Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that, it's called, EVERYBODY. And they meet at the beach...

Admit it, our jobs have turned us into work slaves that sleep and weekend have become a luxury. Remember that time when we came to work and we were excited? Eh, me neither! Truly, this job hasn't killed me. But it hasn't made me stronger either.

And pretending to look busy on a Friday is the hardest I work all week. Today being Friday can only mean one thing... time for the WEEKEND!

Dear fellow nine-to-fiver,
Do you love long bus rides?
Are you fresh, vigorous, or active?
You have extra cash but have nothing else to do this weekend?
You think "don't think just do" kind of trips are great?

If you answered yes to all four, you may want to consider going to San Juan, La Union this weekend. "Yea, it's just another beach," you say. Just a beach where sunlight has been shown to decrease your depression and stress level by helping you unplug. Gazing out at the water can do wonders to clear the mind, you know! Yuh, it's like the beach know exactly what we need.

Long bus ride or road trip?

From Metro Manila, the most reliable way to get to San Juan, La Union is by bus via Partas Bus from Cubao. Take a bus bound for Laoag, Vigan, Abra or San Fernando City - La Union. San Juan is around 277 kilometers north of Metro Manila and the travel time is around 7 hours. Bus fare cost 450php.

If you are taking your own car and you are coming from Manila, take the NLEX > SCTEX > TPLEX route, exit at Carmen Temporary Toll Plaza and then Waze the rest! Travel time should be 4-5 hours. Combined toll fees may cost around 600php, one-way.

my thing over sunset <3

Fresh, vigorous, or active? aka YOLO, hippie, "surfer"

You catch that one ride of the day and you’re smiling ear to ear, you are stoked. From positioning, paddling and catching a wave, to taking that glorified push-up, into a stance facing sideways... you imagine cutting the waves yourself, don't you? This place is perfect to learn surfing.

• Don't know how to swim? No worries, the water is still shallow from where the waves shape.
• Can't paddle? No problem, you can ask a local surfer to push you and your surfboard for an hourly rate of 200-400php.
• No surfboard? Hourly rentals: PhP 200; Halfday: PhP 500

Probably surfing is not enough for the hipster vibe, try the following hippie-inspired hostels:

• Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel - Kubo Dorms: 780/bed; Aircon private room & bath: 3200/2pax

(from Google Images)

• The Circle Hostel - Hammock: 450php; Bunk bed: 550php

from Circle Hostel's official website

Have extra cash and can splurge a little for accommodation?

Got it right, it's the gorgeous Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa - cheapest room: 5,500php
comes with Balinese style rooms and free use of their fab infinity swimming pool. And when you look out at the beach, there is sort of this infinity, a distance from your everyday predicament.

image from Agoda :)

Don't-think-just-do kind of trips can be great!

Stress is a silent killer.The dark circles under your eyes are begging you to sleep and relax. Remember what it felt like to nap on the sand? It's so good. You deserve that quality time with yourself rather, with people that you love. Also, I hope you remember you’re not going to look cute in a bikini or trunks forever, so why not hit the beach the soonest! Even with minimal planning, you can have the beach break you deserve.

A few words...
You've always wanted to write an auto-reply “out of the office” email, don't you? Write it! You deserve a summer vacay more than just a weekend off, you hardworking fella. Summer is here, so make use of it dearly, rain is coming soon!

Nag-overnight lang sa Elyu,
Brenda at Kalash ❤





We'd love to hear your "Off the Cuff" weekend suggestions too :)