*Cancelled - Xterra La Union [March 2017]
Travel
La Union was carved from the nine towns of Pangasinan, three of Ilocos Sur and villages of the Eastern Pais del Igorotes in the Cordilleras. It was formally created by a Royal Decree issued by Queen Isabela of Spain on April 18, 1854. The name La Union indicates the union of towns from different provinces.
Spanish colonizers saw a thriving community when they arrived in La Union in 1572. The area was then a dynamic trading center especially for gold for Japanese and Chinese merchants.
The Augustinians were the first missionaries to build towns along the coast and converted the residents to Christians. The region became a base for the Spanish colonizers to exploit the gold mines in the uplands. In 1661, Andres Malong of Pangasinan tried to snatch La Union from the Spaniards but was later defeated at Agoo.
In the late 1700s, Ilocano immigrants moved to the region to look for greener pastures thus becoming the majority.
How to get to La Union
The air conditioned bus firms (Dominion Bus Lines, Philippine Rabbit, Partas, Fariñas, Maria de Leon, and Viron) depart from terminals in Manila every hour. Destinations can either be La Union, Narvacan, Vigan, Laoag or Abra. The City of San Fernando lies 273 km. from Manila, which is about 5 hours by land or 30 minutes by air, and is about an hour’s drive from Baguio City.
Getting Around La Union
To get around La Union, one can take Jeepneys and mini-buses with fixed routes at a minimal fare. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are commonly used in reaching remote areas and suburbs.
Jeepney
This is a customized army jeep which was left by the Americans during the Second World War. Resized, remodeled, and shined, this multi-purpose vehicle can accommodate from 20 to 30 passengers which takes them to other municipalities in La Union. It is also a famous symbol for the Philippines, known for its artistic designs, colors and horn sounds.
Tricycle
These local taxis are widely available around the province. For just a minimal cost, you can reach nearby destinations or even hire them further as you please. Basically, the minimum fare per passenger is PhP 8.00.
Mini-bus
If you want to reach a nearby town a little bit faster than the jeepney, then take the mini-bus. Most are not air-conditioned (although there are already some which are) since various cargoes especially market goods and almost all people from all walks of life ride on them.
Rent-a-van
If you wish to drive on your own in exploring La Union, there is good list of accredited van or car owners which offer car rental services. The option of hiring a driver (probably the vehicle owner at that) is also available. Please inquire at the La Union Tourism Information Center for more details.
SPECIAL OFFER!!!
Register for the individual full or individual lite category of the XTERRA North PH in La Union and get this limited edition XTERRA La Union jersey by F2P!
Register now via www.xterraphil.com! Only the first 150 registrants of the Individual FULL or Individual LITE category will get a chance to have one! #xterralaunion
Schedule updated as of 26 January 2017. (subject to change without prior notice)
