10 Places to Dine at in La Union Philippines

La Union is one of the most visited provinces in the Northern Philippines. Being welcomed by a picturesque seascape and a taste for adventure, this province in the Ilocandia is also considered as the Surfing Capital of the North, with people from all over the world flocking to its surfing spots.

But of course, all the surfing and the adventure will make you hungry for good food. Here we have listed 10 spots that you should not miss dining at when in La Union.

Halo Halo de Iloko

Offering Filipino food and dessert, Halo Halo de Iloko is the spot to cool down after a hot day of surfing and roaming. When dining here, one must try their Halo-Halo – a Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, sweetened beans, ice cream, gelatin, rice crispies, milk flan, sugar, and milk.

Halo Halo de Iloko

Address: Zandueta St., San Fernando, La Union

Jinyou

If you are in search of good Korean food during your stay in La Union, Jinyou is the place to go. Located in the Metro, this Korean restaurant serves the best Samgyupsal in the province.

A photo posted by Lye Quismundo (@lovelye__) on

Address: Thunderbird Resort, Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union

Olives Restaurant

Olives is the restaurant for Italian food in La Union. One of their must-try entrees is the 4-Flavored Pizza.

Olives Restaurant

Address: Thunderbird Resort, Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union

S.O.U.L Café

A ‘Spice of Urban Life” as they call themselves, S.O.U.L Café is the place to either grab a quick snack or stay over for coffee.

S.O.U.L. Cafe

Address: Camp One, Rosario, La Union

Surf Shack

Combining good food with the surfing experience, Surf Shack is the place to go to for sea surfers and adventurers alike.

Surf Shack

Address: Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

La Roca

Located along Surfer’s Road, this restaurant and hotel offers travelers good food with the great view of La Union’s seascape.

La Roca

Address: Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Sugar Artisan

Sweet toothed? Sugar Artisan is the place to grab some really good desserts. From parfaits to crepes, they have it all here.

Sugar Artisan

Address: McArthur Hwy, San Juan, La Union

Riverfarm

For those that are craving for fresh seafood, Riverfarm is the place for you. This restaurant serves catch-to-plate food that is fresh every time.

Riverfarm
Photo credit: iFilm Productions

Address: Km 232, Baroro, Bacnotan, La Union

Makkan Ilokano Restaurant

Serving authentic Ilokano food, Makkan is the place to go to complete your Ilocandia experience in La Union. One of their must-try entrees is their Crispy Dinuguan.

• La Union •

A photo posted by Queenie Boado (@queebow) on

Address: Sta. Barbara, Agoo, La Union

Midway

When craving for baby-back ribs in La Union, Midway Grill is the place to go.

Midway Grill

Address: Añez Building, MacArthur Highway, Carlatan, San Fernando

Photo Editing Apps to Use When Traveling

We all want to capture absolutely amazing photos but sometimes we need a little help in making our photos stunning. With a few easy edits we can easily achieve this. What’s more we can do these on our phone with photo editing apps that are now readily available on most devices. Here are several FREE apps you can use on your next travel adventure.

Snapseed

Tools to Perfect Photos-  Basic edits, RAW Develop, Selective adjust, Healing and more

Filters to Add Style- such as Glamour Glow, HDR Scape, Noir and many more.

Stacks for Managing your Edits- re-edit any filter any time

Snapseed

Android

iPhone

VSCO

Superior mobile presets and advanced camera controls
Publish your own images or curate other photos to your personal VSCO profile.

Android

iPhone

Pixlr

Boasts of over 2 million combinations of free effects, overlays, and filters. Includes collages, layering of multiple photos, effect packs, and more.

Android

iPhone

Qwik

Basic edits and features Artwork, Typography & Effects to your photos.

41 Filters & Light Leaks

Android

iPhone

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for Mobile

Taken from Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom gives you the option of more than 40 presets.  You can play with color, adjust clarity and add vignettes.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Android

iPhone

Adobe Photoshop Express 

Basic edits, Blemish removal, image rendering, RAW photo support (selected cameras) and one touch filters.

Android

iPhone

Photo Editor by Aviary 

Gorgeous photo effects, filters and frames, One-tap auto enhance, Focus (Tilt Shift), Cosmetic tools and more.

Android

iPhone

PhotoDirector

Powerful & Easy Photo Editing Tools- Basic edits but also includes a feature to apply photo effects both globally or to specific regions of your pictures, HDR, photo effects & layer editing

Includes a collage maker and ability to remove unwanted objects or people

Android

iPhone

New York Visit Starter Pack Part 2

When I’m in New York, I just want to walk down the street and feel this thing, like I’m in a movie. –  Ryan Adams

New York offers various attractions that highlight everything that the city can offer from culture to architecture, finance, and art. Although these attractions are a must see for anyone intending to visit New York it doesn’t capture the entirety of what the city has to offer. Here’s a quick list of the lesser known places to visit when you happen to drop by New York.

5 Off the Grid Places to Visit in New York City

  • The Piece of the Berlin Wall in Manhattan

The painted pieces of the Berlin wall can be seen in various places in New York (5 in total) the most notable of which is situated in 53rd street near Madison Avenue.

