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| Photo Credit: RyAwesome |
The thought makes me feel ecstatic and nauseous.
That means I'm constantly thinking of jumping for joy and puking. At the same time.
Not a good mental picture I know.
The thought makes me feel ecstatic and nauseous.
That means I'm constantly thinking of jumping for joy and puking. At the same time.
Not a good mental picture I know.
3,500,000.
That's the estimated number of people from all over the country (and the world) who visited my hometown of Cebu City on the third Sunday of January for the annual Sinulog Festival.
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| Photo by kidjoe |
Traveling often makes me wish that some nifty things were invented just to make things easier. Like Hermione's 'bottomless' handbag that could hold books, camping supplies, and even a tent! Or Perkin's tent that looks cramped from the outside but is as lavish and roomy as a mansion inside.
What about a small piece of cloth that transforms into a bandana, tube top, skirt, dust mask, eye shade and scarf in just a few seconds? Why hasn't anyone thought of that?
Wait... they have? No way!
What about a small piece of cloth that transforms into a bandana, tube top, skirt, dust mask, eye shade and scarf in just a few seconds? Why hasn't anyone thought of that?
Wait... they have? No way!
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| Photo Credit: Carl Custodio |
The Islands
Puerto Galera is a coastal town northwest of the Oriental Mindoro province. Within this peninsula, there are several beaches to visit including Sabang, White Beach, Big and Small Lalaguna, Coco, and Palangan - each with its own unique character and wide range of accommodations. These beaches are well known and tourists often come here for the diving and the nightlife
But there are smaller, less known, unexplored islands without so much as a restaurant or even a nipa hut. Where there are hidden secrets like fine white sand beaches, underwater caves and breathtaking coral gardens. This is the more rustic, quieter side of Puerto Galera.
This is the setting for SURVIVOR GALERA.
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| Photo Credit: RusselCP |
Have you ever had to keep a secret of great magnitude and couldn't tell anyone?
Have you ever had to walk around trying to stop yourself from smiling in case anyone would notice?
Have you ever had to feign innocence when your friends and colleagues confronted you about something you just can't share with them- yet?
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| Photo Credit: smallislander |
Would you dare try it?
Girls in a beach shack.
Surfing from sun up til sundown.
The hint of a summer romance.
I'm living the Blue Crush life every time I visit Baler, Aurora.
The small town of Baler, Aurora isn't as popular as other surf spots like La Union and Zambales. I can only think of 2 reasons why: One, the roads are steep and zig zaggy which poses an initial challenge of going there and two, just like any other best kept secret, locals and foreigners alike have gotten territorial and want to keep this surfer's paradise for themselves.
Baler is the capital town of Aurora, situated between the lush forests of the Sierra Madres on the west and the temperate waters of the Pacific on the East. It is known to be the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines after Francis Ford Coppola chose this town to film most scenes from the cult classic Apocalypse Now. After filming, the crew had left surfboards which started the surfing culture in this town.
The first time I went to Baler was in July of last year. And I fell in love. Also, with the place.
This is a typical day for me in Baler: Wake up early. Check the waves. If the surf conditions are great, I grab my rash guard and jump right in. If not, I go back to sleep or have a breakfast of fruits and apple cinnamon pancakes at Bay's Inn. After a few hours of surfing, I rest a bit, read a book or play with the kids at Kahea's Lodge. Lunch. Surf until there's no more daylight or until I can no longer feel my arms (whichever comes first). Drinks with locals. Sleep early for yet another day in paradise.
Here's why you should plan your next holiday in Baler:
Paddle your little heart out
Sabang Beach is where most surfers go. It's a long strip of beach where the resorts and surf shops are located. If you sit close to the sea wall, you can see advanced surfers including the 'legends' catch waves all day long.
Charlie's Point is the famous setting for the surf scenes in Francis Ford Coppola's film Apocalypse Now. If you're taking a vehicle, you can ask a local to take you to this secret spot, most probably for the price of a Red Horse beer. But it's really just a 45 minute walk from Sabang Beach, maybe more than an hour with a board in tow.
