Shet, I'm twenty-eight.

No, this won't be a post about how my being twenty-eight has not fully sunk in yet, how I am a year older but still have not figured out life, how the heck I am getting to where I want to be, or how to be a proper grownup without forgetting the happy child in me.  WUW dami lang pinaghuhugutan.  Haha!  I'm really just a sucker for rhymings, hence the post title.

I spent a quiet birthday in Baler, exactly how I wished for it to be.  I can't remember celebrating my previous birthdays away from home.  But this year, I just wanted to do all the things I always crave for - be at the beach, read a book, drink a beer, play with the waves, disconnect, talk little, stare at nothingness, look at the sun set, eat good food, get decent sleep, be up in time for the sunrise.  Well, I got exactly that, and more. :)  It is definitely one of the perfect days that I have stored in my core memory.

JoyBus is a real joy.  It's still as efficient and hassle-free as it was last year when we first took it.  We were in Baler before the crack of dawn.  It was too early to check in at the hostel so we stayed at Hungry Surfer where we got front-row seats to the tickled-pink sunrise.  Kilig :)

pink skies

I planned to be selfish and keep Charlie Does Hostel a secret to the rest of the world but that would be being ungrateful to all the kindness that they've shown us.  They were extremely kind to allow my request for an early checkin (We even got upgraded to a bigger room at no additional charge!) and late checkout the next day.  They also gave me free taste to their craft beer called Baler Brew.  I never told a soul that it was my birthday and there they were treating me like a debutante! hehe Charlie Does does things nice and perfect!  Don't get me started about their cafe that serves affordable, freshly-cooked and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Garden Burger at Charlie Does Cafe

I was out into the sea, getting reacquainted with the waves of Baler before the sun set.  Estong, my surf instructor, was so patient with my questions and with teaching me the basics.  It was also fun listening to his life stories while we waited for the nice waves I could ride.  He allowed me to surf much longer than my allowed time both days that I signed up for lessons.  On our second day, I was paddling and standing up on my own with him kindly coaching and cheering on.  Ang saya!  I can't get the waves out of my head.  I can't name anything more calming than the ocean.  I hope to be back and learn even more during the surf season.

As another treat to myself, I brought a book with me on this trip.  I read everywhere and anytime I pleased.  My favorite time was in the morning of our second day, just after the sun rose.  I was alternately reading a chapter and watching the waves.  The dogs of Baler would stroll around me.  One particular dog came very close, sniffed me, probably curious about what I was reading.  They were too cute to watch roaming around like they own Sabang.  Speaking of dogs, I met Charlie Does' Justice who was a real darling.  He's a Lab who was born blind.  I felt so happy to have met him.

the early-riser dawgs

Pleasure to meet you, Justice.

a boy goofing around with the goofies

Baler gave me more reasons to visit again.  It's as lovely, if not more, than when I experienced it the first time.  From its food, to its seas, to the chill vibe, to the people!  Oh, the people.  I have a really bad memory but I'll never forget the acts of kindness and gentleness sent my way. :)

I'm also grateful to my friend Allen for tagging and going along my (lack of) itinerary.  :)

Thanks Allena!

And to God, for this life.

Cheers!