Melo Villareal
With time to spare in Baler, I decided I’d go for a walk following the Heritage Trail developed by DOT Region 3 and Provincial Tourism Office. They named it Baler Heritage Walk, a trail that hits most of the historical sights in Baler.
Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon House
The nice thing about this is that you don’t have to do a lot of planning and thinking, but you get to learn a lot about the history of Baler and how it came to be the paradise that it is today. A few of the highlights are worth describing, but of course you’ve got to go there yourself to see it all.
Church of Baler
The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church is the Catholic Church of Baler and it was recently renovated. It looks crisp and clean on the outside, painted a soft minty green, and is nicely painted and decorated on the inside with an intricate altar.
Church of Baler
Plus, it’s a bit cooler inside the Church since it was built largely of stones and bricks. The church was proclaimed as one of the historical landmarks of the Philippines by the National Historical Institute on February 29, 2000.
Inside San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Church
Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon House
If you’ve read my blog before, you know that I’m into the heritage houses of past famous families of the Philippines. The drama surrounding the assassination of Dona Aurora and her daughter is well known in the Philippines, and that is why the province is named after her.
Quezon Family Library
Located right in front of the Church of Baler, the Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon House is a re-built replica at the corner of San Luis St and Rizal St.
Filipiniana Costume at Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon House
Baler 400 Years Monument
Built in 2011, the 400 years monument was built to celebrate the 400 years that Baler has existed. The actual anniversary was 2009, but the monument was unveiled two years later. It’s a 40-ft tall monument is made of four pillars, representing the four hundred years of Baler Township.
Baler 400 Years Monument
The Museo de Baler
Quezon Park is a nice place and home to a few other sights, but the Museo de Baler is definitely a central destination.
Museo de Baler
A historical tale of the town is represented with photographs of provincial leaders as well as President Quezon and his family, as well as photos from the Japanese, Spanish, and American periods of Baler’s history.
Inside Museo de Baler
Bronze Replica of President Manuel Quezon
The ethnic history is also explained with information about the Dumagat and Ilongot and many historical sites are explained.
Walking the trails of the Baler Heritage Walk is a trip back in time. But it’s also a great way to ensure that you don’t miss some of the central attractions in Baler. It’s tempting to spend every day at one of the beautiful beaches and adventure sites in Baler, but don’t miss out on the rest of what Baler has to offer.
