Up-close and Personal to Manuel L. Quezon by visiting Quezon Memorial Park.

First stop on our biking adventure around Baler was Quezon Memorial Park. This quiet and green park of trees and lawns was established in honor and in memory of the late president Manuel L. Quezon. An indicator fenced by solid and set on a circular cement platform serves as a landmark of Baler, it being the site of the late President Manuel L. Quezon’s birthplace and house. A bronze sculpture of President Quezon seated in his usual stately fashion serves as centerpiece of the park.

Who is Manuel L Quezon?

Historically, Manuel Quezon is the first Filipino to lead the government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from year 1935 to 1944. Filipinos considered him as the second president next to Emilio Aguinaldo. Moreover, he is known as the “Father of the National Language”.

He died of tuberculosis Aug 1, 1944 at his age of 66.

Major Accomplishments during his leadership:

• He was able to solve the problem of powerless farmers in countryside
• Reorganization of the islands
• Enforced military defense
• Approved government reorganization
• Promotion of settlement and development in Mindanao
• Dealing with the foreign stranglehold on Philippine trade and commerce
• Land reform
• Opposed graft and corruption within the government

Meanwhile, it is very easy to visit the place. From Metro Manila, take any Baler Bus and drop of at Poblacion, Baler Bus Station. From the bus station at the Baler market, one can walk to the site that takes 3-5 minutes. This historical site is located just infront of Museo de Baler.

Manuel L. Quezon is one of the most influential icons in the Philippines. In fact, Major Landmarks were established and named after him as a tribute like in Quezon City Circle. But the most historical place is the place where he was born Baler and it is also the place where he met his wife Aurora Aragon Quezon.

⛪ A Quick Visit at Baler Catholic Church

 It is situated in Poblacion , Baler and  the bus station at the Baler market, take a tricycle and ask to be taken to the church for 3-5 minutes.

For me, a tour in every place is incomplete without Visita Iglesias, so after visiting the Historical site of Doña Aurora’s House; I went ahead and I was able to see the stunning Church of Baler. The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Catholic Church, it is located in Poblacion, Baler. It was just a speedy glance of the architectural design from outside (I was not even check the indoor design).

Since the church is just across of Aurora’s House, I took one picture for my documentation purposes.

At your first glance, the church is unnoticeable since the design is very modern so what’s new and interesting about it. (I have been visited numbers of Old Churches in Rizal like BARAS, TANAY, and in BACLAYON, BOHOL. So for me nothing special about it ).

However, when I started to do a research about it after the tour, I discovered that the said Church is very historic. The reason of its modern design it’s because the present church was rebuilt through the initiative of the late President Quezon’s wife Dona Aurora, their family and friends with the cooperative effort of the townspeople after it was almost eroding and falling into pieces. The church was proclaimed as one of the historical landmarks of the Philippines by the National Historical Institute in 2000.

The church is built largely of stones and a brick, the structure is an old church with a simple façade but the materials now is modern. This was the old historically famous garrison of four officers and 50 men during the Spanish regime and the last pocket of resistance of the Spanish armed forces to surrender to the American Troops from June 27, 1898 to July 2, 1899. It existed until the end of 1939

Moreover, Baler’s patron saint is San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.. This is also where the La Campana de Baler, an ancient bell, was used and later stored as an artifact in Museo de Baler.

Christmas Village in front of MERALCO Compound, Pasig City.

Meralco is the Philippine's Premier Electric Distribution Company.It is the only electrical power distributor in Metro Manila which holds the power distribution franchise for 22 cities and 89 municipalities , including the whole of the National Capital Region.

The said Company gives light with their Company’s Tagline “May Liwanag ang Buhay”.

Meanwhile, since its season of Christmas, Meralco provides a must visit Christmas Village right infront of their Compound in Pasig City. Every Christmas, the company always decorates their building with lights and lanterns. But what they prepared to the ocular visitors is their Life Size Christmas Village wherein it’s absolutely free. This is very appropriate for family and children who want to experience the Christmas atmosphere because the village was compose of various decorations.



