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Just an hour or less (depending on the traffic), this city had always served as a quick escape for Metro Manila residents. I remember that my first encounter with this city was way back in college where I was amazed by the beauty of the city lights from one of the restaurants viewing decks along its mountainside. From then on, Antipolo was a place where we can sit back, have an ice-cold beer or beers, and share stories with friends while enjoying the city view from the top.  Antipolo City is a city that perfectly blends the artistry, history, provincial vibe, and urban living. Antipolo City has changed its landscape over the years. Its growth, spurred by its proximity to Metro Manila, paved the way for it to become a preferred residential area for some of the metro’s workforce. Its cooler climate and provincial vibe make it an ideal location to go home to. History and nature have been very kind to this city. After it was founded in 1578 by Franciscan missionaries, it has played its part in Philippine history, mostly focused on the growth of the Christian faith in the region and in the country. The town started gaining devotees during the 19th century where the faithful followers of the Virgin of Antipolo would trek up the hills as proof of their devotion and faith. This religious activity remains alive today with the monicker “Alay Lakad” done during the Holy Week and April 30. Boso-Boso Church Tucked within the highlands of Antipolo, the Nuestra Senyora de la Annunciata Parish Church or, more popularly known as, Boso-Boso Church is one of the oldest churches in the province of Rizal. The Spanish-period church was first built by the Franciscans in 1669 to Christianize the Dumagat tribes in the area. The church sustained damage during an earthquake in 1880 and was left in its ruined state. It was only in the mid 80’s that the church got the needed attention and was fully restored in 1995.  Boso-Boso Church is one of the oldest Spanish-period churches in the province of Rizal. The nine-year restoration preserved what was left from its original facade and re-constructed the structure as close to its original form. The simple design of the church blends perfectly well with the rural vibe of Boso-Boso. I found it to eerily beautiful as the church is surrounded by lush vegetations. The feel was like I was in a set of a horror movie or a historical narrative. It was perfect. Unlike the usual Spanish period churches, the architecture of Boso-Boso Church is void of any fancy. It was built like a sanctuary - simple and sturdy. It had a similar look with that of Baler Church. Both churches founded under Franciscan leadership so you get to immediately notice the similarity of its architecture. Hinulugang Taktak National Park Hinulugang Taktak is probably the most famous waterfall on this side of Rizal. Immortalized in a local folk song, the waterfalls serves as Antipolo’s iconic attraction. The song invites its listeners to head up to Antipolo and take a dip to the cool waters of the infamous Hinulugang Taktak.  Hinulugang Taktak is the tourism icon of Antipolo that was immortalized in a local folk song. The waters of the falls cascade beautifully on a rock surface from a height of 22 meters and exits towards Laguna de Bay. It sits on a protected landscape and has been on rehabilitation since 1991. The park underwent refurbishment that included tourist facilities to complement its natural landscape. Interestingly, it is one of the most popular national parks in the country and has generated the third largest income as a national park.
Taking a dip in the waters of Hinulugang Taktak nowadays is not a good idea because of pollution. But its natural beauty is definitely one that you cannot set aside. I hope that, with its ongoing rehabilitation, there will come a time when the future generation can hum while enjoying the waters of Hinulugang Taktak. National Shrine to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage At the heart of the Catholic faith in the city is the National Shrine to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or, more popularly known as the Antipolo Cathedral. The church attracts millions of pilgrims each year who pay homage to the Nuestra Senyora de la Paz y Buen Viaje - a wooden Marian image from Mexico.  The beautiful and grand Antipolo Cathedral attracts millions of devotees every year. The church stands beautifully overlooking the main business area of the city. It dominates the Antipolo skyline with its grand modern architecture highlighted by images of four saints guarding the three doors of the cathedral. The interior is as grand as its exterior. The main cavity of the church stands under the dome and its main highlight is its beautiful altar with image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage as its centerpiece.  The beautiful altar of Antipolo Cathedral is eye-catching. The image of its patron saint is the centerpiece of the church. The Antipolo Cathedral is known to gather millions of devotees every year. The annual “Pagdalaw ng Ina sa Anak” every April draws devotees to walk from Quiapo Church to the Antipolo Cathedral. The same kind of devotion is displayed by its devotees during the Holy Week celebration. Pinto Art Museum A doctor’s hobby of collecting artworks that started in the 1969s, paved the way for the opening of the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo. The museum, tucked in one of the villages in the city, has a wide collection of art pieces prominently displayed in its different galleries. It is a must-see spot for art enthusiasts.  Pinto Museum was born from the passion of collecting art pieces by a doctor who started the hobby in the 1960s.
