Bucket List on Northern Region 3 (Central Luzon)

Aurora

5 fun things to do and to visit in Aurora

1.   Surf at the Sabang Beach
2.   Trek to Ditumabo Falls
3.   Visit the Historical sites   

4.   Come and see the huge Balete Tree
5.   Travel around the Diguisit Islets

Photo: Surfing Philippines

 1.   Surf at the Sabang Beach

Baler is also famous in surfing just like in Siargao and La Union. If you are a beginner, there are many surfing school beside the Sabang Beach so you can try and learn how to surf for hours. I remember my first ever surfing experience, it was so awesome even though it was hard at first but in the end it was all fun and worth every body pain. The instructors were very friendly and will really assist you in every way possible. Also, they will advise the person about the condition of the beach (e.g. if it is too dangerous or if it is safe, etc) so don’t worry too much about the current.   

 2.   Trek to Ditumabo Falls

Ditumabo Falls or most commonly referred as “mother falls” because it is the biggest waterfalls in the province. Trekking is very exhausting but this hike is not that much tiring and also suitable for all age group because it is not that steep and has a safe path. There’s a drop-off point where there will be no vehicles or any kind of transportation allowed and there’s where walking starts. After all the trekking done, witnessing and swimming in the Ditumabo Falls is worth every sweat.

3.   Walk around the city proper for historical sites. 

One of the sites is Museo de Baler. It is a museum where the priceless artifacts and memorabilia. The other historical or tourist sites are Baler Municipal Hall, statue of Jose Rizal and Manuel L. Quezon, Baler Church, Aurora Quezon’s ancestral home, etc. It was informative enough for those who are inclined into historical background.  

Photo: Lakwatsero

 4.   Come and see the huge Balete Tree.

There was a folk story about the Balete tree being haunted and may give a wrong impression for those who know the old story. Despite that concept, there’s still a 600-year old Balete tree and was given a title of “Millenium Tree of the Philippines” because it is the largest tree of its kind in Asia and for its age. The thick roots grown above the ground that formed a cave because of its openings and it is passable by people. (Source: Aurora)

Photo: C2 staticflickr

 5.   Travel around the Diguisit Islets

Travel around the Diguisit Islets because it is pretty much attractive because of its size. There are also many rock formations around so make sure to have a picture with it. The rock formations are climbable but just be cautious in climbing because it might not be that stable and possible to be slippery. (source: Pinoy Adventurista)  

Nueva Ecija

5 fun things to do and to visit in Aurora

1.   Cliff dive at Minalungao National Park
2.   Swim at the Gabaldon Falls
3.   Bamboo rafting at the Peñaranda River
4.   Visit the Divina Pastora Church
5.   Celebrate the Taong Putik Festival (June 24)

[Photo Source]

 1.    Cliff dive at Minalungao National Park

The word “Minalungao” was derived from the words “Mina” which means “mine” and “Lungao” is a local word for “cave”. Minalungao National Park, situated in the town of General Tiñio, Nueva Ecija, is a tourist attraction slowly gaining popularity in the local travelers’ circle. This secret haven located on the foothills of the extensive Sierra Madre Mountain Range is just under four hours away from the capital Manila. (Source: Looloo)

 Minalungao National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of General Tinio Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon. The park covers an area of 2,018 hectares centered along the scenic Peñaranda River bordered on both sides by up to 16-meter high limestone walls in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range.(Source: ManongUnyol)
 

(Photo: Drift wood journey)

[Photo source]

 2.    Swim at the Gabaldon Falls

The Waterfall of Gabaldon is a ten-feet body of water that is stunningly surrounded with the fascinating and enormous rock formations and which has an aqua pura that is as cold as ice.  The natives of Nueva Ecija have claimed that the Falls of Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija have therapeutic waters which are extremely crystal clear; and are very much potable for human consumption. The best feature of Gabaldon Falls is the fact that it has been bestowed with a remarkable tag as the “cleanest water source in Region III”. (Source: Drift Wood Journey)

[Photo Source]

3.     Bamboo rafting at the Peñaranda River

The Peñaranda River is a calm river and located at the Minalungao National Park which was It is established in 1967 by Republic Act No. 5100. The pristine river adds more charm to its serene environment so it is appropriate for a bamboo kayaking.

