PLACES TO VISIT: BAGUIO CITY – An Escapade.

I like to travel. The idea of escaping the smog that seems to cloud my home in the city practically haunts me every day. So, it was awesome when my Aunt asked my sisters and I to go to Baguio.

I woke up around 3:00 am. I was done by 4:30 am. We left the house around 5:15 am. And then we travel to the Summer Capital of the Philippines. We took the Kennon Road and was blessed enough to survive that long and winding road. We arrived at the hotel by 1:00 PM, checked-in and then had lunch.

We stayed at Mines View Park Hotel. Good thing we were the first one who arrived at the hotel. It was a good place to spend your vacation. After resting for a couple of minutes, we headed out to explore the coldest city in this country. 

Mines View Park Hotel

The facade of Mines View Park Hotel. We stayed at the second floor. 

We get this view everyday. 

FIRST DAY:

BOTANICAL GARDEN

When we arrived at the garden, there were a few construction workers at the site. I believed they were doing some renovations at the garden, because what I saw when I got there, seriously, a lot of things needed to be fixed. In spite of the cement, woods, and unfinished buildings that made up the façade, I liked the name of the attraction that was well-carved in stones. There were also some natives outside of the garden, ready to take some pictures with you. But I’m warning you, do not be fooled by their clothes, or their looks, because these natives… they go with the times. They strike a ‘peace’ sign every single time they face the camera. Thanks to the Koreans, we got the coolest natives.

There was no proper signage on where to enter, only a sign board with a red paint saying ‘Here’s to Botanical Garden’. But what the heck, there were some renovations.

Once you get inside, I found out what the fuss was all about. Botanical Garden is really a place to visit. The flowers, the pine trees, the view plus the cold, calming weather made a perfect paradise. Take some pictures, sit on some stones surrounding what looked like a showground and smell the scent of perfection you can only get in Baguio Botanical Park. 

 WRIGHT PARK

 

Next stop is the Wright Park.  It was beautiful. There were only a few people at the time we got there. And we were the only one who got the wheels. So, there’s abundance in parking space. I can only imagine what this place looked like during peak season. But luck was on our side that day.

Pine trees, flowers, cold weather. What do you expect from a park?

The moment you got out of your car, though, the smell of horse dung would hit you, square in the face. Take a few strides, and you’d reach the steps leading to the Riding Park. Surely, you’d get this ‘AHH! Horses, they’re so adorable. I wanna ride one!’ reaction. But I was not as thrilled as the other tourists in the area. I stared at the horses, and I feel their pain. Horses are children of the wild, so forgive me if I question this in a way most people would not like. And you have to believe me when I say that I love horses, I just didn't like the state they were in. All bridled, malnourished with sad eyes, they deserve to be free. I do not hate the people that own those horses. I’m sure they’re only doing their jobs. I’m also sure that that was their only source of income. So, who the hell am I to talk, right? But if that thing goes to trial, I’d side with the horses in a heartbeat. Not because I pity them, but because I know what it feels like to be imprisoned in a world that was designed for you to be free. 

THE MANSION

Luckily, this attraction was right in front of Wright Park. It’s big. It’s white. It’s a mansion. I took a photo but that’s it. I was really bummed we were not allowed to get inside; no one was in there anyway. Seriously, Malacañang Palace used to be open to the public. But I kept my cool, not only because I am an educated person, but also because I did not want to make the armed guards at the gate mad. They were not the kind you mess with. Oh, and did I say they were armed? Yeah. 

BAGUIO CATHEDRAL

Next on our list was the Baguio Church. And there were a lot of people there, and a very few parking spaces. But I couldn't deny that the church was beautiful. 

THE KETCHUP FOOD COMMUNITY

One of the greatest things about traveling is that you get to eat. A lot. You have the excuse to do so because you are traveling, anyway. So, I suggested that we go to this place called The Ketchup Food Community. I read some articles about this and they suggested that this is a place to go to. The articles were right.

This food place offers different cuisines. If you are in the mood for some Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, American or the classic Filipino cookeries, do not worry, they have them all. Once you get inside, you’d see that there are different restaurants that would cater your cravings. You can choose what you like, or you can try them all. Because what the heck, they are only a few steps away from each other. But on our case, we opted to try the classic Filipino cuisines. The food’s great: the taste and the large servings would really make you wish you’re not on a diet. The place with wooden chairs and tables, and warm light was admirable. And the service was good as well. 

SECOND DAY:

If you really want to experience Baguio in an extraordinary way, you have to get out of your way to see it. Like, a few hundred kilometers  out of your way. Since we were staying at the Mines View Park Hotel, we had to travel a long way to reach La Trinidad, Benguet. And believe me when I say it was worth traveling for. 

WOODCARVER’S VILLAGE

The road to this place was quite steep. So, please be careful. Anyway, the village was consists of a straight line of houses that sell woodcarvings. We visited one named as Mondiguing’s Woodcraft. And the owner told us that it was actually where Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo shot a part of the movie ‘One More Try’. Cool, huh? The most amazing thing about this place is the kinds of wood they sell: from the smallest kind to the largest, from the cheapest woods to the most expensive ones. If you are into wood collection, this is the place you go to. You can get a very good woodcraft at a very cheap price. 

