It's been a while, but I'm back --- this time we've been to San Fernando, La Union. It's about 260 kms north of Manila, the same route going to Laoag. The best place I've stayed in the city proper is Oasis Hotel, about 2-3 kms before the town center if you're coming from Manila. It's a bit pricey, but it's the best there nonetheless.
In the 70s, San Fernando was the place to go when one talked about beaches. Bora & Palawan had yet to be discovered by us commoners, and Mindanao at that time was just too far away.
The best discovery we had there was Halo-halo de Iloko, their specialty, of course, Halo-Halo (literally "mix-mix"). There's just something different about their halo-halo, I think it's in the sweetener & the fresh ingredients. The other food are great as well.
And if you're from Manila, their prices are so cheap. Try out when you're out there!
