Baler, a jewel of a paradise waiting to be dscovered

INQUIRER.net

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MANILA, Philippines – For those who vacation in the more popular destinations south of Metro Manila, Baler seems like a distant and remote spot. To the peripatetic and those bitten by wanderlust, Baler is a jewel of a paradise waiting to be discovered.  Tucked between mountain and sea, Baler is the economic hub and political center of the province of Aurora. Its very location between the formidable Sierra Madre mountain range and the waters of the Pacific Ocean endows the town with so many attractions.

For surfers, Baler has long been a byword among those searching for excitement and sure adrenaline rush.  Most famous among the town’s many surfing spots is Sabang Beach, a long stretch of gray sandy beach.  It offers a calm and soothing beachfront from March to June with moderate waves ideal or swimming. From October to February, however, the large waves come in which gives ample opportunity for surfers to ride the crest.  For experts, Lindy’s Point, along the southern part of the beach, offers more challenging waves.

Lovers of marine attractions will enjoy a visit to the coral-rich islands of Dimadimalangat, Aniao and Lukso-Lukso strewn just off the coast. The picturesque Dicasalarin Beach offers calm, crystal-clear waters for hours of swimming and just lazing on the white sand beach.  This is the same beach where the romantic scene between Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales was shot for the movie “Baler”.

Baler is also a town with a rich historical past.  Baler Church marks the famous Siege of Baler when the last Spanish garrison of four officers and 50 men was besieged by Filipino insurgents from June 27, 1898 to July 2, 1899.  This was the last pocket of resistance of the Spanish Armed Forces to surrender to American troops.

It is also hometown to the late Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon and those who want to know more about the man can visit the Quezon Memorial Park—a beautiful park with stately trees, flowering ornamentals and gardens.  A statue of Pres. Quezon sits in the center where tourists can have their photos taken. In the middle sits the striking Museo de Baler.

Ermita Hill in nearby Poblacion Casiguran offers a commanding view of Casiguran Bay, Sabang Beach and the nearby islets. More than just a park and perch, this is also the site where seven families escaped to during the great tsunami of December 1735.  At the foot of the hill stands a stunning memorial created by artist Nemi Miranda—a sculpture depicting fathers, mothers and children clambering up on the hill to escape the rampaging waves.

Experience a luxurious and comfortable life + affordable rates and plans

In the midst of the beauty and attractions, Baler is a true haven designed to pamper the body and soothe the senses—Costa Pacifica Raintree. Located along Sabang Beach, it offers a breathtaking view of the ocean with windswept beaches and a striking sunrise.  More than that, Costa Pacifica Raintree is just a lazy walk away from the famous surfer’s beach.

Its 108 handsomely-designed suites are equipped with LCD television with cable programming, air conditioning, and hot and cold shower. Guests have free use of the pool and gym.  There is also complimentary Wi-Fi access for those who wish to be connected even on a holiday.  For the young ones, the hotel has an activity room and gym.

A feast awaits gourmands at Costa Pacifica’s dining outlets.  The Beach Shack offers a menu of mouthwatering local and international cuisine for lunch and dinner, and a breakfast buffet served daily.  It boasts of a wood-fired oven to give most selections a smoky, heartwarming flavor and offers calming view of the ocean.

Café Rosa is charming, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and coffee shop where one can luxuriously savor themed buffets and ala-carte selections. Authentic Baler cuisine is the main attraction of the menu and is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Those who want to spice up out-of-town business gatherings, product launches and private parties such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays will fall in love with The Pavillion. The handsome structure sits along the shoreline and opens to a panoramic view of the sea. More than a function room, it is a destination where one can make beautiful memories with friends, family and loved ones.

Costa Pacifica Raintree opens in the first quarter of 2013.

Costa Pacifica Raintree is located at Buton Street, Sabang, Baler, Aurora.  Sabang Beach is a few minutes away from the Baler town proper and about 230KM northeast of Manila. For details and inquiries, log on to inquiry@costapacificaraintree.com.

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A spectacular island getaway–hunk not included, unfortunately

By: Tessa Prieto-Valdes
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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SPECTACULAR island of Balesin on the eastern coast of Luzon

I’m a genuine sea lover and I dream of having my own secluded, private island getaway, where I can stay in luxurious splendor living next to white sand and blue waters. My dream even includes a gorgeous six-packed hunk serving me a fruit cocktail as he emerges out of the water!

That ultimate dream is now possible at the Alphaland Balesin Island Club (www.alphaland.com.ph). It’s a private paradise in one spectacular island and truly a dream come true (hunk not included, unfortunately).

Over the holidays, I got a group of friends to check out Balesin and spend a day in paradise. We headed to the club’s private departure lounge and took a brand new Cessna Caravan plane ride that landed 25 minutes later on an amazing concrete runway that we were told is almost twice the length of the Boracay runway.

SALA at Balesin Island Club

Balesin is off the coast of Quezon, directly east of Manila. The island itself is only half the size of Bora, but it has over 7 km of pristine white sand ringing it. The developer, Alphaland Corporation, is building six themed villages around the island where members can stay.

