Keep Cool in the Philippines

A place where Pine Trees grow tall, a culture mix of both western and ethnic - rich, colorful, and mystique. There are still places in Baguio that boasts of its Ifugao heritage showing off its weaves and knits, food and festivals, dance, and drama. But most of Baguio is now influenced by American culture what with the more than 40 years of existence of the American base. An inexpensive yet memorable place

Ahh, Baguio... what more can you ask for? When you live in a tropical country like I do, just the climate of Baguio during the cold months of December, January, and February is a treat on its own. Add to these the spots which might interest the not so adventurous city slicker. Top of my family's list is the strawberry fields in the La Trinidad valley where one gets to pick his own strawberry's right out of the plantation. But you don't just get to see the strawberries. Look around and you'll find fresh vegetables ready to be harvested or get to choose from the small stalls that line the entrance to almost half the dirt road of the farm. Next, just because you are in the area, pass by the Benguet State University where you find delicacies that are developed right there. For the garden-loving folks, the university has a garden where they sell seedlings and mature decorative, medicinal and other plants. As you move on towards La Trinidad, you may want to pass by the flower farms to pick flowers (what else?). As you go back to the city, try visiting the mines view park which is at a cliff to take a breath-taking and scenic view of the rock formations and its surrounding areas where little boys dangerously wait and search for coins that tourists throw for them.

Perhaps to me, Baguio will always be Baguio - a place where my family (my parents and brothers, and now my own family) we will always go back to to enjoy and be together to build memories we can cherish.

Quick Tips:

when in Baguio, Never (and I mean NEVER) forget to go to these places: Mines view park, burnham park, Grotto, Camp John Hay (for the adventurous, try the nature trail which is about 1 or 2 kms and have breakfast there!) which has a beautiful hotel called the Manor, The Mansion (which is the summer residence of the President of the Philippines), the Cathedral, The Strawberry field in La Trinidad, and the Export processing Zone (to find export overruns at its cheapest). Don't forget to pass by Narda's to get your souvenirs and the Good Shepherd to buy your ube and strawberry jams plus their angel cookies which are certainly made in heaven. Teachers camp, Botanical Garden, Wright Park are among the places not to be missed either. These places are like the trademarks of Baguio. You've not been to Baguio if you hadn't seen them. The best of Baguio, to me, is seen experientially featured at the Tam-awan Village which is a reconstruction of an Ifugao tribe built by Baguio best artist - Ben Cabrera. Activities to be had are have your sketches done by local artists, hiking, view the Ifugao huts (the last few remaining in the whole country). There's a coffee shop where you can buy good Benguet coffee. Also, if you're interested, they sell native musical instruments like the nose flute and the kubling. There are many cultural dances free for public viewing in the parks. Try to find one that would fit your schedule. As a treat for children over 10 years old, the Balatoc mines would be a good place to go to. This is an actual mining cave which features real blasting and the visitors get a first hand experience on gold mining. Be ready to get wet though.

Best Way To Get Around:

I find that the best way to reach Baguio is to ride the Victory Bus Line. For less than 500 pesos one way (I think it's about 400 php), you get a good and safe trip as the drivers know the roads even with their eyes closed. Not only that, these experienced "pilots" know exactly what to do and where to go during a landslide or an almost-zero visibility which is not uncommon in Baguio. If you dare, you can rent a car and drive your way to Baguio. If you do decide to take this option, take the Marcos highway. This route is not too steep and is by far the best and safest way to head up. If you want a really scenic route, take the Naguillan Road. But beware, it can be slippery and dangerous on a foggy or rainy day.

 

When in Baguio, the best way to get around the city is to hail a cab (the fx/auv type). Not only do the drivers know where to go, most of them are courteous and more often than not will not shortchange you unless you give them a tip. As an added treat, for no additional cost, these guys serves too as your tourist guide. When you find one, I suggest you don't let them go without letting you see the place. But be generous enough to give them a tip and maybe a snack when you have one. After all, we'd like to keep the treasures the way they are - treasures, that is.

