Casa Tamayo, San Juan, La Union

“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.”

This motivational quote of Minor Myers, Jr. is something the Tamayos of La Union would show or tell anyone. The family is exemplary and very dedicated in raising environmental awareness; the patriarch Toby Tamayo is venturing into farm tourism, his son Carlos is into protecting pawikans and Carlos’ wife Khristine is marketing frozen plant based food.

When I was booking for Lotus Valley in San Juan, Carlos suggested an alternative – their beach house in La Union, given that it is more accessible compared to the farm. I basically have no idea what their beach house looks like. I just relied on his words that “it is a regular house but has some interesting architecture”. Somehow that piqued my interest.

A few hours later, I was standing in front of a sleek metal steel gate, with a welcome sign “Bienvenidos a Casa de Tamayo”.

To say that it is just a regular house is an understatement. The beach house is modern yet rustic, surely a labor of love and resourcefulness. Carlos said that it was designed by his tita way back in the late 80s. During that time the house was a work of art and novelty.

The main doorway is adorned with burnay jars from Ilocos.

The living room is spacious, airy, with high ceiling. The presence of several windows and glass doors allow natural light to come in. The floor is made of terra cotta tiles from Vigan. Tree trunks, wooden tables and chairs, decorative pawikan, sungka and more jars form part of the minimal but very homey and eco-friendly decoration. The hanging dining table appears quite remarkable. And so are the floating stairs for its aesthetic look.

There are four rooms (fan and air-conditioned) available. I stayed comfortably in a fan room. It has a wonderful view of the garden and the sea (basically all rooms have).     

                                                                                                                                      

A lanai that doubles as outdoor dining area, and balcony that overlooks the sea, are the coziest spot for siesta and reading (or watching Netflix).

I spent a few hours watching the hit reality show of Marie Kondo and learned some few useful tips from the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing. Actually, they do not only apply to houses but also to life like 1. The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life. 2. Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. When you rid yourself of belongings that don’t spark joy, you’ll be surrounded solely by the things that only bring happiness. 3. Don’t fall prey to the trap of nostalgia; sometimes they can just derail your decluttering progress. 4. When you come across something that you cannot part with, think carefully about its true purpose in your life. You’ll be surprised at how many of the things you possess have already fulfilled their role. By acknowledging their contribution and letting them go with gratitude, you will be able to truly put the things you own, and your life, in order. 6. Fold, don’t hang.

I observed, the house (probably from time to time) has experienced the joy of purging. I also noticed that three bats made the balcony their sleeping quarter during daytime.

  

Staying at the house is also an opportunity to know more about My Plant Kitchen – La Union’s first plant-based delivery service. The food service is run by Khristine, culinary pro and yoga instructor. She came from a family of vegetarians and her family run a pioneering vegetarian restaurant in Makati before. She caters to people who want to eat healthier meals but have no time or idea how to prepare them. I tasted some of her healthy creations – the dragon fruit smoothie bowl, caldereta, and chickpea curry.

Some optional activities after every meal (or nap) include walking thru the kalachuchi garden or running around in the nearby vast field.

Or watch sunset by the beach or the flock of birds fly across the sky. They leave a lingering message -  Don’t make others walk, when all they want is to fly.

These little, simple moments indeed spark joy. All I need is less. But I still don’t like folding.

From Manila, take Vigan, Laoag or Abra-bound bus (bus terminals in Cubao, Sampaloc or Pasay). Get off at San Juan Municipal Hall in La Union. Then take a tricycle going to Casa Tamayo.  

Casa Tamayo

Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union

Tel. No.: 0942-3664519