CASE # 014: La Union Weekend Part 4

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After a hearty meal at the Halo Halo de Iloko, Hubby and I walked down Zandueta St. towards the corner street which is the pick-up point that Cuz and I have agreed on. She was just right on cue and off we went to Poro Point.


We made a few stops along that way as Cuz pulled up some strings, so we could drop by Thunderbird Resort and take a quick look around.


A Touch of Santorini


Thunderbird Resort and Casino is known as the Santorini of Asia because it divinely romanticized the great architectural design of one of Greece’s widely renowned island. Located at the edge of Poro Point’s highest cliff, it offers an overlooking view of San Fernando Bay and the West Philippine Sea.



It’s blue and white theme contrasts the white sand beach and blue waters right below the 100-feet cliff. Upon entrance of the gated resort, you would be welcomed by the astounding blue-domed villas that recreates a small village. Pakiramdam mo tuloy wala ka sa Pilipinas. These are private villas exclusively for the members of the resort.



Malawak ang parking spaces for guests. It has an al fresco lobby decorated by white woven chairs. Tanaw mo na agad ang view ng beach. If you walk further inside, there is a patio that provides a scenic view of the bay and the swimming pools at the lower portion of the resort. Sa lobby pa lang picture perfect na.

My cute niece, Chloe.

Me, Chloe, and Cuz at the lobby


The hotel rooms are lined up to the left and right wing. Al fresco rin ang hallway going to the rooms. Pero airconditioned lahat ng rooms. Pati restrooms airconditioned. Ngayon ko lang yata na-experience ginawin sa loob ng CR. Iyong tipong lalamigin ang mga kamay mo kapag naghugas ka dahil sa lakas ng aircon!

There were two events happening simultaneously at the resort. A wedding on the left wing, and a debut on the right wing. We even had a glimpse of the lovely bride as she walked down her room to the garden where the ceremony would be held.

Sa right wing naman, naging photobomber pa kami ng debutant habang nagpi-pictorial siya malapit sa cliff.

Day tours are available naman daw pero since hindi naman ito kasama sa itinerary namin for the day, maybe it could be arranged on our next trip. So pictorial moments na lang kami muna with Cuz, Hubby and my pamangkins.

My Cuz

What the heck happened to my eyes?

Sun was about to set

Poro Point Lighthouse



After our short stint at Thunderbird, Cuz drove us to one of Poro Point’s popular attraction: The Lighthouse!


The Lighthouse Family

The Poro Point Lighthouse is a century-old structure located within the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone. It served as guide light of sea farers and ships docking at the San Fernando Bay during the olden times. The Poro Point Management Corporation now preserves and maintains the lighthouse as a legacy for people of San Fernando. It is also the main landmark that highlights and inspires the “Sillag Festival of Lights.”

Excuse, nagpapa-picture ako!

May mga military men na nakabantay sa base mismo ng tower at may oras lang para ma-access ito. Normally, hanggang 5:00pm lang daw pwede umakyat. Pero lampas 5:30pm na rin kami nakarating. Buti na lang pumayag pa iyong mga bantay. Sillag Festival naman daw kasi kaya nag-extend sila ng oras.



The lighthouse was 8 meters (27 ft) high. Hindi biro akyatin iyon para sa isang certified tita na kagaya ko. It had a narrow and winding stairway that continuously goes up. There are no landing planes or plight where you can pause to catch for your breath. Bukod sa matarik, confined into a small space pa ang staircase. Ang tanging source of ventilation mo lang ay iyong maliliit na bintana that kinda lets you know kung gaano ka na kataas.


I have gout on both my knees, I am hypertensive, and at the same time claustrophobic. All the wrong reasons to engage in this lighthouse climbing activity. It took around 10 minutes to complete the steps and finally reach the top.


Pero worth it naman pala ang buwis-buhay na pag-akyat. The view was literally and figuratively breathtaking. You have the full view of the bay with the dome of Thunderbird on your left side and the view of the setting sun on your right. The smell of the sea ignited our senses as the strong winds playfully blew into our faces.



Hubby, Dux (my nephew), Roseanne (Cuz), Chloe (my niece), me, and Kuya Photobomber

This time wala nang photobomber

Huwag ka nga lang titingin sa baba dahil talagang malulula ka. At dahil 100 years old na ang structure, hindi pwedeng maraming tao sa taas at the same time. Medyo bad trip nga lang ako nung sinabi ni Kuya Military na five minutes na lang daw ang viewing. Five minutes and we must go down. Mas matagal pa ang pag-akyat ko kaysa iyong pag-stay sa taas!


Well, kumakagat naman na kasi ang dilim. Wala yatang ilaw iyong stairway so mahirap kapag inabutan ng dilim doon. May point naman pala si Kuya.


After the challenging climb, we are now ready for the Sillag Festival!


to be continued...


References:
  • http://pia.gov.ph/provinces/la-union
  • https://www.discoverphilippines.com/attractions/poro-point-lighthouse

Photos by:
  • Allen Jay Manalili
A writer, blogger, teacher and dreamer. I enjoy learning new things and loves people watching.

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