The beaches of La Union came alive once again as the much-awaited La Union Surfing Break (LUSB) 2025 officially opened at Waves Point in Barangay Panicsican, San Juan. Now on its 20th year, the festival continues to attract locals and tourists alike with its vibrant mix of surf competitions, cultural showcases, and eco-friendly activities celebrating the province’s rich heritage and coastal lifestyle.
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A Celebration of Waves, Culture, and Unity
Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega led the opening festivities, inviting everyone to take part in this year’s monthlong celebration.
“We invite our locals, tourists and surfers to support the La Union Surfing Break. This is our way of showcasing our La Union Agkaysa here in the province,” Ortega said.
He also highlighted that La Union offers more than just world-class surf spots, but also a deep cultural experience. “The province of La Union offers more than great surfing as it is also a place to enjoy our rich culture and heritage. Let us hit the waves and feel La Union,” he added.
LUSB 2025 spans across the municipalities of San Juan and Bacnotan, both hosting a wide array of crowd-drawing events. In San Juan, beachgoers can look forward to surfing competitions, beach volleyball, a glow run, surf clinics, a surfboard painting contest, and musical performances, including the Elyu Music Awards and a nostalgic 90s Rewind night.
Meanwhile, Bacnotan’s leg of the celebration will feature a cultural show, beach volleyball, sandcastle-making, music festivals, and the Bangkathon, among other highlights.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Celebration
Beyond the festivities, LUSB also promotes responsible tourism through eco-conscious programs such as mangrove planting, coastal cleanups, eco-swap projects, and an inter-barangay eco-decor competition.
San Juan Municipal Tourism Officer Riza Joy Abat assured that the town is well-prepared for the event, noting strong coordination with both government and private partners.
“We have partners and coordinated with our local uniformed personnel, government and private sectors; they are included in the meeting and coordination so that we can properly conduct our activities,” Abat explained.
Bacnotan Tourism Officer Cheresa Sison echoed the same enthusiasm, saying that preparations were completed with the help of the provincial government and local communities.
With events scheduled until November 2, the La Union Surfing Break is expected to draw thousands of visitors, boosting tourism and economic activity while reinforcing the province’s title as the Surfing Capital of the North.
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