Balete Drive
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Balete Drive is a street located in New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines. It is known for apparitions of a white lady and haunted houses which were built during the Spanish Era (1800s). New Manila has an abundance of balete trees, which, according to legend, is a favorite spot of wandering spirits and other paranormal beings. Paranormal experts believe that the white lady was raped by Japanese soldiers during the Second World War, which differs from the movie (see below). Witnesses of the white lady, advise motorists to avoid the street at night, especially if they are alone. If it is necessary to travel the route, they advise that backseat of the car is fully occupied and that no one should look back or look in any mirrors. The apparition wears a night gown, has long hair but has no face or one covered with blood.
[edit] Location
The intersection of Balete Drive is between Aurora Boulevard, a few blocks away from Gilmore Avenue and St. Paul University. The east side exits near St. Luke's Medical Center and the west side exits near GMA-7 and Tomas Morato Avenue, one of the night-life centers of the city. The central intersection of Aurora Boulevard is the EDSA-Cubao shopping center built in the 1970's.
[edit] Movie
Hiwaga sa Balete Drive (Mystery on Balete Drive) is a Filipino movie that was filmed in 1988. The white lady was played by Zsa Zsa Padilla. In the story, she died in the Spanish Era but her spirit keeps on searching for her undying love. Some of the scenes were filmed on location on Balete Drive. The movie is frequently shown in Halloween specials on the Filipino TV broadcasters ABS-CBN, Cinema One and TFC.