Our recent trip to Aurora Province was worth it. We visited different places around the province, and even at the capital town, Baler. Our first stop in the province has been the Balete Eco Park. You can find my post here.
We had our breakfast at the Eco-Park (located at Maria Aurora town) after taking some pictures at the Balete tree. Afterwards, we went to the town of Baler, and headed to the town park (plaza).
Baler is the capital town of Aurora Province, and it is a historic site where the Siege of Baler happened between the Spaniards and the locals. The siege happened for almost a year. In fact, there's a movie starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales also entitled Baler, which the siege is the main setting.
Baler Town Plaza
In the town park, you will be greeted by these life-sized text of BALER. Of course, many tourists in the town take pictures with it as a souvenir that they've been to the town.
Of course, I grabbed the opportunity to have a solo picture. It took me quite a while because a lot of people has been taking pictures, either as a group or solo.
The Official Seal of Baler
Not far from the life-sized texts of Baler is the monument of the official seal of the town. The seal signifies the town and the province, being costal, as well as the sun and its five rays. It is a symbolism of the 5 barangays in the center of the town. You can also see a mountain dove, which used to fly in the town.
This wall art shows the history of Baler, as well as how the town survived from calamity and wars. President Manuel Quezon is also there, and his entire family.
As a Surfing Spot
Baler is a great place for surfing. The beach faces the Pacific Ocean, and the huge waves is perfect for surfing. These monuments signifies Baler a s a surfing spot.
I wonder what these footsteps are for. I tried to put my foot, and it fitted in!
Baler 400 Years Monument
This is the Baler 400 Years Monument which was erected for the people of Baler during the 400th year since it was established as a town. Unfortunately, it wasn't maintained as some tiles are already removed from it. The monument was designed by Junyee.*
As noted at the plaque, it has four pillars and horizontal bars (about 100) interconnected in them.
Gusaling Pambatasan
This is the Gusaling Pambatasan or the legislative building of Baler. It wasn't that huge, but I love its brown color.
Municipal Hall of Baler
Just close to Gusaling Pambatasan is the Municipal Hall of Baler. Apparently, they're like twin buildings. But there's a problem I see from the Municipal Hall as the facade was slightly and partially covered by the stage at the right side.
A plaque which is a summarized history of Baler town in Tagalog. From the discovery by the Spaniards, the tidal wave which ravaged the town, its township, and up to the declaration of its becoming the capital town of the province of Aurora.
The statue of Manuel Quezon, the plaque, and the statue of Jose Rizal at the facade of the municipal hall.
The House of Aurora Aragon Quezon
Aurora Aragon is the wife of the former President Manuel Quezon. The province of Aurora was named after when it became a sub-province until it was declared officially as a province. She was put to death by HUKBALAHAP in 1949, along with her daughter Maria Aurora (the town of Maria Aurora was named after her), and others.
This is the house of First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon. It was preserved, and still looks good. It was made up of wood, and nipa as a roof. Back then, that's the kind of house rich people has.
Picture with my girlfriend and a friend.
My girlfriend's mom and cousin.
This is the garage. But this looks like being constructed not too long ago.
Welcoming visitors to the house of Aurora Aragon Quezon's house. I am not sure if it is possible to tour inside. It was holiday then, and the gate of the house was locked.
Our trip to Aurora Province is worth it. We also enjoyed strolling and photo walking at the town plaza of Baler.