MM, if you can't really make it to pagudpud, there are beaches as near as 20 minutes away from the town center. ask the locals. ilocos sur has a very long coastline, mostly grey sand afaik. they are not as spectacular as pagudpud and most were lightly developed ten years ago. the following is an offhand list.
MINDORO - parallel to vigan airport. there is a small surf break here at certain times of the year.
STA. CATALINA / SAN VICENTE / CAUAYAN - black sand
further away, 30-45 minutes drive:
SANTA / NARVACAN - southbound, rocky shores and great vistas
SAN ILDEFONSO - northbound, puerto beach, ruins of old pier
SINAIT / CABUGAO - northbound, several coves in the area. the owners of gordion inn have a resort in sinait.
SANTIAGO / SAN ESTEBAN - southbound, there is a nice cove in santiago, beige sand.