Dec 26 to 27: Baler, Aurora

After that long drive, we finally made it to Baler. Two days, no real plans, just rest. We stayed at River Edge Transient House in the town proper so everything was pretty accessible. Sabang Beach was just a short walk away, Museo de Baler was nearby, and there were eateries, restaurants, laundry shops, convenience stores around. Pretty much everything we needed.

Day 1

We took it really slow. Grabbed food at a cafe nearby first then headed to Sabang Beach. There was a surfing competition going on, mostly kids, and it was fun just watching them. After that we dropped off laundry and walked around Quezon Park and the Zabali Hanging Bridge. Nothing intense, just exploring.

We went back to the Airbnb for a nap and I squeezed in some junk journaling. A little frustrating though since I had barely any tickets, receipts, or ephemera from the trip so I had a hard time filling the pages.

Late afternoon we headed back out, grabbed a late lunch / early dinner at a nearby restaurant then went back to the beach. There was a band doing what looked like a live practice session which was a nice vibe. Grabbed coffee somewhere nearby after then back to the Airbnb for the night.

One thing that got to me was the baywalk area. The pathways were still damaged from the last typhoon and there was trash everywhere. A little sad to see.

Oh and Ochre made a friend! Shadow, the host’s dog, was roaming around the Airbnb. Not the friendliest pup but still cute.

Day 2

We woke up early to catch the sunrise at Sabang Beach since it faces east. Other people were already out by the shore watching as well. The strong nonstop waves, the mountains around us, the dawn slowly turning into sunrise. Being there with my little family, it was perfect.

We grabbed breakfast at the eatery right beside the Airbnb and I got my taho fill, I love taho. Packed up then hit the road. One stop along the way at the Balete Millennium Tree around 9 AM, then pretty much a straight drive home after that. Just stopped for gas and bought some food to bring to my parents. Got to Bulacan around 3 PM.

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Dec 27 to Jan 4: Bulacan

We spent the rest of the break at my parents’ place. Celebrated New Year there and also my brother’s birthday even though he was in Dubai. It was the usual mix of chill and chaotic that comes with family, a little frustrating at times but honestly a good way to end 2025.