Semento Reef is where the more adventurous suicidal surfers go. First timers may have to make a 'donation' in terms of blood and scraps of skin. It's not for the fainthearted I tell you. But if you dare try it, you may be rewarded with a fantastic view and get to surf some barrelling waves at sunset.
Choose your own adventure
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| Photo Credit: Mac Ritual |
Baler is not just for surfing. There are lots of places to explore in this not so widely explored town. When the wave conditions are not good, you can visit some places in Baler that will get your heart pumpin' just the same.
The Ditumabo Waterfalls is a majestic sight to behold. It's 30 minutes from the town proper plus a 45 minute (okay it took me more than an hour) trek going through some boulders and rough terrain. But it's absolutely worth the effort! There are rivers, 'baby' waterfalls, wooden bridges and mountain trails on the way to the 'mother' falls.Get ready though, the water's freezing!
Not so far the Ditumabo Waterfalls is a 300 year old Balete Tree. The interesting part about this gigantic tree, besides its age, is that it has a hollow trunk where you could go through. It was a creepy experience to get inside the trunk that could practically swallow us ala Shake Rattle & Roll.
Diving in Baler is also getting popular. It has many untouched reefs and coral-lined shores just waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, you may need to bring your own equipment because there are not a lot of places to rent it from.
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| Photo Credit: Mac Ritual |
I've been to Baler 3 times last year alone and even chose to spend Christmas in this town. I mean Everybody Got Their Something. For me, it may be the awesome waves, trekking adventures or friendly locals. But it's all of that and more. Baler let's me live the Blue Crush life where I can surf and swim with abandon. It's a place where people see surfing not just as some sport or trivial hobby. It's a way of life.
Have you ever found a place you want to keep for yourself but just couldn't? How did you share it with the world?
Sole Sister Lois
Special Thanks to Mac Ritual of http://www.aurora.gov.ph/ who provided some photos and shared some Baler secrets. Also to Kuya Edwin Namoro of Kahea's Lodge who never fails to make us feel like family on every visit.
And so the old saying goes.Well, that won't be true for these 4 Sole Sisters who joined the Sole Sisters' Holiday Freebie Contest. These lovely ladies just won a tube of
You remember THE miracle oil-control face cream we've been raving about since last year, right? Do not tell us you missed that? BIG mistake. You're now doomed to a life of living in poverty and begging for money. Tsk tsk tsk (just like the old ladies' reactions after I told them I'm gonna marry an axe murderer).
For those who missed it, here's a summary of what the Sole Sisters think about the Summer BB creams:
Forgive me readers for I have sinned. This is a true confession.
It was the year 2009. This was the time of the great summer escapades. That blissful, untroubled time when we were away from our day jobs for most of April and May, when my skin was the color of brown M&M's (because I'm snacking on them now and can't be bothered to find any other comparison) and when my backpack was never unpacked. This was the time when we loaded up on beach&sun like Carlos Agassi on steroids. Cebu, Bantayan, Bohol and Boracay, one gorgeous beach after the other. Ah, that was a glorious time indeed.
It was the year 2009. This was the time of the great summer escapades. That blissful, untroubled time when we were away from our day jobs for most of April and May, when my skin was the color of brown M&M's (because I'm snacking on them now and can't be bothered to find any other comparison) and when my backpack was never unpacked. This was the time when we loaded up on beach&sun like Carlos Agassi on steroids. Cebu, Bantayan, Bohol and Boracay, one gorgeous beach after the other. Ah, that was a glorious time indeed.
In the time of the great summer escapades, something
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| Sandcastle by besighyawn |
Warning: Kids, please don't attempt to do this the next time you're in Boracay.
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| Attainable by earthandskye |
The holidays are over but I can still taste the lingering effects of the season. And I'm not just talking about that holiday lechon.
These questions are ultimately followed by a chorus of tsk's and pitying glances from around the room. At this point, the once-upon-a-time-there-was-an-old-woman-who-lived-in-her-shoe tales and other 'single' jokes runneth over.
With all these questions and talk about marriage, I just might resort to marrying an axe murderer to shut them up.
