One FUN Day in Baler, AURORA

December 14-15, 2013

Not a regular season for us to go anywhere since Christmas is approaching.

Originally, we planned a weekend getaway somewhere in Tarlac. One friend of ours was invited in a fiesta yet we don’t know the exact date. We just thought that it’s going to be on the second weekend of December so we organized ourselves. Later did we know that the celebration will only be on the last week of December so we need to think of an alternative. We need to proceed with what was planned but we have to look for another destination. My friend suggested we can spend our weekend at Laiya, Batangas.  

breakfast at a carenderia in front of Provincial Jail of Nueva Ecija

Since I always think of going to Baler and I also planned on going to Baler last July, I tried to convince them. They don’t have any idea what we’re going to do there. I just told them that we’re going to surf. At first they are hesitant that how they’ll enjoy, they don’t know how to surf. I explained to them, that we can hire a trainer, that I have already read some blogs regarding the activities there. In short, despite the long drive that will take 6 hours from Manila to Baler, I got their YES.

Several preparations I made since July 2013 include checking of maps, calculating the distance, and plotting the possible route in driving there. I also read some recommendations on which way we’ll be taking since there are two possible highways in going there, the one passing Bongabon and the other one in Pantabangan. This means that I am as much as 60% prepared in this journey. The other 40% will be my companions, my car and all those important things to bring.

along the way, Pantabangan to Maria Aurora

We were five in the group: Me, Nash, Rye, Ted and Meong. We agreed to leave early Saturday morning, December 14, 2013 at 4am. But actually we left Manila at 5:30am only since we attended a friend’s birthday party the night before.

Along EDSA, I asked Nash to queue my GPS to Baler. Sad to say I haven’t updated my GPS yet for a year already. It can’t find Baler. In my laptop, I already displayed the map in one window ready to be viewed anytime we will check it. We scouted the nearest place to Baler, which is the town of Maria Aurora, and we successfully set our GPS there.

We were being routed on a different way, I was expecting that we’ll be passing thru towns of Bulacan in going to Gapan and Cabanatuan. Yet our GPS routed us passing NLEX and SCTEX to exit at Tarlac City exit. I thought that this will be a good way since we can drive straight and fast along the expressway. We’ll cut our travel time in driving there.

on the way to Baler; Pantabangan to Maria Auroa rd

We passed thru Tarlac-Santa Rosa Rd then taking left to at one junction that’s going to Aliaga – Cabanatuad Rd. We continued our drive going to Cabanatuan, which we had a quick breakfast stop at a carenderia in front of the Provincial Jail of Nueva Ecija. Had a restroom break and off we drove further to our destination.  

Just following the GPS, we then shifted our way on the right cruising Pinagpanaan – Rizal – Pantabangan Rd. It was a long straight drive with less vehicles passing so it’s convenient to at desired speed. Approaching Rizal, we continued our journey towards Pantabangan. There we found beautiful sceneries, mountains here and there, left and right. Good thing they  have well-paved concreted highways so it’s easy for a sedan to pass thru. On the way to Pantabangan, lush greens were everywhere. There were only few vehicles on the road but you must have to drive carefully since the roads were already winding.  

one-way road near Canili

In just a couple of minutes, we reached Pantabangan. In my GPS, it says there that we’re already near. We were also being deceived by a signage showing that we only have 6 kilometers left and we’ll reach Baler. We were excited then when we saw it, yet I have doubts since I already have studied the map and Pantabangan is quite far from Baler. I checked my gas and it’s almost half so I decided to stop at one Shell Refilling station. There we confirmed that the signage missed the other number six (6) thereby making it 66 kilometers more. We laughed aloud upon hearing that.

Continuing our journey, my GPS had stopped queuing since we were just queued on the provincial highway. So we just left the GPS active to check the rest of the highway going there. The drive from Pantabangan to Baler is just easy. Only just one concreted highway passing along the twists and turns of the mountainside. There were unpaved portions but it was just few kilometers in total. We were lucky that it was not raining when we went there, maybe those unpaved roads will be harder to pass using my sedan. However, the views along the way are spectacular. The breath of fresh air is so relaxing. Nature is there. 

