Haler Baler

PROLOGUE aka "The Joy of Joyride Experience"

My brother Mike and I meet up at McDonald's Mindanao Avenue first to meet up with my Highschool classmates for our adventure last holy week. We needed to leave before midnight to avoid the traffic jam as everyone will be heading up north for a long weekend holiday (well, mostly: Baguio. Sagada. Ilocos. Pangasinan and so much more are just some few known destinations during Summer and all of these are at the Northern Part of Luzon). So much about the back story, I am here to talk about my Baler Experience anyway.

Surfin is what first comes to mind when you hear the word BALER. But there is more to that, that this place on earth has to offer.

Welcome to Baler, our home for the next 3 days. The most romantic place, the most fascinating place, and our Holy Week Adventure Begins now.

1st STOP: The Balete Eco-Park

During our visit, we were able to chance upon the Millennium Tree, also known as the “Balete Tree”, located in Brgy Quirino, Ma. Aurora, which is perhaps the largest and oldest Balete tree in Asia. It is estimated to be 600+ years old and is recognized by international scientists and media.It looks scary at first glance, but the tour guide was very funny, he's been doing a lot of camera tricks so it ease our fears. Hahaha


Next: The Mother Falls

This tour requires trekking to reach the mother falls. Mother falls is the largest falls in Aurora. We have a tour guide with us and we just followed the river and in the middle of the forest stood the majestic waterfalls. It was heaven. We jumped right off even if the water is extremely cold.

ERMITA HILL

Accordingly, a huge tsunami washed away the entire town of Baler back in December 1735. It almost wiped out the entire town, as the tsunami devoured thousands of lives, except for 7 families who found their way on top of Ermita Hill to seek survival thereby saving themselves from the wrath of the tsunami. These statues, located at the bottom of the hill, honor the families who survived.

Ermita Hill  gives a perfect top view as to how beautiful Baler is. Here doing our Team Baler Photo ops and the magnificent 360 degree view of Baler is our backdrop.

ANIAO Islets

Sup brother? Ano pinaglalaban natin.

Probably one of the highlights of this trip. A good place for photoshoots, having my brother on this trip who is also an actor is an advantage because I have a partner in crime for photo ops session. We took limitless photos. Visuals are really appealing.

HANGING BRIDGE OVER BALER WATER

Its good to learn that this is one of the longest hanging by bridge in country?

Railing is strong with good foundation, have adequate space and could accommodate many tourist at one time. For experience you need to cross the bridge to experience how it feels to walk and cross a hanging bridge. It will only take you a few minutes and proceed to your next destination.

SABANG SURF BEACH

Not your Boracay white beach, but the sand never get hot and the water is so nice to be in. Add the waves where everyone can play in... or SURF in... 

This one’s a no-brainer. You can’t visit Baler and not try surfing! All of us (10) had so much fun with the waves and water was just too much; quite a challenge and something different to do that you can't do in other beach... 

Plus, they made surfing easy. For 350 per hour, the instructors were so kind and patient to teach you how to surf properly.

If you love beaches, Sabang will not let you down with its vibrant and powerful wave.

CLINCHER

At the end of the long day full of activities, we treat ourselves with a funny dining experience. BOODLE FIGHT!!! We did all the cooking, buying fresh sea food at the public market, an extra added enjoyment for our getaway.

WE Will Definitely Go back BALER

I like everything about you. The smell of the earth is so pure. The cold water at Mother Falls and how I wanted to swim a little longer even if I was already shivering, the touch of the waves and its sounds whenever it crashes the shore is very relaxing, the sound of laughter from friends i get to spend the entire holy week with, the serenity of the lake, and the feeling of being full alive.

Go for it now. The future is never promised to anyone anyway. 

Until then,

Bibo