First time to bring our dependable Honda City and first time for Mr. Santiago to drive this long.
We left Manila at around 11am and traversed NLEX - SCTEX - TPLEX straight to Manaoag, Pangasinan
where Our Lady of Manaoag Church is located. We have been here a couple of times before but this was the first time we were with our son. Every time we visit this church, we have some kind of wishes which all came true if you truly believe. Parking is plenty and because it was on a weekday, there were not too many devotees at that time. We heard mass and bought some religious relics which we asked the priest to bless.
After that, we had our stopover at Sison, the place where Victory Liners' buses stopped before Baguio.We used to stop here when we ride Victory Liner. We love their barbeque and grilled hotdogs. It took us around 30 minutes to finish our short siesta and stretching then off we went to Baguio.
From here, you can choose to take Kennon Road (which is a little steep, with narrow and winding roads but can take you to Baguio in less than an hour) or you can take the Marcos Highway (which has bigger roads, and more safer routes but can take you to Baguio in more than an hour). Since it's the first time for all of us to drive this long and since it was already dark, we decided to take the safer route which is the Marcos Highway. Just a disclaimer, we're saying that Kennon Road is not safe, it's just steeper and roads are narrower so I would suggest if you are a skilled driver and can maneuver with ease, then go for it.
Around two hours later, we arrived Baguio with no booked hotel or transient house reserved, we thought we can find one considering that the people are all in awe of the Pope and we thought they were all in Manila to see him. But we thought wrong, because it was a declared holiday, everyone I mean I felt like everyone went to Baguio during that time.
There were no available rooms at all. We scoured the areas where there were hotels but to no avail. But with faith, we tried some hotels along Marcos Highway and we found one small dormitory room good for two persons.
We had no choice but to squeeze in four persons on a bed made for two only.
The most important thing is it's safe and clean and there is water and bed and we're together.
The next day we woke up early and searched and found a hotel near Session Road.
It was tiring and crowded but it was worth it. No matter where we are, as long as we are together, everything is ok.
Where we went:
Our Lady of Manaoag Church
Where all your wishes come true. This church is known to answer prayers and petitions through the intercession of our blessed Lady. Miraculously granting even the toughest requests for those who have even the tiniest faith. But to those who truly believe, no matter where you are, if it's God's will, He will grant it. Going here is a breeze. The roads are paved and smooth. The directions and signs are easy to understand and follow. It's a long road ahead but the views are relaxing and devoid of the urban vibe. This is located at Milo Street, Manaoag, Pangasinan.
From TPLEX, we went out of Urdaneta Exit (I think this is the last exit in TPLEX)
Then we passed by Urdaneta City, Pozorrubio, Binalonan then Manaoag.
The church which was recently elevated to Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag was also honoured by the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome with a special bond of spiritual affinity in perpetuity, the first and the only church in the Philippines to have been given
the title 'affiliate' of one of the papal basilicas.
The church is old but recently painted. You can buy relics and other religious items in the area surrounding the church and have it blessed by the priest every after mass.
This place is special to me and Mr. Santiago. We have always been blessed by our Lady and we were happy that we were able to share it with our son. I hope he creates his own special memories here.
Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad
We went here just for the experience. Baguio has and always will be the place to be to get the freshest, sweetest strawberries. It was near Baguio City, around 30-45 minutes depending on the traffic. At that time, it was super traffic so it took us around an hour to get there. They have a big parking lot at the entrance but the walk to the farm is long so I suggest you park near the market area so you won't have to walk that long. The place is full of vendors: strawberry vendors, fruits and vegetable vendors, taho and ice cream strawberry vendors and a lot more. Prices of strawberry picking at the time we went there is P500 per kilo. You pick your strawberry and pay P500 for a kilo. Prices of fruits and vegetables are lower here compared to the Baguio market but if you are buying only a few items, I suggest you just go to the market. As I've said, we just went here for the experience. We didn't try the picking because it was too expensive but we went to the strawberry field and saw where they get all that strawberries. The place is a little chaotic and everything seemed expensive here. I think that's the price to pay for being famous now. I just hope they can preserve a little more of what it used to be for the future generations.