The museum in itself is picturesque with its architecture, its landscaping, and its well-manicured lawns. The serene atmosphere, the galleries, and how the museum was designed make the whole experience memorable. Time slows down to make you appreciate the collections.
The museum is also a great place to let your creativity flow. You can play around with your camera to capture the beauty of every corner of the art haven. It allows you to let your creativity run free in a creative environment. Oh... and did I mention that it is also a great spot to enjoy the sunset? Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens at Loreland Resort The cool weather, rural vibe, and amazing metro views of Antipolo gave the city a relaxing ambiance. It was not a surprise that a number of resorts and hotels have made its home in the city. The city in itself offers a good weekend escape for metro residents without having to travel for hours.  Enjoying the view from Luljetta's cafe.
One of the popular day or weekend spot that you can check out is the Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens located within the compound of Loreland Resort. It gained popularity for its scenic views and the relaxing ambiance of its spa. However, prior booking is needed if you want to enjoy its facilities and services. You need to book early as they get a lotvof inquiries and bookings during the weekends.
Loreland Farm Resort offer day trips and overnight accommodations. They have a lot of swimming pools with different themes where you and your family or your peers can take a dip while enjoying the view and the cooler weather of Antipolo. The resort also offers amenities for team-building activities or company outings. POST TRAVEL NOTES Antipolo City has become popular among metro residents as a great place to live in, a destination for a quick weekend break, or a drinking spot where one can sit back and chill. It is a city that gets to enjoy the best of both worlds - the metropolitan vibe of Manila and the laidback ambiance of Rizal. Behind its urban development, the city managed to keep its rich history and natural beauty intact. It has kept its tapestry and artistry alive despite of the changes around and within the city. It is a city that played its part in Philippine history that even Dr. Jose Rizal mentioned Antipolo in his writings. It is a city that is worth exploring even for just a day or two. Let me remind those who are rearing to go out and explore that Antipolo City is just an FX ride away.  Like most people, I am excited with my next adventure after the quarantine. It is interesting to explore the suburbs around Metro Manila. The shared history speaks a lot on how these areas developed in line with the metro’s urban growth. These places have their own stories to share and have their own destinations to be proud of which, in most cases, fall under the shadow of Metro Manila. This #ByahengFX series is aimed at discovering these stories and spots. It is about exploring destinations that is just an FX ride away. Sama ka? Getting There: Antipolo is about 45 minutes away from Metro Manila. One can take a public van or FX from Cubao, Ortigas, or Crossing in Mandaluyong. If you are planning to go to Boso-Boso Church, you can take a public FX to Cogeo Gate 2 and take a jeep from there to Boso-Boso. You can then hire a tricycle to bring you to Boso-Boso Church.
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The rugged features of Aurora was handcrafted by the Pacific Ocean. This coastal province have seen the different temperament of the mighty ocean located east of the country. It experienced its bounty and its fury. Named after the wife of President Quezon, Aurora was once a sub-province of Quezon and it was only in 1978 that a law was enacted making it independent province.  Baler is one destination that is worth exploring after this pandemic. At the heart of the province, Baler is its centerpiece. The capital is a tourism icon for its natural beauty and its surfing activity. It has become one of the country’s prominent surf spots after the filming of some sequences of “Apocalypse Now” in the 70’s. This led to the introduction of surfing on this side of the Philippines. Presently, Baler has grown beyond being just a surfing spot as its rugged beauty is capturing the hearts of many weekend travelers. Museo de Baler Inaugurated in 2002, the Museo de Baler is a good spot to start off your Baler exploration. It serves as repository of the province’s artifacts and memorabilia associated to its rich history. On display are porcelain pieces from the Galleon trade, Spanish-period religious artifacts, and the personal effects of its homegrown hero, President Manuel Quezon.  Museo de Baler is a great spot to start off your Baler exploration. The museum will give you a brief from the humble beginnings of province to its development to what it is now. It highlights important events in the region including the infamous Baler Church Siege and the “Tromba Marina” in 1935 that wiped out the town. The museum’s cold cast sculpture on its facade details the significant and historical events of Baler and Aurora. A huge part of its collection honors Manuel L. Quezon as the municipality is his birthplace. You will find personal memorabilia of the late President and his family prominently displayed in one its galleries. The museum also has on display the Presidential car of Quezon. Quezon Park Right in front of the Museo de Baler is an open-park dedicated to Baler’s esteemed statesman. At the heart of the park is a bronze statue of President Quezon silently gazing at his hometown. The installed historical marker highlights that the municipality is the birthplace of the President Quezon and that is the reason why he is highly respected and honored by its local.
