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Unspoiled Aurora
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Jaser A. Marasigan
Date: 2007-09-01
 
For the one seeking a unique way to travel, Aurora might offer more than what is usual.

Aurora is embraced by the Sierra Madre mountain range, in itself, an unexplored natural wonder. Trees crowding along the mountainside are broken only by clouds that seem to sit along the cliffs’ highest points. Creeks cut through rocks and vines. Roads wind and are unpaved. And there, at the end of this eight-hour rough ride lies Baler, the capital of the province.

Lush forests, waterfalls, rivers, and of course, the ocean crashing into itself before it kisses the shores, all treat the traveler to a spectacular visual delight. No wonder renowned director Francis Ford Copolla chose to shoot scenes here for his 1970 film "Apocalypse Now" whose crew, after wrapping up filming, left their surfboards behind and ignited a local passion for surfing.

SURFIN’ BALER

"There is a wave just about all year in Baler, but the peak periods for consistent, good quality waves is from October to February," said 30 year-old surfer Ruel Rodrigo.

Ruel, who started surfing when he was 22 years old, goes to Baler twice a month to surf. What is nice about Baler’s waves, especially at the Cobra Reef, he exclaims, is its long breaks.

From March through June, the waves are relatively calm, providing a good beachfront to swimmers and an excellent challenge to expert windsurfers.

The most popular surfing point is located on this long stretch of gray sand beach called Sabang. This is where beginners brave the moderate waves and where regular surfers practice. "Lindy’s Point, found further north along Sabang Beach, is a highly–prized secret spot among local surfers," recommends Ruel.

Also found along the stretch of Sabang are several resorts namely: Bay’s Inn Resort; Angara’s Beach House; and Baler Guesthouse and Restaurant, which offer accommodations near the beachfront and provide food, relaxation, and respite for both swimmers and surfers.

"Local surfers hang out often at Bay’s Inn and they can readily give you pointers," shares another surfer Charles Ritual. "The beach is relatively safe from scratches, since most of the beaches for surfing have a sandy bottom."

Every February, the province hosts the Aurora Surfing Cup pitting local surfers against their international counterparts. The competition is considered the first leg of the Philippine Surfing Circuit.

DISCOVERING AURORA

Baler was known as the first surfing capital, and it is out to reclaim its old glory as the province promotes itself as a multi–attraction destination.

Aurora is a province blessed with an abundance of tourist attractions. It has its share of historical sights such as the home and resthouse of former President Manuel L. Quezon. The province also has the old church of Baler and several historical markers like the Doña Aurora Memorial Shrine, Aurora Quezon Marker, Lt. Commander James Gilmore Marker and Quezon Memorial Park.

It is also here in Baler where the Philippine–Spanish Friendship Day is celebrated every June 30. It was on this day in 1899 that President Emilio Aguinaldo decreed that the last Spanish soldiers to surrender to the American regime during the Siege of Baler be treated as friends of the New Republic instead of prisoners of war.

The province’s natural attractions include picturesque waterfalls, lush greenery on mountainsides, and panoramic beaches. Aside from surfing, some other activities that tourists can enjoy here are snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain climbing and trekking. They also have three festivals each year -- the Suman Festival in February, Piña Festival in June and the Coco Sabutan Festival in August.

The provincial government is now fast–tracking infrastructure projects to entice more tourists to the province. According to Tourism Operations officer Michael Palispis, a budget of R41 million and an additional R20 million from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) has already been allotted, which will see the completion of roads, an airport, and pavilion-type hotel resorts in three years.

Just recently, Sen. Edgardo Angara, a native of the province, launched projects geared towards tourism and education including the opening of the Casiguran Mariculture Park and the Aurora Technological Institute, which will soon house a hotel and restaurant school.

Aurora’s basic economy is agricultural; copra and rice are the principal products. Sabutan weaving, especially of buntal hats, bags and mats, is an important cottage industry and are now being exported across the globe.
 

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