Zeke Travels: Baler Part 1

 

 

 

 

 

Costa Pacifica Suite

Celebrated our 8th month anniversary in Baler. From Manila in a private vehicle it took us almost 6 hours with very minimal stops. But there are also public buses that we saw going there specifically genesis and joybus. The road going there is very zigzag, even more than Baguio's so drivers have to be extra careful specially at night.

I think it was our first long drive with Zeke just the 3 of us. And I proved that my son is really a travel bug because he was a very good baby despite the long drive. He never cried once during the trip.

We stayed at Costa Pacifica. The only 3 star hotel in the area. I think for the price this place is overrated given their level of service. The only advantage they have is that they have a  big pool so this is a must specially if you are traveling with kids since they won't really be swimming in the beach because of the waves 

Costa Pacifica Lobby

We rented a tricycle for P800.00 to tour us around Baler since we didn't want to get lost. This is Ermita Hill which offers a view of the Beach

The only thing I like about Costa Pacifica that is worth the payment is their breakfast spread.

Zeke's first tricycle ride

Rock Formation. There is also a pool here. You pay P30.00 for entrance fee and you can already use the pool

This hanging bridge is actually being used by locals as a short cut to the market but its very scenic so it became part of the tourist spot

Manuel L. Quezon's footsteps from the church to their house which is just across

The customary Baler shot

The Millenium (Balete) Tree. There are guys here that can take very creative pictures of you if you want

We did not go to the mother falls because there will be a 40 minute hike and I wasn't confident enough if I can balance with Zeke. So we settled with Caunayan Falls which is smaller but also still beautiful

The water was so clear but so cold

Here is the route that the tricycle takes.

Since we loved Baler so much, and 2 days were not enough to go around, we are coming back and this time will be staying at Aliya Surf Resort.

Applying for a US Visa for a Baby

It's fairly easy to apply for a US Visa for your child. Here's a step by step guide:

1. Make sure you fill out the DS-160 form correctly and pay the application fee. You do not need to bring your DS160 form instead they will only look for the appointment confirmation
2. Go to your appointment early. Babies still need personal appearance. Upon the entrance, the lady will give you a green slip which indicates that you are a priority since you have a baby. 
3. You will go straight to the interviews since there is priority for children. Children are also exempted from getting their fingerprints
4. A consul will interview you. In our case, I prepared employment certificate, bank statements, marriage certificate and our passports with valid US Visas. Only our passports with US Visas were requested for as well as an NSO authenticated birth certificate. 
5. The only questions the consul asked were if we were married, how long have we been married, the longest time we spent in the states, if we travel together as a family and that's it.
6. Both parents can come in the embassy as guardians.
7. You will get the visa one week after. In our case, we got it after just 3 working days. 

Viola, baby is ready to go to America!

I love his picture! Caught him smiling.