 A replica of President Quezon's home in Baler. The open park has been developed and it is a great place to watch a typical day in Baler. Interestingly, the park is also the location where the ancestral house of Quezon once stood. Baler 400 Years Monument Adjacent to the Quezon Park is the Baler 400 Years Monument. It easily stands out because of the spelled out name of the municipality that attracts tourists for a quick photoshoot. However, the monument is more than just a background for photos. It stands as a reminder to 4 strong centuries of Baler since it was founded.  The Baler at 400 Monument has 4 pillars connected by 100 stainless bars. Founded in 1609 by Franciscan missionaries, Baler is a mute witness to our country’s rich history. One could actually say that Baler was the last stronghold of the Spanish forces in the country during its final days of occupation. It has seen the birth of a new government through the eyes of it homegrown hero, Manuel L. Quezon.
The monument was designed by THE revolutionary artist, Junyee, who is also the man behind the “Open Door” sculpture honoring President Quezon in the Holocaust Memorial Park in Israel. The 40-foot structure has 4 pillars connected by 100 stainless bars representing Baler’s 400 years. Church of Baler This unassuming stone church in Baler is a spot that holds a lot of history. If its walls and grounds could only speak, it would share centuries worth of stories that are heartwarming, heartbreaking, and heart wrenching. It saw the birth of Baler, the transition from colonizer to another, and the development of Baler as a tourism and business center that it is today.  The century-old Baler Church has a lot of stories to share. The church served as the last stand of the Spaniards in the country known as the “Baler Siege” in 1898 to 1899. As the Philippine Revolution was heating up, the Spanish forces in Baler seized the church, which was the only stone structure in town, fortified it and served as its base. They marooned themselves inside the church for months, even if the Spaniards have long surrendered the Philippines to the Americans. Locals tried to convince the forces in different ways to surrender. At one point, they even had young “sensual” ladies attempt to lure the Spaniards out of their “fortress”. Only 30 Spaniards made it through the 11 months of isolation and were called “Los Ultimos de Filipinas” or the Last Ones of the Philippines.
Today, the Baler Church stands as the center of the Catholic faith in Baler. Its simple and plain facade and interiors stand out as it is void of the usual fancy of the usual architecture of Spanish-period churches in the country. But despite its simplicity, it is one church that stands out in Philippine history as the last fortress of the Spanish colonizers. Dona Aurora Quezon’s Ancestral Home The restored house of Dona Aurora Quezon serves as a shrine to a lady to whom the province owes it name to. The house, a typical “bahay-na-bato” design, is where the former Philippine first lady spent her childhood. It gives you a glimpse of her life as a child, a young lady, and a mother to her hometown.  The restored house of Dona Aurora Quezon serves as a shrine honoring the former First Lady of the country.
A quick stop will give you a glimpse of her humble beginnings. While most of the personal effects are on display at the Museo de Baler, there are a few memorabilia on display at her ancestral home. A historical marker honoring her life and contributions to nation building was also installed at her old residence. Century-old Balete Tree About thirty minutes away from the poblacion, the town of Maria Aurora has its own way of attracting tourists. It prides itself to having one of the largest balete trees in the country, and possibly in Asia. The 600-year old balete tree is approximately 5 stories high and would take about 60 people holding hand-to-hand to cover the total diameter of its base.  The century-old Balete Tree of San Luis is one of the natural attractions visited in Baler. The Balete Tree is often associated with mysticism and mystery in Philippine folklore. It is often said that it is the dwelling place of spirits and fairies that we are told to keep our distance. But this is not the case for this famous tree in Maria Aurora. You would often see locals and tourists climbing up and exploring its maze of vines and roots. Having a picture taken while tucked in one of its crevices is something that it is not frowned upon but actually encouraged. Time does really change things. Local folklores that creep us out when we were younger become a thing of our childhood memories. We learn to face our fears as we get older and discover that fear is only a product of our minds. Ditumabo Falls Ditumabo Falls is probably the most popular tourist spot in Baler. It is often referred to as the Mother Falls because of its grand cascade that drops from a height of 140 feet into a rocky basin. Locals and tourists can take a plunge in its cold waters that come from the mountains of the Sierra Madre.  