Do you hear the waves crashing?

On All Saints Day, I spent two days in  Baler with my two sons, my sister Berta, and my brother-in-law Ting. The idea came that we should write a joint reflection on Baler.

Berta is very poetic when she writes, so enjoy this piece:

“The call of crashing waves, the gentle caress of cool underneath the mango tree, the sweetness of the ocean on flesh white and pink, the sea and mountains painting a picture, filling a frame, seemingly unreal in its beauty, the locals with the national smile of pearly whites on display. All this and more was Baler.

“As I view the mounds and peaks of green with pulsating veins of rivers and lakes that nourish, I wonder why I do not live in the midst of this splendor. Instead, as I gaze down from the lofty perch of an airline seat, I see a patchwork of red roofs, bits of green interspersed with a gnarl of concrete and clogged up waterways—and realize this is home for me.

“One’s country of birth is much like a family; it is a given at the first gasp of air and spank to the bottom. But our home, where we choose to live, is a decision that has far reaching consequences. From this one decision alone, a cascade of givens flip open or close like cards lined up awaiting their fate. Manila for my family means speaking English and a smattering of Tagalog; working in an office for my husband and a yoga studio for me; using a car to battle other cars for space and a journey’s end; and waking up to the insistent honk of the horn and musical harmony of Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu.

“I love my life in the city. Yet viewing nature in its Halloween best over the weekend made me take pause and wonder why I live where I do and not where my I just was — in Baler. Approaching this wondrous province that is quite romantically named Aurora after President Quezon’s wife, or so I’d like to think, took my breath away. I saw a swath of white bordering the deep blue on one side, and on the other side of this dazzling white was an endless carpet of green that extended up to meet the clouds above.

“On the day we were to leave this paradise, I sat watching and listening to waves crash and pummel the ground below, disappearing quietly and mysteriously. I watched people take time to watch the surfers paddle furiously to find the surge and become one with a wave. And I saw groups of people, many resembling families, enjoying the good weather, and nature’s ultimate swimming pool.

“I find myself back home, tapping furiously on my computer, trying to find ground zero before the workweek eats me up alive. And yes, my home is my choice and I live in a city because this is where my family and friends live. But the pull of nature is unceasing. Thank you, Baler, for sharing your beauty and bounty so generously. Thank you most of all for the unapologetic display of spectacular

“Go visit Baler. And try to be the kind of guest that is always welcome by following the Golden Rule of taking only what you need, cleaning up after yourself wherever you go, and just having a good time.”

* * *

We did have a good time there. Two days in Baler further reinforces my increasing conviction of the beauty of the country and that conserving it is absolutely the way to go.

We stayed at Costa Pacifica — a hotel owned by former Sen. Ed Angara. Our rooms had a breathtaking view of the ocean, and were very well appointed. The ambiance was enhanced by great service. From the time I landed in the hotel and got their buko lychee drink — to the time we left I felt I was at home. Everyone was so accommodating, from resort manager Randy to guest relations manager Pettina and our tour guide Gerald. We had a superb time. It helped that the offerings in the room had organic red rice suman, and coco jam with coconut sugar.

Two days, actually one full day. We biked to the mountains and back — a totaI of 18 kms. I was impressed by the lush foliage around and rate this biking better than our foray in Vietnam. We climbed up to get a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. We surfed — I didn’t get up. My balance is shaky but I had lots of fun trying. The water was warm and the instructors were very patient.

Lunchtime, we went to the private cove owned by former Senator Ed Angara. White sand beach and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. It looks almost unreal. He showed us his small log cabin where he stays surrounded by his magazines and books. The company included Titoy Pardo, the president of the Philippine Stock Exchange, and the whole Pardo brood. It was the birthday of his wife Mylene. I thoroughly enjoyed the light-heartedness of their company.

Sen. Angara gave us a private tour of the Artists Village. I was impressed with the architecture. No trees were cut. Proudly, he pointed out that almost all furniture came from salvaged wood.  Nestled amidst mountains and trees, the vision is to have a haven where artists can tap into their creative juices and deliver from their souls. The ambience is without a doubt conducive. From the quiet to the fresh air, to the trees, to the surrounding mountains... a slice of  paradise.

What is the vision? There is even a dance studio, a voice studio — and the chosen can stay for free! I was told the launch date will be on January next year. I particularly liked the Filipino Mexican cottage, which had an infusion of Filipino and Mexican elements. The bedrooms were situated around a common area where we sang. The highlight of the event was when Titoy Pardo and Sen. Angara sang My Way... and Titoy sang All the Way to his wife, who was celebrating her birthday.

I feel Baler has much promise because it is so beautiful and it is still so very lush.

Our country is uniquely blessed and our people’s temperament equally so. If we build on this in a way that benefits all, the light at the end of the tunnel is not very far away at all.

From Berta and me — Baler is one place to go during your vacation. 

* * *

For those interested, call Mike Palispis at 0908-8953076. He is the supervising tourism operations officer of Aurora Tourism Board. These are the contact details of other resorts in Baler:

For surfing, contact Joe Cole at 0908-8692985. He is the owner of Charlie Does.

For Costa Pacifica, call 519-4249, 0917-8536040 or 0917-8574424.

For Artists Village, call Vincent Gonzales at 0908-3418527.

For bike rental and tours, call Michel Co of Great Escapes at 0917-8852712.

I can be reached at [email protected].