The North Remembers
- Chasing Ninoy
- Apr 5, 2018
- 5 min read
A mountain town popular to visitors especially the hot days because of its cool weather is the summer capital of the Philippines, the city of Baguio.
An early morning view of Baguio from my hotel.
The City of Pines is situating on the northern part of the Philippines within the province of Benguet. Baguio, as old as it is, is re-invigorated by the richness of the city's heritage.
Reaching Baguio is possible through several ways. First, the usual provincial buses which travel on a scheduled basis. Buy a ticket in advance to make sure you've got a reserved seat. If you happened to be in Metro Manila, buses are available in bus terminals located in Pasay City area. There are also the rented public vans like UV Express in which I preferred. I took this method of transportation because it's faster and fewer passengers onboard. You can pay for two (the seat beside you) so that you can have extra space to make the journey more comfortable. I find it a little more convenient than the buses. If the mood strikes for a long drive, bring your private vehicles. Take into consideration the parking space and city traffic as it is always a hustle. One more way which is a little more expensive is to book a local flight and you'll reach it on a whim.
This is a common sight along the highway roadside when heading up north. A seller and dweller at the same time. They are selling the infamous "balut" or unfertilized duck egg, fish sauce and fermented vinegar to travelers.
Venus Hotel is on the opposite side of Burnham Park.
Upon reaching the city, looking for a good place to stay is a bit tricky especially during the peak season. Make sure you do your research before booking a hotel. You don't want to end up getting a place with a low rate but located far from the tourist spots or transportation is hard to get by.
MINE'S VIEW PARK
Mines View Park entrance.
Igorot traditional costumes are available in the park. You can rent it for a photo op or take a snap of your kids with the horses afterward. Most probably, every Filipino child who visited the place got a picture with it.
If you're into munching, sweet corns and grilled dried squids are a smoke away. Follow the smell and look for the smoke.
After the intense picture-taking, interesting stores and food places are waiting outside. "Pasalubong" or souvenir items were all lined-up in a stretch. It's free to take a look around. Buy something to bring home and support the local industry as well.
Cordillera Region is one of the best sources of coffee beans in the Philippines. It is naturally- grown from trees 2, 000 ft. above sea level.
The next best tourist stop after Mine's View Park is The Mansion House. It is more practical to take a walk. You'll reach it faster rather than being stuck in traffic due to congestion of the area.
Easy breezy walk going down the hill from the park.
THE MANSION HOUSE
You can just have quick snaps to here and there since all you can actually explore is just the front area of the place.
THE WRIGHT PARK
All you need to do to go to the next destination is cross the road. It's the Wright Park, yeah its right. You saved precious travel time since you'll be going to need it in Wright Park. Adults and kids' alike much-anticipated horseback riding experience come true in this place.
If you intend to ride a horse, agree first in the hourly cost that will be charged by the accompanying guide.
Don't forget to grab that super cheesy pizza at Volante's just right across the horseback riding area after.
GOOD SHEPHERD CONVENT
Walking distance from the souvenir shops near Mine's View Park, Good Shepherds Convent is in the same general area located at Gibraltar Road.
The convent is famous for the products made by the nuns. Among the most sought after are fruit preserves, strawberry and ube (purple yam) jams, cashew and peanut brittle, and coco jam. The profit made by the sale will be for the maintenance and upkeep of the convent, and for different charities sponsored by the Good Shepherd nuns.
BAGUIO CATHEDRAL
Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral or more commonly known as the Baguio Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church. Regular church services are scheduled for churchgoers.
During the WWII, under the Japanese occupation, the church also served as an evacuation center for the people.
Garcia's Kape, Tinapay atbp.
After the church service, try going to Porta Vaga Mall which is within the vicinity. Drop by at Garcia's Kape, Tinapay atbp. to try their beef tapa with the kapeng barako, oatmeal champorado or their version of Bulalo Steak . It will definitely tickles those filipino taste buds!
BENCAB MUSEUM
The museum features the awesome collection of works by the National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab).
BenCab Museum opens at 9am and closes at 6pm from Tuesdays to Sunday. A fee will is charge upon entering amounting to Php120 ($2.50) for general admission. There are special rates set for students, senior citizens and persons of disability. Guided tours of the museum and eco-trail may also be arrange.
Below the museum, Farm & Garden is boasting its organic farm production enriched with the indigenous Ifugao, Kalinga and Bontoc architecture. The hill and mini forest also features an eco-trail in which you can set for a guided tour.
Never leave Baguio without trying the Strawberry Taho (it's like a tapioca).
I luckily found a "magtataho" or taho seller selling it just outside the museum.
It is advisable to hire a taxi in an hourly basis or negotiate for fixed rate if you want to visit the place. BenCab Musuem is around 20-30 minutes drive away from the city. So I highly suggestto let the taxi if you decided not to bring your personal vehicle with you. It is much more convenient because looking for a parking spot is a challenge.
BURNHAM PARK
Burnham Park at night.
This urban park is at the center of Baguio City. It features twelve clusters. Burnham Lake, a man-made lake where visitors can rent a boat and enjoy boating, and the Bike Area were among the favorites.
IHAW-IHAW SA BURNHAM (GRILLIN' AT BURNHAM)
After spending some time in Burnham Park, try checking the smokey stretch across the street. Your tummies will crumble as the smoke trailed all over the place. From the choices of grilled pork, skewered fresh squids, fresh fish, or pork barbeque with traditional side dishes.
NIGHT MARKET
The Night Market starts at 9pm along Harisson Road. It will be closed by then and the huge crowd will wrestle its way all throughout the night until 12midnight.
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