Flickr Joerg Moellenkamp
Photo Credit: Flickr- Joerg Moellenkamp

Source: Moellenkamp, Jeorg. “Part of The Berlin Wall near MoMA.” July 27, 2008

  • The GhostBusters Fire Station

For that pop culture fix the Hook and Ladder 8 fire station found in Tribeca was the fire station used as the headquarters of the Ghostbusters in the cult classic.

Flickr Eli Duke
Photo Credit: Flickr- Eli Duke

Source: Duke, Eli. “NYC: Ghostbusters Fire Station.” May 22, 2011

  • Greenacre Park

A serene escape from the fast paced lifestyle of the city Greenacre Park hosts a variety of foliage plus an enchanting 25 foot waterfall.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Source:Henderson, Jim “Greenacre Pk 215.” October 18, 2008.

  • Trinity Churchyard

A landmark showcasing what New York City architecture has to offer. This landmark expresses a medieval feel that is sure to stand out amidst the tall buildings of the city.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Source:Gryffindor “Trinity Church NYC.” January 1, 2010

  • New York Hall of Science

A place where history meets innovation, the NYSCI was built for the 1964 World’s fair and currently holds various exhibits and displays that are both interactive and informative.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Source: MusikAnimal. “Main Entrance to the New York Hall of Science.” February 16, 2015

Tip!

There are a lot of off the grid locations and hidden attractions that can be found in the tapestry of culture which is New York City. A way to further enjoy the depth of the city is to ask locals about locations or attractions aside from the usual must-see’s of New York.

 

New York Visit Starter Pack Part 1

When I’m in New York, I just want to walk down the street and feel this thing, like I’m in a movie. –  Ryan Adams

Amidst the tall buildings and the glaring fast paced lifestyle of Metropolitan New York lies a city that is yet to be explored and appreciated. The Big Apple may seem daunting and overwhelming but a few tips and guides will help you appreciate not only the beauty of what we know of New York but also the hidden gems situated in the most mundane of areas and alleys. Here’s a quick list of recommended places to help you start your journey in the Big Apple.

5 Must See Destinations in New York

  • The Statue of Liberty

To start things off nothing screams of New York City than the Statue of Liberty situated off shore from Manhattan on Liberty Island.

Pixabay MonicaVolpin
Photo Credit: Pixabay MonicaVolpin
  • The Empire State Building

Tip – be sure to consider the optional VIP ticket to bypass the long lines going up the building.

Photo Credit: Pixabay Unsplash
Photo Credit: Pixabay Unsplash
  • Central Park

Live out your romantic comedy moments by taking a stroll with your special someone in Central Park.

Photo Credit: Pixabay JodesJ
Photo Credit: Pixabay JodesJ
  • Metropolitan Art Museum

Indulge in what New York has to offer culturally in the prized collections and pieces found in the Metropolitan Art Museum.

Photo Credit: Pixabay anielbaez0
Photo Credit: Pixabay anielbaez0
  • Broadway

Cap off your New York trip with a Broadway musical. Be sure to check the listings regarding the shows and show dates prior to your visit.

Photo Credit: Pixabay Unsplash
Photo Credit: Pixabay Unsplash

Tip!

New York has a lot of things to offer and these 5 are but a few of the main attractions of the city. A useful tip is to begin your trip with a view of the city from an observation deck. This allows a complete view of the city and its impressive skyline. The Empire State Building is one that offers such an experience, but other places such as the Top of the Rock Observatory and the One World Observatory offer the same experience plus the added feature of seeing the Empire State Building as well.

5 Places to Fill your Tummy and Soul in Batanes

With calming and serene landscapes, Batanes really is a must in one’s travel itinerary to the Philippines. From breathtaking sights to Philippine heritage, it really captures the hearts of people that go there. Combine that experience with food that fills your body and soul with the Batanes spirit. Here we have listed some of the places you should eat at when visiting the Philippines’ frontier in the North.

Café de Tukon

Café de Tukon, located at the Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge, uses locally grown organic ingredients. They also offer traditional food from Batanes.

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Address: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge, Brgy. Chanarian, Tukon, Basco, Batanes, Philippines 3900

Shanedel’s Inn and Café

 

With a view of one of the ports in Batanes, Shanedel’s Inn and Café gives you both good food and a breathtaking view of the sea. However, dining here is by reservation so grab your phones and set them now!

Shanedels Inn Cafe

Address: National Road, Kaycharianan, Basco, Batanes

Pension Ivatan

Pension Ivatan serves authentic Ivatan cuisine, or the cuisine of the local ethnolinguistic group of Batanes. Some of their must try food are grilled tanigue or grilled fish, and the Ivatan Platter which consists of several different seafood delights.

Pension Ivatan

Address: Basco, Batanes 3900

Octagon Bed and Dine

Combining the view of the sea and good food, Octagon Bed and Dine is surely not to be missed.

Octagon Bed and Dine

Address: Sitio Disong Brgy. Kaychanarianan, Basco, Batanes

Beehan Cafeteria

Beehan Cafeteria is another place you should not miss. From traditional dishes to everyday food, this place will satisfy any craving.

Beehan Cafeteria

Address: Lizardo St., Kayhuvukan, Basco, Batanes