It was around late November of 2011 when I was invited to attend one of MNP's staff manager's wedding in Baguio. We weren't yet close during that time but eventually Mon tagged along. So yeah. Haha. :) We boarded a Victory Liner Bus in Pasay headed to Baguio 12am of December 29. If I am not mistaken, the bus fare was around Php350-Php450 for one way trip. I can't really remember the exact figures but you can inquire by reaching them on the contact numbers posted on their site: http://www.victoryliner.com/.
Sleepyhead while waiting for our bus.
The long, butt-sore inducing drive took about 7-8 hours. There were stopovers at Tarlac and another province I know nothing about because I was deeply asleep by that time. Hihi.
TOUCHDOWN BAGUIO!!
The chilly morning breeze welcomed us sweetly. After getting off the bus, we saw a taho vendor across the street, exactly on the fx/taxi stand.
MUST TRY #1: STRAWBERRY TAHO
In the Philippines, taho (sweetened soy bean curd) is a very famous street food breakfast delicacy. The usual mix would be soy bean curd, caramel syrup and sago (tapioca pearls) but since Baguio is known for the fresh and delicious strawberries, they also sell Strawberry taho (soy bean curd with strawberry syrup and preserves). Since I haven't seen any taho vendor in Manila who sells strawberry taho, I took the chance to try it. It was yummy as expected! However, I appreciate my strawberries more on my loaf bread. Hihi. :)
Strawberry Taho - Php 20
After finishing our tahos, we went straight to Upper Scout Barrio to head to the transient house we rented for our entire stay. The main transportation in Baguio are jeepneys and taxi cabs. Flag down for taxi cabs are Php 10 lower than the usual flag down here in Manila.
Manong taxi driver.
My work friends found the transient house we stayed in over the net. Not sure if Sulit.com or other buy and sell sites. As far as I can remember, we paid around Php 2.5k-3k for 2 nights. One room for the first night and two rooms on the second night. We were around 10 in the group so the price seemed fair enough.
Both rooms had a twin bed and additional mats that we requested. Each room can accommodate 6 heads at the most.
Each room has a cable tv, ceiling fan and cabinets. There are two common restrooms on the far left (facing the rooms), both well-maintained, and a kitchen on the far right (facing the rooms), just below the stairs. Outside the rooms are plants, trees and more trees. Lol. And also the view of the mountains. :)
Too focused on the TV show.
There's no time to waste so we went on and tried to go around Baguio City. Since it was too early and SM Baguio was still closed, we grabbed some breakfast at Jollibee. (I know right. We came all the way to Baguio for Jollibee. Lol.)
SM Baguio is, unlike all other SM malls all over Philippines, is well-ventilated by Baguio's cold breeze. Nothing much to see, though. Its just a typical mall. :)
Penguins at SM's Winter Wonderland.
...and more penguins!
Somewhere in SM Baguio.
Lunch time! We had to try something new in Baguio. Chin told us we should try out 50's Diner, which has 2 branches in Baguio. One is located at Military Cuff Road and the other one at Upper Gen. Luna Road. corner Brent Road. We visited both branches, one for lunch on our first day and the other for breakfast on our 2nd day along with the whole pack.
MUST TRY #2: 50's DINER
The ambiance was, of course, based on the 50's. The place was so retro and the colors and interiors were soothing to the eyes. Not fancy but definitely a great place for a good meal. The waiters and waitresses were wearing white sailor uniforms which are very cute to look at.
The food served there was simple, affordable and definitely large servings!
Chocolate Ice Cream shake for the win!
Baguio is also famous for their one-day old chick street food. For those who loves to try exotic food, you may wanna grab a stick and try this one. (I've tried it once when I was a kid, never dared to try it again cos I feel bad for the chicks, you know. Heee.)
Uncooked one-day old chicks.
Where to go in Baguio?
MINES VIEW PARK
The park gives you a bigger view of the nature and the mountains. Also, you'll find a lot of food and random stuff vendors inside. There are also "photo booths" with St. Bernard dogs and horses, all of which had accessories and/or hair color.
BURNHAM PARK
Said to be the heart of Baguio city. You will find a lake in the middle of Burnham Park with boats you can rent to kill time and experience the lake. There is also a football field on one of its far sides.
SESSION ROAD
If you are a thrift shopper, be sure to drop by the three-story establishment filled with nothing but a lot of thrift shops. Btw, when I said three-stories, it doesn't really go up but instead it goes the other way 'round. Be sure to remove your jacket since it gets hotter as you go down the floors. :)
BAGUIO CITY MARKET
You can't leave Baguio without getting treats and pasalubong for your loved ones. You can find all sorts of stuff here. From fresh veggies, fruits, household stuff and packed goods. Be sure not to be so impulsive in buying goods. Make sure that you survey the prices of the items (and the quality, of course) per store before you purchase them. Some vendors tend to overprice.
Since we had limited time, we didn't get to go around much. For a complete list of tourist attractions, you can check it out here: http://www.gobaguio.com/attractions.html.
Other facts:
HAUNTED TOURS
Baguio is also known for its rich history and the haunted places all over the city. The owner of the transient house we stayed in organizes haunted tours.
NIGHTLIFE
Doesn't mean that Baguio City lies on the northern side of Luzon that it can't be alive at night. My colleagues went to a club named Nevada after the reception while some of us went straight back to the transient house and slept. Hahaha :)
PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL
Baguio's Flower Festival which is celebrated every February. According to one article I saw over the net, Panagbenga 2013 serves as the festival's 18th year and this would mean bigger surprises and more festivity! I haven't been in any Panagbenga Festival from the previous years but I'm hoping I can make it next year. :)
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