We took a tour and saw Bali, drove up to the Costa Smeralda, imagined ourselves in St. Tropez, walked around Mykonos, zipped by Phuket and finally came home to the Philippine village. As a member gets 14 complimentary village nights per year, it looks like a cheap way to go around the world over six weekends!

At the club’s Welcome Pavilion, we met Balesin GM Marco Diaz and his friendly staff serving cold towels and pandan fruit drinks. Marco was a trove of trivia, regaling us on all the island stats as we toured the different villages in an elongated golf buggy.

Each themed villa has a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed covered with the highest possible threadcount bedsheet, and pillows that were as soft as clouds. The room electronics include a flat-screen satellite TV, iPod dock and Wi-Fi. For those who want to get off the grid, outside are a private sundeck, whirlpool and outdoor garden shower.

VISITING guests pose in front of the private plane of Balesin Island Club.

In Balesin Village, several beachfront villas are already complete, as well as a small restaurant. Nearby, a giant clubhouse, freshwater swimming pool and seawater floating pool are nearing completion. I was amazed to see work crews in the midst of the holidays.

Mystical ‘balete’

The best part of the massive development is that it is maintaining as much of the natural topography and beauty of the island. Trees are fully preserved and our tour included a stop at a giant balete tree, from where the island gets its name. With its huge trunk and flowing branches, mother balete seemed almost mystical. Horse trails and jogging paths snake through the forests of Balesin, all preserved to maintain an eco-friendly resort.

VISITING island guests Mike and Caroline Andrews, Dennis Valdes, Rosan Cruz, BalesinGMMarco Diaz, Sea Princess, Mikki Yap and Tessa Alindogan

At lunch we were joined by Aia de Leon, lead singer of Imago. Light years ago, we teamed up to singing the band hit “Taralets” on “Celebrity Duets.” Later she sang a lovely song, strumming a lone guitar to back herself up. What better way is there to enjoy an island?

(To those interested in Balesin, send an e-mail to joduarte@alphaland.com.ph to arrange your own private tour. Payments for shares can even be loaned through Philippine Bank of Communications.)

It’s cool that paradise can be so accessible. PBCom just opened a new branch at the Alphaland Southgate Mall beside Dasmarinñas Village in Makati. Eric O. Recto, vice chair of PBCom, and I cut the ribbon at the opening. Eric told me that the bank is focused on continuing its growth to better service its clients.

WELCOME Pavilion of Alphaland Balesin Island Club next to the island’s paved runway

Also at the opening was Babes Oreta, the suave president of Alphaland. I was impressed by the number of new stores in the mall as it shows how Babes has been attracting new clients. Near the PBCom branch is one of PhilWeb’s e-Games cafés, beautifully decorated in various shades of red. It must be good feng shui to have a bank beside an Internet casino.

‘The Sound of Music’

During the holidays, I also watched “The Sound of Music” at Resorts World Manila. My longtime friend Pinky Amador is part of the production, so I was delighted to finally catch the show.

My favorite talent manager Girlie Rodis has been asking me to have my youngest, Athena, join the production as one of the Von Trapp children. Stage mother that I am, I have been hoping she is interested, but unfortunately she is too shy. That can’t possibly be my DNA.

BEAUTIFUL beach-front Balesin Village

“The Sound of Music” has been extended to Feb. 12, so do check out one of the shows soon. The production and performance is truly world-class. After the show, Genting Hong Kong, operator of Resorts World Manila, presented a most generous donation of P17 million to ABS-CBN Foundation for their “Sagip Kapamilya: Operation Sendong.” Genting also donated the proceeds of that evening’s show, together with donations from the cast and crew of SOM plus the management team and employees of Resorts World Manila.

Resorts World has been so generous and that’s why good karma is always flowing its way. With the Year of the Dragon just around the corner, we should remember that charity brings us better luck.

Chinese New Year

RESORTWorld’s generous donation presented by ResortsWorld Sentosa CEO Tan Hee Teck, ResortsWorld Manila EVP Steve Reilly and ResortsWorld Manila president Kingson Sian

I will be welcoming the Chinese New Year in Mandarin Oriental Manila once again. I am excited to hear what revered geomancer master Joseph Chau has to share to enhance the chi of the different animal signs. My favorite bag blogger Ingrid Chua (www.thebaghagdiaries.com) has posted the Chinese New Year menu, so foodies should make sure not to miss this fabulous affair.

Chico Angeles, food and beverage director of Mandarin, will be part of the crew making sure the celebration is even grander than previous years’.

(Call 7508888 or check www.mandarinoriental.com/manila.)

The best way to prep for a lavish Chinese dinner is to join the Timex Run on Jan. 22. The run will be at The Fort and distances are 5K, 10K and 16K, and prizes await all the winners. Registration is extended until Jan. 18, so head to Timex Outlets and Riovana Stores.

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.