This year, I spent my 37th birthday in Baguio. Together with Johan, my parents and Johan's yaya Ate Lyda. It was the first time for Johan and my mom and the 2nd time of my dad after 44 years. He went there in 1970. Mister Santiago wasn't able to join us because of work. But it's all good. I missed him during our Baguio trip but thanks to technology, we were able to talk long and frequent during that time. It's been a while since I have been to Baguio. Last time I went there was before we got married. It's one of those long trips that made us get to know each other a little better. So on my birthday sans the Mister I came back with the little Mister in tow.
Victory Liner
We left at 4am at their terminal in Cubao via their regular aircon bus. One way costs P445. Better to reserve before your trip so you can choose your time and seat. They also accept credit cards. You can buy the return tickets in Baguio as soon as you arrive, just go to the 2nd floor to get the return tickets. The bus is on time. You have 2 stopover, one in Tarlac and the other one in Sison. You are given 15 minutes each stopover to use the comfort room, buy stuff or eat or stretch your muscle. Make sure you get the body number of the bus as there are many similar buses that park there. Strictly follow the 15-minute limit as consideration to other passengers. They have ample legroom and wider aisle. The bus is clean and the curtain surprisingly is clean also. Aircon is just right. I think buses now are more cautious with the recent accidents so I would like to assume that they maintain a certain speed limit to avoid accidents. We were never fast or the driver never reckless. It took us around 7 hrs to reach Baguio including the two 15-minute stopover.
Balai Bed & Breakfast Baguio
I wanted to have a feel of the real Baguio this time so I decided to book a house instead of a hotel. I discovered this bed & breakfast house on Trip Advisor. They are relatively new in the business. Only started last November 2013, the place is owned by the mother & daughter tandem of Rose and Tess. Rose is originally from Aklan while Tess just got her MBA from Scotland where her sister lives. It is a 4-storey house. First floor from the top is the receiving area where the sala, dining room and kitchen are located, the 2nd floor is where the Alba room and the owners' room are located. The 3rd floor is where another room for rent is located overlooking the garden. And the last floor is where a small storage room is located.
Located near Outlook Drive at the back of Baguio Townhouse, it's a short up and down the winding road walk to Outlook Drive where you can get a taxi or jeep. The personalized service of Rose and Tess made it more special. They cooked our breakfast which is included when you get the room and served them in the cutest plates and cups and saucers. As of now, they only have 2 rooms available for rent. The rooms are spacious enough for us. I particularly like the Alba room. The other room is located downstairs and big enough for 3 persons. The place is neat and clean with nifty crafts in every nook and cranny. Rose and Tess entertain their guests during breakfast and will even offer tea and biscuits during siesta. I particularly enjoy the cleanliness and orderliness of the place. You get the feeling of home away from home. We stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights. And all in all, we had a pleasant stay. I highly recommend the place if you need to get away from the busy city life and have that Baguio experience you will never forget.
My top 9 things to do and places to visit in Baguio:
1. Visit Camp John Hay
Considered as a major tourist attraction, it used to be a station for rest and recreation for personnel and families of the US Armed Forces in the Philippines. The American Residence is also inside the camp which is now used as the summer house of the US Ambassador to the Philippines. You can eat at The Filling Station, or dine at the Mile-Hi Center which also has outlet stores for big brands from the US. There are also many restaurants inside the new Baguio Ayala Technohub. You can also check out the famous Chocolate de Batirol and order their traditional tsokolate, bibingka and suman. You can also ride a horse or enjoy the cool breeze and have a picnic and spread your feast in one of the open spaces there. You can visit the Bell Ampitheater, Bell House and the Cemetery of Negativism. For the butterfly enthusiasts, they have Butterfly Garden and for those who love the thrill of adventure, they have the Tree Top Outdoor Adventure. You will never run out of things to do inside Camp John Hay either for free or at a very affordable price.
2. Eat well
Baguio is also a food haven. When in Baguio, as much as possible I try only the local restaurants. Those that is available only in Baguio. This just gives me a real Baguio experience and it makes my stay in Baguio unique. Try out local restaurants that use fresh ingredients and vegetables found in Baguio. Check out Pizza Volante (Baguio Ayala Technohub) and try their pizza and pasta and salad. The recently opened Ketchup Community (Outlook Drive in front of Wright Park) houses Canto, their special lomo ribs is the best, combine it with their Cascade salad. The tried and tested Oh My Gulay (Session Road) and order OMG Salad, Anak ng Putanesca, Chow chow pancit and Oh my gulay rice meal. Vizco's (Session Road) famous Strawberry Shortcake and Red Velvet Cake. Try their pasta and chicken meals as well. We have been to Cafe by the Ruins, O Mai Khan (which btw has a new location), and Rose Bowl. There are quite a number of only in Baguio restaurants so you will never run out of local choices. We weren't able to try this but you can check out Bliss Cafe for organic vegetarian meals (Hotel Elizabeth, Felipe corner Gibraltar Street), Star Cafe (along Session Road) considered as the oldest restaurant in Baguio, Iggy's Inn and Bonuan Seafood Restaurant (Southdrive Road), Cafe Sabel of Bencab's Museum (Asin Road), newly opened Sage (Military Cutoff Road), Mother's Garden (Upper Fairview Road, Quezon Hill Proper), Chef's Home (Outlook Drive), Happy Tummy (inside the Ketchup Community, infront of Wright Park) and Barneys Burger (near Starwood Hotel Kisad Road). Everything I mentioned is affordable and uniquely Baguio for now.
