What comes to mind when you hear La Union?

To me, it's always the laidback, back-to-basics accommodations, chill cafes and indie restos where barkadas hangout, and of course one of the most accessible surf spots from Metro Manila!

I had no plans on going to a beach trip soon, but suddenly received an invite to experience Aureo La Union and check out their newest property (condo units). I was expecting the rugged side of LU (or Elyu) that I mentioned above, and although I really love this part of the town, I was still tired from my Japan trip that I almost said no. Good thing Marj has strong convincing powers saying, "Chill lang tayo dun!" Before I knew it, I'm already in a van with fellow social media peeps bracing ourselves for a 4 to 5-hour drive up north!

True enough, we witnessed another side of this popular getaway. It provided a bit more of what I needed as of the moment: A more chill, more private, and more tita or family friendly (hehe) 5-star beach resort where I can truly RELAX.

It's good to be back at The Circle Hostel. I thought I wouldn't have another chance to stay in these artsy, hippie accommodations located in the country's prime surf spots (Baler, La Union, Zambales), but I guess fate does surprise you when you least expect it!

During our La Union trip, the original plan was to stay in Kahuna for 2 nights (turned 3, blogged this HERE), and then in another hotel for 2 more nights. With some kind of a movie (or TV series!) twist, we ended up being cancelled upon by our second hotel at the last minute, with no house for the next 2 to 3 nights!!

When I said yes to a 7-day trip to La Union, I was a bit anxious that I'll be spending long days with a close group of friends that I don't go out with. We usually just say hi-hello during common events, and that's it! Although I feel that I'm the oldest odd-ball in this tight-knit millennial group, they were actually super friendly that I never felt left-out at all during the entire trip. Everything's just positive vibes and chill with them.

We first stayed at the Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa, a magical black hole in San Juan La Union that will suck the days of your trip without you knowing it. Kahuna is heaven on earth! We spent day-and-night inside the resort, and didn't even tried surfing because the pool and the beachfront were enough. If not for coffee and food, we wouldn't even attempt to go out of Kahuna!

When I left the house for La Union last September 18, everything was sunny and bright. I have no kabarkada in this trip, but I have a backpack and small luggage filled with beach essentials to last me for seven days, and an open mind and heart to whatever is in stored for me for this trip. All is set for me.