Baguio Cathedral
It has been our tradition that we always hear mass here whenever we visit Baguio. Considered as one of the most photographed churches in the country, it's been a famous landmark at the end of the equally famous Session Road. It was the feast of Santo Nino at that time so kids have a special blessing from the priest.
Where we ate:
Cafe by the Ruins Dua
This is the second branch of Cafe by the Ruins. This branch has no ruins but bigger and newer. Located at the Upper Session Road right beside Mario's, it's more spacious so they can accommodate more people here. We had our breakfast here as we always do whenever we visit Baguio. Yes the price is expensive and the food is not really to die for but it's ok for the experience and the tradition. We ordered their giant pandesal with fish roe pate, omelet with the traditional sticky Baguio rice, chicken arrozcaldo for my son, suman with caramel sauce, and french toast with bacon. All yummy and filling. Service was fast and satisfying. Staff are nice and friendly.
Canto
This is the not-so-new but somehow younger restaurants in Baguio that are gaining a lot of buzz. Canto is part of the Ketchup Food Community located along Romulo drive. It is a new restaurant concept featuring startup Baguio-based businesses, locally owned food establishments with simple outdoor dining, but with good food, ambiance and distinctive architecture adding delight to the whole dining experience. There are four other restaurants in the area: the Thai-themed Happy Tummy, Indo-Malay Rumah Sate, Western-themed Green Pepper and Filipino-themed Rancho Norte. During its early days where there are less people and they are not yet famous, I have eaten here and tried their bestseller. Bestseller would mean their famous lomo ribs with cascade salad. It was really yummy and tender and flavorful. And the most important thing is it's cheap, big servings and really fall-off-the-bones yummy. We waited for almost three hours just to eat there. It was super peak season so it was expected. Last time I went there, there were no lines. The service was really slow, because the place was packed to the rim. The staff were friendly and they were really trying their best to accommodate everyone but to no avail. I think that part can be improved though. All in all, it's value for money, great-tasting food and really worth the time and money.
Iggy's Inn and Bonuan Seafood Restaurant
We had our lunch/merienda here. This is located along South Drive and I think you will pass by this place when going to Mines View Park. We ordered their specialty - the boneless bonuan bangus and their other specialties kare-kare, sinigang and salad. They were all good. The place is a little bit old but very homey. It's like eating inside your home away from home in Baguio. Prices are a little on the expensive side but because the servings are good for 3-4 persons, it is ok. Service is a little slow but tolerable. Staff are nice and accommodating and friendly.
Where we stayed:
El Cielito Inn
There was no other hotel room available at that time so we had to take a chance and try every hotel we passed by to check if they have available rooms already. Miraculously, El Cielito Inn has one recently vacated. Although it is pricey, we have no choice but to take it. Good thing it comes with buffet breakfast. The hotel is quite old but the lobby is nice and clean. The receptionists are very warm and accommodating and fast. We were booked at the 2nd floor facing the street. Surprisingly, the room has aircon which we didn't use because it was cold during that time. The room is ok but can still be improved, carpet is a little worn out, furniture can be updated, bed is soft, big and very comfortable, bathroom is really in need of a facelift. Other than that, everything is ok. Wifi is really strong all throughout our stay. I like the quilted comforter and the color scheme suits me. Breakfast is limited but filling. I think they have a selection of great-tasting bread and cakes but we weren't able to try it. Perhaps next time. Checking out is also fast and efficient. Parking is ample and relatively safe. They have on in front of the lobby and another one on the side of the road. It's very near Session Road and there's a convenience store near the inn that is open until 11pm. The restaurant is open until 11pm and they have a band playing every night (not sure though). Room service is 24 hours though we didn't try it. The price as I have said is a little expensive for the place. But it's peak season so you just gotta get it. Maybe during off season or if they have promos, we will go back and stay.
