San Fernando City and Mao-Cho Temple

A Short Visit with Travel Buddies Mon and Marion

Note: This is a re-post from old blog. Credits to Don for helping me retrieve this article. Thank you so much!

When Marion, Mon and I were packing up and getting ready to leave Sebay Surf Central, the next question we had in mind was "where are we going next?" 

While on our way to San Juan, La Union, the three of us were already planning of going to Vigan or Baguio City; unfortunately, it was not feasible. We needed to be back in Manila by Sunday night, August 5th, as Mon had to go to work on Monday morning. Checking the travel brochure that we picked at the resort's reception counter, I was eyeing at Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union. However, due to heavy rains few days back, a local folk informed us that the trail to the water falls hasn't been passable. We looked at the other destinations within La Union and finally decided to visit San Fernando and go to places in my list which included Ma-Cho Taoist Temple, St William Cathedral and La Union Botanical Gardens.

The Taoist temple

  

From Sebay, we boarded a jeepney to San Fernando Plaza. First stop was Saint William Cathedral. We were not familiar with the place at all as it was our first time to be there so we needed to ask directions from residents. Mon approached a group of people and asked where St. Michael Cathedral is located. An old man answered and said there isn't St. Michael but rather St. William within the area. We all laughed because we even forgot the name of the church. 

Saint William Cathedral

It was noontime when we reached the cathedral and because it was Sunday we were not expecting it to be closed. Mon wished to say a prayer inside the church but we couldn't get in.

From the church, we saw different establishments and buildings built in different architectural designs. What caught my interest the most was the Parthenon-styled town plaza in front of the cathedral. It's an old design but impressive when seen in actual.

Adjacent to the town plaza was a small park where people may come, sit on benches and watch the busy streets. It's a perfect place for kids and for those who want to come by, relax and play. There was a small playground in the plaza so it could be a perfect place for kids.

It was nice to see playgrounds again... had not seen one for over a year now.                              

Town Plaza

It was fun looking around the city plaza of San Fernando that we wanted to see more but we were already hungry. We hadn't taken lunch meal yet! Marion wanted to dine in a local restaurant or food chain other than the usual Jollibee or KFC but we couldn't find one that's closer. So, we ended up having our lunch at KFC!

Marion and Mon's happy smile! Couldn't wait for rice and chicken :)

  

While waiting for the food I was reviewing the next destination when Marion took a pose, haha! Honestly, I was aware that Mon was taking a photo of us.

  

This was how crazy we were with chicken! See who got the craziest bite and look... I think I did!

                      

  

My all time favorite KFC's KRUSHER

  

After a late lunch, we headed to the next spot, the Taoist Temple in San Fernando City. We were told that the temple was near KFC but we didn't know the exact location so we rented a tricycle to bring us to the temple.

I noticed that the temple was quiet when we got there. I was thinking it might have been closed and then I realized there shouldn't be noises around sacred places like Ma-Cho Taoist temple. Opppsss! I spoke in a loud voice so I had to tone down a bit.

Marion at the entrance gate!

This temple is one of the few Taoist temples in Philippines. It's adorned with extravagant Chinese decors and other ornaments like crystal balls, lions, dragons and others. We were amazed by the structure, the calmness of the environment, the sanctity of the place - it's truly spectacular!

We spent about 30 minutes at Ma-Cho. It was my first time to visit a temple and I like it! We'd be heading back to Manila with a smile of a contented heart . I guess we did a lot in two days.

  

  

In as much as we wanted to take a tour at the La Union Botanical garden, we ran out of time. It was getting dark already and we didn't have bus reservations back to Manila so we decided to put an end to the seemingly - long weekend trip. Marion and I thought of having a body massage when we reached Manila and so we did! It was the best week-end trip I've ever had.