There’s something about leaving the city together that changes how people show up. Maybe it’s the salt in the air, maybe it’s the long drive, or maybe it’s simply the fact that you’re no longer rushing to the next meeting. And this La Union trip automatically became our reset.

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December 5, 2025

Some of the team arrived earlier, settling into surf-town time days ahead. I came in right on schedule, carpooling with Jeremy, easing into La Union as it opened itself up with wide roads, tricycles humming, and that familiar feeling of space returning to your body. We arrived and checked in right away at Creesante Hotel. From the highway, the area looked busy with tricycles parked at the front, but once inside, it opened up to a spacious stone-paved parking area. The reception doubled as a café/bar and restaurant all in an open layout with plants and good airflow. Along with Alex and Czai, we were assigned to Room 206 where the room had a divider wall by the door and three bunk beds, which made it good for up to six people. 

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After settling in, we went about our own errands. Jeremy and I met April for lunch at Kabsat. Despite being surrounded by newer hotels and hostels, Kabsat still manages to maximize its beachfront view with a wooden deck lined with rattan loungers and cocktail tables by the outdoor area – easily the best seats to enjoy La Union’s famed sunset. It’s a two-storey space so we sat on the second floor and ordered Bagnet Kare-Kare and Beef Caldereta. The bagnet was perfectly crispy just how I like it, and the beef was so tender that we were waving around a chef’s kiss as we ate.

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We went to get coffees at Timpla afterward, situated at Tavern by the Sea where we stayed there for a while, got some work done, and took in the sea view from the elevated rocky area outside where people usually gather for sunset photos.

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Dinner pulled us together at Kermit, tucked into the beachfront end of Great Northwest compound in Urbiztondo. I was especially looking forward to this part of the day because I can finally meet the whole team in person. Unfortunately AA and Q had to leave early because of a scheduled dance recital. They were very much missed. To make up for it, we ordered a mix of pizzas and pastas: Pizza Burrata, Margherita Pizza, Kermit Pizza, Linguine Al pesto, Linguine Tartufata, Aglio Olio, and Gnocchi Formaggi. Everything was rich, indulgent and meant for sharing. To cap off our meals, we ordered the Aperol Spritz cocktail, Kermit’s signature drink and you simply have to trust them. Kermit offers this drink at 20% off everyday from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM, except on Sundays where it’s discounted all day! Seeing everyone together made the table feel fuller than the food ever could.

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From there, the night unfolded naturally. A quick stop at Shrine to catch familiar faces from Virtual Workmate (VWM) and Agent Aid (AA), then onto Hara. The things they couldn’t do in other bars, Hara has the courage to do it with its gloriously wild and fun parties and fabulous drag shows. The DJ turned up the party with Top 40 tracks on the decks and it worked greatly with tequila shots and all the Budots dancing we did that night. 

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On the way to the next bar, things got a little funny. April was saying things she probably wouldn’t remember the next day, and Ricky attempted to cross the street twice even though Tasting Room was literally right where we were dropped off. As we entered, it seemed to be just the right place to be at with its quiet and civilized evening over fine wine and charcuterie – it definitely offered a break from the lively club scene we just had from Hara. Justin, Tasting Room’s sommelier, recommended Ricky try the Mezcal, a smoky agave spirit that felt more refined than tequila, and he can definitely see himself drinking to it and I can understand why. Fair warning: it’s an acquired taste! Conversations naturally shifted to art, work dynamics, and preferences which, honestly, for me felt like the right way to end the night. Jeremy and I headed back to the hotel while the others continued on to Kalay.

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December 6, 2025

The following day started surprisingly well, considering the drinks from the night before. Jeremy, Czai, and I were relatively sober while Alex was clearly still processing everything from the night before. Jeremy and I went down to meet April for breakfast where we ran into Jake, one of the CEOs of Agent Aid. He shared stories about reconnecting with his family in Cebu and how grounding that experience was for him. It really highlighted how strong Filipino family ties and pakikisama – or the Filipino culture of getting along – can be. 

We went ahead to eat breakfast at Clean Beach Co, a space that immediately feels made for creatives and digital nomads. The interiors were shabby chic with communal tables and reused furniture. A live performer played some chill reggae as we waited for food, perfect for a slow morning to start the day. The beach dip afterward was wild, with waves tugging us back every time we tried to go further. As cheesy as it sounds, it felt like a reminder that even rest asks you to stay present so we decided to stay by the shore to enjoy the sea view instead.

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By the time we went back to the hotel, Ray had invited Jeremy to play chess. Conversations drifted towards Budots – its history, the cultural context – until Jeremy made a move Ray didn’t catch which ultimately ended his winning streak. Ricky arrived shortly after, clearly hungover as he parked his motorcycle with care under the tree. He planned on going to SM with Elwyn who had just arrived that day.

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Jeremy, April, and I went ahead to El Chapo for lunch, a humble Mexican street food stall along the highway located beside Bisin. Despite my general dislike for Mexican food, El Chapo changed my mind. Their Fried Tacos and Horchata will be my go-to orders from now on!

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The official Christmas Party was held at Patio by Balai Norte, located in the heart of Panicsican that offers a modern tropical boutique comfort while keeping the local charm that La Union has. From the outside, the closed doors gave no hint of what was inside but once we entered, the space opened up with tables set per team. 

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The games were light but enough to trigger the competitive artists that we are. From Budots-infused paper dances to creative pose challenges and charades, I saw how our team was quick on our feet while still delivering quality creativity. It was fun watching other teams eventually copy our ideas which we took as a quiet win; we lost almost all the games.

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We capped the night at Dalum Kubo, a space I was so amused by with its large Bahay Kubo complete with thatched roof and windows, surrounded by lush greenery and rural ambiance. The rooms would use a lot of wood, rattan, and bamboo accents to tie everything together. It was a total change of scenery with its open layout ensuring the structure is always cooled by breezes. We played card games under the mango tree beside the pool and spent the rest of the night just talking. It was a good way to wind down before heading back to the hotel.

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December 7, 2025

The last day was pretty straightforward. We had our complimentary breakfast, packed our things and dealt with a small parking struggle involving Alex and Czai before heading home.

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It’s easy to see why people come to La Union. It’s no white sand type of beach but it leaves an impression all the same. Maybe it was the people, the accessibility, the food, or the fact that our best offline moments together yet have finally happened, and it happened here.

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Overall, the trip was both simple and grounding but I’m mostly excited to see how the work dynamic changes because it’s no wonder after days together, everything feels more human. 

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