Category: Philippines

One Monday morning, I suddenly thought of travelling to Baler. I considered going alone but upon thinking of the expenses, I became reluctant. I did some research and presented the itinerary with the corresponding expenses to my office mates. I also included a day side trip to Minalungao National Park in the list of the things to do. Five of them confirmed to join me, while two others promised to follow on the second day. After spending most of our Day 1 in the road and in Minalungao, we headed to Baler by boarding a van in Cabanatuan City. We paid ... Read more

Smack in the middle of the town of Baler stands the birthplace of the Philippines’ First Lady during the commonwealth government (1935 to 1944), Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon. The house had undergone some major restoration but the original details and design were not altered. It retained its “bahay kubo” look featuring fine hardwood walls and nipa (Palmer’s grass) roof. Below are the photos inside and around the famed ancestral house in Baler. The balcony [one_half] The ladies looking out of the window. Waiting for serenading suitors? [/one_half] [one_half_last] The ancestral house’s gallery [/one_half_last] The in-house library One EMO moment Another EMO ... Read more

The two Diguisit Falls are only two of the four falls to check in Baler and its neighboring towns. Yes – Diguisit falls has two versions and both are comprised of more than three contiguous cascades breaking through the large boulders. The only difference is the volume of the flow wherein the smaller one has significantly thinner down-flow. The distance between the two falls is just few hundred meters. When we were at the larger falls, say Diguisit uno, we were busy taking photos at first, but after sometime, we started frolicking in the waterfall like kids on the loose. ... Read more

Aside from surfing, people visit Baler to see other natural attractions. One of them is the Ditumabo Falls which sits on a hill in San Luis, a neighboring municipality. Ditumabo Falls is popularly known as Mother Falls because it is the biggest of the four falls around Baler. The other three are: Caunayan, Diguisit, and another Diguisit falls, which is smaller. Other geographical notes indicate that it is the province’s largest. However, seeing this spectacle is not as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. You have to endure 20 – 30 minutes of bumpy and shaky tricycle ride in a rutty, ... Read more

You may be asking if going to Minalungao is worth an effort and money especially when you are coming way down south. The answer is a big yes. Here are the things you can do in Minalungao National Park. Picnic and Camping Contrary to a popular belief, Minalungao isn’t just for a day tour but for overnight campers too. You can spend a night or two with your friends or even your family within its premises. Cottages were installed for rent (₱300-500 per day) and you can bring a tent to shelter you in the evening. Raise the vim with ... Read more

When I heard about it the first time, I always wanted to see Minalungao National Park. However, I wasn’t able to find time or a willing companion. Well, my other impediment was the expense since going solo is costlier, which is definitely not a good idea. Monday last week, I prepared an itinerary with the corresponding expenses and presented it to my officemates. Included destinations were Minalungao National Park and Baler. Five confirmed to join me in the entire trip, while two others promised to follow us in our next destination. Minalungao National Park How to get to Minalungao National ... Read more

Travelling abroad? Here are the list of countries which Filipinos can enter visa-free (without visa), or apply a visa or entry permit upon arrival. Note that some countries that issue visa on arrival may require special or additional requirements, so you must contact the embassy first prior to travelling. If you are holder of major foreign visas such as the US, UK, Shenzhen visas, etc, you may have the privilege to enter some countries that waive their primary entry requirements if you can show those valid visas. Pre-entry registration may be required. Visa-free Entry [custom_table style=”1″] Country Length of Stay ... Read more

I heard rumors about this sweet cafe at the heart of Baguio City, which is highly suggested for breakfast; the Cafe by the Ruins. Their tsokolate (tablea or native chocolate and carabao’s milk blend), bread, and pastries receive exceptional ratings and favorable recommendations. Holding on all the stories and reviews I’d been reading days prior to travelling to Baguio, I visited the restaurant. I walked toward the cafe with the guidance of Google map. Then, I started to doubt my only companion when it stated that I’m pretty close, but no physical signs could confirm. What I saw is a ... Read more

The temperature in Baguio City is dipping down to a low 8°C and you are probably thinking to venture out into this unusual chill. Baguio City Baguio is a typical destination for those who wanted to escape from the scorch of the summer heat. For the first two months of the year, people flocked to this highland city to experience the shivering atmosphere. The city also celebrates the festival of flowers (Panagbenga) every February which is another good reason for you to visit the city of pines. Tam-Awan Village To complete your visit, an immersion to its cultural heritage and ... Read more