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Cemento's Cobra Reef, Baler! (3 of 3)

Surfing in Cobra Reef in Brgy. Cemento, Baler is the number one motivation for hard-core surfers to troop to the area. From the main Sabang beach, it is 15 minutes away by car or 30 minutes away by walking along the beach through the barangays.

The most ideal time to surf here is when there is no wind (usually in the morning). Surfers like the waves glassy -- smooth in texture and appearance because there's no wind to mess up the look.

I decided to hang out with the surfers along with Aidan. This is our experience, from a non-surfing-observer's point of view...

OAP | Baler, Aurora, Quezon Series:

• The Allure of Baler (1 of 3)
• Top 10 Food in Baler (2 of 3)
• Cemento's Cobra Reef, Baler! (3 of 3) 

Top 10 Food in Baler (2 of 3)

The food in Baler was surprisingly good. :) Here are the 10 that stood out:

1. Baler Suman

 
Baler Suman (P50 for 10)

This is actually the perfect suman for me. It is a bit sweet already so no need to dip it in sugar. It is light, as big as a finger but  a little longer, and wrapped artistically well.

It is made fresh everyday so you can only buy them in the morning. It costs P5 a piece and is sold in bunches of 10. It comes in two versions -- the basic white and the ube-colored one made with rice coming from Dilasag, Aurora.

This is the only suman that the kids love, and they eat it like a banana, one after another. I love it too. We just couldn't get enough of it (hindi nakakasuya).  You can order it from Bahia de Baler, in the Rolling Stores or in the Baler Market every morning.

OAP | Baler, Aurora, Quezon Series:

• The Allure of Baler (1 of 3)
• Top 10 Food in Baler (2 of 3)
• Cemento's Cobra Reef, Baler! (3 of 3)

The Allure of Baler (1 of 3)

Master photographer George Tapan would often invite people to have a photo shoot in Baler. He held two workshops last year in the area (which I missed). I've always been curious about Baler ever since. 

Baler is a top destination for hard-core surfers who love Cemento's Cobra Reef but remains relatively unknown among Manila's travelers. We just decided to go there 2 weeks before the actual Baler trip and we were able to reserve a room easily during the peak holiday season (December 29-January 1).

But what is it about Baler that keeps people (surfers, photographers and travel enthusiasts) coming back to it? I was smitten by Baler's allure and we all fell in love with it.

OAP | Baler, Aurora, Quezon Series:

• The Allure of Baler (1 of 3)
• Top 10 Food in Baler (2 of 3)
•  Cemento's Cobra Reef, Baler! (3 of 3)