My ElYu Life: Alex Tomacruz

August 26, 2023

Hello to our first blog entry! How exciting! 🙌🏼 We're taking you with us for a super chill and easy shoot by La Union-based freelance photographer, Tarish Zamora. She is joined by her two beautiful friends turned muses, Alex Tomacruz-Lagman and Summer Puertollano as they share snippets about their lives in La Union and what it's like living there.

Here's part 1 of our interview with Alex.

Name, Instagram Handle, Age, What you do, Years in ElYu

Alexandra Tomacruz Lagman, @alextomacruz, 30. I manage Eliseos & Makan. I've been living in La Union since 2017.

What inspired you to choose living in ElYu, and what do you love about it?

I chose to live in La Union because I wanted to surf regularly. I love it here because of the community. It's such a great mix of people. There's always so much to learn from those around you over here.

What are the most significant challenges you face living in ElYu, and how do you cope with them?

It's a bit of a struggle for me to keep up with the fast paced development of the town. Initially, I moved here to enjoy a quieter and slower life. But since LU finds itself booming right now, I've had to adjust my mindset and learn to accept and grow with the noise.

What's a unique experience or activity that you would recommend for anyone coming to visit?

Surf! 🏄🏽‍♀️

Alex uses her Spacetastic Mesh Bag in Peanut for her beach days (aka everyday). It's an easy and reversible carry-all. It comes with a small pouch too. Available in 6 colors on spacetastictravels.com.

Can you describe the ElYu community, and how do you interact with others who live there?

The community is a good mix of characters. There are entrepreneurs, creatives (in almost every medium- photography, dance, music, etc.), surfers (both local and out of town), fitness enthusiasts, and more! I get to know them. I hang out with them and chat, I collaborate with them to do various projects, or I grab a drink with them.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering moving to La Union?

If it feels right, then do it. Just move. Everything else will fall into place.

The absolute best thing about ElYu that you would never trade for anything.

The community! 🫶🏼