It’s raining cats and dogs outside as I speak (or write rather) and this bed-weather is a tempting time to snuggle under the sheets and watch a movie. However, my masochistic side makes me find it a better time to immortalise my summer memories in Baler, Aurora. So here I went, compiling all the pictures we had during our trip there as I wandered my thoughts back and 230 kilometers away from home.
April is a terribly humid month in the Philippines, especially in the crowded Metro Manila, so most of us would go miles away from the city to find some air and get some tan in the most coveted beaches in the country. We then chose Baler to cool us off last summer.
Baler is the capital of Aurora – a province named after President Manuel Quezon’s wife, Aurora Aragon. As you begin to discover Baler and its neighboring municipalities, you wouldn’t find it very hard to agree that the place is indeed as charming as the woman who it was named after. It has a mix of nature, adventure, and history which would surely lure its visitors to stay longer than they planned to.
A Historical Banquet
Aside from Baler being the home of the second Philippine President, it is also an abode of so many memorabilia of the past.
- Museo de Baler will take you to the origins of Aurora and as well as its ethinicities. There are also sections for Manuel Quezon’s biographies and information about the last garrison of the Spanish war men. Entrance is free of charge.
- The Baler Catholic Church is more than a religious shrine for it held a significant part in the Spanish-American war in the late 1890s. It was the last stronghold of the Spanish military during the infamous Siege of Baler and therefore signifies the end of the Spanish era.
- The Donya Aurora House is a small ancestral house where you will see antique household stuff dating back to 1600’s or more. You will also find typical paintings and portraits of Aurora and Manuel Quezon.
A Nature’s Treat
Nature is indeed one of the best free treats in the world and Aurora is one sure feast of a treat. From beaches to hills, rock formations to water falls and humongous trees to breathtaking views – you can definitely get all of that here.
- A Balete tree has been part of the Filipino folklore for ages as it was believed to be home of supernatural beings so it is not something most people would want to have on their backyard. But this 600 year-old Balete Tree of Baler or also known as the Millenium Tree is probably the most photographed Balete tree in the country as it was considered the largest of its kind in Asia. I don’t think there would be many who would dare to take a picture with it during the night tho. 🙂
- Another cannot-be-missed spot in Baler is the Hanging Bridge that connects two Barangays Sabang and Tibang. This is mainly for locals to use but it has become a tourist attraction, not only because of the thrill of crossing the bridge itself, but because it gives you a better angle view of the wide river beneath it.
- It can be a one heck of a trek for first timers to reach the Ditumabo Waterfalls but going there is already a nature adventure itself, with the falls as the cherry on top. It is worth the effort though as you indulge yourself from its refreshing and cool waters.
- And as if the previous trek wasn’t enough, we then proceeded to climb the Ermita Hill where you will be able to enjoy the view of the Baler Bay among many other islets in the whole stretch of the Pacific Ocean. Atop is also a huge cross which is another popular symbolism of the religious inclinations of the locals.
- The Diguisit Beach and Rock Formation was a relaxing and breathtaking beach, primarily unique because of its rock formations. It isn’t a beach ideal for a swim as the stones on the shore can be pretty sharp, but just enjoying the view is equally as satisfying as taking a dip.
A Surfer’s Paradise
This trip wouldn’t be complete if you weren’t able to do this activity in Baler. As for me, it was truly one of the most memorable trip I had because I get to learn surfing in the “Birthplace of Surfing in the Philippines”. The Sabang Surfing Beach is indeed a surfer’s paradise, both for starters like me and for professionals. It won’t be hard for you to get surfing lessons as most locals there can teach you and make you learn like an expert.
Learning how to surf was an amazing experience for me because it has been one of my most admired water sports ever. Just going to the beach is thrilling, but being one with the sea is beyond incredible.
So thank you Baler for this two-day short love affair we had. I didn’t know how we were able to do many things on just this short span of time but it was magnanimous. We’ll surely meet again. 🙂
InfinitEpiphanies 