We couldn’t get enough of our swimming escapade in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and wanted to stay for one more day at Casa Victoria Resort. But we have to move on to our next exciting activity this Lenten season. We will ride the waves of San Juan in La Union, the Surfing Capital of the North.
friendly waves early morning
We checked out at 1:00 pm. We bought pasalubong at Laoag Market and dad dinner at Chowking in Cardon town. We arrived by 9:00 pm at Barangay Taboc to where Normi2′s Beachfront Resort was located. Whew! What a ride!
We paid our room (Family Aircon Room) in full upon check-in (rate-P3,850). It has two double-deck beds with a pull-out bed, one double bed, with a private bathroom, tv, and closet. It has no kitchen but has a table and chairs on the porch.
Family Room
From the red concrete floor coating to the vintage bathroom tiles, the room was devoid of modern style. The reason I guess, why the rate was cheap. Anyway, it was clean and so with the mattresses and pillows.
It was nearing 10:00 pm and instead of taking some rest, every one of us went out of the room and explored around. We saw the Kiddie Pool and the Mini-Olympic pool. Shen and Alvin wanted to swim. Unfortunately, both swimming pools will be closed by 10:00 pm. The billiard room was full; Pao and my hubby did not play anymore.
the view from the balcony
No more activities to do, we retired to bed and sleep comfortably.
We got up early for the sunrise photo. But there’s no good spot for that. Since the kids were still sleeping, Pao, my hubby, and I went up to the billiard room. Had the place all to ourselves, the two boys enjoyed hitting the colored balls like their idol, Bata Reyes. Haha!
father and son enjoying the billiard game
Later we headed to the beach with the kids. We were greeted by calm waters. OMG! There were no peeling waves at sight. What time these waves will get wild?
We still have few hours to stay, so we were still hopeful we could surf within the day. We strolled along the beach savoring the cool morning breeze. Later, we headed to the restaurant for a Mediterranean breakfast. But to our dismay, there’s no available food to be served. OMG again! They failed to anticipate the volume of guests this Lenten season.
the Kiddie Pool with Froi the acting lifeguard… hahaha
Good thing we had goodies like tasty bread, hotdog (stored in the cooler), mineral water, milo for kids, and 3-in-1 coffee. Froi fried the hotdog in his small canister oven outside the room. We boiled water in our electric kettle. We occupied the garden table near our room and had our cheap but yummy breakfast.
After eating and washing the utensils and cups, we wore our swimwear and headed to the mini-Olympics swimming pool. But we were informed; a certain group rented the area for their activity. Oh my! Shen, Alvin, Froi, and Marie headed to the Kiddie Pool which was now packed by little kids. Me, Pao, and my hubby went to the beach.
Still the waters were flat and calm. I thought all beach areas in San Juan had these waves all year-round. Since we can’t surf, we approached the resort staff named Dina and hired a surfboard for a photo souvenir.
It was William, the surf instructor who led us to the beach, and presto, here’s our souvenir of San Juan.
me, Pao, and Daddy mga feeling pro surfers… hehehe
We paid P200 to William for his time and effort.
Though we never had an exciting surfing activity and had some misfortunes, we enjoyed the remaining few hours basking in the sun. Thank God there’s no jellyfish hovering on the water.
time now to say goodbye to San Juan
We packed up early to avoid heavy traffic in going back to Manila and bid goodbye to San Juan. Hoping when we get back, we might have the chance to carry surfboards in our hands and we will ride the waves.
Normi2′s by the way is a combination of the name of the owners of the resort-two Norma, two Michael and the S is Schwarz.
Note:
- The best spot to surf in San Juan is in Barangay Urbiztondo.
- There are two surfing seasons, one is from July to October and the other is from November to March.
Contact Information:
- Address: Bo. 9-10 Seaside, Brgy. Taboc, San Juan, La Union
- Email: info@normi2s-beach.com
- Website: www.normi2s-beach.com
- Landline: (072) 720-0519
- Cellphone: +63-927-449-6934
In Getting there:
Through Public Transportation – If you are coming from Manila, take a bus ride bound to Vigan, Laoag, or Abra via Partas Bus, Dominion Bus Line, Farinas Trans, and Florida, and tell the driver to drop you off at the resort at Barangay Tabac which is on the left side. Travel time is 5 to 6 hours.
Through Private Transportation – If you are coming from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) then connect to Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) then to Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and then head straight passing Pangasinan going to La Union through the MacArthur Highway.