First Meal in Baler: Hot and Spicy Chicksilog.

 I admit that because of the cold temperature inside the Bus, I really had a deep sleep within the span of the travel therefore I was totally full of energy when we reached in Baler. However, I had a headache, luckily “Journeying James tour” provides a free first aid/medication, and I grabbed a pain reliever.


We get off in the Bus for our breakfast. The said breakfast was not included on the tour package, so that was individual’s expense. Everyone chooses their preferred eateries. There are a lot of eateries besides Museo de Baler to choose with. So no worries with regards to food availability, in fact foods in Baler are quite affordable compared in Metro Manila. So if you are on tight budget, I can recommend you to choose eateries.

Advertisement by Google: I ordered Chicksilog for an amount of PHP35.00, free soup, free water, and if you are going to add an extra rice, that was only amounting to PHP6.00. I was surprised when they served my order, fried egg, fried rice, a cup of soup and a 2pc of chicken or simply Chicksilog. But the different is the chicken is not fried, it is cooked with hot and spicy sauce. I tasted it and it was mouthwatering. The spicy taste eliminates the smell of the chicken so it was more appetizing than the ordinary. The hot spirit of the food made me totally energized despite from a long travel.

Truly,first Meal in Baler is a start of the adventure; it is the start of getting to know more friends with same interest, starting a conversation, a start of bonding that will surely last up until we are going home.

Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora: A Surfer’s playground.

Sabang Beach is a long stretch of gray sand beach which is famous surfing point among local surfers. It is also a tourist destination because of its moderate to extreme waves which is also perfect for beginners like me for regular practice.

Situated within the proximity of the beach are resorts wherein you can stay. Angara's Beach House, Bay's Inn Resort, MIA Surf and Sports Resort and Baler Guesthouse and Restaurant, which, offer accommodations near the beachfront and provide food, relaxation, and respite for swimmers and surfers.

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Meanwhile, From March through June, the waves are relatively placid providing a good beachfront for swimmers and an excellent challenge for expert windsurfers. But from the months of October to February is the span of time that great waves exist. Since I visit this beach November, the waves are really large. Click here to read more. Just a safety precaution, the beach is sandy-bottomed so you have to be careful from scratchy. Undertows, which are helpful to surfers and dangerous for non-swimmers, do occur in certain areas.

How to get to Sabang Beach?

Sabang Beach is located in Barangay Sabang, Baler. From Manila take a bus going to Aurora and drop off in Baler Town Proper. Take a tricycle from Baler town proper and ask to be taken to the site. It takes approximately 5 minutes travel time.

What is Post Travel Syndrome and How to Manage on it ?

Having Post Travel Blues is normal to all travelers who spent long time roving and enjoying outdoor adventures. It always take effect from the time that you are packing up your belongings, during your travel going back home up until you will reach into your home.

The feeling is strange; you will feel emptiness, incomplete, and sadness. This rapid change of feeling will leads anyone to act different. The symptoms mostly show like losing appetite, tiredness, intense feelings of nostalgia and you will keep looking at the infinity. It has been said the longer a trip lasts, the more intense the post vacation blues may be. This is because the person would be longing for their travel experiences

Medically, this type of mood hasn't been scientifically studied.  In fact this problem will wear off after time. In some cases, it takes few days but statistically, it can take up to 1.5 times the length of your entire trip.

How to Manage?

When I was about to go home, It was very worst feeling

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Since, it hasn't been scientifically studied therefore no specific treatment is claimed. There are many blogs and articles tackled to avoid it. But personally speaking, there’s no way for us to avoid it. All travelers experienced this unconsciously; it’s just happened that some are intense and extreme. Some symptoms will not show on the behavior on the patient and some will reflect on the gesture. That’s why we normally think that others don’t experience it.

Managing ones mood needs medium so that it wears off right away. Here is my personal advice based on my experience.

1. Always remember that your family is waiting for you. Always be excited to go back home (Your Dog is waiting for your hug). Buy Pasalubong for them; by this method you will divert your feeling from depression to excitement.

2. You can always talk your experience with your family, go online and check your twitter or facebook. By this method you will get busy yourself.

3.  Plan now ahead for your next vacation/travel. By doing this, you will forget those moments in the past and you will always look forward the fun waiting ahead.