Welcome Arch in Baler

While on the road, I asked Rye to search for hotels in Baler. We haven’t booked yet. We were just confident that we can find a good one upon reaching the place. Rye kept on searching and one resort that kept on popping and really catches our attention was Costa Pacifica. We checked the pictures and boom, Nash remembered that it was featured in the in-flight magazine of PAL Express which we saw during our flight from the province back to Manila. We kept an eye on that resort and finally decide to really look for it and experience the comfort it has to offer.

Arriving at the town of Maria Aurora, excitement was intensified. We already knew that the next town will be Baler. We’re already near!

There were 2 ways to reach Baler but we choose the way passing thru San Luis. It was a wider straight and concreted road. Along the way, we found Baler Airport. We enjoyed the plains and rice fields along the way until we reached the welcome arch of Baler. YES, finally we’re here!

poolside at Costa Pacifica Raintree Resort

After 5 hours of driving, I parked the car beside the street for a quick stop and immediately took pictures on the arch. Each of us has internet access in our phones, now updating facebook status with excitement. We posted some teasers on our journey to Baler.

As we enter the town proper, we paid attention to every corner to look for a signage that will take us to Costa Pacifica Resort. We didn’t find any of them. I drove passing to the center of town until we reached their town hall, there was a road on the left and I found a lodging house there. So I assume that there will be lodging houses elsewhere that we can also check into in case we cannot find Costa Pacifica, until I found a signage pointing to the left marked “to Sabang Beach”. Suddenly I remembered that Costa Pacifica is located in Sabang Beach.. I immediately turned left then we saw newly constructed buildings like condominium types.

our room at Costa Pcifica

We looked for the front desk, yet we can’t find it. Suddenly there was a lady who came out from the building just inside the perimeter, we asked her what hotel we are in? She answered, Costa Pacifica! Big smiles were on our faces and I hurriedly parked the car. We have to check the rates so if it will cost a fortune then we can find another alternative place to stay.

Pasajero, a cab for hotel guests

We were being entertained, were given resort’s tariff and being guided to the front desk. Since we don’t have reservations, we told the front desk that we need to see the rooms first before we finalize our decisions. We want to stay in the same room so we looked for a spacious yet cheaper one. We were taken to their smallest room, to the villa far from the front desk and a double room. We like most the double room since we can fit in the room without compromising the space. It has 2 double beds and a sofa bed couch. Just fit for us 5. We booked it and paid around Php 8,313 (basic room rates plus Php 3,000 ++ for the additional pax).

After given the keycard, we took our things from the car and brought it to our room. To document our stay, we took pictures of our room before the bed sheets will be disarranged. Everything we see, even the fridge and the toilet and shower. Good thing, Meong is a camera enthusiast, I don’t have to take pictures myself. We didn’t waste any of our time, changed outfits, prepping for the afternoon’s activities. What’s funny was, one tube of lotion that I thought was sun block was indeed the opposite, it was a tanning lotion. Good thing Rye put only small amount of it. We’re already on our trunks with board shorts on and a sando or shirt on top, went out of our room to explore the rest of the resort. 

Gerry Shan eat-all-u-can

The resort was great. It was really built at the right location fronting the beach. You will hear the gushing waves which in turn being loved by many. The picturesque view of the poolside which you will see the ocean in front and the mountains on the sides really showcased the excellent place of leisure and relaxation. One of the amenities we like about the resort is that they have the Pasajero, a small vehicle offered to guests who want to go to the town proper and it is free of charge. You just have to take the mobile number of the driver on duty if you want to be picked up in one location.

the surfers and the waves

Along the way from Pantabangan to Baler, while searching for hotel to stay, we came across an ad beside the road. An eat-all-you-can at Gerry Shan restaurant offered for a cheap price. Since its lunchtime and we’re hungry as well, we took the Pasajero to drive us to the restaurant. It was located at the center of the town. To describe, it is like an ordinary air-conditioned restaurant with the counter one end, the buffet table on right side and the diners occupying the rest of the space. They offered bottomless drinks as well. Not like the typical eat-all-you-can diners in Manila like Dads where you can find variety of cuisines, here they featured some specialty in their place. Certainly, food was great and delicious, just worth the price we paid for Php 184. Who can’t forget their leche flan, it was a frozen flan, yet came out so delicious that we even took half of the flan from the buffet table.

