the la union get-away
I hastily decided to celebrate my 31st birthday with my friends in La Union. I told myself that I have to do something totally different on my birthday and so far it was the best.
On 05/19, I threw a simple lunch and dinner party for my family and few relatives on the 20th, my birthday I was on my way to La Union.
I was with 6 other friends and we stayed at Sebay Surf Resort in Urbiztondo, San Fernando La Union. The resort is right along the highway so its hard to miss. If you want to get away from the maddening everyday stress of Metro Manila and spend a few days at the beach to surf or do nothing, this place is highly recommended. Here are some general observations about the resort that might help.
Room rate:
Standard aircon room: 1,400.00 (good for 2) extra person: 200.00 a night
They also have fan rooms and dorm type rooms that are good for more than 7 persons. Dorm type rooms price ranges from 3,000.00 to 5,000.00 a night. The standard aircom room is quite small even for 2 persons. One of the smallest accomodations I’ve seen so far. Its comfortable enough with television and a bathroom but it doesn’t have hot shower. Rooms are decorated in a Robinson Crusoe theme, complete with seashells and rustic sea theme. I appreciate the resort for putting that kind of effort.
Restaurant:
The resort has its own restaurant. Price ranges from 100.00 to 250.00 a meal but they are good for 2 to 3 persons. I recommend their chicken in a basket served with fries and chopsuey. You can also eat at other restaurants within the area because the beach is lined with other resorts. If you want to eat at a fancy restaurant, try Big Kahuna Resort restaurant, 3 mins walk from Sebay. It has the ambiance of a high end restaurant fronting the beach. Food and drinks are a little bit pricey but you’ll get your money’s worth because food tastes great.
You can bring your own food at the resort and cook your own meals if you will be with friends.
Service at the resort restaurant is a bit slow so you must eat a little early before you are too hungry to wait.
Activities:
If your not the sporty type, you can just lounge at the beach the whole day. You can watch the hunky surf instructors or the guests. There are also foreigners so take your pick, feast your eyes 
.
.Surfing: for an hour, you’ll pay 400.00 for the instructor and the surf board. But if you think that one hour is not enough, you can surf for half a day for 500.00
Kayak: 300.00 good for two for 1 hour.
Getting there:
We went to Viron Bus Station in Cubao. Took a bus going to Vigan. You can ask the bus driver to drop you off in Urbiztondo, San Fernando La Union. As I’ve mentioned Sebay Surf Resort is right along the road so its hard to miss. You can even ask the driver to drop you off there. Fair from Cubao to the resort is at arounf 480.00 (couldn’t remember the exact price).
Service:
The rooms doesn’t have phones so if you need to request for extra towels or pillows, you have to go to the reception area. They are always ready to help you though so its not that of a hassle.
So far, it is a no frills resort with a comfortable accomodation but good customer service. Besides, what you’re after is the beach and the activities and not the resort itself.
I decided not to surf because I had this ridiculous fear of my face hitting the surf board. I don’t want to go to work with an ugly surf board mark on my face. Overall, that birthday weekend is the most memorable. I realized although I’m already 31, there are still thousands of oppotunities for me. I just have to grab them and live my life to the fullest.