4.  Write your story, narrate your experience and post your pictures or simply blog it. Truly, blogging is very therapeutic due to the fact that your readers are waiting and excited for your post. By this method, productivity is the main goal and not to focus on depression.

Balete Park & Millennium Tree: Largest Balete in Asia.

After we went to Jabuyo Falls, we go directly to Maria Aurora where the Tree is located. It was raining and all of us are already wet and tired. Ten minutes ride and there we go, we reached at the area.  When I stepped out from the BUS, I was amazed of how stunning the tree is. It was very huge compared to the Balete Trees that I’ve seen when I grew up in Bohol. In fact, it would take 60 grown men, holding one another at arm's length, to encircle its gigantic trunk.

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So I was excited to see it closer. I took first a picture in front of it and due to the largeness of the tree I am having hard time capture the right angle.

From the word itself “Millennium Tree”, no wonder and it shows on its appearance. Because its age, the tree's thick roots have grown above ground, such that caves have formed under various sections of the trunk. This unique tree has generated national media attention and is now the most visited tourist spot in Aurora.

Moreover, I went to the core of the tree. It was truly amazing creation made by time. Inside, is like a cave. Imagine, it was raining outside but inside it was dry. The atmosphere inside is majestic, quite freaking due to its darkness. I climbed… When I reached on the top, you will see the entire location in a different point of view. Very glorifying and I almost forgot that I’m tired from trekking.

The Park is maintained by Local Government Unit. There is also a booth wherein you can give a donation for the maintenance of the park. If you are going to climb the tree, make sure you are capable of doing it because there is no safety gadgets offered to those visitors who wants to climb. Just a heads up, climbing is too easy but going down is very difficult but don’t worry there are local guides on the area that will rescue you on the top.

Watch the Video Below

Photos Below

Official Philippine Holidays for 2014 ; Let us Plan Ahead

Hello Pinoy Travelers, today i will be posting an information that surely you will love it. I know most of you guys are working and travelling at the same time. and I am also aware that you are suffering from getting your vacation leaves approval ,am I right? Don't worry , I know where you are coming from. Im also having hard time to plan my travel due to my work.

But today, let us plan ahead so that your travel on 2014 is smooth and easy to manage.  As early as September of last year (2013) , the Malacanang through the Proclamation Number 655 series of 2013, the Philippine holidays for 2014 had been announced and this Holidays will help a lot in planning your vacation leaves.

 Regular Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Wednesday)
Maundy Thursday – April 17
Good Friday – April 18
Labor Day – May 1 (Thursday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Thursday)
National Heroes Day – August 25 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Sunday)
Christmas Day – December 25 (Thursday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Tuesday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

Chinese New Year – January 31 (Friday)
Black Saturday – April 19
Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Thursday)
All Saints Day – November 1 (Saturday)
Additional special (non-working) days) – December 24 (Wednesday), December 26 (Friday) and December 31 (Wednesday)

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)

EDSA Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Tuesday)

 Go and Plan ahead of time

🦅 Soar High Baler, Aurora ; Discovering its History and Beauty.

Baler at glance
Land area: 9,255 has
Population 34,492
Type of Municipality: 3rd class
Predominant Language: Tagalog, English, Ilocano, Visayas, Bicolano

On the other hand, mention Baler and one conjures up visions oh lush forests, cool mountain, cool river waters, cool summer sea breeze and probably one of the finest destination in the country Baler, in fact, all these and much more. It is 232 km way from manila with an estimated travel time of 6-7 hours. Baler serves as the business center of the province wherein most government and private entities are located

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Its climate is characteristic of the tropics with evenly distributed rainfalls all-year-round.

People

Baler is a unique place with unique people. A warm welcome awaits visitors arriving in the place.
Balerianos are generous and friendly and its characteristics were proven a century ago when the 33 Spaniards soldier Spaniards soldiers survived in the Siege of Baler who did not suffer even the slightest scratch upon their surrender. In fact, they were treated as friends and were given foods and clothing and even protecting them despite that these people harmed them during their reign.

As time passed, Baler turned into a melting pot various cultures, but still, their spirit of compassion and understanding lives on for true Balerianos.

Brief History 

Long before the arrival of the Spaniard, Baler was already an established community, the people’s source of livelihood were fishing, hunting, and farming. These settlers were the Aetas, the Dumagats, and the Ilongots. They have their own tribal boundaries and political jurisdictions. Trespassing is punishable by death and sometimes results in tribal wars.

