Baler

Surfer..Baler!

But its not just surfing. Baler is known to be the capital of Aurora, a province named after the beloved wife of Philippine Commonwealth President, Manuel L. Quezon. And is only reachable by land, 6hours drive using NLEX and SCTEX on the north. 

Surf. Surf. Surf. 

Main goal of a tourist visiting Baler. Since the town is identified as one of the best surfing destination in the country with its 6 to 9 feet waves attracting tourist aroung the world. Asian Surfer Championship is a yearly event held in Baler for surfers. 

Non-surfers need not to worry. Licensed surf instructor are in the shoreline willing to teach and guide u for an hour. 

Reminiscing the Past

Too tired of surfing? Then feed up your mind with the Past. Baler also houses some of the historical sites: Quezon Park, Baler Museum, Baler Sign, Baler Church, Dona Aurora's Ancestral House and take a look at the Presidential Car, a 1936 Chysler Limousine entitled for President Quezon but was used by Gen. Douglas McArthur. 

Be a Nature Lover in Baler. Explore. 

Baler is also famous for its Millenium Balete Tree- a 600 yrs old tree,considered the oldest balete in Asia and would be needing 60 men to encircle the trunks. You may also go up to Ermita Hill, a designated area in times of tsunami or typhoon surge. Just take a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and Bay of Baler in its plateau and Shout your heart out. While the Hanging Bridge in Brgy. Zabali will ease your stress through its sea breeze. Blue sky matches the inviting blue clear sea that is so refreshing not only for those who wanted to swim but for those who just wanted to sit on the bridge and memorize its beauty. Lastly, dip yourself into the cool water of Ditumabo Falls also know as the Mother Falls. After trekking of 45minutes or more, its majestic pouring water on your shoulder will relax your heart and mind. 

Baler is absolutely a one-stop-shop for travellers. 

Villa Escudero

Hacienda Villa Escudero is a perfect place that showcases the rich colonial culture of the Philippines way back 16th century. A living proof of the country's rich culture and history still seen at the present. 

The Hacienda Villa was founded in 1872 by Don Placido Escudero and is composing of 800 hectares of land area situated at the boundary of San Pablo, Laguna and Tiaong Quezon. It was a plain vast land of sugarcane that was converted into a coconut plantation of Don Arsenio, sole heir of Escudero in the early 1900's, 1st hydroelectric plant in the country was also built in here in 1929. 

In 1981, some parts of the hacienda was then converted into a self sustained eco-tourism destination known now as the Villa Escudero. 

What to do and see at the Villa:

*AERA Museum, a one stop shop museum that houses assorted collections. The museum was built imitating the structures of San Francisco Church and San Agustin Church's ceiling and wall designs both seen before in Intramuros. The 1st floor of the museum consists of Religious Artifacts and Huge Religious Images which is still in use for processions. From the seats of the spanish priers and bishops to their clothings to the Last Supper and Crucifixion of Christ. Stuffed-dried butterfly collections, moths, ants and grasshoppers are also placed on the cabinets for viewing as well as Philippine Endangered species-Tamarraw, Palawan Porcupine and Eagles are also present. While the 2nd floor is composing of Dona Rosario's Doll Collection gathered on all her travel around the world, Don Arsenio's Love Letters, Printing apparatus, huge collection of chinese wares, porcelains and jars, Ethnic jewelries local and international, Philippine and World's Traditional clothings, Antiques and different currency collections, Former President's Clothes and Relics from the WWII. 

*A Local Village Tour riding on a carabao cart while being serenated by the villa's musician. Tour includes a view of the local houses inside, a short visit to the Capilla(chapel) where the old Escudero remains were placed, sightseeing on some bahay-kubo inspired houses for night accomodations and a stop over at the grandeous garden wedding area. 

*Lunch at the Labasin Waterfalls wherein the waterfalls was a man made but the water flowing from here came from Mt. Banahaw. The waterfalls was originally built for the hydro electric plant for resort's used. Lunch buffet starts daily at 11:00AM til 2:00PM. Dining tables are placed facing the waterfalls where diners enjoy their countyside foods having their feet dipped on the calf-deep waters. The resort would like you to experience countryside living thus no utensils are allowed. You will be dining using bare hands on a banana leaf plates. 

*One adventure thing to do at the resort is Bamboo Rafting at the Labasin Lake where a pair would roam around the lake paddling for themselves on a 30 feet deep water. The lake also houses Tilapia Fishes for those who wants to do some fishing. Do not worry coz life vest are provided for protection. 

*A sought-after thing to see in the Villa is the Cultural Show held every week-ends and holidays. It is held at the Pavilion where guests are entertained by the live cultural presentation showcasing traditional dances,songs and rondalla (string musicians) that speaks of the country's prominent provinces and ethnic groups. It has been choreographed and directed by the late Ramon Obusan, country's national artist for dance. 

Villa Escudero is a reflection of a lifetime dedication of love for history, love for country and love for its people that has been passed generation to generation and is now presented to everyone who wanted to experience a genuine hospitality away from the city. 

Sagada

Sagada belongs to the landscape mountain ranges of Cordillera Region. A 3hours away from Banaue and almost a 9hours away from Baguio City using one of the most dangerous highways in the country, the Halsema Highway. 

First time I step my foot on Sagada was like Im lost on somewhere. A place filled with tall pine trees filling each corner and standing on a limestone cliffs, an area where numerous waterfalls are visible and cool climate reunites with native brewed coffee.  A tranquility. 

What I've noticed is that Sagada is a small town with narrow roads loaded with numerous restaurants, cafes, travellers' inns and homestays. A one-stop-shop destination for a homebody who simply love sightseeing, culture and local scenes. And for adventurer  who seeks thrill and excitement just like me. 

My 1st stop was to be at the Echo Valley. A 20-30minutes walk from the town proper. A short trekking passing the church of St. Mary and going through the Calvary Hill where the modern cemetery is located. I was ask to shout and an echo bounced back. Few more trekking downhill leads me to the "must see" thing in Sagada and that is the Hanging Coffin. A place where coffins were perched on high stone and mountain cliffs for they believe that their passed relatives would be closer to heaven. It is also an honor for them especially for the elders. 

For a greater challenge, I decided to try the Cave Connection. A 4hour intense spelunking, rappeling, body squeezing, lifting and climbing. The starting point is in Lumiang cave, known also as the Burial Cave where more than  hundreds of wood coffins would be found and the end point is the Big Cave or the Sumaguing Cave which served as a refuge area for Filipino soldiers during the WWII. Activities in here requires one to be fit and this is not advisable for claustrophobic people. Series of obstacles are a test of my ability. Local guides are provided for our safety. It is a must. I am really amazed of the towering rock formations as well as stalagmites and stalactites inside. 

But for those who just wanted a simple spelunking, do the Single Sumaguing Cave. 

After an overnight stay at Sagada we decided to wake up early at 4am to hike Mt. Kiltepan. One of the highest peak in the area to see the the sunrise and sea of clouds that goes out with it.  After the sun risen, a magnificent view of Sagada owned rice terraces awaken our sleepy mood. It's just below  Mt. Kiltepan's viewing area. 

There are more adventure awaits me but due to time constraints, I am not able to try and see everything. So i promised myself to keep on going back until I have seen all their numerous caves and until i visited all their high-rising waterfalls.