(original post from my personal blog)


I spent a week alone in Leyte last year for academic work. Sunday was my free day there so I decided I must embark on my own adventure to find a good place to take pictures and if possible, eat. It was a rainy morning so I figured I'll just eat at Robinson's Tacloban once again and probably because Jose Karlo's Coffee shop had wifi and my decent dose of caffeine. I didnt do any research before leaving. Note to self: list places to visit before riding the plane to my destination. It helps.

So I've managed to get to Rob Tacloban in a matter of minutes and ordered spag, chicken and mojos. I had the mojos to go in case I get stranded somewhere and no food was available. It was a smart move.

There I was in the coffee shop surfing the net when I read about Rafael's Farm and Restaurant. Anton of OUP described it as a cross between Sonya's Garden and the Farm. Since I havent been to Sonya's Garden or the Farm, I figured I might as well visit Rafael's. The adventure begins.

The problem with not knowing how to speak Waray in Leyte is the great chance of being LOST. I asked the travel agency for directions but they knew nothing. Thus I resulted to calling Rafael's itself and asking for directions. It was simple: ride a jeep until the old terminal, then ride another jeep going to Babatngon. Operator said it will take less than 30mins from the old terminal to the resto. Since it was only a little past 2pm, I decided to give it a shot. I already disregarded the thought of taking a taxi since taxis tend to be overpriced especially for tourists. I bought a map at National Bookstore just to see how far I would be traveling. Turns out it was around 30kms. Still, I was determined to visit it.

One thing I should have learned throughout my living years is that my world is a disciple of Murphy's law. It took me around 4-5 jeepney rides that went in circles from Mcdonalds to the new terminal. I asked the barker for the jeep that will take me to the old terminal and he said I should go down to Mcdo. Being an obedient little girl, I did what I was told but never did it enter my mind that that was not the old terminal. I asked for a jeep going to Babatngon and I was asked to ride a specific jeep. All these while asking for directions in my sole known dialect: Tagalog. I cant remember how many times I've passed by the same route before actually finding the so-called "old terminal". It was already around 4pm. This was bad. Night starts so much earlier in the provinces (as early as 5pm). So I was waiting in the van not knowing that was the last trip.

I got to Rafael's safe and sound thanks to the kind strangers who willingly helped a seemingly innocent yet LOST girl. I quickly entered and took pictures as the sun was already setting. Yes, it was 5pm and I have just reached my destination. A couple of photographs then the sun was gone. Since it would be a long way home, I decided to eat. Great decision. The food was wonderful. However, the waitress remarked on my solo adventure. They were not used to having just a single person eat there. The place was obviously for families and couples.

It was afternoon, I just agreed to work for my alma mater because no company wants to hire me at that point. I looked at the academic calendar and saw two words that excited me: Baler, Aurora. Then my new boss suddenly said, "So you'll be joining our Baler trip on Monday". It was Friday afternoon.

I spent a week in Baler. I was spoiled despite the work. And looking back, I think I can describe that experience in two words: "rich and colorful". Baler is a not-so-quick escape from civilization.


If you're commuting from Manila, you can ride a Genesis bus in their terminal in Cubao. It's past the MRT Cubao station and the last trip to Baler leaves at around 7am. I paid around P380+ for my ticket but was reimbursed since I wasnt aware we had our own private bus rented by Sen. Angara. So I had to ride the public bus from EDSA to Cabanatuan where it stopped for passengers to go to the bathroom and buy food. I met up with my boss and rode the rented bus (still a Genesis bus since they're the only bus line that goes straight to Baler). We had lunch in Cabanatuan City. I grabbed some shut-eye and woke up seeing mountains and trees. It was Sierra Madre. We were in Nueva Vizcaya and by 5pm we were in Baler. The road isn't smooth and at some point you'd think the bus will fall into the cliff. So be sure to pack your medicines or candy and get ready for a whirl. Dont forget your iPod also since it's a long ride and you'd love to have your roadtrip music with you.

We checked-in at Bahia de Baler 2 (there are two Bahia de Baler, one are the bungalows, the other one is the hotel-type). If you're commuting, you go down in the town proper then ride a tricycle to the resorts by the beach. I believe tricycle drivers are familiar with the names of the resorts.

For our first Sunday at Saigon, we had planned to walk around the city and visit tourist spots. It's possible since most sites were close to each other.

You need to eat breakfast if you plan to do a moderate amount of walking.