The most feared tribe is the Ilongots who are the head hunters. On some events and special occasions, they roamed and snatched people to behead. According to their beliefs, the flowering Sablang tree (mentrosideros tomendosa) signifies the season of headhunting. During that time, these people were pagans until the lights of Christianity reached them in 1578 through the courage of Fray Esteban Ortiz, the first Franciscan missionary to reach Baler. Many were baptized and embraced Christian Faith changing their lives and the course of history.

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Moreover, the name Baler attributed to fascinating legends and folktale. One story says that it is originated from native word BALID, the dialect of Aetas, which meant “ A Place to Come Home To”.Aetas are very nomadic people but no matter where they roam, they always come back to the horseshoe valley shaped, nestling in the Caraballo Range of the Sierra Madre mountains along the Pacific coast which is now known as the town of Baler.

History, however, signifies that the name Baler was given and defined in Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala published in 1754, that the Baler originated from the word BALOD, a large mountain dove of the Paloma Montes that are abundant in the area.

The Town of Baler is most remembered in the annals of Philippines’ history as the last bastion of the Spanish empire in the country concluded in the long and bloody epic of the Siege Baler.

Baler also claims historic significance as the birthplace of President Manuel L. Quezon; as the father of Filipino Language, Social Justice and the President of the Philippines Commonwealth.

For more information contact 
Office of the Municipal Mayor
Municipal mayor office
Municipal Building, Baler, Aurora 
Mobile No. 09289837668
Email Add: delrosario_rizza@yahoo.com
Fb Account: Municipal_Tourism_Baler@yahoo.com

▶️ YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/M-CtU9p45oU
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📅 Original Dates Uploaded : November 24 ,2013
👨‍💻 By: Jonathan Orbuda - Digital Media Content Creator

I Love BOHOL

By Mer Irene & Richelle Ann Boton
Pillar Publication

In pursuit of surmounting the ordeals Philippines has faced caused by some pertinent happenings bulleting its tourism unit, one of which this country is famous of. The battle of how to strengthen the campaign of our very own tourist destinations challenged our department of Tourism as to what actions must set to bring back our status of being one of the most sought-after A list-escapades.

Richelle Ann Boton in Panglao Island

The Pillar trekkers have once again envisioned taking another trip on a place in the country to support what we have preserved and of what we are distinctive of. And this time, we have traversed Luzon and set foot at one of the most beautiful spot in Visayas, the Island of Bohol.


City of Tagbilaran.
With almost an hour in the plane, we finally rose on our seats and stepped out. Softly warm weather greeted us that made us more excited to enjoy the summer adventure in one of the popular tourist destinations in the country, Bohol

Peek at Sagbayan Peak.

Sagbayan Peak Entry Point

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Our first stop, the famous mountain resort, park and recreation center in the town of Sagbayan. Situated in a mountain top, this place popularly known as “Sagbayan Peak” offers a breathtaking perspective of the luscious Chocolate hills and the distant blue sea separating the islands of Bohol and Cebu. A short trip to its picturesque landscapes led us to mini- Tarsier sanctuary where we met the smallest primates in the world.

Beyond the Chocolate hills
Carmen is one of the towns in Bohol where most of the renowned Chocolate hills are precisely located. Approximately 1,247 in number, these natural wonders can be best viewed at the Chocolate Hill Complex located in brgy. Buenos Aires in the same town.
 Viewing the Chocolate hills from the top allowed us to realize how blessed our beloved Philippines

Dine while floating: Loboc River
On our way in search of a place for lunch, we passed through the man-made rainforest in t6he town of Loboc. The place was very cool and green. Fresh air going to our body gave us a really great feeling. From the zigzag adventure of the rainforest, the road led us to the fine dining place, Loboc Rivers’s Restaurant.

Church at all time; Baclayon
 Church is said to be the second oldest church in the Philippines. Coral stones, cut and piled atop each other, generally make up this century old house of worship. The exterior of the church really looks plain but its interior is very lavish, with its gold-plated altars, ancient paintings, timeworn tiled floors and stained glass windows.

Refine Sand at Panglao Beach.
Situated at the southeastern part of mainland Bohol, Panglao Island has the escapades any tourist would want to spot. Outlined by naturally refined white sand, Bohol Beach Club in Panglao can give a relaxing holiday hands down with its friendly waves and Go-given sea creatures like sea urchins and star fishes.