Ditumabo Falls is the most popular natural attraction in the area. The trek to the Mother Falls let’s one immerse and enjoy nature. The lush vegetations along the trail is relaxing to the eyes as you see sunlight break through the forest canopies while the sound of water flowing in the nearby stream is relaxing for the mind. The trail is an easy trek and you are assured that you get to fascinated with nature’s beauty along the way. Ermita Hill and the Tromba Marina Memorial This small plateau offers a panoramic view of Baler’s coastline and the Pacific Ocean. From its view deck, one can admire the beauty of the province Aurora from a bird’s eye view with Sabang Beach at the foreground and the Sierra Madre on the background. But more than just a park, Ermita Hill is a sanctuary for the early settlers of Baler.  A panoramic view of Sabang Beach from the view deck of Ermita Hill. In 1735, a series of large waves engulfed the town of Baler that the town was completely washed out. According to the stories of those who survived, the waves came in with no warning in the early morning that locals were all taken by surprise. Only 7 families survived the tragedy by swimming and climbing up Ermita Hill. A small memorial was installed at the bottom of Ermita Hill as a reminder of that fateful night. Ermita Hill also served as a refuge by locals from Moro raids during earlier times. These attacks became a frequent occurrence that local history have recorded it as 50 years of terror. It was because of these attacks that Ermita Hill was developed as a “watchtower” against these raids because of its commanding view. Diguisit Falls Diguisit Falls is another popular quick stop when you go around Baler. Unlike Ditumabo Falls, this waterfall does not have a grand cascade and the lush greens surrounding it. It prides itself with a subtle cascade and a rugged terrain that overlooks the sea.
Diguisit Falls is located along the main highway making it very accessible to travelers. One does not need to take an hour-long hike to get to admire its cascade. A five-minute uphill hike through unmarked trails is all you need for that face-to-face encounter with this lesser known waterfall in Baler. Diguisit Beach and Aniao Islet Diguisit Beach offers a dramatic seascape in Baler. The mix of white sand and crushed corals blends perfectly well with the rocky features of the beach. The Aniao islet adds up to the drama of the sea and the sand.  A mix of white sand and rocky features give Diguisit Beach a dramatic feel. This is probably one of the most photographed locations in Baler. It perfectly matches the subtlety of its provincial life and the ruggedness of its terrain. One can have a grand time capturing a perfect shot or to just simply enjoying the view. The drama that the beach spot evokes is very appealing.
Diguisit Beach is also the closest white sand beach spot in Baler. If you are the type who loves a white sand beach spot that does not draw too much crowd then this spot is perfect for you. Sabang Beach Sabang Beach is the most popular beach spot in Baler. This is where you will find most of the accommodations, restaurants, and beach activities. It is Baler’s prime surfing spot so you can expect the waters to be filled with swimmers and surfers.  The waters of Sabang Beach is enjoyed by swimmers and surfers. This 2-kilometer gray sand beach spot is where Philippine surfing was born. Its waves and sandy shorelines make ideal for all levels of surfers. It is also a perfect spot for sunrise catchers because it offers a perfect view of the rising sun. It has often been referred to as the sunrise beach of Aurora. Whether you are looking to start learning how to surf, getting a beach tan, or simply having a nice lunch or dinner by the beach, Sabang Beach is the go to spot in Baler. It has the widest selection of restaurants and activities that will definitely make your Baler trip a fun and memorable one. POST TRAVEL NOTES Baler is a great example of a local community that has grown in strides in its tourism front. It may not have the pristine white sand beach spots or the amazing natural attractions but it banked on its strength as the birthplace of surfing in the country. They invested on their unique selling point through the years that they have made a distinct mark in Philippine tourism. Baler did not try to emulate or try to be another alternative choice, it made its own and it is hollering up for tourists to check Baler out. The community quarantine may have locked us up inside our homes but one thing that I really enjoyed doing while on ECQ was going back to my previous travels. It was fun remembering my past trips and re-living the amazing feeling of exploring and seeing beautiful places in the country. I was kinda surprised to find out that I still have a number of destinations that I still need to write about, Baler included. It’s great to re-live the same emotions while blogging about it.  I have already started working on my next adventure. Where to next? As we slowly ease out of the quarantine, I am excited to get back on the road again. This would be a great time to encourage local travel to help local communities get back on their feet. Again, I ask you to explore the Philippines first and I assure you that our country’s beauty will not disappoint. Getting There: One can take a bus that travels direct from Manila to Baler. Genesis Bus have regular bus trips to Baler. The trip takes about 6-7 hours depending on traffic and time of travel. Follow me on my social media accounts:
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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March 2023
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