In the hurry to arrive at Baler, take the Joy Bus at Genesis transport terminal in Cubao, EDSA cor New York St. The non-stop trip takes 5 hours and leaves Cubao starting 12:30 am. Last Joy Bus departs at 2:30 am. For Php 700 only, you get the use on-board comfort room and a blanket plus a bottle of water and biscuit to munch on. This gets you there faster than the regular trips which pass by Cabanatuan.
The lady welcomes you to her domain, the province of Aurora is named after the beloved mother of Pres. Manuel Quezon, Doña
Aurora Quezon.
The town of Baler just celebrated its quadricentennial year with this marker on the municipal hall ground.
Ermita Hill
Ermita Hill overlooks the town of Baler and the bay. It is actually a government run park and picnic ground. Bring your own food because there is no store inside. Challenge yourself up some 200 plus steps to the cross above. It is a dedication of a local lady for a miracle her family received. Poorly maintained though, the foot of the cross had been vandalized but the climb will make you sweat so climb up if you are ready to give yourself a workout. 
This marks the end of the tunnel from some 2 kilomenters downhill. The tunnel has since collapsed in some parts but the is a hole in the ground with some dirt to mark the opening. On the grounds is also a venerated statue of St. Isabel, the their patron saint. 
Interesting fact: Ermita Hill is believed to be the saving ground of 7 families who escaped the 'tromba marina' or tsunami that devastated and erased the bayside town in 1735. You can find the full story of their travails in Museo de Baler.
There is no entrance fee to Ermita Hill. If you are not inclined to adding 100 odd steps to your climb, ask the tricycle driver to bring you up from this site to the picnic grounds where you will be asked to register.
I was able to talk to Sir Joel, the Park Manager and asked why are they not charging entrance fees for maintenance. Rubbish left by weekend picnic goers is overwhelming and requires a team of sweepers just to straighten the place up. His reply was simple, "The incumbent won't want to be sued for illegal collection of fees and be charged with corruption by the political opposition," So there you are, do your part don't litter and enjoy the climb.
DIGUISIT
A little further down the road from Ermita Hill is Diguisit. Stop by this cool water cascade and listen to the rhythmic beat of falling water. You can't bathe here but go ahead and soak your feet in the cold water.
A little further from the water falls is the shoreline. Ouch! Be careful of the very sharp rocks. Explore the little creatures left trapped among the rocks when water recedes on low tides.
BALETE TREE
In the only landlocked town of the province in Maria Aurora in Barangay Quirino you will find the famous Banyan Tree, Balete in local dialect. Believed to be over 600 years old, the original tree has long died but the roots took hold to create a web on the ground. You can go from through the web but please . . . please do not carve anything on the roots. The Ronquillo family, owner of the land, collects a 10 peso entrance fee for maintenance.
Caunayan Falls
in Baler starts right here at Gerry Shan's Place. Eat and drink all you can for only Php 185. There is a range of more than 25 entrees on the table all at once. My personal favorite is the 'pako salad'. I topped my steamed fern with green mango slivers and a trickle of bagoong isda. There is ginatang alimasag (crab cooked in coconut milk), kare-kare (peanut stew), sinigang na hipon, halabos na hipon, lechon kawali and all kinds of goodies. They have an assortment of desserts too. Best to arrive after 12:30 pm at the tail end of the noontime rush. The place is small and can be quite crowded. Just choose a seat in front of the aircon and eat your heart out. You won't regret it!
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| Find Gerry Shan's Place, a few steps from here |
If you are trying to stretch your peso and won't mind eating on the side of the street, then try the rolling stores. No they are not on wheels but just a row of tur
o-turo resto.
And fastfood just rolled into town in the Chow King truck. On my way to the bus station, I saw the Goldilocks truck setting up too.
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| Fastfood on wheels have arrived on the plaza on the municipal hall ground. I got myself a halo-halo coz the city slicker in me is just craving for one |
If you are up for a bottle of beer or two after dinner try the Bay's Inn in Sabang Beach just next to Costa Pacifica.
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The ambiance here is good, the view overlooking the bay is great and the serving generous served in less that 15 minutes plus the service staff are all very nice and accommodating. Very nice family hotel and resto. Entrees start at 170 pesos good for sharing 2 to 3.
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| Just across the street from Bay-ler is the Yellow Fin Bar and Grill |
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