BENCAB MUSEUM

Another tourist spot that is way out of the city is the famous BenCab Museum. It is one of the most awesome museums in the country. It houses our National Artist Ben Cabrera’s art collection in a four-level building. This is where he lives and where his actual works are being displayed for the public to see. There were also some works of art by some contemporary artists in the country that can be found here.

           

            Reference: http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE

This is the place I would go to whenever I want to experience the old Baguio. But I must warn you, a good amount of energy, a big bottle of water, and an exploratory mind are needed for this adventure. The entrance fee may be cheap but the place is worth a thousand times more.

Tam-awan Village in Pinsao Proper, Baguio City uniquely blends indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Cordilleran craftsmanship with an artist’s concept for a village adapting to Baguio setting. It now has seven Ifugao huts and two Kalinga houses. Using the original materials and adding only new cogon roofs, traditional artisans reconstructed the houses and laid them out resembling the design of a traditional Cordillera Village.

            Reference:  http://www.tam-awanvillage.com/

STRAWBERRY FARM

The Strawberry Farm is one of the must-see places in Baguio. What is a Baguio experience without the strawberries, right?

The farm is located in a nearby town in La Trinidad, Benguet. It is a vast amount of land that grows strawberries, flowers and vegetables. If you wouldn’t be contented with just looking at the strawberries, you can go ahead and pick them yourself. You just have to pay Php300/kilo. You’d have a guide that’d give you the number of baskets you’d like and they’ll also tell you how to properly pick the sweetest strawberries you can ever find. It’s totally worth it. 

CEMETERY OF NEGATIVITY, Camp John Hay

Otherwise known as ‘The Lost Cemetery’ or ‘Pet Cemetery’ is one of the famous sites found within the Historical Core. Designed by then Base Commander John Hightower, the Cemetery of Negativism is the symbolic burial place of negativism, said to be man’s greatest self-imposed infliction, his most limiting factor, and his heaviest burden. As you walk along the path and read and be amused by the epitaphs, you will leave the negativities in the hill and remember to be more positive for the rest of your life.

            Reference: http://www.jhmc.com.ph

BELL HOUSE LIBRARY MUSEUM, Camp John Hay

This attraction was named in honour of Gen. Franklin Bell and is currently maintained by John Hay Management Corporation. This area forms part of the Historical Core and is originally the vacation quarters of the Commanding General of the Philippines.

            The house was a beautiful imitation of a typical American house. It has a wraparound porch, a fireplace, a large living room, dining area and bedrooms. I really had fun exploring the mansion, and I know you would, too. 

 BELL AMPHITHEATRE, Camp John Hay

This structure was designed by and named in honor of General J. Franklin Bell. It serves as an engineering marvel, allowing for good acoustics and is an excellent venue for concerts and other performances. It’s capable of seating four thousand people and since it is an amphitheatre, even a whisper can be heard by everybody. It has the most beautiful flowers arranged in a way that’ll make you think you are in paradise. It’s no wonder this site offers a perfect backdrop for all occasions.

Reference: http://www.jhmc.com.ph

 STARBUCKS COFFEE, Camp John Hay

Nothing can beat a cold calming weather than a perfectly brewed coffee added with a little bit of carbs. This branch of Starbucks is located within Camp John Hay, surrounded by pine trees and clean surroundings. Once you enter the coffee shop, you’d see a fireplace that can heat up the entire place in an instant. The smell of coffee, the welcoming attitude of the staff, great company and the wonderful view make one of those little great things in life. 

ZEN’S RESTAURANT

We went back to our hotel and decided to eat dinner at Zen’s Restaurant instead. The resto was located near the lobby of the hotel. The food was good and appetizing. The place was elegant enough to attract customers. One thing I don’t like, though, was the coffee. 

THIRD DAY:

MINES VIEW PARK

One of the luxuries if you are staying in Mines View Park Hotel is that it is only a few meters away from one of the most visited attractions in Baguio – Mines View Park itself.

It has an observation deck that will show you a breath taking panoramic view of Benguet’s gold and copper mines as well as the surrounding mountains. It is a remarkable sight to see and only proves that it is one of the attractions that should not be missed when you visit Baguio.

At the entrance to the park are stalls selling native handicraft such as wood carvings, locally made products and a variety of items. Also one of the charming residents of the park is a popular and very friendly Saint Bernard named ‘King’. You can take some pictures with one of the three St. Bernards in the country for only Php10.

            Reference: http://www.cityofpines.com/minesviewpark.html

GOOD SHEPHERD

A few meters away from the park is the Good Shepherd Convent.  It is popularly known for the different products made by the nuns and are sold at the store. Among the most sought items are fruit preserves, strawberry, cashew, peanut brittle, coco jam, lengua de leche and the most popular ube jam. It may be the last stop for the tourists before you leave Baguio. 

We stayed in Baguio for 3 days, and 2 nights. Although, we had a very limited time, it was still worth every single moment. I know I still have a lot of attractions to visit but for now, i'm contented with what we've experienced. Maybe next time I visit the coldest city in the country, i'd be able to explore every tourist destination there is. 

01.26.2013 @ Baguio City, Philippines