La vita è bella: BALER, an unexpected beauty.......

A really nice place to visit... BALER, one of the last frontiers of Central Luzon. Baler is the capitol town of the province of AURORA, a province named after the lady-love and wife of President Manuel L. Quezon.

It was raining hard few hours before we left Manila for Baler. I was praying, “sana dito lang sa Manila naulan…” After 7 to 8 hours (it was a little bit traffic due to religious celebration somewhere in the North), we finally arrived at our destination. We stayed at Costa Pacifica, the newest beachfront resort in Baler’s top destination, Sabang Beach. So thankful, God heard our prayers... "Di naulan sa Baler," the weather is perfect!

After checking in, syempre we need to take our breakfast outside the hotel/resort. We went to the famous Rolling Stores (carinderia) of Baler located near the town plaza, just beside the Baler Museum. The people are friendly and very accommodating. And the food?! Yes, the food! It was surprisingly good!

A few meters away from the rolling stores is the Quezon Memorial Park. The quiet park with trees and well-manicured lawn was developed in memory of the late President Manuel L. Quezon. Located in this area is the Museo de Baler.

Look?! Evita Peron? Nope, she's part of our baler group...

Meet kuya Romeo, our tricycle driver/tour guide/historian////and many more...

Say "Hi!" to El Presidente, Manuel Luis Quezon.

According to his short biography, Quezon, was born in Baler in the district of El Príncipe (now Baler, Aurora). His parents were Lucio Quezon and María Dolores Molina. In 1898, his father Lucio and his brother Pedro were ambushed and killed by armed men while on their way home to Baler from Nueva Ecija. Some historians believe they were murdered by bandits who also robbed them, while others believe the killings could have been related to their loyalty to the Spanish government.

After Museo de Baler, we visited Baler Catholic Church. According to history, this is the place where the Spanish contingents evacuated and gathered during the Filipino-Spanish war. The old church has a simple facade and structure. It housed the La Campana de Baler, an ancient bell.

Across the church is the Quezon House which is believed to be where the Quezons lived. A concrete marker serves as the landmark of the birthplace of President Quezon. Then, we asked kuya Romeo to drop us to the place where we can see Pres. Manuel Quezon's 1936 presidential car, including the limousine used by General Mac Arthur..

After the town tour, we need to recharge and energize.... Since we're in Baler, our food trip will be "bitin" without visiting the famous Gerry Shan's Place... Buffet pa more... Busog to the max.. Now ready for another adventure...

After sumptuous [late] lunch, next destination is Ditumabo Falls in San Luis. This falls is locally known as the Mother Falls. Going to this falls means hiking a four-kilometre, more or less, rough terrain and river trail. The trek is characterized by traversing through rivers, steep mountain trails, and crystal clear water flowing and twisting over rocks and boulders. Wow!

Approximately 140 feet high (according to them), Ditumabo Falls has an enormous cascade, with water shooting from a narrow gorge formed by the intersection of two opposite mountain bases. The water flow creates a pandemonium of sound that is definitely music to the ears.

After this Ditumabo Falls adventure, we need some rest and again, a very good food to eat. Back to Costa Pacifica to take a shower, then ikot-ikot lang sa Sabang beach, and look, we found this place... hmmm....... "stress free zone"? Ok, our group decided to try this place, stress free daw eh...

Of course, after dinner, it is not advisable to go to bed immediately... What to do now? read the newspaper, then play table tennis...

The following day, we prepared ourselves for the Dicasalarin Cove escapade. This is a secluded white sand beach where Sierra Madre foothills meet the Pacific Ocean. This secret beach is the access to the Baler Lighthouse.

stop over sa rest house ng mga Angara...

going to the lighthouse...

Seeing this awesome view?!!!... can't help but to sing "what a wonderful world...." "you take my breath away..." " leaving me breathless..." The best place in Baler! Thank God for this beautiful creation!

the rock formations...

Baler lighthouse...

from lighthouse... rock formations again.

The trekking continues... next destination, the Ermita Hill.

One of the must-see in this province is the Ermita Hill. Based on history, in December 1735, a tidal wave or “Tromba Marina” (tsunami) struck and engulfed the whole town of Kinagunasan (former name of Baler). According to kuya driver, only six families (including the Angaras) survived the catastrophe by climbing the Ermita Hill.

This place is also known as a sacred haven for religious activities by the devotees of the Miraculous Mother of Mary. After a 15-minute trek on the steep slope of the hill, one could find an enormous white cross. Further up is a life-size statue situated in a grotto on top of the hill.

In 1798, when the pirates raided and invaded the coastal areas of Tayabas and Baler, the survivors escaped and hid in the forest of Ermita. Again, according to kuya Romeo, this tunnel was used by the people, from different nearby barrios/town, in going to Ermita place...

Ermita Hill also provides a magnificent view of Baler Bay, Dima-Dimalangat, Aniao Islets, the entire Poblacion, the dark blue coast of Casuguran Bay, and the barrios nearby.

In our way back from Ermita Hill....... another falls...

Another place to see is the Diguisit Rock Formations. This is one of the famous spots in Baler as it features beautiful rock formations with perfect scenery of the clear blue sky.