Group meets at a designated meeting point on campus; final headcount and baggage check. Allow time for airport check-in and security for a domestic group flight.
Early morning commercial flight to Manila to maximise daytime travel to La Union; flight time is about 1h20m. Book group fares in advance; ask airlines for educational/group discount.
Load luggage onto the reserved private air‑con coach; driver briefing and distribution of on-board kits. Short restroom/stretch stop before leaving Metro Manila.
Chartered 45-seater air-conditioned coach for the whole group; direct drive via NLEX/ SCTEX and TPLEX to reduce travel time. Expected travel time 4–5 hours depending on traffic.
Group lunch at a reliable highway restaurant or at a recommended local eatery in San Fernando offering Filipino set meals; balanced menu for students with rice, protein and vegetables.
Official check-in (standard hotel check-in time usually 2:00PM). Thunderbird can handle group reservations; request group rate and block 16 twin rooms (2 per room) for 32 students. Resort orientation and distribution of keys.
Short orientation walk of the property (pool, beachfront, meeting room). Students may rest, change for the afternoon program, or use resort facilities. Verify pool hours with the resort (typically 7:00AM–7:00PM).
Half-hour guided walk to nearby vantage points and lighthouse area to view the coastline and learn about the peninsula’s geography and history. Public access areas are typically open during daylight hours (approx. 6:00AM–6:00PM).
Buffet or plated group dinner booked with the resort’s banquet or main restaurant. Good balance of Filipino favorites and simple international choices; suitable for student groups.
Optional short program in a reserved function room (welcome remarks, safety briefing, ice-breakers). Recommend renting a PA/microphone for clarity with large groups.
Recommended: Thunderbird Resort Poro Point — request group/tour rate. Sample estimate: PHP4,500 per twin room per night (16 rooms for 32 students) = approx. PHP72,000 total. Confirm early for best group rate and include breakfast if possible (often included).
PA system with 2 wireless mics for program: approx. PHP2,500–PHP4,000; projector + screen (if needed): PHP2,000–PHP3,500. Reserve in advance through resort or a local AV vendor.
Buffet breakfast at the resort (if included in room rate) offering local and continental options — fuel up before the morning tours. Resort breakfast typical hours: 6:00AM–9:30AM.
Local licensed guide accompanies the group to the lighthouse area, Poro Point coastal road, and scenic overlooks. The guide will discuss the area’s natural and recent history and point out conservation issues.
Short drive to Agoo to visit the historic parish church and plaza; time for reflection, photos, and cultural context. Churches usually open 7:00AM–5:00PM but confirm with parish before the visit.
Arrange a courtesy call with the Mayor of Agoo or local municipal officer to introduce USJ-R group and discuss simple cultural exchange. Recommended to arrange the appointment at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
Lunch at a reputable local restaurant or prepared buffet at a civic hall: sample Ilocano dishes alongside common student-friendly options. Good opportunity to include a short cultural program or meet local barangay representatives.
Browse local crafts, snacks (banana chips, tupig), and goods; a quick stop for affordable souvenirs and local produce. Markets typically operate 6:00AM–6:00PM.
Check out by hotel policy (usually 12:00PM; request late check-out if needed). Board the reserved coach for the return trip to Manila airport area; anticipate 4–5 hours travel time.
If flight timing permits, have an early dinner at an airport restaurant or pre-arranged boxed meals. Otherwise, coordinate arrival to match flight check-in time.
Evening flight back to Cebu; ensure group has boarding passes and assistance for baggage. Flights typically ~1h20m. Alternatively, schedule earlier/later flights to suit university preferences.
For a group of 32, hire 1–2 licensed local guides: typical rate PHP2,500–PHP3,500 per half-day guide. Two guides improve crowd management and audio audibility for students.
Book flights and resort at least 6–8 weeks in advance for group rates; secure coach reservation with confirmed pickup/dropoff times. Request a written group quote from Thunderbird Resort including breakfast, dinner and meeting room fees.