Baler Road Trip

April 19, 2014; On Black Saturday, we drove north east to the town of Baler.  Baler is known for its big waves, reaching up to 9 meters high during surfing season.  Since it was a Holy week and a long vacation, we were expecting lots of tourists but we were surprised that the town is not that crowded.  According to some locals, the town was jam packed a day before we arrived.

After resting and leaving our things in our home for the next 3 days, we started our tour by visiting the Museo de Baler located just in front of the town hall.  Artifacts from the pre-colonial era and up to the presidency of President Quezon were displayed.  Baler is the birth town of President Quezon.

Our visit to Baler will not be complete without surfing.  The whole stretch of Sabang beach is were newbies and pros catch the waves of Baler to surf.  While Ate tried to learn how to surf, the twins enjoyed the big waves along the beach.

Before retiring for the day, we drove by the Baler Church.  This church was dedicated to San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and is known as the site of the siege of Baler from 1898-1899.  Fronting the church was the ancestral house President Quezon.

On day 2 we drove all the way to Dicasalarin Cove.  This used to be a private resort owned by then Senator Edgardo Angara.  To reach the cove, you have to pass by a private mountain road.  From the gates, one could see the beauty of the cove from above.  We had the entire resort for ourselves.  We even had a chance to chat with the Senator who was also in the resort for summer break.  This explains the strict security at the mountain road gates. We trekked all the way to the top of the light house to catch a view from above and enjoyed the calm white beach below.

Kuya even played with JR, a resident Aeta from the nearby mountain ranges.

On our way home, we trekked to the top of Ermita Hill.  This is the hill were residents took refuge during a huge tsunami that hit the town of Baler in December 1735.  On top of the hill is a refreshing view of the Sabang bay.

On our last day, we wondered around where we stayed for the last 2 days.  Just across the street was a another house that one can possibly rent for the duration of their stay in Baler.  The property is fronting a lush mangrove along the sea water.

Before leaving we took a group shot in front of our home for the last 3 days.

And before finally ending our Baler adventures, we dropped by the century old balete tree.

Until our next the road trip adventure.

Revisiting Monasterio de Tarlac

August 25, 2013: "Welcome Home!" The priest welcomed all the pilgrims to the place of prayer and meditation.  The Monasterio is the place where one can be with God and nature.  We heard the Sunday pilgrim mass at 10:30.  After the mass, the veneration of the True Relic of the Cross of Christ to the public was held.

Located at the barangay of Lubigan in the town of San Jose, Tarlac, the Monasterio was a 3 hour drive from Antipolo via SCTEX.  Upon entering the Luicita exit, we tuned in to Radio Maria at 99.7 FM.  The radio program prepared us spiritually where prayers and religious songs in the tune of nursery rhymes were played.  Since we reached the place early, we were able to find a good place under the tree outside the monastery to hear the mass.

For lunch, we had a picnic with the family of John's Ninong Jun, his boss Jun and Sir Jun's sister and family.

It was truly another trip to remember.

Field of Faith

August 9, 2013;  It's another day-off from work in celebration of the end of Ramadan and the first day of  the Islamic month of Shawwal known to us as Eidul-Fitar.  We took this opportunity to drive to Calauan Laguna and search for the Field of Faith known to the locals simply as rosary garden.

Upon reaching the place, one can feel the solemnity and peacefulness of the place.  A pilgrimage site for those looking for a place for prayer and meditation.  One can pray the rosary by walking the path from Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous and Glorious mysteries.  Written along these paths were inspiring quotes that one can mediate on.  A luminous cross on top of the hill, Stations of the Cross nailed to the coconut trees and a Shekinah wishing walls can truly help you find God and your inner self.

You can also trace the Labyrinth path, tile per tile, for meditation and prayer.  Labyrinth walk is the western style of prayer and meditation for the early Christians.

We were truly blessed that we came across this private garden in the town of Calauan.

Rizal Shrine Calamba

June 9, 2013: The Philippines is celebrating it's 115th Independence day this coming June 12.  We had brought the kids to Calamba Laguna to see the birthplace of our our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.  His ancestral house was restored to its previous glory which stands beside the Calamba church and infront of the municipal hall.

It was a memorable trip down history lane.