The Life size Christmas Village features a large nativity, church replica, playground, animals, human replica, Filipino style-houses, and lot of details that will showcase the Filipino culture in celebrating the Christmas. The Village describes the Filipino spirit and traditions; the entire proximity of decorations was made up of different sizes of cables in accordance of the Meralco’s nature of business. It has aluminum cables, silver cables and all decorations have something to do with electricity. It was covered of lights even a single details. It runs all night long and it’s best for you to visit this place only at night.

How to get there?



The said Christmas Village is situated in front Lopez Building, Ortigas Avenue, Meralco Center, and Pasig City. As mentioned, it is for free so it is open for public for viewing and picture taking. If you came from EDSA, this is just a walk away and just behind Robinson Galleria.

Some Photos Below:

🏡 Modern Urban living at Sea Residences, Pasay City.

A Malaysian friend of mine invited me to his condo, December 7 , 2013. I met up him at the lobby; I stay there for an hour at his unit and with that span of 1 hour I was able to see what SMDC Sea Residences can offer to each inhabitant to it.



Sea Residences is a modern tropical-inspired mid-rise condominium located right at the heart of the Mall of Asia Complex which is in Pasay City. A 15 mins drive from NAIA 3 airport. And five Minutes’ drive from Taft Rotonda. The said condo is easy to locate because it is situated at your right side before you will reach the SM Mall of Asia Proper.

According to Sea Residences ,it is a bold new concept in condo living as it allows its residents to experience year round “staycation” where you live in a resort like splendor, right in your home at the city. Set against a backdrop of the awe-inspiring sunset of the Manila Bay or the stunning Makati skyline.



This 15 level, 6 tower condominium development houses well-appointed units where you can achieve urban work-life-balance with ease. Within the community lies a tropical alcove flanked by greeneries and swimming pools.

So you should Come and experience this resort living lifestyle within the city at Sea Residences.

Features and Amenities

Advertisement by Google: Moreover, Sea Residences is a bold new concept in urban living within the Mall of Asia Complex. Six towers house spacious condominium units offering spectacular views of either Manila Bay or the stunning Makati Skyline. And within the development, you’ll find a tropical oasis with trees lining the vast landscape area, swimming pools, wet and dry playgrounds, with outdoor living spaces, a multi-purpose area, and commercial spaces to compliment residents’ needs.



Amenities extend to the Mall of Asia complex where you will find a world-class shopping mall, SM Arena, SMX Convention Center, nearby church and restaurant rows by the bay.

Meanwhile below are the lists of what you’ll expect inside. (Courtesy of SMDC) 

This is my Malaysian Friend

Ground Floor
• Four (4) Grand Entrance Lobbies with Lounge Areas
• Four (4) Elevators each for Towers A and B
• Three (3) Elevators each for Towers C, D, E and F
• Commercial Areas

Recreational Facilities and Amenities: 

Events Area
• Multi-purpose Room
• Pool Deck Area

Kids Area
• Children's Playground extending to the vast garden space
• Wet Play Area
• Toddler's Wading Pool
• Kiddie Pool

Kids Area

Adult Area
• 15-meter Lap Pool
• 20-meter Lap Pool
• 25-meter Lap Pool
• Modern Tropical Garden
• Outdoor Living Areas

Building Facilities and Services:
• Professional Property Management Services
• Professional Leasing Services
• Vast Modern Australian-inspired Tropical Landscape Area
• 70% of the Units have Balconies
• Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System
• Stand-by Generator for Common Areas and Select Residential Outlets
• Natural Ventilation for Hallways
• Sufficient Fire Exits
• Environmental Feature of Rain Water Collection for Landscape Watering
• Centralized Cistern Tank
• Overhead Water Tank
• Sewerage Treatment Tank
• Commercial Spaces
• 24-hour Security
• Cable Ready

Sea Residences for me is a perfect for individual who are working with the city. Transportation is available 24 hours.
(SMDC website)

Hangover from Hanging Bridge in Brgy Zabali, Baler, Aurora.

Until today while I am currently writing this article, I still have a hangover from crossing the Hanging Bridge in Brgy Zabali, Baler, and Aurora. Not a hangover from the dizziness of crossing the bridge but an after-effect of the enjoyment during the adventure. This Adventure was part of my Baler Adventure during our Biking Activity together with my co-travelers.

Bike is one of the medium of transportation to reach the area. (Actually it was Part of Our Biking Activity). But if you are a solo backpacker or in group tour then a tricycle is fine.