With bursting stomach, we decided to take a walk in town going back to the hotel. We also looked for a store selling slippers since Meong don’t have one. We also went to the park near their museum, have a quick chitchat there and decided to go back to the resort. Along the way, took pictures near their town hall and suddenly the Pasajero arrived. The driver recognized us and stopped to ask if we want a lift so we hopped on.

in front of Costa Pacifica

Reaching Costa Pacifica, we went directly to the seaside. Lots of people there, the gushing waves were so inviting, this surely a haven for surfing enthusiasts. On the left side of the resort, we found a surfing shop offering surf lessons, board rentals and surf guides. We found out that guests of Costa Pacifica are Php 50 less than the regular price they charge to others. So we paid only Php 300 instead of Php 350 for an hour of surfing lesson. Surfing lesson comes with board rentals and surf guides with free rash guards for everybody. We were asked if it was our first time, for me it’s not but I’m not quite sure of I can remember the moves I made during my last surf at San Juan, La Union. All the rest was their first time.

the students

Off we changed our shirts into rash guards, chose our surf guides and headed to the shores for our first lesson. We were asked of what’s comfortable to us, is it our left or right for the positioning on the board. Then our guide demonstrated the proper way to balance on the board. With the right timing and positioning, we’re excited to crash the waves. We entrusted our camera to the lady in-charge of the shop. We asked her to capture every moment on our quest. She assured us that every move we’ll be making, sure we can document the stands, the falls and the jumps we did.  

Nash in action

As excited as we were, we felt that the waves can’t wait for us so we hurriedly took our boards and leaped to the tempting waves. Our guide lets us get onto the board and geared us towards the not that deep seas where we can have a good timing of the waves as we surf. Further tips and instructions were given while waiting for a good wave. Suddenly a count of one, two, three “TAYO” was shouted as we glide together with the wave. There’s a feeling of excitement as I started to move on my own. My first attempt to stand on the board was a failure. The correct balance was not achieved. Only Nash performed it well. Every time he’s pushed towards the shore, he can manage to stand up until he reaches the shoreline.

ready, set, go

I am a bit frustrated not to stand, it feels so hard since the waves were roughly moving as to you don’t know which direction. I tried to check my balance but it’s really hard. Even though I already have tried it once at San Juan, I can’t remember how I managed to stand as quick as possible. I had three failures yet I never surrendered and on my fourth try, yes I did it. I stood on my board and enjoyed the waves. It’s a great feeling to experience it once again. The difference that I’ve noticed in comparison to my first try, the waves in San Juan were calmer than in Baler. More challenge, more fun!   

Henry's moves....

Since we started our lesson late in the afternoon like it’s almost 4pm, I believe that we had been surfing for more than an hour. When Ted stopped and just watched us from the shore, we also took our break and have some photo shoots together with our trainers. Quick chit chat with them then me, Meong and Nash asked for one finale surf just for picture taking. We’re back to the waves again. Nash went first. It was one of his best surfing exhibitions being done. Sad to say, my camera was not yet ready since the guys were viewing pictures and was not warned that we already had started to surf. Meong went next and it’s the same thing. Meong managed to reach to the shoreline, yet no evidence was being taken. It’s my turn now, and I really waived to them not to forget my shots. It’s a WOW when I made my last surf as successful as it is. It was a great experience, I never really thought that this will be a lot of fun surfing on the rough waves.

the cast (left to right); Rye, Meong, Henry, Ted, Nash

We haven’t felt the body pains caused by the waves we crashed into during our session, what’s instilled to us was the cool experience we just had. We’re back to the shop to return our rash guards then took the shower just around the area to get rid of the salt we had. In front of the hotel, there was a volleyball net set up. We decided to play since it’s just early. As we played along, our surfing trainers from afar signaled if they can play together with us. So three of them came, now we’re eight all in all playing. On one team, the trainers plus Nash versus our team composed of Ted, Meong, Rye and I. It was another fun-filled friendly game even if it was dark already, we kept on playing. We won 2:1 against our trainers.