Truly this group of islands perfectly shaped by god’s hand in Asia’s southeastern part is a splendid spectacle for aliens and invaders, allure that attracts tourists towards its serene and authentic landscapes. And should catastrophic dumb it off the Philippines, with its strong-hearted and faithful people will always rise and show the world the beauty it cradles within its territory. For this Chosen Land is a true epitome of splendor, from Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao                                  

Breathless Biking within Baler Proper.

For an amount of PHP100, you can rent now your way of transportation that can access easily to the entire Baler.

Biking is fun activity and I really it. Actually, I also do biking in Bay walk Puerto Princesa City during my Palawan visit. It’s more fun to include biking on your itinerary because it is very stress relieving especially if you are doing it with your friends.

Moreover, the said biking was headed by Ehm , our tour guide. It was not just a simple biking yet a very exciting activity because we also tour the entire Baler that showcases spots.

• From our origin/ start line was at Costa Pacifica.
• First Stop is  Manuel L. Quezon’s Monument
• We went ahead to Museo de Baler which is located at the back of Manuel L. Quezon’s Monument
• Next on the line is Dona Aurora’s Ancestral House
• And infront of the house is the Baler Church.
• And we bike the Zabali road to get experience the Hanging Bridge.
• We passed through at Baler’s Municipal Hall at the same time some Old houses
• We went back to the camping site.

Truly, cycling of biking is best recreational activity other than sport and transportation purposes.   Bicycles are used for recreation at all ages and it is fun especially if it involves touring and exploration or sightseeing for leisure. It is also good to our health. The physical exercise gained from cycling is generally linked with increased health and well-being.

Biking in Baler with friends is one of my memorable events in year 2013

World Class Wake Skater versus the 8 Wonder of the World in the Philippines.

American wakeboarder Brian Grubb tests his wakeboarding skills at the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces.
(Photo by Daniel Deak Bardos and Sophia Langner)

The Wake Skating and Wake Boarding Extreme Sport are currently famous in the Philippines.  In fact innumerable Wake Boarding Sites were established in Laguna, Batangas, Clark, Camsur and Davao. Rapid increase of number are become an Aficionado of the said extreme Sport. In addition to that, lot of World Championship and International Wake Boarding and Skating were conducted in the Philippines in Camarines Sur where-in famous athletes who came from different countries in the whole world t compete.

Moreover, one of these athletes is Brian Grubb. During his seventh come back in the country, a distinctive wake boarding was his planned; TO DO THE WAKE BOARDING STUNT IN EIGHT WONDER OF THE WORLD the Banaue Rice Terraces. “This Wonder, I’ve never seen this before, obviously the rice terraces is very scenic to see, and seeing from a different perspective its very different way of living here.” Grubb said.

Join us in Banaue Rice Terraces to Witness a Different Wake Boarding.
(Photo by Daniel Deak Bardos and Sophia Langner)

Brian Grubb is popular on doing wake boarding stunts in various iconic locations in the whole World. This time “The Engineering Wonder of the world which the rice terraces “(together with his team) is their next spot to show the World how beautiful it is. “We came over here (Philippines to be specific), going to Cam Sur and we saw small terraces, and we were looking for a natural environment with water and anytime there’s a drop (like a skate board stair case) where-in we can jump, that’s what we are looking for” Grubb narrated on how they come up with the idea of choosing the Banaue Rice terraces. He also added the he saw the PHP1000 bill that shows the Rice panoramic terraces and he was curious about it, if is it real or it’s just a picture. “We ended up doing some research and found out that the place is real, the picture in PHP1000 bill is the exactly same the way it is” as he continued narrating.

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Meanwhile, the harvesting season in Banaue was already done and it was perfect for their plan to execute the stunt. “Kung mapropromote ang Banaue , dadami ang turista therefore we can get the benefits. But before they conduct it, they make sure about the location by doing an ocular inspection. I find out that it will not damage and for me, there is no negative effect about it towards the terraces. “Mayor Jerry Dalipog said.
Before Grubb conduct the stunt, he personally involves himself towards the cultures of the IFUGAO (inhabitants of the Place.) In fact he joined in a ritual headed by MUMBAKI or tribal Priest. “The tradition was old and I’ve seen some ceremonial dances, and when we got here, we asked their permission to do the stunt on the rice terraces; to do some modern things in such an old place. It’s an Honor to be here” Grubb proudly said.

