Never Too Late for the Beach: Here Are Women-Friendly Activities in La Union This Rainy Season

Introverted or extroverted, a night out to party or quiet conversations, solo traveler or in a group La Union has something for women, rain or shine.

By Stef Juan June 08, 2025

HARA

In a town famous for its parties, we love Hara the most. Unapologetically bold, bright, and beautifully diverse, everybody is welcome in Hara La Union.

Hara invites drag queens to perform during special events and on weekends — ^{They invite drag queens to perform during special events and on weekends}

This dance club is famous for its gloriously wild and fun parties and fabulous drag shows. “Leave your inhibitions out the door and enter the fantasy. The things they couldn’t do in other bars, they have the courage to do at Hara,” owner Neil Palteng shared with MEGA. Unlike other bars wherein all you hear are fast beats and heavy bass, at Hara you can sing your hearts out and dance without any fear of someone judging you to songs that you know by heart. By the end of the night, you’ll be friends with the people in the table right beside you. “It’s our DJs. Very well trained DJs who can turn up the party and can make even your tired tita dance to ‘Pantropiko.’ The drag queens came later, but they’re just the cherry to an already great party,” Palteng further explains.

If you’re attending Surftown Pride, you wouldn’t want to miss Hara’s Pride Celebrations! On June 7, House of Nak will be performing their best hits, and the very next night on June 8 is their annual Surftown Ball. This year’s theme is Agos, so expect people to serve voguing, “walks”, lip-syncs, and modelling in different categories. They also have Speed Dating and Game Nights on June 14, for those who want to meet new friends and make deeper connection this month. Pride celebration at Hara isn’t just for one weekend, it’s for the whole month of June and beyond.

Located at Sea Nymph Resort, MacArthur Highway, San Juan, La Union

TIPON TIPON

Unlock the inner creative in you at Tipon Tipon, a playhouse for the creative and the curious. Though a little bit off the beaten path, the reward for finding this place could be a community of kindred spirits, or, at the very least, a safe space for you to make something just for the sake of creating something you enjoy.

Tipon Tipon Creative Playhouse at La Union — ^{The creative playhouse is open thursday – tuesday}

“When we were here in 2021 we thought that La Union had this really nice creative energy, bright people and such creative and strong personalities, but at the same time, we still crave for that connection,” JB Estrada, co-founder of Tipon Tipon shared. “We want to attract the people that we want to engage with. That’s why we were. Like, we need the space, the space where people can gather and just make, even co-create or just stand by.”

Tipon Tipon Activities — ^{they creative playhouse offers activities like incense making, jewelry making and diy scarf dyeing}

“We want to offer something different, like experiences like, really, you know, nurtures the soul, yeah, brings you back to just be yourself,” co-founder Miguel Odron added.

Tipon Tipon Hand Dye Activity Using Sticks

Incense Making at Tipon Tipon Creative Playhouse

Tipon Tipon Hand Dye Activity uses Organic Materials

Materials for Incense Making at Tipon Tipon

They have workshops titled “Make Your Own Sh*t” and all you need to do to participate is to drop by Tipon Tipon and you can just start making your own inhalers, incense, and hand-dyed scarves using natural and local materials. Perfect if you want to bring home a unique souvenir from Surftown that no one else has. They also hold special events such as cinema nights and special workshops.

Located at Station Lane Bldg, Arbor Village Maria Cristina, San Juan, La Union

WILAB Pole & Aerial Dance Studio

Pole and aerial dance lessons while in Surftown, La Union? Why not? Wilab Studio is just the space to explore, and even possibly, unlock these skills. Pole dancing is a great strength workout and even boosts self-confidence and encourages self-expression. It is certainly a fun way to get to know your body better and explore your creativity.

WILAB Pole & Aerial Dance Studio in La Union

WILAB Pole & Aerial Dance Studio at La Union

Wilab offers various classes including Pole, Aerial, and Diversified Floor Dance Classes.The studio also offers private studio rentals and open studio practice.

Location: St. Jude Village, Illi Norte, San Juan, La Union

PUTIK FRIENDS Pottery Studio and Cafe

Putik Friends in La Union — ^{the studio and cafe features works from filipino artists}

Putik Friends is no ordinary cafe, it’s a place where you can enjoy a cup of excellent coffee and learn how to make the cup yourself. As a pottery studio, Putik Friends holds workshops for people from all ages and backgrounds, all they have to do is come in the mood to learn and to get their hands dirty.

Putik Friends Pottery Studio and Cafe in La Union — ^{putik friends offers a unique activity to do while you’re in surf town}

There are two kinds of workshops they offer: Wheel Throwing and Hand Building. In Wheel Throwing, students will learn to center and control clay while making a cup on the potter’s wheel, while the latter uses only pottery tools and a table. All workshops include clay, tools, glazing, firing, domestic shipping of finished pieces, and free studio use after class for practice.

Wheel Throw at Putik Friends in La Union

Pottery Materials at Putik Friends in La Union

Pottery Studio at Putik Friends in La Union

“La Union needed more creative activities beyond surfing and partying. While we were drawn to the creative energy, we noticed a lack of community spaces where artists could gather and create,” Owner JD Yu confessed. The pottery shop showcases the work of seven Filipino potters: Genavee Lazaro, JD Yu, Aly Kangleon, Ella Mendoza, Ianna Engaño, Iori Espiritu, and Summer Puertollano. “Opening Putik Friends was our way of contributing to La Union’s growing art scene,” he shares and hopes that each customer who walks in their studio is “Inspired, not intimidated.”

Ceramic Plates at Putik Friends in La Union — ^{customers can also purchase handmade plates, cups and bowls}

They have just announced on their social media that they’ll be saying goodbye to their current space on July 31, but until then, make sure to drop by for coffee or a pottery workshop, and keep an eye out for their next chapter.

Located at San Roberto Street, Ili Sur, San Juan, La Union

TASTING ROOM

Few things beat the feeling of dressing up and cleaning up the sand from your feet after a day outside in the elements. The Tasting Room seems to be just the place made for a quiet and civilized evening over fine wine and charcuterie — offering a break from the lively club scene in La Union.

Tasting Room Interior in La Union — ^{for those who prefer a more relaxed night, tasting room is the place to visit}

“The market here in the union is getting a bit more mature,” shared Joey Aycardo, Tasting Room’s sommelier. “Not everyone just wants to go out and party, have a hectic time. Sometimes people want to sit down and just enjoy some nice wine, some nice drinks, and have a peaceful night.”

Tasting Room in La Union Charcuterie Board

This “pretty wine and Mexican spirits bar” only has a long table with ice bins integrated into the design. Here, people are encouraged to interact with other customers and the wine to be shared. Don’t be intimated though because at Tasting Room both wine connoisseurs who can classify notes and those who just want a light and sweet moscato are welcome. With the help of their sommeliers, every customer can find a bottle that suits their taste. Not a bad way to make new friends while in LU.

Located at Plaza de Castiel, San Juan, La Union

To learn more about the different activities these places offers, visit their official Instagram pages.

Photographed by GRANT BABIA