Each individual has a unique set of goals in life. Some would wish to have a car, a house, and a new phone. Some would wish to get a degree, a successful career, and probably an award. Some would wish to have a life-partner, then build a family, and have a happy life. Or some would want a mix and match of many other things in this world.
Despite the varying choices in life, most people have surely this same note in their bucket list – travel goals. Almost everyone, if not all, dreams to travel.
Who wouldn’t want to go to places and explore new surroundings, engage with new people, dive into new adventures, and learn new cultures. Who wouldn’t want to run away from the daily hustle in the city and escape from traffic, noise, and not so fresh air. Sounds great, right?
But nowadays, it seems that to achieve the so-called travel goals, one would need to spend a lot of money. That is what most of us think. And probably, they got it somehow wrong.
Just three hours from the Metro and very accessible to nearby provinces is La Union, the home of the big waves of the North, exquisite cuisines, green terrains, breath-taking freshwater and waterfalls, handcrafted textiles, and beautiful people.
Ten minutes from the surfing area in San Juan town is a place offering inexpensive lodging but providing warm accommodation, good food, homey vibes, serene hideout, and an overall wonderful experience – the Elyu Bakasyunan.
Elyu Bakasyunan, which is now making a name in the tourism industry of the province, is owned by Anabelle Bermudez who is dearly called by the hostel’s guests as “Tita Bing”. It is situated at Calincamasan village in said town.
The Elyu Bakasyunan is a lodging inn owned by the Bermudez Family located at Calincamasan village in San Juan, La Union where everything is a work of art with the touch of love.
Established just four months ago, the humble home of Tita Bing and her family was converted into a lodging inn. With its perfect location away from the busy street, facing the mountain side and the rice field, along with its elegant Scandinavian interior design and with a touch of Boho, it is indeed a sanctuary of peace and comfort.
Surprisingly, it would only cost one traveler P750.00 per night to experience the “Elyu Bakasyunan”. And that P50.00 is already inclusive of a sumptuous breakfast. Too good to be true? Well, you got it right.
Different from all the other accommodation establishments is that the Bermudez family is literally very hands-on with the Elyu Bakasuyanan, making sure that each of their guests would feel at home. Similar as to how family or friends get to treat visitors in their abode. They do not merely offer service but with utmost hospitality, reflective of the most renowned Filipino trait.
At present, the Elyu Bakasyunan only offers four rooms and a bahay-kubo which can accommodate a maximum of 22 guests but Tita Bing said they are already planning to expand the business to cater more visitors.
“Sa lugar na ito, walang mahirap o mayaman, pantay-pantay ang pagsisilbi namin sa lahat ng bisita. Gusto namin iparamdam ‘yong kagaya ng pagmamahal na nararamdaman nila sa mga tahanan nila,” Tita Bing said.
Reservations through their official Facebook Page is highly encouraged so that Tita Bing and her family can ensure that everything is set and well-prepared once you step in.
“Gusto lang namin masiguro na naayos na namin lahat bago dumating ang mga bisita at makabili kami ng fresh ingredients para sa pagkain dahil ayaw naman namin na stock sa ref ang gagamitin sa pagluluto,” she explained.
More than that, what adds more color to the place is Tita Bing’s kindness, humor, positivity, faith, and motherly care. The colors are also brightened up with her family’s love.
Nothing fancy or anything luxurious but their clients keep on giving them really satisfactory feedback and comments. Undoubtedly, it would make you wonder why. But once you get to visit the place, you’ll be able to discover what made it so special.
Edgar and Anabelle Bermudez, fondly called by their guests as Tito Egay and Tita Bing, are the humble owners of Elyu Bakasyunan who would normally show up in their house dress and welcome you with sweet smiles and cheerful voices.
There are a lot of beautiful places in the world but there are only a few that would make you feel the warmth of a home. It does not only please the eyes but it tickles the heart. It does not only capture your attention but it takes part of your soul.
For Tita Bing and her family, it is more than just about business…it is about sharing more than their home to people but as well as all the love in its every corner.
Come and visit La Union! Experience the Elyu Bakasyunan, your home far from home. (JCR/AMB/CGRC/PIA Region 1)
