Maybe love comes in waves that seem to ebb and flow and then crash
ashore at unexpected moments.
For the art-loving backpackers, surfers and beach bums, there’s a new quaint and artsy café gallery and bed and breakfast place in the surfing capital of the North – Dalluyon. An Ilocano term for waves, Dalluyon is the brainchild of the founders of the famed Tam-Awan Village in Baguio. So as expected, the place is full of creative local artworks that mainly appeal to the discriminating taste of old souls and millennials. But being near the beach, the ambiance is more laidback and relaxed.
I’ve been to Dalluyon more than twice already since last year. In fact, I’ve already seen it on its building phase, soft opening, and now that they are fully operational. It has that certain charm that attracts the inner boho in me.
Dalluyon is a cluster of four native houses – ala bahay kubo style. Three are for accommodations and the remaining one is the café.
The skilful combination of pop art and wood confidently made the place a stand-out – vibrant, youthful, homey. Bulols, giant dreamcatchers, portrait murals, pabitin, wooden sculptures, driftwoods, stone fire pit, Scooby-Doo inspired van (but more flamboyant) do not only adorn the place but are significant art pieces on their own.
Rustic accommodations are basically two-types– air-conditioned room and the kubo hut.
The air-conditioned rooms have beds good for family or couple with private bathroom.
The kubo huts, which could accommodate maximum of two persons, have futons and electric-fan only. They are also cheaper at P500 per head per night. But they are the most artistic and colourful kubo that I’ve seen.
The café gallery showcases beautiful paintings of local artists, mainly depicting Philippine culture and portraying Filipino people, including indigenous groups. The shells of capiz windows are drawn with caricature human faces.
The café offers delicious with generous servings of all-day breakfast meals and comfort food. I had garden salad, carbonara, bagnet and strawberry milk shake.
The beach, ideal for surfing and skim boarding, is only a two-minute walk from Dalluyon.
I was amazed to see the river leading to the sea, filled with moss. It looks unrefreshing green.
Since I don’t surf, I do my usual thing when I’m on the beach. Plus some three minute yoga.
The ocean always reminds
me of love everlasting, especially when the waves keep returning to the shore.
Constant. Forever.
It’s good to carry so
much love in your heart. Give some. To yourself.
From Manila, take Vigan, Laoag or Abra-bound bus (bus terminals in
Cubao, Sampaloc or Pasay). Better take those passing TPLEX to arrive in San
Juan, La Union in more or less 5 hours. Get off in Urbiztondo in San Juan.
Landmark would be the big signage of Dalluyon. The place is very near the
highway, and right after Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel.
Dal-luyon Café Gallery and Bed and Breakfast Place
#2514 Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Tel. No.: 0977-0768988
