in San Juan and Bacnotan. Just head on over to the Municipal Hall and ask for a guide. I’m hesitant to share any in particular, but when I get a fairly long list, I’ll share it. The lesser known hikes are beautiful, and with varying levels of difficulty. If you have the time, I highly recommend it. No exceptional physique required.

d. Lighthouse at Poro – I personally am good with visiting the lighthouse itself at the top of a clif, but apparently you can take a boat out to the shore below the cliff as well. I don’t know how, but others have gone.

e. SOUL Cafe in Rosario – If you’re driving, you’ll probably pass this as you enter LU from the expressway. This is one of the few restaurants that we used to go to in traveling to Manila as a kid that we still go to now, since it’s outside the expressway. I always get this dish whose name I now forget, but it’s supposed to be a hawaiian-inspired dish of ham or lechon roasted for four hours and stuffed with tomatoes and spices. It’s easy to find in the menu, or ask the waiter! It’s filling, so one serving is actually probably good for two. They also have and sell civet coffee!

f. Baywalk at Poro – One of the few parks we have aside from the Plaza and Capitol. It’s very simple but a nice place to get a little pulse of the everyday folk, and hearing the sound of the waves is always welcome.

Food in San Fernando:

The Food Project – Food parks are a hit and miss fad, and this one is a hit for me. With a curated variety of cuisine and thoughtful interior (the seats are actually comfortable, and it’s SHADED from sun and rain), and parking space, TFP is worth going not just for the gram. More expensive than a carinderia but less than a sit-down restaurant. No alcohol here since it’s right across a school.

Grumpy Joe – I didn’t expect much of this place until my friends from out-of-town hit on some really good stuff from the menu. Try the lasagna or the peanut butter chili chicken. This is right near the town too.


San Juan – Food, Nightlife and Surf

San Juan food faves

Small disclaimer: I myself am not a big foodie, but I still do enjoy a good meal and restaurant; and I’ve consulted with my much more foodie friends on this.

Surf Shack – The owners are from here, and I love the food and decor. My favorite is the wall of heroes – a wall of portraits of the long-time surfers of San Juan. Most are locals, but they’ve included visitors who have been regular coming since as long as I can remember, that they practically lived here and on these waves as well. You might even recognize that your surf instructor is one of these greats! They also have cocktails that incorporate local liquor (Bang da Bass has liquor from Bangar), and longganisa spiked pizza. They used to have ballad singers in the evenings, but I’m not sure if they still do as the mood of the area has changed a bit.

Tagpuan – One of the most budget friendly but sulit places!! You can get your bagnet fix here.

Great Northwestern – Anchored by the famous and OG El Union, they now have a wide variety of food and a bar, including smoothie bowls and a really good Japanese place. It’s a little pricey (well I guess tourist-price) so just be prepared. They do have a very nice viewdeck though, which anyone can visit.

Amare – This restaurant is also on the more expensive side, so it’s a good place for when you’re with family. Good Italian food.

San Juan Surf Resort – This place has been here forever, and is owned by a local surfer you’ve probably already seen before. It can be a hit or miss, but your chance get really good on a slow day. The menu is vast and looks like it was made with love over the years. Our favorites are the shakes (there’s three categories I think, so make sure to scan fully! but they’re all good anyway) and pancakes. The place is also clean, looks good, and has a resort-but-relaxed vibe.

Nightlife

Flotsam is by far the most popular and needs no introduction, but we also really like these three bars that are right next to each other – Surfer’s Point Deck, Le Point, and Little Surfmaid. They’re still lively but more relaxed and less crowded. The beers are also cheaper, hehe.


Special mention:
I hesitate to post but one of my favorite places is Clean Beach, near Flotsam. The vibe is very calm and quiet, and they have a great eco-friendly advocacy. It’s a great place to have quiet conversations, play board games, or just hang out and watch the waves. They also have a little borrowing library that actually has a good selection, and isn’t just for props.
Another special mention is the buko and tupig at the by-pass road. Tupig is the traditional rice snack in these parts, which you probably encountered if you came on the bus. You can have it fresh and hot here, with some just-opened buko juice.


Surf spots (in order of favoriteness)

  • Urbiztondo
  • Carille
  • Bacnotan
  • Taboc

You can probably ask people who know better than me about surfing, but I’ve been to these places so I can answer some basics like commuting/parking and washing off.

I hope this helps, and enjoy your trip! Do tell me about it after! 🙂