Monday, August 18, 2014

The Beauty of Baler

Baler, Aurora is located on the southeastern part of the island of Luzon, around 230 kilometers (143 miles) from Manila. Accessible by land through zigzagging mountain roads, with travel time lasting 5-6 hours. The province of Aurora was named after the wife of President Manuel Quezon. It is a go-to destination for nature lovers because the province is 70% forest cover. It is also gaining popularity among surfers, and the best time for riding the waves are during the months of September to March.  

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Last summer, my son Aton's best buddy Mikey came home for a vacation. He's been staying in Canada for the past two years where his parents live. They were inseparable the entire time Mikey was here! Why wouldn't they? It was just like they were "brothers born of a different mother and father."

"Surprise, Aton! I'm back!!!" - Mikey
They planned a trip to #Baler, Aurora together with their closest buddies from the UST Yellow Jackets. It was their first time to go there which added to the fun and adventure. They hiked, trekked, took a dip in the cool waters of a river next to a waterfall. They went to the beach and tried surfing when the waves picked up. Gauging from their photos, they did have a good time. Oh, the things you can do when you're young and fit. (a bit jealous here. haha)

The UST Yellow Jackets

Time to explore that big Banyan tree

Conquering the roots of the tree

Practically "inside" the tree

Those tree roots are huge!

That's Aton and his girlfriend, Marga

The lovely waterfall

Taking a dip in the cool waters of the river 

Photo-op while taking a break from hiking

That's Aton and Marga

Another photo-op break

Mikey taking a breather on the river banks

Marga and Mikey

The coastline of Baler

First time to try surfing!

Mikey's send off party at Garahe 25 Bar and Resto. Best buddies for life!

I am happy my children know the value of friendship and how to treasure them. It may be a few more years before Mikey comes back for another visit, but who knows? It may be Aton who will visit him in Canada. :)




14 comments:

  1. Those trees are amazing! I reminds me a lot of my trip to Thailand.

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  2. Wow, it looks beautiful there! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I love the waterfall picture. I would love to visit there someday.

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  4. Pretty awesome that tree si ginormous and that fall is indeed natural.

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  5. I've never heard of this place before, the water fall looks amazing and beautiful!

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  6. So much to do in Baler! I hope we get to see the beauty of this place, too, soon.

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  7. I am a city girl all the way to my core but these photos made me wish I was there with you guys The surf was high and so were your spirits. This looks like a great place to explore.

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  8. nice place to go specially during summer. How old is that tree? so huge naman ang roots nya.

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  9. I love to explore inside the banyan tree, looks very interesting.

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  10. I see that your son and his friend Mikey will be friends forever no matter where they are in the globe. I am like that with my high school and college friends too!

    I've never been to Baler and your photos tell us how pretty the place is especially the waterfalls and the Banyan tree.

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  11. looks like a great time. I love those tree roots, those are awesome!

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  12. I have never been in Baler but it looks beautiful. I love the beach though I do not know how to surf. It looks like is fun inside the tree and the huge roots.

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  13. Baler is in my bucket least. It's such a shame that I haven't been to all the noted places in the Philippines.

    That Banyan tree is some sight :-)

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  14. Hi Kuya mukhang masarap at masay talaga dyan sa Baler. Gusto ko din makapunta. :)

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