3. Ride the bike at Burnham Park
Burnham Park is at the heart of Baguio City named after the American architect and urban planner who laid the plans for the city. Burnham is also the place where people affected by the 1990 earthquake sought refuge. It has a man-made lake, picnic place, skating rink, a grand stand and football field, a children's park and an orchidarium. One of things we enjoy here is renting and riding a bike. They have all sorts of sizes and shapes and colours. My husband and my son enjoy biking so much that this is definitely our must stop. Make sure you do it late in the afternoon or perhaps early morning during summer to avoid the heat.
4. Climb the stairs to Lourdes Grotto
It was the first time for my mom and the second time for my dad. And their only wish is to visit the iconic Lourdes Grotto. Located on a high hill, you have to climb 252 steps to reach the image of Our Lady of Lourdes. You can light a candle available at the top of the stairs or you can buy it from the vendors downstairs. Pilgrims and devotees flock the grotto during Holy Week. It is something that my parents love to visit. They are both religious and devoted to the Virgin Mary.
5. Visit Tam-awan Village
The Tam-awan Village is located at Pinsao Proper. Getting there is easy if you will just ride the taxi but can also be reached via public transportation. There are jeeps plying the route. This is a model village of Ifugao houses in Baguio. The Foundation who built this wanted to show the people who haven't travelled to Cordillera region how the Ifugaos live then and now. They transported Ifugao huts and Kalinga houses and reconstructed and designed them in a traditional Cordillera Village. What is amazing in the structure is that it was built without nails or hardware but strong enough that it can last several generations. The houses are named after the areas where they come from. Visiting the place is an experience in itself. You can rent out the huts to have a total Kalinga/Ifugao experience. The village gives you a sneak peek of the Cordillera life. The climb is long and steep and slippery when wet so make sure to hold on tight and use sturdy slippers or shoes. When you get to the top, you will be rewarded with a cold breeze and the breathtaking view of Baguio and the nearby province. There are also local handicrafts and knick-knacks at the information center and a restaurant. You can also have a portrait of you and your family and friends. Sometimes they do cultural shows and exhibits. I recommend you visit it in the morning. It's worth a visit to appreciate the culture of one of the indigenous ethnic groups of the Philippines.
6. Walk up and down Session Road and cap it off with a visit to the Baguio Cathedral
Session Road is the main hub of the city of Baguio. You can find all sorts of stores and restaurants here. Passing here will give you an enormous rush as throngs of people from all walks of life will mingle and rub elbows with you literally. One of the busiest streets I have been through. For the fun of it, walk down or up Session road. Cap it off with a visit to the rose-colored Baguio Cathedral at the end of the road. One of the most photographed churches in Baguio, it was consecrated in 1936 and dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement.
7. Mines View Park
Undoubtedly one of the most if not the most popular park in Baguio. Extreme caution when walking up and down the stairs as the climb is too steep, the stairs too narrow and super slippery when wet. The observation deck will give you a sweeping view of Benguet and the mountain ranges. Try their corn and the squid when in Mines View Park. You can also rent a traditional Ifugao dress and have your picture taken wearing them. You can also have your picture taken while riding a stationary horse. You can also pose with huge dogs at the entrance for a fee of course. There are a lot of stores and canteens here. Don't forget to haggle so you can have your perfect souvenir at a bargain.
8. The Mansion and Wright Park
This is the official residence of the President of the Philippines when in Baguio. Perfect for picture-taking, they say that the main gate of the Mansion is a replica of the Buckingham Palace in London. Built in 1908, the Mansion has a mini museum of memorabilia and works of art collections by former Philippine presidents inside but which is not open to public. As this is still being used today whenever the President of the Philippines in in Baguio, strict security is maintained by a contingent of the Philippine marines. It is right across Wright Park.
While the Wright Park boasts of pine tress, park and an elogated "Pool of Pines". This is where you can ride a pony for a fee. Favorites among kids and kids-at-heart.
9. Shop til you drop at Maharlika Shopping Center and Baguio Public Market
And finally, never miss these places when in Baguio. Located right across the lower end of Session road, this is where you buy your souvenirs and pasalubongs at very reasonable prices. Just make sure you haggle before you buy anything. What we do is we compare prices first before we buy anything. Usually the prices at the opening/entrance are higher compared to those at the innermost parts of the market. You can buy cardigan, caps, strawberry, fresh produce like fruits and vegetables here. While the Maharlika Shopping Complex is where most of the dry goods are located like clothes, shoes, wood and metal carvings and native handicrafts. The basement is where the food court is located. As in many other markets, caution against pickpockets is advised. Be polite and respectful when haggling for the price.
So there you go, my Baguio must do and must places to visit. If you have time and money of course, spend it to contribute to local tourism. It gives our economy a boost, more Filipinos are getting employed and investments are growing and expanding. This is for me one way of helping our nation and enjoying as well.
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