Andrej and Martin Wisniewski: Building a paradise in Baler

MANILA, Philippines - To many, Baler, the capital town of the Province of Aurora, has always been half-cloaked in mystery. Tucked between the majestic and thickly-forested highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the pounding waves of the Pacific, it has remained largely secluded and protected from the incursion of mainstream tourists and travelers. Facing the country’s Eastern seaboard, Baler’s main coastlines and beaches are known largely to intrepid surfers in search of a big kahuna to ride and master. In fact, it has become a customary must-visit for lovers of the sport.

“We’re very passionate about the place because its geography and landscape have somehow isolated it from the main tourist tracks. So Baler still holds a lot of interesting features that need to be discovered. It has a lot of potential so we’re excited about the rise of Costa Pacifica in Sabang Beach,” says Andrej Wisniewski, the affable vice president of The Raintree Hospitality Group.

The Raintree Hospitality Group has distinguished itself for conceptualizing, developing, managing and operating luxury concept hotels in some of the country’s premier tourist destinations. It is the marketing and operating arm behind highly successful developments like Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Discovery Country Suites — the charming bed and breakfast in Tagaytay, and Discovery Shores Boracay — the island resort’s chicest address.

Andrej admits that Costa Pacifica, once finished, will follow its own distinctive character. The architecture, interior design, feel and look of the hotel are intended to celebrate a laidback spirit — one that puts forward a feeling of, in his own words, “barefoot luxury.” This refreshing concept will be utilized in the hotel’s 106 guest rooms, main public areas and function rooms.

 â€œThe concept behind Costa Pacifica really stems from Baler’s natural ruggedness and the friendly vibes of the people. It is also inspired by the mystique of the surfing cultures, whose most avid followers have helped put Baler on the tourist map and who have also helped shape the mindset of the locals. Costa Pacifica reflects that easygoing lifestyle by combining modern amenities and features with organic details,” he explains.

Tasked to bring to life and interpret these two seemingly opposing design influences — modern and indigenous — is renowned architect Ed Calma. In the design blueprint, Costa Pacifica will follow clean, architectural lines using local wood species and found materials such as native stones and fibers.

Stylized renditions of pakô (native wild fern which is widely consumed in Baler as salad or stewed in coconut milk) will be imprinted on the walls of the rooms as a recurring design scheme. Backboards will be mounted with colorful sabutan, the local art of weaving, to lend a visual point of interest of subtle exoticism inside the rooms.

Like any Raintree development, exclusively designed food and drinks are a major come-on to make Costa Pacifica a truly enjoyable experience. In the works are three different food and beverage outlets designed to give guests a taste of classic surfers’ favorites, Baler’s homegrown cuisine, and selections of superb catches from the sea. Overseeing the development of the restaurants and the menus in Costa Pacifica’s F&B outlets is the vice president for Raintree Restaurants Martin Wisniewski.

“In as far as flavors are concerned, we are looking for inspirations from different famous beach destinations such as Hawaii, California, Bali and a lot more, to give guests a wide range of choices from a variety of international flavors. We intend to serve an eclectic array of flavors, ambience and sensations to make Costa Pacifica a friendlier destination,” he says.

The Beach House, a handsome wooden pavilion facing the Pacific, will carry a laidback design concept and homey atmosphere to give guests the feeling of being invited to someone’s nice beach house. The menu will list a host of grilled items and pica pica. “Basically we’ll be serving quality food that’s a twist on traditional and well-loved beach food.

There will be infusions of Hawaiian, California and Bali influences,” adds Martin.

A more intimate setting is the bar, which will serve alcohol-infused drinks. Weekends offer a “sunset session” with DJ music, playing mostly world music, chill “and a little bit of everything to give off an eclectic feel.”

Tucked beneath towering trees and hemmed by flowering hedges is Café Rosa — a charming and quiet restaurant designed for quiet dinners by candlelight. “Café Rosa’s brick and wood architecture makes it an ideal nighttime venue for romantic dinners and late snacks. Here, we’ll serve the native delicacies of Baler and distinctive cuisines from Northern Luzon. We will also have Filipino-Spanish dishes such as paella and cocido,” Martin expounds.

While Costa Pacifica is being built to provide the best accommodation in Luzon’s Eastern coastline, the management behind the luxurious hotel also sees it as the most ideal jump-off point to the many attractions of Baler and the entire province of Aurora. “Baler is probably the best weekend getaway because it offers a lot in terms of culture, food and natural attractions in one compact town. Those who want to put a spin on their vacation should visit Baler,” says Martin.

“And with Costa Pacifica providing the best home-away-from-home in Baler, the experience becomes a real pleasurable discovery — of a province, a culture and a natural beauty that is distinctively Baler,” adds Andrej.

For information, call 0917-8536040, 576-4555 or 576-5000, e-mail caguilar@costapacificaraintree.com or visit www.costapacificaraintree.com. 

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Bahia de Baler is located at Buton Street, Sabang, Baler, Aurora.  Sabang Beach is a few minutes away from the Baler town proper and about 230 kms northeast of Manila.