Between Waves and Warmth: The La Union Stay I Almost Wanted to Gatekeep (Aki Surf Cottages, Sebay La Union)

No one ever told me La Union could feel this peaceful and warm at the same time.

Honestly, a part of me wanted to gatekeep this place — to keep it as my own quiet secret — but I owe this beautiful experience to the family who welcomed me and accommodated my stay for more than a week. And some places are just too good not to share.

This trip healed me.

After a month full of hustle, responsibilities, and endless workdays, this stay felt like a reward I owed myself — a deep breath I didn’t know I needed.

The property is tucked inside Sun Surf Resorts. At the heart of it is a big house where Ma'am Lilibeth, her Japanese husband, and their son Kenji. Kenji quietly fascinated me. I couldn’t quite explain it — maybe it was how grounded he seemed. He chose to stay with his parents and work full-time at the resort. Kind, respectful, soft-spoken, always smiling. The kind of smile that clearly comes from a home filled with love. His parents greet you the same way — with warmth that feels genuine, never forced.

Calling it a “resort” almost feels wrong.

It’s more than that.

It feels like home.

The place has three modern nipa-style air-conditioned cottages perfect for two people, plus two larger house-style units for families or groups. Simple, cozy, and thoughtfully designed.

But the first thing that really captures you is the garden.

The moment you step inside the gate, you’re welcomed by a spacious garden filled with plants and flowers. It reminded me so much of my lola’s house in Laoag — the kind of yard where memories grow quietly. They even have two sweet, well-behaved dogs that roam around like gentle guardians of the place.

And the beach?

Less than a minute away.

Just a short walk and your feet are already touching the sand.

The Wi-Fi is reliable (which saved me since I still had to work during my stay — unfortunately), but whenever I had free time, I’d sit outside my cottage, tanning or simply breathing in the sea air. Each cottage even has its own tiny outdoor dining area — small detail, but so charming.

The rooms come with basic toiletries — soap, shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, tissues — and the sheets and blankets always smell freshly washed. That clean, comforting scent that makes you sleep better.

Everything is spotless and well-maintained. Some huts even look newly renovated.

Location-wise, it’s incredibly convenient. Just a 2–3 minute walk from the famous 7/11 in Sebay, right after you step off the bus. Restaurants, bars, laundry shops, and souvenir stores are all nearby. Yet somehow, once you’re inside the property, it’s quiet and calm. No loud music. No party noise. Just peace.

Security is also reassuring, with CCTV cameras around the area. Being part of Sun Surf Resorts adds to that sense of safety. I also learned that this family helped pioneer surfing in La Union and provides jobs for locals — which made me appreciate the place even more. There’s history and heart behind it.

Right beside the property is a lovely restaurant where I’d often order my favorite mango shake — no sugar, just fresh and simple. Like everything else here.

So why did this stay heal me?

Because it didn’t feel commercial.

It felt human.

It’s the kind of place where people smile at you for no reason. Where mornings are slow. Where sunsets feel like personal gifts. Where you don’t feel like a guest — you feel like you belong.

And those sunsets?

Absolutely the winner.

Golden skies melting into the sea, the kind you quietly watch while thinking, “Life is actually good.”

If you ever find yourself in La Union and craving rest, warmth, and something that feels like home, this place is worth discovering.

You can book it through Facebook or Airbnb.

It’s called Aki Surf Cottages.

And maybe, just maybe, it will heal you too.

P.S. If you choose to stay here, we kindly ask that you help maintain cleanliness, respect the peaceful surroundings, and practice kindness and sensitivity. Most of all, we hope you enjoy the home as thoughtfully as the family who built and lovingly shared this private space.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/29178221

https://www.facebook.com/akisurfcottages

📚 Love, Quiet Please! 😂💛

They didn’t match on a dating app.

They matched on the same book section.

It happened on a perfectly normal day at the library—until fate decided to be a little noisy in the quiet zone.

She was reaching for a book when he reached for the same exact copy. Their hands touched. Instinctively, both pulled back like they had broken a library rule.

“Sorry,” they whispered.
“No, sorry,” he whispered louder.
A librarian somewhere definitely noticed.

They stood there awkwardly, staring at the book like it had personally caused the situation. He finally said, “You can take it.”
She replied, “No, you first.”
The book remained untouched. Love, however, had already checked out.

Days later, they kept seeing each other—same table, same time, same pretending-not-to-look routine. He brought coffee but left it outside (because rules). She highlighted her notes too aggressively whenever he walked by.

Their conversations began in whispers and grew during study breaks:
“What are you reading?”
“Something boring.”
“Same.”
They laughed quietly—because falling in love should never disturb other readers.

Eventually, he slipped a note between the pages of her book:
“Coffee after this chapter?”

She smiled so hard the librarian almost shushed her face.

And that’s how it started—not with fireworks, but with eye contact, shared silence, and mutual respect for library etiquette.

Proof that sometimes, the best love stories don’t need a swipe—
Just a library card and a little courage 📖🥰

📚 Where Silence Learned How to Love 💛

 

The library was never meant for grand gestures.

No dramatic confessions, no raised voices—only the soft hush of turning pages and the quiet breathing of people lost in thought. And yet, that was exactly where love found them.

They met without intention.

He was standing by the philosophy shelf, fingers tracing familiar spines, when a book slipped from the rack and landed gently at his feet. She apologized in a whisper, cheeks warm with embarrassment. Their eyes met for a second longer than necessary—long enough for something unnamed to stir.

They did not exchange numbers that day.
Only smiles.

