Baler

When the idea of traveling to Baler, the capital of Aurora province some 230 kilometers northeast of Manila, was broached to me, what first entered my mind was the presence of communist rebels, aggregately called the NPA (New People’s Army). Second was the arduous eight-hour trip by land. But did these two reasons stop me from going? Definitely, no. I will even tell you why you need to visit Baler.

There are many fascinating folklores and legends about the origin of the name Baler. One of the legend has it that it originated from the word balod, a large mountain dove which is abundant in the area. Another legend tells that the name came from the word balid, an Aetan word which means “a place to come home to.”

The first settlers in Baler were the Aetas, the Dumagats, and the Ilongots. Each tribe had its own tribal boundaries and political jurisdiction. Known as the nomadic tribe, the Aetas would drift from one place to another, but no matter where they had wandered, they would always come back to the horse shoe-shaped valley, huddled in the Caraballo Range of the Sierra Madre Mountains, where Baler is situated.

The well-traveled road

When going to Baler, one passes through several towns and provinces. From Manila, off the Sta. Rita exit in Bulacan, you go straight to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and take Bongabong which leads directly to Baler.

Baler is accessible through the Canili-Pantabangan Road which is a steep route leading to the town of Maria Aurora and the Baler-Bongabon Road, the most commonly used road that goes through the town of San Luis.

Along the way, travelers can see a partial view of the vast green fields and numerous lush mountain ranges. Yes, traveling for eight hours could make the journey seem endless and would later become a mind-numbing drag. But to give it a little rousing, one needs a pound of imagination and an ounce of insight.

We usually find stimulation from watching the local people do mundane everyday things as we pass by (talk about taking a peek into the rustic provincial life). Or sometimes we play games such as looking for weird yet funny slogans and signboards.

Baler here we come

After the grueling eight-hour ride and with sore and stiff muscle from sitting throughout the journey, we arrived in Baler, which is most identified with the historical Siege of Baler, a story about the renewal of friendship between the Philippines and Spain. But aside from its colorful and rich history, Baler is known for its numerous historical and tourist sites.

In the Poblacion, tourists can visit the Baler Catholic Church 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.

A few meters away from the church 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. It also houses the Museum de Baler where historical and cultural relics are on display. There are also photographs by renowned Filipino photographers showing the beauty of the town.

Across the park 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.

A touch of tradition and culture

Baler is home to Komedya de Baler which started in 1927. It was supported by then President Quezon and has enjoyed the collaboration of artists Fortunato Esoreña and Alejandro Ferreras and arnis expert Antonino Ramos. Although almost all komedya tackles the Moro-Moro, the Komedya de Baler boats of using real weapons in their plays.

Recently, Baler also hosted a zarzuela, entitled “Baler sa Puso Ko,” a play which conveyed a panorama of the indigenous communities, the tsunami survivor, and the battle for independence in Baler.

Since most of its tourism sites are directly linked to history, one of the must-see is the Ermita Hill. Based on history, in December 1735, a tidal wave struck and engulfed the whole town of Kinagunasan (former name of Baler). Only six families survived the catastrophe by climbing the Ermita Hill.

Located in Poblacion, Casiguran, the Ermita Hill has a picturesque view of the entire Poblacion, the dark blue coast of Casuguran Bay, and the barrios nearby. It is also know 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.

One with nature

Because of its geography, hosting spectacular formations and situated on a vast plain at the mouth of Baler Bay which is a segment of the Philippine Sea, Baler is considered as one of the best surfing sites in the country. With its nine-foot waves, it is no wonder that hundreds of surfers, foreign and local alike, head to Baler in the month of February to join the annual surfing competition Aurora Cup which is usually held at Cemento Beach and Reef.

White sand, seashells and crushed corals swathe the shore of Cemento Beach. During October to February, the waves are so spectacular, soaring up to 14 feet high and breaking at the reefs in a right-hand break type, providing a challenge for surfers. Just off the coast are the coral-rich islands of Dimadimalangat, Aniao, and Lukso-Lukso.

The Aniao islets, two small imposing islands situated south of the Dimadimalangat, look like they came straight from the sea, with shrubs and trees growing on top. The waves provide even the most intrepid rock climbers a great challenge because they relentlessly break on the base of the formations.

Located in Brgy. Zabali, the three islets of Lukso-Lukso are comprised of rock formations, with one of the islets connected to the mainland. During low tide, one can see white grainy sands, crushed corals, and numerous seashells on the shore. The island formation is good for diving because of its rich underwater reefs around the islets.

For a good beachfront swim, tourists can head to Sabang Beach. The long stretch of gray sand beach is a good surfing point for beginners since most of the beach is sand-bottomed. It also provides good wind for expert windsurfers. For expert surfers, head to Lindy’s Point which is situated further north along the Sabang beach.

Not a beach person? No worries. There are several impressive waterfalls such as the Cunayan Falls and the Ditumabo Falls that you can explore.

Located in Brgy. Pimentel in San Luis, barely 100 meters away from a dirt road, Cunayan Falls is the most accessible falls in Aurora. The water sprays from a cliff where greenery and flowers grow, flowing into a crystal clear stream. Its mild temperature makes it ideal for swimming and bathing.

Also in San Luis, the Ditumabo Falls is locally known as the Mother Falls. Going to the falls means hiking a four-kilometer 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.

Approximately 140 feet high, 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.

Whether you want to take a peek at its colorful history or be in awe with the breathtaking natural wonders, Baler has a lot to offer that makes the arduous journey really worthwhile.

[ Baler Airport Wiki | Ditumabo Falls Wiki | Cunayan Falls Wiki ]