Baler Part 3: Beyond Sabang

The secluded paradise of Dicasalarin Cove and Bay

Summer is not yet over. While we are experiencing rains and thunderstorms these days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has predicted that the rainy season will come middle of June. 

That only means that there is still time to catch your one last epic summer adventure. Those in search for one could head over to the town of Baler in Aurora province. There, you can enjoy the big waves of Sabang Beach and try surfing for the first time.

An already known surfing destination in Northern Philippines, local tourists are seen lining the shore of Sabang on top of surfboards. Why not when surfing lessons come at a very affordable P300 fee per hour.

But while many go to Baler expecting to hit the waves, surprisingly though, this quaint and historical town in Luzon have more water escapades to offer. 

Here are other "wet" destinations you can visit when in Baler: 

DICASALARIN COVE
Dicasalarin Cove and Bay is a hidden paradise found at the southeastern area of Baler, which opens up to the vast Pacific Ocean. 

There, a rustic resort, which is owned by the political and public servant family of the Angaras. According to locals, former Sen. Edgardo Angara Sr. could be seen lounging around in his personal villas on weekends. Everyone needs peace and quiet and I'm sure he finds it at Dicasalarin Cove.

More villas are available for accommodations for people who want to spend more time at the secluded cove--away from all of Sabang Beach's crowd and happenings. 

But for those pressed with time or budget, they could always opt for a day tour and just pay the resort's entrance fee. Here's what to do: 

1. Swim! Take a dip at the beach's clear water with friendly waves. Also, the sand is white so if you are a beach person, this is the perfect place for you.

2. Climb! Go up the steep stairs of one of the hills in Dicasalarin where a lighthouse sits on top. And once there, challenge yourself once more to climb the metal stairs of the lighthouse. If not brave enough, just savor the view of the surroundings including rock formations, mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean.  

After the cool dip and exciting climb, take a break at the resort's restaurant that serves good pizza. Or walk to the Artist's House which serves as a gallery with local artworks, photographs, and sculpted wooden furniture. 

3. Visit PAGASA. When going to Dicasalarin Cove, make sure to stop by the PAGASA station, which you will pass by. Found at the highest point of the cove's mountain, its location is perfect to monitor the weather patterns of Northeastern Luzon. Take time to talk to the weather forecasters and observers to understand the importance of their work. 

DIGUISIT BEACH
Located before Dicasalarin Cove when coming from Baler town proper, Diguisit Beach on the other hand offers a different attraction to tourists. Its beautiful and natural rock formations. 

While you can also swim in the beach, it's more fun to explore the various rock formations--big or small--which can be accessed and climbed by foot when the tide is low. 

HANGING BRIDGE
Last stop before you head back to Baler's Sabang or town proper will be the favorite destination of locals and visitors alike, the hanging bridge. 

Are you adventurous enough to cross the hanging bridge? Well, there is nothing to worry because the bridge is now safe and secure except of course for the bumpy and shaky feeling when people are crossing. 

My brother tells me that its condition now that tourism is picking up in Baler has greatly improved. Before, it used to have missing wooden planks! 

These are just some of the other destinations featuring bodies of water that you can visit in Baler besides Sabang. Make sure to check them out the next time! 

Also read "Baler Part 1: Around town" by following this link, or "Baler Part 2: Sidetrip to Mother Falls" by following this link. 

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ARE MINE. ©EUDENVALDEZ)

Baler Part 2: Sidetrip to 'Mother Falls'

Enjoy this scenery on your way to Mother Falls

Considered as one of the most famous destinations for Baler visitors, Mother Falls is actually not found in Baler but in neighboring town of San Luis in Aurora province. 

Only a couple of minutes when traveling via PUVs from Baler (individuals or groups can rent vans or tricycles depending on budget), Mother Falls has become a favorite not only because of its proximity but also its experience. 

The trek to Mother Falls 

Officially named the Ditumabo Falls as it is found in Barangay Ditumabo, Mother Falls is nestled within a portion of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range (one of the longest in the Philippines as it traverses Luzon from north to south). 

