I ♥ Baguio

Cold was the place. I remember coming here while the metropolis was basking on rainy days. I brought one love along and shared amazement with the picturesque village. The bliss of roaming around together was indescribable. Although this place is filled with a vivid recollection of something in the past, it didn't change my desire to still come back and embrace the beautiful panoramica everywhere.

Yes, after five years, I stand here again feeling the breeze from the mountains of Cordillera. No single minute was wasted during our three days in Baguio. Along with the other five pairs of itchy feet, enthusiastic enough to stroll around, I also felt like just a teenager who has never gone here before ─ excited, uncomplaining and joyous.

In the morning, we went boating at Burnham Park with the two lovely boys anxiously navigating our ride. As all live in the city, no one knows how to paddle properly just so to lead the boat off to the other end of the lagoon. We were hopeless! Imagine the “fun” of spending the entire thirty minutes spinning in one place with two disagreeing pilots! After the supposed to be relaxing boat ride, we tried the forty-bucks-worth-per-hour bike trip. So cheap, right?!! The nicest thing was that all six of us are cyclists! No one was left out sitting in one corner, waiting for the others to finish their turn.

After a sumptuous lunch at SM’s Tokyo Tokyo, we sauntered the long stretch of the mountains’ side road off to PMA (Philippine Military Academy) premises. The place stayed peaceful and attractive, or should I say, it was well maintained by the disciplined officials dwelling there. All looked so distant but after trying to approach one young cadet, we were privileged to have some photos taken with them. Down from the cadets’ camp sits the ever-beautiful Camp John Hay where the most elegant countryside hotel is also found, The Manor. Since it was yuletide season, there sang the University of Cordilleras’ choir in pure red garb. Their voices were amazingly soothing.

The steps we took by foot were beyond measure, we were very, very tired! Giving ourselves a break, we chose to go to Starbucks and sip a cupful of energizers. I wondered why my travel mates still wanted cold drinks in the midst of the already cold environment. I was the only one who ordered hot coffee!

The following days were busier. We crossed the valley of La Trinidad, Benguet to personally harvest strawberries. Under the sun, all of us picked the best choice of berries and filled our basket. It wasn’t easy at all, considering we must bring the fruit to Manila, no picking of super red berry! There situated outside the farm were stores of different souvenirs and must-buys, so all went shopping again!

After the harvest, we visited a Taoist temple, the Bell Church. My being Chinese by heart put me to thinking of building a place like this when I’m old. I don’t want a temple but a hacienda with an outer wall and a courtyard made of bricks. I was literally dreaming while staring at the good architecture of this place.

I came here for food as well and so the restaurants only found in Baguio were our mission field. We have lots in the list but only opportune to try two, 50’s Diner and Good Taste. Both served excellent dishes though. One big clue was that we always have to wait for our turn before we get a table. That’s how peopled those restaurants were!

Before we knew it, it’s time to go back home. Same as ever, Baguio did not put us down. The place met our every expectation and even brought us pleasure worth coming back to. Thanks to God, the vacation was a complete blast and the best itchy feet year-ender too.

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