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" Hija, why aren't you married yet?"
" When are you giving your parents 'apo's'?"
" Oh my, you're still single at that age?"
These questions are ultimately followed by a chorus of tsk's and pitying glances from around the room. At this point, the once-upon-a-time-there-was-an-old-woman-who-lived-in-her-shoe tales and other 'single' jokes runneth over.
As long as the shoes are Louboutins, I can live happily ever after.
Photo Credit: Carl Custodio
With all these questions and talk about marriage, I just might resort to marrying an axe murderer to shut them up.
Flat abs, toned arms, meeting the surfer dude/babe of your dreams.
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| Getting lessons from Bobot at Crystal Beach |
Zambales
Why Go:
This is where I first learned to surf. The conditions are perfect for beginners during the monsoon months between November to February. There are several spots in Zambales for surfing but Crystal Beach break is the most popular one. The waves are not too gynormous and if you get wiped out, you fall on shallow black sand.
The Ride:
From Manila, you can take a 3-4 hour bus ride from Pasay, Cubao or Caloocan Terminal. Victory Liner is one of the bus companies that has daily trips. Let the driver know you want to get to San Narciso, Zambales. Get dropped off at the nearest stop and you can take a short tricycle ride to Crystal Beach. If you're driving, take the Kalaklan Gate from Subic and turn left to Zambales. Head straight passing through Olongapo City, Castillejos and San Marcelino. When you get to San Narciso, turn left after the town hall.
Surf'n Stay:
Crystal Beach Resort rents boards for cheap and often have instructors on site for beginners. There are beach huts in this resort where you can stay for the night. I have to say this is a true backpackers place and it looked run down and not so well maintained when I last stayed here. An alternative would be to bring a tent and camp out in designated areas.
Surfer's Secret:
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| Alvin Pura on a wave Photo Credit: Dio Cerjuano |
- If the wave conditions are not good at the Crystal Beach break, take the 40 minute walk up to Macolcol River Mouth. Because of the flow of water from the river into the ocean, the waves here are pretty reliable.
Camarines Norte
Why Go:
I've only tried one surf spot here. The surf in Bagasbas Beach, Daet can be pretty fickle. But if you're lucky, the waves can get really high with a push strong enough for long rides. The surf also breaks on a sand bar which makes it relatively safe for beginners. Just be careful not to ride a wave too close to the shore as it gets really shallow.
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| Dragging the 'LV' board from Surfer's Dine Inn |
The Ride:
If you go by bus, there are several lines that go directly there, The last time we went, we took a Philtranco bus and rode a tricycle the rest of the way to Bagasbas Beach. If you want to go on a 6 hour road trip, take the South Luzon Expressway and exit at Batangas. Follow the Maharlika highway going to Lucena City. You'll go through several towns before getting to Daet. Be sure to take anti-biyahilo pills before going as the roads can get rough and zigzaggy on the way there.
Surf'n Stay:
There are several resorts in the area but I've only stayed in one place mainly because it's cheap and they offer group discounts. Bagasbas Surfers Dine-Inn is right on the beach strip. The food here was pretty okay, mostly Filipino dishes with big portions.
Surfer's Secret:
- There are few places to rent boards so better bring your own or borrow one before going. The little shop on the corner of the road that rents boards can charge 300PHP (around 5USD)/hour or more depending on the demand.
- The locals here are friendly and helpful so don't hesitate to start a conversation with them while you're waiting for a wave.
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| Roxy the shitzu learns to surf on Bagasbas Beach |
La Union
Why Go:
This surf spot is the most accessible of the four. Although it has a short coastline which means it can get crowded at the lineup. There are also a lot of surf shops that offer board rental and cheap surf lessons.
The Ride:
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| The girls of Urbiztondo Beach |
Partas Transport in Cubao offers 24/7 operation with hourly trips to Laoag province up North. Tell the bus conductor you'll be getting off at Urbiztondo in San Juan, La Union. If you're driving from Manila. take the North Expressway and drive straight past San Fernando, La Union. Look for the signs saying Urbiztondo on the left side of the road. When you reach Sebay Resort, then you know you're in the right place.