(Source: Looloo)

Photo: Wikimedia

 4.     Visit the Divina Pastora Church

The Parish Church of the Three Kings in Gapan is considered the oldest and biggest colonial church in Nueva Ecija. It was declared as the National Shrine of Virgen La Divina Pastora in 1986 by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. (Source: Wikipedia)

It was made of bricks, adobe and lime with the architecture of Byzantine and was constructed for about sixteen years that is 1856-1872 under the successive direction and supervision of Father Loredo, Conejo and Llaneza and was built trough through forced labor. (Source: Wikimapia)

Photo: Mon Valmonte

 5. Celebrate the Taong Putik Festival (June 24)

In Barangay Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija , there are hundreds of devotees of the village's patron saint, John the Baptist is celebrated during the Feast of Saint John the Baptist every June 24, transform themselves into "mud people" -- literally "taong putik."  The locals call the ritual Pagsa-San Juan while outsiders call it as Taong Putik Festival. The ritual symbolizes the acknowledgement of their sins and humble appeal for forgiveness.
(Source: Mon Valmonte ; Visit My Philippines)

Tarlac

5 fun things to do and to visit in Aurora

1.   Trek to Mount Pinatubo + Spa
2.   Capas ATV at Mt. Pinatubo
3.   Visit the Monasterio de Tarlac
4.   White water rafting
5.   Hike at Cow’s hump

Photo: Infocomrade

 

Photo: Trip the islands

 1.   Trek to Mount Pinatubo + Spa

Just like trekking in any other mountains, there are rivers, streams, jungles, and rocks along the way. It has a lahar spa that why it is unique.

 A fascinating oasis amidst a picturesque pastoral environment framed by rolling hills and mountain ranges, this new product in health tourism offers a first-of-a-kind model in fitness therapy and wellbeing: from a relaxing body wrap on sulfur-laden hot volcanic sand, to a revitalizing dip in a thermal bath and foot spa, and finally to a soothing Shiatzu body work in a 100-pax capacity massage parlor - all made possible after a day's sweltering trek to Mt. Pinatubo. The wellness center also serves Korean/native cuisine cum grillery in a 150-seat capacity open-air restaurant plus a souvenir shop and soda fountain serving health drinks to the intrepid explorer. (Source: It's More fun in the Philippines) 

Photo: Capas ATV

 2.  Capas ATV at Mt. Pinatubo

Another kind of adventure being offered is to ride the ATV around the mountain in the lahar trails.

Photo: Static panaramio

 3.  Visit the Monasterio de Tarlac

Monasterio de Tarlac is somehow similar to the Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil because of the huge statue of Christ with open arms and located in an elevated area. It was built in 2001 in San Jose’s Eco-Tourism Park and what makes it relevant to Christians is because it houses a reliquary of the cross of Jesus Christ (He’s the savior and the son of God to the Christians). The Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community, a small brotherhood that takes care of this monastery and of course the reliquary. (Source: It's More fun in the Philippines)

 4.   White Water Kayaking

Photo: East gate publishing

Head on the mountain Barangay, Maamot, roughly 30 minutes by vehicle from the town center, and find your way to an adventure. Head down Camaling river with Rapid Stream, the only Kayaking outfitter in town. The run is about 12 kilometers and is best on rainy days. (Source: It's More fun in the Philippines)

Photo: Juan day

 5.   Hiking on a Cow’s Hump

The mountain, Mt. Bunkol Baka, literally means “cow’s hump”.  It’s a good overnight, steady hike for beginners. You can also hike Mt. TMC-Kawayan and Mt. Tangisan.  Here, you will meet one of the 110 indigenous groups in the Philippines, the All are good for day hikes, just book with the local Tarlac Mountaineering Club. (source:It's More fun in the Philippines )