CASE # 016: La Union Weekend Part 6

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Apart from the beautiful shoreline, surf-worthy waves, and colorful festivities, the province of La Union is also rich in art and history. Luna, a mystical town, is 40 kilometers from San Fernando. It was formerly called as Namacpacan (one who feeds) and was officially renamed as Luna back in 1906 to honor Doña Laurena Novicio Luna – the mother of Antonio and Juan Luna.


Luna’s shoreline differs from the other beaches in neighboring town as it was linde with stones and pebbles swept away by the waves hence it was called “Pebble Beach.” Along its pebbled beach was Bahay na Bato, one of the major attractions of the town. It is a house made in stones and pebbles and is in Brgy. Nalvo Norte. Dr. Edison and Dr. Purita Chan-Robles owns the three-hectare property which was initially intended as a family rest house.


In 2015, the house was officially opened to the public featuring stone art and architecture designed by Bong Kim, a Korean sculptor.


Kamay na Bato (Bahay na Bato)


We entered a long, narrow street which led to the entrance of the property.  We were looking for Bahay na Bato but apparently, it is now known as Kamay na Bato.

Sinalubong kami agad ng mga Kuya Parking who were waving and pointing towards the side of the street. Marami na kasing sasakyan ang naka-park sa bungad mismo ng bahay. Buti na lang at may kasama kaming marunong mag-Ilocono. He talked to Kuya in their dialect and negotiated to have us dropped off the entrance first.

Buti naman at pumayag ang mga Kuya Parking kasi tirik na tirik na ang araw. Medyo malayo rin ang lalakarin namin sa initan kung nagkataon. Good thing that when we were dropped off at the entrance, a van pulled out of one of the parking spots. Pak! We immediately found a parking space.

There was an announcement at the entrance that the actual house (Bahay na Bato) was closed for renovation. We can only access the gallery (Kamay na Bato) where the exhibit of stone arts and other interactive paintings were displayed. Entrance fee was Php20.00 each.





Inside the front yard, we were greeted by different stone sculptures and murals. Some were comical faces and figures. Some are well… medyo rated SPG. Mahirap nga lang maglakad sa front yard kasi puro bato iyong flooring. Masakit sa paa lalo na kung nakatsinelas ka.














Inside the gallery were more murals and stone art where you can pose for pictures. If you have been to Art in Island in Cubao, you will find the gallery a lot more similar. 
























The gallery led to a small canteen where you can buy ice cream, beverages, and some snacks. There are also souvenirs available. May mga benches and tables din so you can eat and rest.




At the back of the gallery was a garden that led to the actual house and the pebble beach. The pathway was barricaded to prevent guests from entering but you can peep through the wooden fences and have a glimpse of what was inside.



This way to the pebble beach.

This path leads to the main house. Closed for renovation daw



There were also wooden benches where you can sit and relax for a while. Marami nga lang tao so occupied iyong mga upuan na nasa lilim. Bakante lang iyong nasa initan mismo.


I was a little bit disappointed with the place as I was expecting to see the house and the pebble beach. Kaso iyong mga artworks lang ang available. Maganda naman siya kaya lang since nakapunta na nga kami ni Hubby ng Art in Island, hindi na bago sa amin iyong ibang designs.


 Hindi rin naman kami nagtagal. After the pictorials and washroom breaks, we went off to our next destination: Ilocus Sur.
to be continued...
References:

  • http://www.manilatimes.net/mystical-town-luna/291676/
  • http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/906419/bahay-na-bato-rises-on-pebble-beach

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

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