Surf'n Stay:
Sebay Resort is just one among many places to stay in the area. The go-to guy here for board rentals and surf lessons is Badz. He's never failed to give us discounted rates everytime we rent boards from him. He also watches me when I surf and gives me tips on how to improve. You can also learn to surf with gorgeous Luke Landrigan and his small army of surf instructors at the Billabong Surf School in San Juan Surf Resort. Both resorts have pricey airconditioned rooms but ask about cheaper rates for fan rooms. If you're on a tight budget and not too picky, try Hacienda Peter's next door.Surfer's Secret:
- Try the banana pancakes at San Juan Surf Resort. They're to die for! You can even ask to add pineapple or mango to this delicious breakfast. Hands down, this place serves the best food in the area, But get ready to spend a few more hundred pesos.
- There are two areas for surfing in San Juan. There's the beach break in front of Sebay and San Juan Surf Resort which is great for beginners. But if you're feeling more adventurous, try the reef break a few meters away, in front of Mona Liza resort. You'll find locals and Japanese surfers here on most mornings.
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| Start them young |
Baler
Why Go:
There are waves here all year round but for massive swells, the best time would be from October to Februrary. Besides the surf, this place is really scenic. It has a long beach break, coconut trees that line the shore and rumor has it that Discovery Suites is setting up shop sometime soon. There are also many surf spots in the area for different surfing skill levels. Most of all, I love the feel of the place. It gives me a sense of community.
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| Sabang Beach |
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| Lois trying 'Red' and Hutch's 'Brody' |
Take a Genesis bus from Manila which goes directly to Baler. It's If you're driving, take the North Expressway and exit at Sta. Rita, Bulacan. Head to Nueva Ecija and take the Canili-Pantabangan Road. For detailed directions, read this. I have to warn you though. The roads are steep and zig zaggy right before you get to Aurora so buckle up and drive safe. It should take you 5-7 hours.
Surf'n Stay:
There are several resorts in Baler that fit every budget. If you're feeling luxurious, you can get a room at the Bahia de Baler or Bay's Inn which has a great beachside restaurant. Being a budget traveler, I mostly stay at Kahea's Lodge, operated by Kuya Edwin Namoro who is one of the pioneer surfers in the Philippines. He gives a good backpacker rate and is also the best place to rent a surfboard. Since it's a family run business, they sometimes invite us to eat with them- along with their 6 kids, extended family members, 4 cats, 2 dogs and a bird. I kid you not! There are several shops along the seawall that offer cheap surf lessons for beginners.  |
| Catching a wave on Sabang Beach in front of Kahea's |
Surfer's Secret:
- If the waves aren't epic enough on Sabang Beach and you're feeling brave, ask a local to take you to Charlie's point. This spot's claim to fame is for being the setting for the surf scenes in Francis Ford Coppola's film Apocalypse Now which made Baler the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines.
- If you're feeling even braver (read: suicidal) ask a local to take you to Cemento Beach. This spot produces high waves over sharp reefs. Should you chicken out, the view from vantage point between huge rocks is still pretty rewarding.
- There's a Tapsilog place close to the park that's open 24 hours . Take a tricycle ride from Sabang Beach and order the Adobong Diablo. It's a great surfer's breakfast!
So you're all set. I've given you info overload for all 4 surf spots. Now all you need is a rash guard, sunblock and a lot of guts. Don't forget to check the forecast before going.
Happy surfing!
Have you been to any of these surf spots? How did you find the experience? Are there any surf spots you want to add to the list? Share your story with us by leaving a comment below.
Sole Sister Lois
We're saying bye bye to 2010. Sigh. It was fun while it lasted. But like most things, we find that it just keeps getting better and better.
Still we can't say goodbye without a few flashbacks and highlights from the year that started it all:
- We've finally decided to move our lazy asses and start building this website. This was our first post.
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Still we can't say goodbye without a few flashbacks and highlights from the year that started it all:
- We've finally decided to move our lazy asses and start building this website. This was our first post.
Familiar? Look up!