The Bridge was built not really intended for tourist attraction yet it’s more for locals use, but the distinctive view of the river from a different perspective is what makes the hanging bridge became popular . The Bridge connects the two sides which are the BrgyTibang- Brgy Sabang. It is located at the endpoint of Zabali road.

Zabali Road is cement but if you are about to reach the endpoint, it is rough road. Once you will arrive at the dead end of Zabali Road, A stunning concrete bridge will welcome you. On the both sides of the stairway are few local households. There is also a small variety store at the right side. On the left side is a small way for you to view the hanging bridge from down under.

A wide river will make you amazed because it is very clear and clean. The green environment is very visually pleasant and the fresh air came from the adjacent Sabang Coast (facing Pacific Ocean) is very relaxing. The both sides of the river are complete of Nipa plants which are also a source of making Nipa hut. The Panoramic view of the mountain on the other side is very astonishing especially if you are an urbanite. You really appreciate the beauty of the nature once you will get exposed yourself towards on it.

My experience of the said bridge is memorable. Heights really don’t scare me and hanging bridges are supposed to be fun. The Hanging Bridge was made of cables and it was safe. In many parts there are wide open gaps on the bridge itself that you can look down through and imagine plummeting into the depths of the river below. The only problem is it sways when you are walking, some finds it as scary and it results to state of imbalance.

Anyway, Do you know other must visit hanging bridge in the country? 

Upclose and personal to Doña Aurora Aragón-Quezón through visiting her house.

Maybe you guys are aware already that BALER, a distant littoral municipality in Tayabas which currently called Province of Aurora, was home to both Manuel and Aurora Quezon. If you are more into history, this article is perfect for you.  I will be writing more about Doña Aurora Aragón-Quezón and remembering her by doing an ocular visit to her house. I personally visit her house as part of Baler Tour.

How to get there? 

From Manila, Baler is roughly 5-6 hours. Your best option is to take public transportation as portions of the trip include zigzagging through mountainous terrain and rough road. Or, take an all-terrain vehicle.  Once you’ll get at the Town Proper, the house is easy to locate because The House is just in front of Baler church.

What about the House?

The original owner of Doña Aurora’s house was Zenaida Molina, who married Pedro Aragon. No records exist for the birth date of Maria, their oldest daughter, but documents exist showing that their second daughter, Emilia, was born in the house in April 1877, verifying the existence of the house at least to that date.

In the same page, Aurora, their youngest daughter, was born in the same house on Feb. 19, 1888.The Aragon family stay with their four children.

Nowadays, the house was already renovated for public viewing. The whole thing is not anymore the original made when Senator Angara decided to subsidies towards the renovation of the said house.

Who is Doña Aurora Aragón-Quezón?

Aurora Quezon was the wife of the former Philippine President Manuel Luis Quezon, first President of the Republic of the Philippines. She had a very simple life and enthusiastic to charities. She became the first lady of the republic of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944(during the presidency of Manuel Quezon). She was also famous and well-loved figure among Filipinos simply because of her involvement in many philanthropic activities.

Moreover, Aurora Quezon was born to Pedro Aragon and Zeneida Molina on February 19, 1888 in Baler, a distant seaside town in Tayabas which is now Aurora Province. When the President died, she turned down the pension awarded to her by the government, so that the money is used for war widows and orphans. Even the Communist-led Hukbalahaps, who spread terror through the mountains of Central Luzon, could find no word to say against Aurora. And on the morning of April 28, 1949, she together with her daughter baby was assassinated when she left her home to open a new hospital. It was such a tragic death when salvo emerged on the road targeting her vehicle. Mrs. Quezon, her daughter and Bernardo, Mayor of Quezon were murdered straightaway. And after the assassination the province was named after her memory.

Review

The house is still standing on an average sized corner lot. A noticeable wooden house wrapped with nipa roofs. The house looks like an old traditional Filipino style homes. At the back it has an open area connecting to a small garden.

Before you will go upstairs you will notice the open “silong”, it was cemented to provide a large meeting area for the Baler community today; the garden re-landscaped to accommodate an overflow of people should functions be held there.

