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BALER, Why I Keep Coming Back To You?

KrisLeave a comment

A holiday that dropped on a Friday is more exciting than a scoop of your favourite ice cream! I’m sure most people in the working class and students could relate to this. A long-weekend could mean an extra dose of rest for the sleep-deprived, an extra day to do hobbies apart from the usual work/school routine, or for those coming from a busy city, it could mean an extra day of a different outdoor adventure rather than the daily test of patience in heavy traffic situations.

One of the long-weekend holidays last February is Chinese New Year. I think my sister just got lucky in advanced for the Year of The Snake that she won Wrangler’s Ultimate Barkada Getaway. She got to treat her favourite girls, and yes, that includes me *coughs, * to Baler!

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Prior to this trip, I’ve been to Baler twice already, but I don’t mind coming back. It’s definitely on my list of favorites for the following reasons:

(1) Accessibility and Convenience: Since I’m a northern girl, it would always be easier to visit destinations leading north because our QC home is very near the Smart Connect exit of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Around 4-hours of a non-stop drive from QC and we’re in Baler already.

Night Ride to Baler

(2) Diversity: There’s a wide range of activities you can do in the province; not just surfing, for which it is famous for. If you’re into an adventure like camping, biking, trekking, Aurora is the perfect place to do all these. If you’re also more into less strenuous activities, art appreciation in museums and local art galleries are must visit here. In another post, I’ll provide a list of all the places that we have visited during our stay. (Read: Haller, Baler! Must Visit Places in Aurora )

(3) Affordability: You won’t spend buckets of money in Baler not unless you’re booking an expensive room. There are different lodging categories available in the area, may it be bed-and-breakfast, homestay, couch surf, hotel, inn, dormitory, or a fully furnished weekend home which we opted to go for this stay.

Jullia's Place (facade)

This kind of home has two rooms, kitchen complete with range and utensils, dining area and toilet and bath. I think this is good if you’re coming with a group. This way you can save money from always eating out, or you can bond more in between adventures.

(4) Food: Can’t stress how important food is for someone with supertaster buds. Also, having parents who are both from Pampanga which is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, it is innate to be extra intricate with food and flavors. I love Baler because food is no less than amazing. Given the type of our accommodation, we cooked not just for practical reasons, but also because Baler offers prime ingredients that vary from fresh sea catch, fresh produce and local products that aren’t all available in Manila market. We tried cooking our own version of signature dishes using the province’s key ingredients, like this Paco (Fern) Salad– mixed paco, diced salted eggs, tomatoes, onions, ripe mangoes, calamansi  and bagoong isda— a famous local treat in Baler. Yum!

Paco Salad

Don’t worry if you’re not into cooking your own meals because even the hotel restaurants here are not heavy in the pocket. Don’t be intimidated by hotel food outlets because their price range doesn’t deviate far from the local food stalls (carinderia).

From my several stays in the province, I’d say that Bay-ler’s got the best tasting meals which are big in serving so it’s good for sharing.

Dialyn’s has the best Kiwi cupcake— the kind of cupcake that will make you feel that one is never enough— and perfectly brewed coffee to give you a pre or post surf kick. Apart from  the delectable pastries, the kindness of the owner, Ms. Dialyn, is a priceless bonus that you’ll enjoy hearing her local stories while having your cuppa coffee.

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Costa Pacifica’s Beach Club has the perfect Buko-Calamansi (Young Coconut Juice and Local Philippine Lime) Shake which is a definite dibs because it’s only around Php 65 and it’s not just picture-ready because it’s served on a nice buko shell, but also tastes refreshing after soaking under the sun. It’s so good that I wasn’t even able to take a photo before I enjoy it.  😛

If you’re in for the local street food, and you’re trekking to Mother Falls, dang don’t miss the big stop before the long walk. They have fresh buko (young coconut) juice for only Php 10 when in season, and Php 20 when not, freshly cooked kamote cue (sugar glazed fried sweet potato slices), lugaw (congee), kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs dipped in orange batter) and siomai (pork dumpling)! I suggest you do this after the trek as a reward.

Geez, I remember the flavors as I’m typing this! I miss!

There’s so much to love not just in Baler, but the whole Aurora. Given another escape weekend, and an opportunity to feel the sand on my toes again, the salt in my hair, I’d be quick to answer a yes to Baler again.

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Thank you, Wrangler®, for being our Tough Companion™ on this tour, making our on-the-go OOTDs possible.  Wrangler®, the brand that our daddies used to love doesn’t only suit them, men, but also carries a stylish line for the modern day women that are not just chic but also strong.

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xx

Kaye Digs

Planning on a tour to Baler? Here are some helpful contact details that could help you in making your itinerary.

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