La Union

La Union is best known for the surfing beaches along the South China Sea and as the start-off point to Baguio City. In history, the fierce World War II fighting for the liberation of the Philippines occurred here.

At Agoo is the Agoo Basilica, which houses the image of Our Lady of Charity, and the Museo lIoko, a repository of cultural artifacts, Imelda Park with its famous tree house is nearby. The town also became controversial nation-wide for reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary on a hillside, which drew thousands of pilgrims and curious onlookers. This was subsequently declared a hoax by the Catholic Church authorities.

Along Marcos Highway leading to Baguio, is Marcos Park with its enormous concrete bust of the former president. Jutting out of take mountainside within viewing distance of motorists, the bust was said to be the first in a series of busts memorializing he different presidents of the Philippines. Unfortunately, portions of the bust were blown up a few days before New Year’s Day of 2003. Bauang has a number of resorts in Baccuit and Paringao with beige-sand beaches, coral reefs, and fine sunsets. Inland is Naguilian, where the popular alcoholic drink basi is made from sugarcane.

The capital of San Fernando is home to the ornate Ma-Cho Temple and Fil-Chinese Pagoda, along with the Museo de La Union and Freedom Park, which is lined with statues of famous Filipinos. Various flora and fauna can be found at the Botanical and zoological garden. A reminder of the Liberation era is the Battle of San Fernando Marker. Pore Point, once a US military base site offers a good number of resorts. Northward is San Juan, which has quiet beaches and an old plaza. Luna is home to the pilgrimage shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan. Fine beaches can also be found in the Darigayos-Paraoir area outside town.