Baler always pops in mind whenever we would talk about surfing area suggestions, that thought would usually includes La Union and the now famous Siargao. But if you are looking for a not so populated area and a very laid back kind of place, I suggest picking the former would be the best. After all, Baler is just one bus away from Manila (same as La Union) that you can just sleep over the road trip, waking up to a brand new day already in front of a paradise.
A few weeks ago, I was invited over to join a couple of bloggers to do a trip in Baler, Aurora. This would be my second return on the place and It made me more excited to know that we would be visiting an area I wasn’t able to venture on my first visit. (Also read: 5 things to do aside from Surfing in Baler)
Continue reading and will tell you more about it.
Wearing: Mossimo Shirt and short; Doughnut Duffel Bag, Paez slip on with Marshall Killburn II speakers
Our call time was 2:30 in the morning. I was part of the north area team and was the last one to be picked up being the one who is nearer NLEX. The team decided to bring two vans instead of taking the more stressful bus ride. The trip was part of the campaign for Doughnut Bags and Saltwater Sandals. It was not my first time doing a tie up with Doughnut bags but it was the first time I was meeting Saltwater.
Doughnut bags is actually a Hong-Kong based brand established in 2007 and have became really famous in Europe and in the US. The brand has been popular with its multi-color design bags specifically the famous ‘Macaron’ line. It targets individuals who are into different adventures wether it be on to the mountains, the new cities or as simple as going into work. I particularly own one before and was so excited to have three more bags in my custody which I brought all in this trip. Was that too much? I don’t think so.
On the other hand, Saltwater Sandals caters to women and kids (so I am not really a market of this brand). Saltwater Sandals have been known for its military grade leather giving it intense durability. It was said to be perfect for wearing to the beach, splashing in the sea, pounding pavements or just hanging out. Hence really suited in the Philippine lifestyle.
I didn’t really know most of the invited influencers/bloggers in the trip (or the van we were in) aside from Kally Araneta, who I have known back when she was just starting and Chin Chin Obcena who’m I’ve met also a long time ago through another friend. And because it was damn too early, socialising at that moment wasn’t really suited. And oh, have I said that this was a more dominated female trip. Nice.
Arrival at Costa Pacifica
With Kenneth, Kally, Akiko, Sandy, Vani, Chinchin, Jhaz and me.
I slept for quite a while on our way to Baler. I was aiming to really sleep more but the zig-zaggy road didn’t permit us to do so. We arrived in Costa Pacifica (our home here in Baler) at around 8:30 in the morning. And because, it was too early to check in in our rooms, we decided to just leave our stuff at the reception area and move on to our first destination – Dicasalarin Tour.
Dicasalarin Cove Tour
Bringing only a few stuff, we went our way to our first destination – Dicasalarin Cove. I brought with me my Impartial Sand Doughnut Bag along with my cute Macaron Tiny in Khaki. I was thinking to work if there would be free time so I also brought my laptop with me (imagine in an island and I was still working hahaha! Loser!). The cute Macaron Tiny on the other hand is actually perfect for my phones and other small stuff for easy access.
I have zero idea what our destination look like, we were just told to also bring swimwear for Dicasalarin, as they say, has better beach than the ones we have in Costa Pacifica. It was, I think less than forty five minute ride away from our hotel, which actually just felt short for we were still sleepy and did took a nap on our way there.
I was told that Dicasalarin Cove is also manage by Costa Pacifica, hence doing a tour here would require you to pay an entrance fee.
Hang in there Macaron Tiny!
Walking towards the beach, we found a cute setup with beach huts and tables, then I realize, we are having lunch in here. Great!
With my Impartial Sand Doughnut Bag
Aside from soaking into the waters or just lying on the shore, there are two particular other things you can do here; One is to hike up to the top of the mountain to check out the view at the lighthouse, and the other is to go under at this awesome cave. We did both, even it was too damn hot on that day. The rest of the day were just spent getting to know each other and just taking unlimited photos by the beach.
On our way back to the hotel, we checked in with my room mate – Ryan Ong, who were also the official photographer on our trip. We just took a rest (I did a quick photoshoot) and at around 8 in the evening we went on our way to attend the culmination dinner. We had boodle fight!
Day 2: Surfing Time
I woke up a bit late, far beyond our call time. I was aiming to wake up early to do a photoshoot but failed for I felt rest was more needed in this situation. After taking our buffet breakfast, I went back to my room to change outfit, and get ready for our surfing training.
It was not my first time surfing, and my aim today was not really to fully finish the hour allocated for the training, my goal was to just be able to stand three times on the board all the way to the shore.
Luckily, I was able to do it really quick. I guess the waves was to friendly in this season. I had a really great ride but felt bad coz I broke my eyeglasses and forgot to wear my contacts on the surf, making my eyes too vulnerable to the sun rays and the salty waters. But either way, I had fun riding the waves.
The rest of the girls opted to do the surfing lessons, so it was only me, Vani and Renz who did it. Renz was too eager he went to do two hours on surfing!
Anyway, after the quick lesson, I went back to my room, did a little photoshoot and pack my things up. Good thing I got my Orlando Olive Duffel bag that had expansions which I really needed for my extra clothes and things on this trip.
On our way back to Manila, we were caught with this exhaustingly long traffic that made us arrive quite late. Overall it was a really interesting bunch. I had fun doing all the activities most specially surfing. It was awesome as well to discover this side of Baler, at least now, I got an additional places to put on on the must visit places in Baler. Special thanks to Doughnut Bags and Saltwater Sandals for making this trip possible. Also specially shout out to Ryan Ong for lending me some of his photos (and taking some of my photos as well).
Do check out more of our Doughnut Bags x Saltwater Sandals Baler Trip by following these hashtags: #DoughnutxSaltwaterSandals #FromtheCitytotheSea.