Days passed, then weeks. Their paths crossed again and again—always between the same shelves, always at the same hour. Sometimes it was a shared table. Sometimes a borrowed pen. Sometimes nothing more than a knowing glance that said, I see you here too.

In the library, silence became their language.

They learned each other slowly—through the books they chose, the notes scribbled in margins, the pauses between sentences. Conversations grew from “What are you reading?” to “What do you believe in?” Love did not rush them. It waited patiently, like a well-loved book waiting to be opened again.

There were no loud promises, only quiet consistency.
No dramatic spark, only a steady warmth.

And one afternoon, as sunlight spilled across the wooden tables, he asked—softly, carefully—if she wanted coffee after closing time. She smiled, the kind of smile that felt like a bookmark placed in the heart.

The library did not witness a confession that day.
It witnessed something better.

A love that grew gently.
A love that respected silence.
A love that chose depth over noise.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful stories don’t begin with fireworks—but with a whisper between shelves 📖💫

Breaking the Stigma: Librarians Are the Sweetest People You’ll Ever Meet

A New Generation, A New Narrative

Today, librarians continue to thrive, adapt, and evolve. Over the years, countless stories and experiences have shown that librarian behavior has changed—almost like the shift from strict parenting to gentle parenting. Modern librarians smile more. They greet you warmly. They dress in ways that feel less intimidating and more expressive. Some are fashion-forward, some are makeup enthusiasts, some proudly show their personalities through colorful outfits and accessories. Students no longer see them as distant authority figures, but as people they admire—sometimes even adore.

But the real transformation goes far beyond appearances.

Modern librarians are more approachable and conversational. They do not simply enforce rules; they guide, listen, and collaborate. They seek alternative ways of learning—through digital resources, interactive discussions, creative programs, and community engagement. Instead of guarding knowledge behind walls, they open doors and invite people in.

Stories That Say It All

There is the shy student who walks into the library afraid to ask for help, only to be met by a librarian who gently says, “Take your time. What are you curious about today?” That single question changes everything. The library no longer feels intimidating—it feels safe.

There is the overwhelmed researcher who cannot find the right source, and the librarian who patiently sits beside them, suggesting keywords, showing databases, and celebrating small wins together like teammates.

There is the child who associates libraries with silence and fear—until a librarian reads a story aloud with warmth and enthusiasm, making the child laugh and fall in love with books for the first time.

These moments are not rare. They are everyday experiences.

The Sweetest People in the Quietest Places

Librarians are, in truth, some of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Their kindness transforms libraries, learning resource centers, and information hubs into spaces where people want to stay. Their services go beyond lending books—they offer comfort, guidance, encouragement, and joy.

A simple warm greeting at the entrance, a reassuring smile, a patient explanation—these small acts create meaningful experiences. Customer satisfaction in libraries is no longer about silence alone; it is about feeling welcomed, respected, and supported.

Breaking the stigma means recognizing librarians not as outdated stereotypes, but as compassionate stewards of knowledge—people who balance professionalism with humanity.

In the end, libraries are not just buildings filled with books. They are living spaces shaped by the hearts of the people who run them. And librarians? They are proof that kindness and knowledge can—and should—exist together.

A Library Is a Blessing!

 

A Library Is a Blessing

In a fast-moving world filled with noise, screens, and endless distractions, a library stands quietly as a gift—steady, welcoming, and full of hope. A library is more than shelves and books; it is a blessing that touches lives in ways we often overlook.

A library blesses the curious child who opens a book and discovers that the world is bigger than their classroom. It blesses the student searching for answers, the teacher shaping minds, and the reader finding comfort in words that understand them. For many, a library becomes a safe place—a space where questions are allowed, silence is respected, and growth happens naturally.

Every book on the shelf carries generosity. Someone wrote it, preserved it, cataloged it, and made it available so that others may learn. In this way, a library reflects community effort, shared responsibility, and quiet service. It reminds us that knowledge is not meant to be hoarded, but shared freely.

A beautiful library—one that is cared for, respected, and loved—is a sign of a community that values learning and dignity. It tells children that their dreams matter, that education is worth protecting, and that wisdom is something to be nurtured over time.

In moments of difficulty, libraries offer more than information—they offer comfort. A single paragraph can bring clarity. A familiar corner can bring peace. A borrowed book can bring courage to someone who needs it most.

To have a library is to be blessed with opportunity, guidance, and hope. And to care for a library is to honor that blessing—not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will walk its aisles next.

Indeed, a library is a blessing—quiet, constant, and deeply human. 📚✨

Quick & Easy Shelving Hacks for Librarians

 

Quick & Easy Shelving Hacks for Librarians

 

In libraries, shelving is more than simply placing books back on the shelves—it is a systematic process that ensures every item can be found easily and preserved properly. Librarians follow specific steps:

Check the call number.

Every book has a unique call number (like its address). Librarians read the number from top to bottom to determine exactly where it belongs.

Arrange materials in exact order.

Books are placed numerically first, then alphabetically, following classification systems such as Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress. Even a small mistake can cause a book to be misplaced.

Read the shelves.

Before placing a book, librarians scan the shelf to make sure the spot is correct and that the surrounding books are in order.

Handle the book properly.

Librarians hold books by the spine, never pulling them from the top, to avoid damage.

Shelve the book upright and neatly.

Books must stand straight with enough space to avoid warping. If the shelf is full, librarians shift books to make proper space rather than forcing them in.

Do a final check.

After shelving, librarians double-check the sequence to make sure the book is exactly where it should be.

Shelving might look simple, but librarians treat it as a careful process—one that protects the collection, maintains order, and ensures patrons can find what they need quickly and accurately.