November 15, 2013 The Watchtowers of La Union
La Union's history is rich considering that the province was formed during the Spanish colonial period. Along the coastlines of the province are centuries old watchtowers that served as lookouts for pirates during those times. Five watchtowers still exists on the west coast of La Union. They may have served their purpose but their antiquity will always be part of my province history. They still continue to battle the elements. Some were already damaged due to the constantly changing seascape and ways of man.
1. Luna Watchtower
I rode a bus bound to Vigan and dropped by Balaoan town proper in La Union. The bus stop is beside the church of Balaoan. I crossed the road and went to the tricycle terminal north of the municipal hall. These tricycles are Luna bound. Fare is P10 only. I stepped down at the Luna town proper near the church. Arriving at Luna town, I went to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan or the St. Catherine Alexandria Parish Church. After saying my prayers, I walked the lengths of the street south of the church towards the back and made a right turn at the next street. When I saw the elementary school at the left corner of the next street, I followed the road westward towards the beach. And not far away, the Spanish watchtower was on my sight.
The Luna watchtower is popularly known as Baluarte in the town. It is located on the pebble collecting beach of Luna. This pebble beach is somewhat similar to the Mabua pebble beach in Surigao City. The tower may look silent upon my arrival at the area but I was awed by its towering height. This watchtower has a huge diameter measuring to about 6 meters. A closer look will reveal that the watchtower is already badly damaged. Even its wall was not spared by some persons. Three 1-foot holes are very evident on the north side of the tower. The tower was already split into two with one side leaning towards the sea. Concrete pegs were used to support the leaning tower preventing it of further damage. I read of articles that the local government has efforts of restoration but I believe that there should be more to be done on this one. The shore is made up of pebbles and its base is slowly washed up by the big waves during storms.
2. Darigayos Watchtower
After I had my time at Baluarte, I went back to the church area and asked for directions where is the tricycle terminal bound to Darigayos. I was told to go at the back of the market and there I will find my transportation. I asked for directions going to Darigayos watchtower and after agreeing with the fare of P75, the driver took me to Darigayos. I paid P75 since I was the only passenger of the tricycle (can accommodate 5) and I don't want to wait anymore since the sun's already high. We passed by the barangays of Nalvo Norte and Sur. At one time there was a plantation of mahogany trees that reminds me of the man-made forest in Bohol. I got a nostalgia of Siem Reap upon passing through the jungle area of the road. When I noticed the USAFIP park I knew I was getting near my destination. The driver took a right turn towards a beach resort named Noble Resort with its logo resembling that of a watchtower. It was not the one I was looking for however I just made my way to sea side. At the shore I walked south. I saw a bridge across a river to my left. To my right is the sea. I saw some fishermen at the estuary and asked for directions. The man said that there is a tower south along the beach. I thanked him and crossed the estuary carefully not to get wet from knee up. I was guided by a guy there which portion is shallow where I could pass. Some 100 meters along the beach I found the tower hidden by the overgrowth. If not because of height one will not notice its existence. I saw a clearing on the shrubs which lead me to the tower entrance.
The Darigayos watchtower has a smaller circumferencial base compared that of the Baluarte. Plants had already found a support on the uppermost part of the tower with their roots on the crevices and cracks. I wanted to enter and check the tower but a deep depression or hole was present just before the tower entrance. The hole left me searching for some explanations why is it present.
3. San Fernando Watchtower
From Darigayos, I rode a jeepney bound to San Fernando. I waited just before the Navalta Beach Resort above the estuary which I walked earlier. The fare going to Carlatan from Darigayos is P30. I stepped out of the jeep just before the Coca-Cola Plant. I took the road going to Carille. When I saw the Oceana Apartments sign, I walked right to a road going down. There I saw Carille and the watchtower beside their pavilion. There was this lady whom I asked for permission for my photo shoot. The watchtower used to be in a private lot. Mrs. Esperanza Rillera and her husband acquired the lot in 1964. Carille was built up in the 1970's to cater for weddings and other parties. The watchtower was converted to a honeymoon suite. That's the reason the present tower has stairs going up and the inside was fortified with concrete and a second floor. The tower was already donated to the local government for its restoration. A tree has hugged the tower around. This tower is the smallest compared to the ones I visited earlier the day.
4. San Juan Watchtower
I went to check again the San Juan watchtower before sunset. The watchtower is located on my hometown and is just a bike away. I love the view here during sunset. The watchtower is located on a private lot. Soon fence will surround the tower. Like the Baluarte, the San Juan watchtower did not survive the elements. Unlike the other watchtowers I went to check in the morning, this one is already a reconstruction. What remains of the original tower is only around 20%. The new tower is now reinforced with hollow blocks and concrete. It is still to be completed. It no longer resemble the old tower during my childhood but the new tower provides a good view of the sunset and the scenery.
5. Bacnotan Watchtower
The watchtower is located on a high fenced private lot. I hope someday I will be able to get a glimpse of this one.
Embrace change. Have the courage to be adventurous, because you only have one ticket for this ride. - Anonymous