The Locals were very entertained when Grubb do the stunt.
Truly, Grubb is not just showing his skills but he is also shows the World how Beautiful the Philippines is.

Watch The Video (Red Bull)

Intrepid Surfing in the Large Waves in Sabang Beach, Baler Aurora.

As I finished the Challenge ( Thanks JOJO for Capturing) 

Truly if you experienced one thing and you enjoyed it the most on the first attempt, surely the next thing you will do is to experience it again. Yes, I admit it especially Surfing. The first time I was able to balance myself on the waves was during my Zambales Tour. It was my memorable and glorifying involvement with the waves. So I promised myself to Surf again due to the fact that I enjoyed it a lot.

When we say Baler, it has something to do with Surfing. For surfers and surf wannabes this place is best and nearest among the surfing spots in the Philippines. Baler is famous for Cemento beach, Sabang Beach, and Baler Bay that offers its large sizes and tunnel-like waves which is perfect for practicing.

Moreover, Surfing is one of the itineraries of the said Baler Tour. When we arrived in the morning at the camp, the first activity I joined was the surfing lesson. I have my surf instructor named Philip who patiently taught me. “Do you know how to swim?” he asked. “I’m sorry Buddy, I don’t know how to swim but don’t worry this is now my second time do surfing”, I answered.

When I looked at the sea, I was scared because of the large waves; it was really larger compared to waves in Zambales. It was also raining, the sky is darker and Philip told me it’s because of low pressure. “Buddy, Don’t get scared, if you fall down, don’t get panic and just look for the cord , grab it and just ride back to the deck of the board.” He gave the instruction.

Philip and I

We went ahead going deeper, my heart started to beat faster when I noticed that I can’t feel anymore the sand on my feet. The waves are getting stronger as I tried to go deeper.  But Philip was still behind me pushing the surfboard. The experience was totally different, in Zambales. The Surfer can easily go to the deep part of the sea to wait for the incoming waves but in Baler it’s totally different, you need to struggle facing the large wave just to reach the deep part. However, the advantage in Baler, there’s no need for you to wait the waves because it is continuously coming every now and then. In addition, due to the strong current, you can stand up easily and balance right away unlike to the small waves in Zambales. Therefore I must say that in Zambales that’s advisable for the first timer and in Baler for advance surfer. No wonder many celebrities and professional surfer visits this place just to surf.

In just one hour surfing lesson, I learned to adjust myself from large and strong waves. But the best lesson I learned is to face you fear, regardless if I am not a good swimmer.

The Surf Instructors

After the lesson I got a chance to meet my instructor to personally thank him. I was able to have a short conversation also with his co- instructor. Until today, Phillip and I are still connected through Facebook and he invited me to visit back in Baler to surf for a discounted amount. Nice to hear right? That’s the advantage if you will have local friends in a place where you used to travel.

Blue board Set Up of Roar Music Video Includes Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano in Tagatay as features in Katty Perry's Roar Music Video (Image by Jomar Hilario)

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Have you watched Roar's Music Video? with sexy Katty Perry in the jungle? I am pretty sure that you are familiar one of the picturesque views feature on the said video.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez was so proud of Katty Perry's Roar Music Video because it it features the panoramic view of Tagaytay, Taal Volcano to be specific.“Yes, [it is] a picture of the Philippines in what is obviously paradise. I am very happy,” Jimenez said. "It's no secret that, when Katy Perry went to the country, she fell in love with Philippines. I would not be surprised if she made the choice [of including Taal in the video] the herself. [But] I do not know that for a fact," he said.

Moreover, the said music video was taped indoor in a studio set up with blue board.   Blue Board is a blue wall where-in the computer can add a variety of background so that  the artist's background during shooting looks very pleasant. It is famous in weather reporting and MTV.

The production choose Taal Volcano as one of the background because Perry must have been blown away and was amazed by the sight when she visited the country in 2012.  Same year when she performed in Arena   Pasay , January 22, 2012.

Truly, Philippine is a country wherein foreign artist loves to visit because of its distinctive beauty . A beauty that can surely compete worldwide.

Here is the Music Video