Not to waste time, we took a plunge at the pool in front of the resort. A dip on the warm water after we played volleyball soothed our body. Again, pictures were taken. Posed here, posed there then we decided to go back to our room to finally freshen up.

It’s almost 8pm after we refreshed, we planned to explore the town for a barbeque dinner. Hungry as we were, we asked the Pasajero to take us to the town center where we can find some foodstuffs. There were lots of people since they have a Christmas Bazaar at the back of the town hall. We looked for a tapsilogan, barbeques but we end up eating at the carenderia near the plaza. After which, we roamed around the bazaar to check their displays then finally decided to go back to the resort for another agenda: drinking session. We bought ice, cigarette and chichiria along the way.

after 3 sets of volleyball game, a plunge on the warm water pool...

Ted promised to bring his half a liter Tequilla while Rye pledged his 1 liter also. As early as 9pm we started our session. Actually, it is prohibited to bring any food and drinks inside the room, if caught, must have to pay for corkage. We just see to it that we cannot disturb other guests and we cannot destroy hotel stuffs and might as well hide our bottles from them, so we managed to drink. Sorry for that. Salt and lemons were ready, had an improvised shot glass, and we drink to that.

We played mind games, it was really fun. We laughed a lot. We’re puzzled with some games that Rye had started. We didn’t notice that our liter and a half bottle of tequila was already finished. We agreed to go out and had fun in the bars. I and Meong was the last one to go out of the room and we can’t find them anymore. Out of the blue, they came and told us that there was a disco bar right beside the resort. We went there, and it was only us in the bar. We danced a lot and drink till were drunk to death. Took our shirts off, do some moves on the dance floor. Party like that was the last day of our lives. It was really great! It was fun! And it really made our day.  

after checkout...

We’re all drunk that we ran on the shore, kept laughing! What a night! In our room, I took a shower, the rest hopped on the bed and took asleep. After shower, I felt alive and wanted to drink more. Since Ted was still awake, we went out, it was already 3am. We went to a distant bar, ordered tapsilog and a bottle of San Mig Light. Just a bottle of it and Ted passed out. Went back to our room and call it a day.

In the morning at around 9am, I don’t know woke up first, made some noise to woke us all for our breakfast. Complimentary breakfast at the hotel is served up to 10 am only. So we hurriedly fixed ourselves and rushed to the restaurant. It was a buffet of breakfast treats. All of them ate a lot that it’s only me lost an appetite. Maybe because I ate tapsilog before I slept. I just took the lugaw and ate lots of fruits for breakfast. They said that the food was great and delicious, yeah it really looked delicious. I tried to order dried fish, I really commend the staff for their effort on looking for dried fish even though they only have the dilis.  

one last shot before leaving...

After breakfast, we fixed ourselves, played bubbas world and color game, packed our things and we’re ready to leave. We went to the front desk for a checkout and finally we’re cleared. One final photo shoots along the pool, on the seaside and we’re done. Get back to the car, drove our way out of Baler bound to Manila. One game left for Nash was the Bubbas World Game. Along the way, we kept on asking Nash for that, the good thing was, this made my passengers awake while I was driving along the twist and turns of Baler-Pantabangan road.

We had our late lunch again at the carenderia in front of the provincial jail of Nueva Ecija, We arrived in Manila at 8pm and went directly to Seaside Macapagal for our dinner.

We had surfed, we were drunk, we enjoyed and we had FUN. What an unforgettable experience.