Ermita Hill – A Memorial Park for Former President Quezon

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part of planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into unfamiliar places, people and culture are paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

ERMITA HILL

Photo from: http://baler.gov.ph/about-baler/history/

Located in Poblacion, Baler, Aurora. This quiet park of trees and lawns was developed in honor and in memory of the late president Manuel L. Quezon. A marker fenced by concrete and set on a circular cement platform serves as a landmark of Baler, the birthplace of Quezon. A replica of the house where Quezon grew up could be found at Quezon Park (Casa de Maestro Lucio Quezon). Read More: http://provinceofaurora.blogspot.com/2008/12/baler-aurora-quezon-memorial-park-and.html

Photo from: http://www.juanderfulpinoy.com/scenic-ermita-hill-baler/

Our first destination for the day was Ermita Hill. From our hotel in Sabang Beach, Ermita Hill was about 6 kilometers away via the Kinalapan-Cemento road. It took us about 10 minutes to reach the area. For those without vehicles, you may hire a tricycle at P500 (this is the standard rate for a tour of Baler’s attractions).

Upon reaching the foot of the hill, we were greeted by what seemed to be a war memorial. But I learned that it was actually meant to show what happened on December 1735 when residents sought refuge on the hill from a tsunami that devastated the entire town. Such a sad and unimaginable tragedy!

Mom and the siblings climbed the hill through the steps perched on the side while Dad and I got up with the car.

The hill was developed into what is now Ermita Park where one can enjoy unobstructed breathtaking views of the town of Baler and its surrounding areas. Looking eastward, one can see the Pacific Ocean, Baler Fish port and Dimadimalangat Islet. Read More: http://libotero.com/ermita-hill-baler/

Photo from: https://janwand3rs.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/post-birthday-trip-adventures-and-misadventures-in-baler/

For me, the best way to cap off a day tour in Baler is to relax in one of the view decks of the famous Ermita Hill while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Not only that, you can also reward yourself with the soothing atmosphere right at the top, especially in the afternoon.

Ermita Hill had its own share of history as it became witness to the devastating tidal waves that struck Baler in the 1700s. The families who survived the disaster were said to have climbed up the hill for safety. Today, Ermita Hill (or sometimes referred to as Ermita Park) serves as a tranquil sanctuary for locals and tourists. One can just marvel at the amazing waves in the Pacific Ocean, the relaxing views of Baler Bay and Sabang Beach, the river delta, thriving mangroves, and a lot more.

There’s a chapel, view decks, gazebos, a large picnic area, and restrooms in Ermita Hill. One on side of the hill is a higher area on which a large cross is mounted. The government has transformed the place into a park yet maintained the greenness of the surroundings. Good job. Read More: http://tarlaquenotraveler.blogspot.com/2013/02/baler-quick-tour-breathtaking-views-at.html

Photo from: http://hellowkimmy.blogspot.com/2014/06/ermita-hill.html