Baler, Aurora

Jack Maico
Apr 10
2 min read

“Baler” is said to have rooted in the word “Vale”, the name of an old woman; the Dumagat word “balid” meaning “to return”; the name of Lakan Balid, a nobleman; and “balod,” a mountain dove (paloma montes) based on “Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala” by Tomas Pinpin in 1613 and by Juan de Noceda y Pedro de Sanlucar in 1754.

Source: https://baler.gov.ph/about-baler

Special credits: https://www.detourista.com/

https://www.philippinebeaches.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Sabang-Beach-Baler-Tips-FP.jpg

Church in Town: 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡

The Baler Catholic Church, also known as San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Aurora Province. Built-in the 18th century, this church stands as a testament to Baler’s rich religious heritage and the resilience of its people.

The church is most famous for being the site of the Siege of Baler, a significant event during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. For 337 days, a group of Spanish soldiers held out against Filipino revolutionaries, marking one of the last stands of Spanish forces in the Philippines. Today, the church serves as a reminder of this heroic moment in history.

Visitors to the Baler Catholic Church can explore its historical architecture and learn about the events that took place within its walls. The church has been carefully preserved, maintaining its original structure and design. Inside, you can find relics and artifacts that provide insight into the church’s storied past.

The church remains an active place of worship, hosting regular masses and religious ceremonies. Its historical significance and cultural importance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Baler.

Source: https://new.apeco.gov.ph/.../baler-catholic-church-a.../

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

In 1609, seven Franciscan missionaries led by Fray Blas Palomino founded the settlement of Baler. It was later converted into a pueblo (town) by the Augustinians and the Recollects in 1658. Due to the scarcity of religious missionaries, the Franciscans again took over the administration of the settlement in 1703.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