For starters, the hike going to the falls itself is much longer than the drive to Barangay Ditumabo. It usually takes an hour of leisurely trek going to the falls, so definitely, it takes about three hours back and forth with swimming, rest and snacks already included in between. 

But don't be afraid as the hike to the falls is friendly especially for those who are active or who are used to hiking because distance from the foot of the mountain to the falls itself is just a kilometer. 

Green and moist. So fresh and cool to the eyes. 

And although the terrain is rugged with lots of boulders and streams to cross, this is part of the experience itself, which is further heightened by the mountain's rainforest. The rocky, flowing streams and "baby" falls that comes from Mother Falls combined with the lush, green canopy and moisty flora, the trek offers the perfect scenery to commune with Mother Earth. 

Unfortunately, serenity is broken by the continuous going in and out of people so I suggest not to visit Mother Falls during peak season--which is now. 

You're near the destination once you begin ascent
on a flat and concrete walkway

You know you're halfway to the destination when you reach the hut where you will have to pay an environmental fee. My brother, who had been to Mother Falls even before all the hype, said that trekking used to be free. I do hope that all the money is actually going to the preservation of the place. 

Upon reaching an upward concrete walkway, then you'll know you're near Mother Falls. And seeing it, you'll understand why it is dubbed such. 

Indeed, Mother Falls is bigger than all the other falls that you will pass by. At its bottom is a crystal clear pool of icy spring water! Take a dip, shower under the big falls if you can, and just let the feeling wash away your exhaustion from hiking. 

Sorry blurred! The falls was so strong its mists reached my lenses

Another downside though, the summer season sure brings in a lot of tourists as you'll have to share the Mother Falls with others, many others! Would you believe that people who are just arriving and those who are already leaving even cause traffic in the narrow walkway! Best be careful or you might slip and fall.  

If you want to escape the crowd, try going to the smaller pools and falls below, and wade there all you want. 

If you find the Mother Falls too crowded,
take a shower in the smaller falls instead 

On you're way down, make sure to stop by the food huts of the locals of Barangay Ditumabo to taste some of their delicacies like banana cue and suman, as well as popular snacks like grilled hotdog and corn. You can also take home freshly picked paco (green shoots that grow in the mountains) sold by the vendors. 

All in all, I'd love to visit Mother Falls again sans the noisy crowd! 

And maybe if there is a good guide, I can also see what locals call the "Father Falls"! If this is true, said falls is much bigger than Mother Falls and found deeper and higher within the mountains!

View my collection of Mother Falls here. 


Read "Baler Part 1: Around town" by following this link or "Baler Part 3: Beyond Sabang by clicking this link.

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ARE MINE. ©EUDEN VALDEZ)

First trip of 2015: Cebu City

I declare 2015 to be the year that I will explore the Philippines and hopefully nearby Asian countries on my own. I will take it one place at a time. 

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino

Last week, I was sent to Cebu to cover the press launch of Cebu Pacific's lifestyle reward program, the GetGo. The event was held at the Movenpick Hotel in Mactan Island at Lapu-Lapu City. 

Since the coverage was only overnight, I decided to extend my stay in Cebu for another night. Why? Because, the truth is, even if it wasn't my first time at the Visayan province, I still hadn't visited Cebu City's touristy destinations, like the Basilica del Sto. Niño and the Magellan's Cross for example!

Fuente Osmeña

But more than that, I really wanted to explore one of the Philippines' oldest towns, dubbed "Downtown Cebu," and immerse myself in the Cebuano community. After all, that's what travelling really is, right?
For my extra night, I stayed at Summit Circle in Fuente Osmena Circle (or the rotunda), and the hotel is just above a Robinsons Mall (coincidentally, both properties are also owned and run by the Gokongwei's of CebuPac).

Checking in late in the afternoon, I immediately went to go to the old town square by taking the multi-cabs that pass by the hotel. The ride was nice because in a way, it was sightseeing in itself. And the driver was kind enough to bring me to my destination. 

