Changing imprints

Bet you when I say the word Baler, the first thing that comes to most people's mind is surfing. Yes? Yes? Since I haven't been to the place, I usually think of 2 things: surfing, and Anne Curtis' movie. Yep. I wasn't able to see that but I remember it creating a buzz (i think because Anne Curtis won an award for her performance?), so those two are what stuck with the place name.

Last May, however, I finally got to go to the province of Aurora! One of our friends is from Baler so we stayed at his place, cooked our own food and made our own itinerary. We drove (my friend, i mean) for about 8 hours and the roads felt endless! What kept us from going crazy over the long trip though were the beautiful sights! Trees, lakes, mountains, all picturesque. In my head I really wanted to stop and take photos after every few kilometers but the idea of ze friends killing me for prolonging the trip the drive turned tiring at one point sooooo nope.

We didn't surf! (I hear gasps!) 'Tis my group of friends that like beach bumming (yey!) more than the adventures of surfing, so we were all for white sand over the waves of Sabang - the more popular surf beach of Baler. Our friend then decided to bring us to Dicasalarin Cove for our white sand beach fix, which is probably now my all-time favorite beach! It's secluded (there were just 2 other small groups besides us, so we practically had the beach to ourselves), has fine sand, clear waters, and was just overall a perfect place to relax!

We also went to Ditumabo Falls, also known as the Mother Falls. We trekked a few kilometers before reaching the cold cold cooold waters of the falls. There were a lot of people when we went there, most probably because we went late in the afternoon. I'm guessing the best time would be before sunrise, although that may mean even colder water. Hmm, i think that would still be a good gamble; nothing beats being alone with nature. I imagine hearing just the sound of the falls and witnessing the break of dawn. Okay I think I want to do that the next time I go back! The trek was some needed exercise for my pretty much sedentary lifestyle too, so yey for that!

We stopped by Sabang beach also for some food trip, and to just absorb the active vibe of this beach and the people -- very un-Dicasalarin Cove where everything feels slow. Both are good though, fit for whatever side of mood you're in! Hopefully I get to gather enough courage and energy (and well, interest haha) to try out surfing next time! 

I'm in love with this province and I'm really hoping I can go back to Dicasalarin Cove. My memory box of Baler now is that it's crazy fun and beautiful especially that I spent it with awezam friends. It may change by the next time I go back, but for now, Baler's my ultimate beach bum place.

Here are plenty of photos because choosing favorites is impossible! Enjoy!

P.S. 2 of our friends do not want their faces on any social media for this trip, including this blog (even though our circle doesn't read this anyway!), so not anybody else from the group made it in this lot of shots neither! Prepare for just my solos everywhere hahaha! Demmet people shouldn't hide from friends/parents trips that are this far! Lulz.