Semper Ad Meliora

Baler is one of the top beach destinations in the Philippines especially during the Summer Season. It is a top surf spots in the country up to this day. Its huge waves serve as main attraction to surfers or those who wants give surfing a try.

We traveled to Baler during my birthday weekend. I was with my former office mates. We just stayed overnight then went back to the city Sunday night. Travel time usually depends on the route you take, time of departure etc. It is accessible by bus and private vehicle.

We just rented a van for Baler so we wouldn't have any worries as to how to get there and some of us came from their office shifts so others are already exhausted to drive. The van is in charge of driving us all around the tourist spots of Baler.

We were checked in at El Teodoro's Lodge. The price is right especially if you are on a budget friendly travel. Anyway you don't need to splurge much if its just an overnight stay. The room we got costs 5000-5500. It is already airconditioned, with 2 double decks, 1 queen size bed and a bathroom. The room fits up to 7 pax. For the food El Teodoro have their own Tapsihan. It is within budget and affordable plus its walking distance from where we stay. Prices are from 55-65 up.

Sadly I failed taking a picture of the room. :( We just had our groupie photo.

For more information about El Teodoro Lodge, Check their facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/elteodoro.lodge?fref=ts

For their Tapsihan:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Teodoro-Tapsilog/255830331260789?fref=ts

When we went to tour around the city, we came across Kusina Luntian. It is one of the go to places to dine in Baler. You will seat on their wooden floor. Its like a big Nipa that can accomodate large group of people. Actually we were expecting the food to be boodle because they said we will have boodle on lunch. We all know that boodle fight is a military style of eating where long banana leaves are placed in a table and rice are scattered on the leaves. Viands and rice were to be eaten by bare hands. It can also be with appetizers and fruits. In Kusina Luntian you will order it solo. I think they still consider it boodle as you still eat in banana leaves but single order only.

All of us ordered Wapang Wapang na liempo because it is in their menu that this is their best seller.

Wapang Wapang na liempo consist of Fresh fern on top with tomato and salted egg. This is really good. Price is affordable too. That was my first time to eat Fern it is sweet and sour but tastes really good. It blends well with the Liempo. Their full meals costs 99 sides ranges from 45-65. They are also selling Banayad Whiskey. It costs 120 only for a big bottle.

Kusina Luntian Menu

Complete Address: Dela Torre St., Baler, Aurora, Philippines

Places to visit in Baler:

Sabang Beach

As the name implies, It is located in Brgy. Sabang, Baler. This is a surfing site so expect people flocking to learn surfing. We went to Baler February so the waves are bigger. Waves are bigger during month of October until February. So if you are dead serious to surf and learn you should visit within those months. There are surfing instructors everywhere. Their rates are 300 for 1 hour. The instructors are native of Baler. Others as young as 13. I have interviewed my instructor. They have been surfing almost all their lives so they know the do's and dont's, tips and tricks.

Tip: According to my instructor of course.

Don't apply sunblock. You can apply some to your face, since most wear rashguard and shorts your body is covered. If you apply sunblock it will make the board slippery so you will have a hard time standing in the board.
In case the board is slippery, Rub sand to take it away. It might not take it all away but at least it will reduce it.
For women, tie your long hair. The waves are big so you will just drown your face in your hair and water if you are a beginner.
For women, Wear rashguard and shorts again for beginners (or its up to you) I just thought it will be safer because it might get you naked since the impact of the waves are hard.
If big waves are coming your way, just bow your head so you won't be smack by it right in the face.

I don't have a video or at least shots of us while surfing because we were all busy learning how to. Its kinda dangerous too since the waves are big I might lose my camera so I didn't care to take photos. If you made it on you feet standing until the shores I tell you, the feeling is overwhelming, Its like you achieved something big. So put your fears aside and ready Surf! For those who don't know how to swim just inform your instructor so they take extra precautionary measure so you will safe at all times while at it surfing.

Diguisit Beach and Rock Formation

Diguisit is located in Baler Bay Aurora. Although it is also a beach i cannot recommend you to take a dip because of the rocks but you can marvel at the rock formations and take pictures just as what we did. Be sure to wear slippers or sandals will be good as the rocks are kind of slippery and wet.

Ermita Hills

It is one of the most frequent places visited in Baler. In front of it is the view of Baler Bay. This is where the statue of a family holding each other hands are placed as this is the place where the survivors of tsunami climbed.

Ditumabo Falls

Located in San Luis Aurora, it is the biggest waterfalls in Mother falls Aurora. You need to trek to be able to reach the falls. We trekked for about 45 minutes to rack up to the peak. Wear trekking sandals/shoes as the way is rocky, wet and slippery. If you wear slippers it might slip and you might get scratches on your feet and legs. Wear leggings too and long sleeves the water is too cold and again too many rocks at the peak. Before you start the trek there are vendors that sells hot dog and sandwiches so you can have your snack before or after the climb. They also sell fresh buko juice.

