10 Thoughts on Baler in Aurora

No wall separates Costa Pacifica
from the shoreline

The rising sun past 5AM from Sabang 

Resort towards the Old Lighthouse area near Ermita

1. Boundaries are respected without restrictions. No barbed wires to differentiate the passersby from the guests. One is free to roam anytime of the day, from dawn to dusk.
2. No over regulations. Motor bikers are free to travel without helmets.
3. No traders’ abuse. Prices are relatively fair. Tapsilog is at P65.0. Surfing lesson for an hour with surfers’ board and lessons in land and in sea at P350.0. Salmon head is at P 120.0 per kilo. At P500.0 one can sleep in an air-conditioned room with wifi and free parking.

   

   Beer @P26 at a
   discovered source

4. Transfer of skill is evident. Most baler surfer boys teach mounting, balancing and dismounting in the sand and in the sea.
5. Most street pedestrians still give accurate directions to destinations. “Kanan po sa pangatlong kanto . . .(Turn right at the 3rd corner . . .)” Residents are naturally courteous. Baler is a 6-hour ride from Manila, 3 hours on flat land, 3 hours cutting through the mountain range.

   

   Associates documenting the
   1st of the 2 falls.
   2nd fall requires river crossing

6. It is a safe place. Police back up the volunteer tanods (safety officers) who man the intersections.
7. Suman, a rice based delicacy is a staple food.
8. Baler is a walking town, landmarks and essential destinations are within reach. Facilities for the urban travelers are available i.e. ATM, gas station, Mercury Drug, central bus terminal, high end resorts, basic huts, drinking water, cell loads. In minutes you are back at the beach.

   

   Baler Boys teaching surfing skills

9. Natural spring water is in abundance. The sea is incessantly noisy and restless all day particularly in the late evening. River water flows out to the sea.

   

   No catch for the day.
   Relying on Malabon deliveries for supply

10. There is stillness in nature. Nature is respected, except for some vandalism and garbage. But majority practice the value of cleanliness.

    

    Mangrove at the town proper