First up was the Church and Convent of Santo Niño. One of the oldest churches in the province, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino was first established in 1565 by Augustinian fathers led by Rev. Andres Urdaneta. 

Serving as Cebu's head church, the basilica had a steady stream of people visiting and praying that day, even if it was a Wednesday. The security guard even told me that it wasn't as much as the crowd on weekends. "Hindi na magkasya ang tao," he noted. 

Upon entering the vicinity, I immediately saw people lighting candles as an offering for their prayers. I lighted six candles myself for six of the most important people of my life. 

And then, I went inside the church itself and there were also many Cebuanos. Younger ones were just sitting quietly, while older ones were practicing older traditions like kneeling up to the altar in prayer. 

Meanwhile, a long line of people were awaiting to touch the image of the Santo Nino, which is really the center of church's faith.

The church had a garden with a beautiful wishing well, as well religious statues. Also surrounding the church are images of Mother Mary, Jesus Christ and other saints encased in glass. 

Acts of faith

And in whatever relic or moment, people were always paying their respects. That was why the agnostic me was really touched by the faith of the Cebuanos. 

Warm smiles

Besides exploring the Basilica, I also chatted with a group of female employees sitting in front of the Cebu City Hall, standing mighty beside the basilica. They readily offered their warm smiles to me when I asked to take a photo of them. 

Unfortunately, the Magellan's Cross was closed for renovation because it was also affected by the 2013 earthquake that hit Visayas.

After that, I walked to the nearby Carbon district. Brave and alert, I actually walked the back streets, which very much looked like Binondo or Divisoria. There were old establishments for trades of all sort. I thought there would be danggit at the Carbon Public Market but there wasn't.

So I walked the area some more to where I could get another jeep to Taboan Market, the famous place for danggit, pusit and other edible pasalubong like the otap and Carcar chicaron. All of the above was included in my must have for my matakaw family.

The bustling district of commerce, Carbon

Hungry from all the walking and photographing, I had to take the cab this time back to Fuente Osmena and straight to Larsian. Oh Larsian! 

Inside, a food haven awaits me

A famous dining destination in Cebu City, I would have not known this place if not from the recommendation of CebuPac's Allan Florendo, head of GetGo marketing. 

From what Sir Allan told me, I imagined Larsian to be a dampa style of dining where you get fresh and raw food, usually seafood, and have it cooked by the food outlets. The difference was that instead of each outlet cooking your food privately, there is a big grilling area right at the center of Larsian. 

Going around, I found a spot that appeared to me, the most friendly to a lone diner. So I sat at the tip of the long table, away from the group of family. While waiting for my local sausage, they simply call it sweet and spicy chorizo, and white marlin to be grilled, three strangers sat near me. 

Alone no more! My dining buddies that night.

Talking, I heard the American tell another foreigner that it would be exciting to eat at the place. It appeared that it was his first time. Ever the madaldal me, I commented I am quite excited as well as it was my first time too. 

And with that, I got the invitation to join them in dinner. And I did because it was the chance to share and hear new stories. As it turned out, the American named Dana was joined by his Cebuana girlfriend Bing, and the other one, Peter, was a Scot who was traveling around Asia for a month. The trio met at the airplane coming from Palawan to Cebu. 

Masarap!

Because we were eating, the subjects of our conversation became food, local delicacies from all over the Philippines, and Scotland's very own cuisine, which was very interesting. We also talked about traveling, of course!

After that, we parted ways with filled tummies and an unforgettable night. 

The next day, it was time to head back to Manila. But there was no getting home until I had my Avatar, an accessories brand originating from Cebu, as well as the famous Cebu lechon, said to be one of the best in the entire country. 

Accessories heaven

The perfect lechon

Fortunately for me, both could be found at the Mactan International Airport so I spent my remaining time shopping and eating, again! 

'Til next time Cebu! There are still so many things to do and see in this Queen City of the South. 

(ALL PHOTOS ARE MINE. TAKEN WITH NOKIA LUMIA 1520)