Lately, the Asian Spirit Airlines has been plying the Manila-Baguio-Manila route. But, for me, you either ride the bus or bring your own vehicle to get there.

If you have a big party or are trying to cut down on expenses, you may wish to rent a house. Check with Gigi (at www.afineplace.com or call her at +63 (917) 6286792) if they have a property that suites to your requirement. Chances are that she'd have one for you. Judging from their website, they have all kinds of properties that range from the affordable ordinary houses, to ones that have pool tables, basketball courts, large garages, barbecue pits, etc. You have to call or reserve way before. Properties are kept in such a good condition that visitors like going back and staying there so places run out quickly.

We had a chance to rent one of these properties. I only needed a place for 5 persons. But because she couldn't provide me with one just enough for us, she let me use a three-bedroom, fully-furnished house which could actually accommodate about 15 to 20 persons! The house was just about 10 minutes away from the Baguio City proper along one of the highways (I forget which ones) which means it is easily accessible yet far enough not to be bothered by heavy traffic nor the pollution brought about by the numerous vehicles that invade the city.

One good thing I noticed was that the house was kept in a very good and clean shape. In the three days we stayed there, I had not seen a single crawler (ant, cockroach or any bug).

Believe me, the place is worth every centavo you spend. Visit their website at www.afineplace.com and see for yourself.

You might want to read my other blog at http://pinas-et-al.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-good-is-afineplacecom.html. I've given them a good rating because I really am happy with their service.

In Baguio, good Caesar salad can be found at Mario's. The place is found along Session Road, which is the main street in Baguio. The restaurant is decorated such that you feel you are in a nice log cabin with a Christmas-y fireplace, perhaps because it's always in December when I'm there. There's enough room to be cozy, but not be able to hear what the people in the next table are talking about. The staff wait on you like they have no one else to serve but you, talk about service par excellence.
What other things to eat there? Well, there's lengua, the mango flambe', steak, paella, and other food that will make your mouth water. I love Mario's. It's just too expensive for the average Filipino which is why not too many people dine there. I just hope the dwindling popularity doesn't close it down.

My favorite is the Caesar salad, of course. It's creamy with the right blend of oil and cheese and lemon. I craved the mango jubilee last time I was there.

Camp John Hay is such a delight to go to. We have never grown tired of visiting it because of the many things we enjoy doing there. One of these things is having breakfast at the picnic area near the figaro shop. I usually get to bring food we have prepared in the house we rent, complete with hot chocolate and coffee in a thermos, some sausages bought from the market, eggs, pancakes, fried rice, and some native rice cakes. Then, we stay there after breakfast to play some board games or charoodle, a variation of the charade game. The kids are free to run around the area without the risk of getting run over by vehicles, while the adults get their chance to chat while we watch the children play. There's just one problem: food gets really cold so fast, I normally have to bring the whole pot just to keep them warm! An annual activity we do is to take the 2km eco-trail. Recently we took the eco-trail at CJH and halfway, we stopped at a shady area and played a game of Cranium. We brought some chips, apples, cheese, and water which we shared. Though there were just the three of us (my husband, daughter and myself), we enjoyed our visit there. Camp John Hay is located right in the city. There are other activities suitable for all ages. Horseback riding, hiking, picnic, golf, are among the favorites. There is a commissary where one could find both local and imported items ranging from shoes, bags, clothes, furniture, home decor, etc., at really cheap prices. Camp John Hay has, in its compound, the best hotel in all of Baguio. It's quite pricey but really nice. Some specialty restaurants are also around the compound. They sell burgers, Filipino food, pancakes, more Filipino food, pasta, and others. For those who are out there to splurge or are in a budget, CJH is one of the places that a Baguio visitor shouldn't miss.

I and my family love Baguio. Baguio to us, is eating, walking, and shopping. I love how the city is full of pine trees, and how its scent fills the air in some places of the city. The best place for us is the Tam-awan Village, which is actually a reconstruction of an Ifugao village founded by one of Baguio's best, if not the best, artists - Ben Cabrera. We like going for a hike up the hill and having our portraits done by the artists who volunteer to stay at the village.