Sightseeing Baler (Part 2)

From Natulo Falls, we hopped on the tricycle driven by Syder and headed to out last destination – Ermita Hill. Along the way, we passed a rockslide, which blocked half of the road.

We made a quick stop at Tromba Marina, which is located at the base of Ermita Hill. Tromba Marina is a shrine commemorating the tragedy that befell Baler when a tsunami hit the town in 1735. The sculptures show a family of seven scrambling up to safety. The seven figures represent the seven families that survived the tragedy by seeking refuge at Ermita Hill.

Gen. MacArthur Car in Baler

There’s a black sedan at one corner of Quezon Park in Baler, Aurora. It’s a 1937 Cadillac Cabriolet built for President Manuel L. Quezon. On November 4, 1937, it arrived in the Philippines. It was handed over to Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1938.

Inside Museo de Baler

Museo de Baler is found right behind the Quezon Park in Baler, Aurora. On the façade of this two-story red brick structure are relief sculptures depicting the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, the history and development of Baler. Toym Imao was commissioned to do the sculptures. 

A skylight spanning the middle of the museum provides natural illumination in the predominantly earth tone hues of the interior.

Sightseeing Baler (Part 1)

From Aragon House we went back to Quezon Park where we had lunch at an eatery across Aurora Memorial Hospital in Barangay Reserva, Baler, Aurora.

Squid Adobo

Tanigue Steak

Baler Surfers

Hundreds of people trooped to Baler for the Surf & Music Festival 2011. During the 3-day event Labasin Beach in Sabang, Baler was filled with surfers from beginners to pro.

How to Surf

Steps in Surfing

1. Paddle

Historical Tour of Baler

After having breakfast, we hopped on a trike to the booking office of Genesis Bus to reserve seats for our trip back to Manila the following day. From the booking office, Labasin Beach in Sabang is merely walking distance.

Since we didn’t have any room reservations, we checked all resorts and inns we passed along the way in Sabang. All of them were fully booked since Baler is hosting the Surf & Music Festival.

Our campsite before a deluge of campers came 

Baler Bound

Baler, capital of Aurora Province, is roughly 230 kilometers north of Manila. Today, Baler is known as a surfing destination although the town is steeped in history.

In 1979, Apocalypse Now, an American war film was shot in Baler. Is it said the surfboards left by the production crew gave birth to the surfing culture that is now prevalent in Baler.

Our trip to Baler was initially set on May of this year. It was postponed indefinitely after Typhoon Bebeng hit Aurora just days before our scheduled departure.

Baler Adventures Coming Soon!

Follow the adventures of oboi laboy in Baler, Aurora. Soon!

Hello Baler!

Oboi Laboy goes to Baler for the Surf & Music Festival 2011!