Baguio City is home to tourists especially during summer because of its cold weather. Hence named the Summer Capital of the Philippines. In a tropical country like ours, the summer heat sometimes gets intolerable. A chilly breeze is something I look forward to.
Yet, during summer, especially Holy Week, Baguio City gets too crowded with tourists. Traffic gets worse and major thoroughfares get jammed. Good thing, our office decided to celebrate our retreat a week before Holy Week. This way, we could get around the expected influx of tourists going to and from the mountainous city.
The office gave us an opportunity to bring a loved one. I asked my wife if she wanted to come and I am glad that when she filed a leave, their office approved. So off we go to Baguio, with my officemates and their spouse!
Our first stop is the Lion's Head along Kennon Road. Though I've been to Baguio several times, it is my first time stopping there to take a picture. Aside from us, several motorists also stopped by to take snaps.
Soon after, dinner time, we arrived at our accommodation - Emily's Garden. It is in Camp 7, a little bit far from the heart of the city. But since we have our service vehicle, it doesn't matter. It was already dark when we arrived so I am attaching the pictures I took the following day.
When we have already settled down, we did not let any opportunity pass. We immediately went to the famous Night Market. I told my wife that I wanted to buy things for myself, like a sling bag or shoes in case I find one. But instead of buying things for myself, we both ended up circling around tents and booths of food! Among the food we tasted were binatog, buttered corn, takoyaki, and dried squid. We also tried a certain Korean street food I can't remember the name - but I know it has a mini sausage in it.
The following morning, we prepared ourselves for a whole day of walking. Our first itinerary for the day was Minesview Park. I told my wife that the houses beneath the overlooking view have tombs in their backyard. She was so interested to see them for herself.
Our next stop is the Mansion. It is the President's house whenever he comes to Baguio. It is also called the Malacanan of the North. Unfortunately, the place was closed when we get there. So we obliged ourselves with pictures from the gate.
Then we went to Camp John Hay. Some areas charge entrance fees and some are undergoing renovation. Since we went there only to feel the breeze, we contented ourselves to take pictures. You can never go wrong with pine trees as background!
We went to the Baguio City Market next to buy our pasalubongs. We bought broomsticks, strawberries, milky nuts, a cheese bar, and Good Shepherd Ube Jam.
At lunch, we went to SM City Baguio. Compared to other malls, SM City Baguio is one of a kind. It has no aircon - since the weather is chilly enough to keep the mall cool! Also, since it stands in a high place, the sight is breathtaking, especially at night!
After that tiring yet fun day, we went back to Emily's Garden to take a rest.
While some decided to stay at Emily's to call it a day, my wife and I decided to join one group that will go to Cafe by the Ruins. We are going to have our dinner there. The place is rustic but instagrammable. I ordered a native chicken dish, *pinikpikan *with mountain rice. My wife ordered something like Cordilleran pancit. After we had our fill of fun and food, we decided to call it a day.
The following morning, before heading home, we stopped by Burnham Park. We tried the usual attractions: we rented a boat, on which we had difficulty rowing. But it was fun! We also tried the strawberry taho and the strawberry ice cream. And of course, pictures!
We drove home before lunchtime, had a few stops to take leaks and eat, and arrived at Marikina before night. It was a brief, yet eventful weekend. What a way to spend the Calm Before the Holy Week!