Halller Baler

I have posted a little piece of history about Baler during the Spanish times in my previous post on Ermita Hill. And to continue where I left-off, let me have a break on the beach and sea scenes (well not totally) and post some more history and trivia about Baler coupled with photos of some of Baler's historical structures like the Museo de Baler, Baler Catholic Church and a house that pays tribute to the memory of Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon.

First, a trivia. How did Baler came out? There are several stories on how Baler got its name. In one story, it was named after Balid, a wise and powerful Lakan or Chiefstain who lived in the village in the area. Another story says that it was named after Baled, meaning waves from a dialect spoken by nomadic people of the area such as Dumagats and Tingguians.

The third version is that it was derived from Ibalid meaning to return. There was a story that outsiders asked an inhabitant of the name of the place and that the inhabitant thinking that the stranger was asking where he was going would have said that he was returning to the place where he started from.

The last and the most accepted origin however is that it came from the word Balod which is a large mountain dove which abounded the area. Baler came to be known as the place where the doves came to roost.

And to continue with history, one of the most historical structure in Baler is its Catholic Church. One would not know its deep history by looking at its simple facade but this church was transformed into a fortress of Spanish soldiers against the Katipuneros and American troops.

Just few steps from the Church is a house built as a tribute to honor of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon, the wife of President Manuel L. Quezon. Madam Aurora was born in Baler and died in an ambush on the mountain roads of Nueva Ecija leading to the province that now bears her name. Some of the couple's memorabilia including a vintage presidential car can be seen in the place.

Now, after an etymology and a piece of history comes the fun part, Baler's drawing power - surfboards. You will see them almost everywhere in Baler, whether it be the real thing parading around the beach or its miniature part in guise of key chains, ref magnets and toys.

For accommodations, you may check out Discover Aurora's hotel listing here. I stayed at Bahia de Baler 2 just in front of Sabang Beach. A modest accommodation with courteous staff. What I like about the place is that each room has a book about Baler written by Edgardo Angara where you can learn just about everything about Baler. Reading the book really complemented the Baler experience.

More of Baler on my next post.