Museo De Baler

Museo De Baler is located in Poblacion Aurora. Because we don't have much time to go inside we just had pictures taken outside. I need to be back in Manila by 9pm.

Balete Tree

This is located in Barangay Quirini, Maria Aurora, Aurora. There lies the 600 plus year old Balete Tree. I was so scared to go inside it looks creepy and remember the good ol stories of Balete Tree when i was young. I am afraid of lizards and insects so I am not so comfortable going in but all of my companions did went inside so fear set aside, I mustered courage and went inside. That mini heart attack when a lizard jump out of nowhere. </3

Happy Eat and Surf!

XO,
Ann 💋

This was as usual a backlog. :P I remember we went to Pampanga to catch their yearly Hot Air Balloon Festival over the Valentines Weekend. The Hot Air Balloon Festival took place at Clark Freeport. When you want to catch it before it starts you should be there at least 5am - 5:30 am so you could secure your seats at the front. The Festival usually starts 6:00 am when the sun rises. for VIP you have monoblocks as chairs for non VIPs you would only sit on the grass so make sure to bring mattress so you would be comfortable. People come in flock by 5:30am-5;45 am.

The Festival is just short. I think at around 7:00 am - 7;30 am its already done. So if you fail to be on time you can catch it again by 4pm but that would be too hot to handle because of the sun. If you don't have food with you, that's not a problem because the place is packed with food stalls - fast foods and drinks. You have a lot of options.

In this pic above we looked like we watched a concert haha!

For Tickets we got ours at Araneta Center, For more details visit:

http://www.philballoonfest.net/

Then after the Hot Air Balloon Festival we have decided to take a dip at Poracay. Poracay is set amidst lahar devastated town of Porac Pampanga. We just took a jeepney on the way then hailed a trike. Since it is set amidst lahar expect that it is sandy and dusty on the way to the resort. When I mean dusty - it is too dusty as there are tons of Sand in the area. It is best to travel with a car as you hair might get frizzy. Poracay is getting popular destination for team buildings and bonding with friends.

Check out the pictures but I apologize for its more of our groupies!!!

I suggest if you want to go to the place to bring your own food as they don't sell inside. They just sell toiletries, snack, bread, instant noodles and clothes but no full meals.

List of Activities you can do in Poracay:

Swim - that's a given!

Picnic

Kayaking

Zipline - try their 500m Zipline

Karaoke

For their Accomodation Rates:

http://www.poracayresort.com.ph/index.php/accommodation

For Entrance Fees (Day and Night Swimming), Adventure Park Schedule and Swimming Schedule:

http://www.poracayresort.com.ph/index.php/rates-pricing

For Rules and Regualtions:

http://www.poracayresort.com.ph/index.php/rules-and-regulations

For more pictures:

http://www.poracayresort.com.ph/index.php/gallery

For Deposit Slip and Testimonials:

http://www.poracayresort.com.ph/index.php/online-form

To view their website:

http://www.poracayresort.com.ph/index.php

Complete Address:

PORACAY RESORT

BALIK BARANGAY, MANIBUAG PASIG

PORAC, PAMPANGA, 2008

Contact numbers:

(045) 436-7088
0917-620-0987
0922-843-0725
0920-977-4493

You can also try food hunting in Pampanga because as most of us know, they are known for being a good cook. Try their specialty. For us we visited Korean Town as you know my love for Korean Food and Items. So there are a lot of restaurants to choose from Korean and Filipino. For Korean Town, we tried their eat all you can at 299. Korean Town is already popular in the city of Angeles Pampanga. So from food restos, to massage parlor to school to supermarkets they have it.

Signature Kapampangan dish that i want to try or you should maybe try:

Camaru (Mole Crickets) - Exotic Kapampangan Delicacy.

Balo Balo - more known as "buro". This is fermented rice.

Bringhe - malagkit rice that is cooked in coconut milk, Luyang Dilaw (Turmeric), Chicken and topped with eggs and vegetables. I am not sure if this is similar to Valenciana my tito used to cook at home. I think Valenciana uses meat and raisins. It has the same color. Taste may differ a bit.

Taba ng Talangka (fat from small crabs)- Another Kapampangan delicacy.

Batute Tugak (stuffed frogs) - Honestly I haven't eaten frogs or any exotic foods. People say that it tastes just like chicken but more flavorful. Someday I will try this! Frogs are stuffed with ground beef and fried.

Make sure to have a list of food dishes to try so you can have your taste buds up for a new bang. :)

Happy Travels x Eating!