What I also like about the house are the windows. The house contains a window frames which you can open outwards held in place by a wooden sticks which is the usual Filipino style window. Old photographs and other memorabilia which associated with the life of Mrs Quezon and the family members .There’s also a mini library and a reading center , a small living room and a small kitchen.

Undeniably, a visit to Aurora Quezon’s house is a noteworthy to appreciate the life in Quezon and its community and Balers Cultural lifestyle wherein they still conserved it.

This Post is Part of My Baler, Aurora Adventure.

Pros and Cons : Hammock Versus Tent

As a tight budget traveler, we need to prioritize what are the most important things that you need to put inside on your backpack during your travel preparation. Choosing your priority is like doing a grocery list in a limited budget. Decision making is your great weapon.

Moreover, choosing between Hammock and tent is also a huge decision and we need to know the pros and cons of it. A hammock is a hang prepared of fabric, rope, or netting, tied between two points, used for swinging, sleeping, or resting. Hammock camping is a form of camping in which a camper sleeps in a suspended hammock rather than a typical tent attached to the ground. A tent is a shelter consisting of sheets of water proof fabric or other material draped over, attached to a frame of poles or attached to a supporting rope.

These two outdoor camping equipment are fighting for the top one position on your list. Let me help you to decide which one will work best for your travel.

Hammock.

Advantages.
1. Lightness- since hammock is just a long piece of fabric with rope, it is advisable to include this on your list due to its lightness and surely it will not consume large space of your backpack.

2. Portability- these outdoor equipment can be folded is just two or three times and that’s it, you can bring it anywhere and anytime due to its portability.

3. Easy to install- It is easy and quicker to set up and remove them down. The installation will not let you spend more time, effort so therefore you can rest right away. It can be very advisable for a rest break to lounge a bit while hiking.

4. Well ventilated – in camping especially in summer it is advisable to use hammock because the open air feature will let feel more relaxing.

5. Hammock makes a great camp chair- With your tarp pitched high and wide you have a palace of space to lounge around in, cook etc. out of the elements

Disadvantages
1. No to sharing – Typically hammock is for one person only. Maybe you can do sharing but it will result you to uncomfortable feeling.

2. Prone to opportunistic attacks – We need also to consider our health during our travel (as what I’ve mentioned in past articles). Since hammock is open air, you can easily get bitten from insects such as mosquitos that usually the reason of getting MALARIA and Dengue Fever.

3.  Its more cold at night- hammock is colder than a tent because the wind can go all around you and cool you down at night. You can easily acquire respiratory problem. Moreover, when it rain, you will suffer it.

4. Privacy and safety of your belongings- Since hammock is open to anybody, everyone can see you and there is no room for privacy in this case. In addition to that, you cannot secure your things while sleeping since hammock is only for resting and not to secure your backpack. Therefore, your belongings can easily get stolen, and your things can easily get wet.

5. Can’t Set Up without trees- Trees are required so that you can tie the two endpoint of the said equipment which is very impossible to set up in dessert or an open field.

Tent.

Advantages...
1. Capacity to accommodate a group. - Sharing in one tent is fine it depends on the sizes or capacity.

2. Protection and Security- your personal belongings are secured inside. You’re not exposed to the icy wind, rain or even the bites from insects.

3. Feeling at home- Sleeping inside the tent is just like sleeping in your own room. You can set a bedroom atmosphere inside. So, this is more comfortable.

4. Privacy- since a tent is close; you can change your dress inside without hesitation that someone might see you.


Disadvantages

1. Heaviness- the Weight of the equipment is one reason why traveler/campers drawback to hammock. You can’t even put the whole thing inside your backpack because it will occupy more space, so your option is to bring it by your hand or attached it outside on your back pack.

2. What to spend? - It takes you some time to practice, and patience, and some trial and error to figure it all out. “Effort to configuring” it is a factor why campers will not prefer tent.

3. It’s more expensive- The amount of cheapest tent that you can buy is the same value that you can spend when you buy the most expensive hammock. Try to check it online.

4.   Worst place at daytime- Imagine yourself staying inside your tent and resting in noon time. Remember, Tent is for shelter and not used as SAUNA. You know what I mean?


In this article of mine, I hope you are now decided which one will work best for you. Hammock and Tent are both beneficial and not advisable at the same time, and your choice varies towards your preference and your travel trip.


Do you have any additional information or advise?