Sonny Angara: Surf's up in Aurora

MANILA, Philippines - You see a band of soldiers surfing the high and violent waves, struggling desperately to dodge the attacks from the war choppers of their enemy, persistently buzzing around them. You feel the power, drama, and quick pace of the scenario. And you hear Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries playing in the background.

Why does this scene seem so familiar? Congressman Sonny Angara, Representative of the lone district of Aurora, is the person who can best answer that: “The scene is the most famous surfing scene in movie history. Filmed in Aurora, Baler, at Charlie’s Point, it was the setting for the film Apocalypse Now on the Vietnam War.”

Thanks to director Francis Ford Coppola and his crew, who left their surfboards behind after shooting Apocalypse Now, the locals at Aurora were able to use them and try out surfing themselves. And this is how Aurora was christened as the birthplace of Philippine surfing.

Aside from the famous Charlie’s Point, there are many other surfing points to check out at Aurora. The Sabang Beach is best for beginners, and the Cemento Beach is for the experienced — the place where surfers from all over the world compete for the annual International Aurora Surfing Cup. In addition, lying off the coast are the coral-rich islands of Dimadimalangat, Aniao, and Lukso-Lukso.

With so much of these much-talked- about surfing destinations at Aurora, you’ll certainly want to try and have a go at the waves yourself.

Even the Congressman of Aurora couldn’t help himself: “Even though I knew that surfing is a very challenging and demanding sport, I tried it myself, and I have to admit that I am still very much a beginner,” Angara confesses. “Surfing, which is actually a core workout, requires you to have a strong upper body to paddle out to sea, and a good lower body to balance on the board,” he says of his experience.

“But of course, the strenuous cardiovascular exercise you’ll get out of surfing is worth it,” he concludes. “However, if surfing really isn’t your thing, there’s still so much more in store for you at Aurora,” Angara says.

“Aurora is blessed with many natural tourist attractions—its waterfalls, beaches, historic places, lush green mountains, and blue ocean waters are stunning, as are the green country pastures and farmlands,” Angara shares. “And what’s remarkable about these places is that most of these natural attractions remain untainted — simply nature at its best.”

Aurora also houses tourist destinations that are considered must-sees for visitors. The Baler Catholic Church, for one, is an architectural masterpiece built during the time of the Spaniards. At the Balate Park, you will find the 600-year-old, 60-meter balete tree named as the official Millennium Tree of the Philippines. The Banju Springs, meanwhile, will provide you an extraordinary and refreshing experience of overflowing spring water.

True enough, Aurora is rich in natural wealth and historical background. “The innate charm of Aurora drives me to continuously make efforts to push for the place as the next tourist destination,” says Angara. “I’d like to develop the potential of Aurora so that others can experience for themselves the breathtaking beauty of the place.”