VERY STRONG | My experience on 7.3 Magnitude Abra Earthquake in Baguio, Benguet

 While I was busy doing my chores, our house started shaking. I thought it was just a normal small quake. But then the shaking never stops. We immediately reminded all folks inside the home to get out. While we are already outside the house, the quake gets stronger and stronger. It lasted for approximately 20 seconds long. This terrifying experience reminded me of a similar experience 22 years ago, the 1990 Luzon earthquake. 

What we just experienced is a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that jolted the whole Luzon island. The epicenter is believed to be in Lagangilag, Abra Province in the northern part of the island. Although we are more than a hundred kilometers away, the tremor is so strong that it made my messy room messier. the quake spilled my cup filled with hot tea. 

After the quake, we estimated the magnitude to be at least 6, but awaiting the official announcement of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in their social media posts for the verification of the actual measurement. 

As of writing this blog, I can still feel minor aftershocks. You can really feel that the ground is shaking and some light objects with a poor foundation move from one place to another. Thankfully, no one was hurt at home.

I posted some photos and videos on my Facebook Page: The Story of Anthony. People were quick to respond from other parts of Luzon with similar experiences. 

However, there is one casualty in our next barangay. He was a construction worker who was trapped in a pile of heavy rubbles in a building that is under construction. concerned neighbors contacted the authorities to retrieve the body for proper post-mortem examination and autopsy. 

I decided to document this incident in my vlog and in this blog to share my terrifying earthquake experience. I would like to let people know how I felt so petrified by this incident. 

Praying for the affected people of this recent Abra earthquake

 

New and Affordable Beach Resort: BeachCamp by LOC in Caba, La Union, Philippines | Travel Tips and Ratings

This is a glimpse of BeachCamp Resort by LOC in Elyu (La Union), a resort that offers a calm getaway for both local and international travelers or tourists. It gives a calming ambiance to those who want to escape from a stressful environment. For tourists, taking a dose of Vitamin Sea eliminates stress and negativity from work, home, and toxic friends. 

More info at my Facebook Page: Story of Anthony

Location:

BeachCamp by LOC is one of the newest beach resorts in Caba, La Union. The place is specifically located at Barangay Santiago Sur, Caba, La Union, Philippines. It will take at least 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Baguio, 2-4 hrs drive from the North in Ilocandia while it will take you at least 4-6 hours from Manila. 

Note: The Google map and Waze show that you have reached your destination when reaching a swampy area and it will seem the Google Map made an incorrect arrival spot. The next thing you have to do is to follow the unpaved road on the right side. 

Check-in time is 2pm while Check-out time is 12noon the next day

accommodations

Open Kubo (Php 1000 for 8 pax day rate)

This is a spacious area for family or friends who wants to spend their day relaxing and unwinding. 

A -Type Kubo (Php 1700 for 4 pax overnight) 

A unique type of accommodation that makes you feel like camping along the beach.

Aircon Room with Toilet (Php 2400 for 4 pax overnight)

Best for a family who wants to spend overnight in the resort. 

The scenic view

Grabbed from my drone, the place is pristine with grey sand that looks similarly white during the day. The area is not that populated as compared to other resorts in San Fernando and San Juan in La Union. What I love is the absence of rocky landscapes across the shorelines. Even if you go far like a distance of 20 meters, the water level is still below your waistline. 

Mysterious Sea Fireflies

The owner forgot to inform me about the presence of "sea fireflies". These are the bioluminescent planktons that react to any movement along the shorelines, giving a luminous glow during the night. This is best observed during the Full Moon.

The Beach

The whole stretch of coastline is not rocky at all. the area has smooth grey sand. You can walk along the beach while enjoying its warm breeze. It is not mossy, it is not murky, and you can build sand castles. There are no sharks, no snakes, or crocodiles. 

My Ratings

1. Service (10/10): The staff provides an approachable ambiance, making you feel at home during your stay at the resort. They are jolly, easy to mingle with, and you can even share different stories under a cup of coffee or any juice drink. 

2. Ambiance (10/10): This is the best part. The place is still virgin with little or no resorts nearby. There is an obvious observation of a lesser crowd than other resorts in the area. You can relax without having concerns with other guests. 

3. Facilities (8/10): The place is still under construction. Soon, there will be new amenities such as swimming pools and function halls. Perhaps more rooms for additional guests in the area. 

4. Expenses (10/10): The place is really cheap. The room rates, food, and other expenses are considerably affordable. Since we availed of the Aircon room, 5 bottles of juice, and 4 breakfast, I only paid a total of Php 3,785. If you compare it with the expenses of other resorts, it will really cost you more than Php 5,000 or more. 

5. Safety (9/10): I forgot to mention this in my vlog. I would say 9/10. You cannot really say it is 100% safe due to the different personalities and psychological capacity of other guests and other locals within the area. Guarding your belongings is still the best thing to prevent any untoward incidents. 

Recommendations?

Definitely worth recommending this resort. I will probably return again if given the chance to unwind with friends, family, or a lifetime partner. 

For more information, visit their Facebook Page: BeachCamp by LOC

Have fun and enjoy