Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Travel Diary: Gelleesh Goes to Baler - Ermita Hill



Sorry if this post took quite some time. But I'm quite motivated because I've read in some of the answers in my running Blog Anniversary Giveaway that some of you, guys, enjoy reading my travel diary. And Baler had been such a fun and awesome trip for me. So, without further ado, let me tell you guys all about my first stop in my Baler get away - Ermita Hill.







It was actually Kuya Joseph (our hired tricycle driver) who helped us in fixing our itinerary and added some additional destinations. So we went first in Ermita Hill. I actually don't know what to expect here because although I've been reading blog posts about Baler, I don't really read the details of the trip because I don't want to spoil the excitement which awaits me. So, upon getting up to Ermita Hill, I was amazed of the view. Kuya Joseph even pointed out where we were staying. It's such a nice spot for... lovers. Hahaha! There's this Fort Santiago feel in it. Hahahaha! 


I also saw this explanation about what Ermita Hill is:




Ermita Hill Chapel, and the ancient viewing point and tunnel





"The spot on which the chapel stands is believed to be the location of a viewing point from which the community of Baler, at the delta of the river, received advance warning of incoming threats in ancient times.

In those times, Baler community experienced prevalent raids by the moros. These raids must have occurred before and after the Spaniards, led by Adelantado Juan de Salcedo, first came in 1572. These raids must have stopped when a permanent garrison of Spanish soldiers was established in Baler.






The existence of what many believe to be an escape tunnel, starting from a location in Barangay Santa Elena leading up to this spot, is evidence of the prevalence of raids on the community of Baler in ancient time. The inhabitants of Baler devised this ingenious way to elude the raiders, and hide here at Ermita Hill."




Aside from the historical details of Ermita Hill, they also have a big cross on top although we weren't able to go near it because the sun was at its peak and it's more than a hundred steps up the cross. There were monkeys and eagles caged back then but the eagles already died and the monkeys were let loose according to Kuya Joseph.






We thought that was the end of the Ermita Hill tour; but Kuya Joseph took us to the side of the hill where statues are placed to commemorate the tsunami which occurred on December 1735. Thousands of lives where taken by the tsunami except for some of the families who were able to make it by climbing up the Ermita Hill.


More to come, guys! This is just our first stop. Watch out for the other destinations we went to. Baler is my first ever trip out of work / not work related and without my parents so it's pretty memorable and important for me. Till next post! ;)

7 comments:

  1. Yay Gellie! You pushed through with your Baler trip! Maganda talaga?

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  2. Aww i'm kinda jealous you get to travel for work :) I'd love to visit Baler too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Medyo mali ata pagkakasabi ko. Hehe. Out of work means not work related for me. Hehe xP

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  3. Awesome shots Gellie. Love the scenery. Bet ko yung pic mong second to the last. Hehe.

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    Replies
    1. Hehe. Kunyari hinahabol din ako ng Tsunami. Hehe :P

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