Baguio Day Tour Part 1
After a 5 hour drive from Manila, me and my friend MC finally arrived in Baguio at around 7am. We felt lucky to to finally got out of Victory Bus Liner Terminal, we barely made it on time because we weren't able to book our bus tickets in advance. We waited for 6 hours to finally get on their regular air-conditioned bus.
From our drop off point in Baguio's Victory Bus Liner Terminal, we immediately took a cab to take us to Benguet State University where we're suppose to stay. We met with ate Jag who works at BSU, my cousin's college friend and contact regarding our Baguio accommodation. Unfortunately, we found out that there has been a miscommunication between ate Jag and another BSU staff. Bottom line, we didn't have a place to stay, yet. But ate Jag was kind enough to look for another place for us. We agreed to just leave our heavy bags in her office and come back later in the afternoon for update. And so the journey begins...
As we walk pass the gate of BSU, I noticed a banner welcoming Philippine's football Team Azkals. BSU has been their training camp from Feb. 20-26. Geez, could this be one reason why there's no available room left for us? Anyway, hungry for food, we walked some few meters to a nearby McDonalds. Not exactly what I had in mind for our first breakfast...
After breakfast we rode a jeep going to Bokawkan (fare ride is just P9.75) and dropped off Burnham Park. I started showing my friend the place. It was her first time in Baguio and I am starting to feel the tourist guide in me, haha! Burnham Park in time of the recent Panagbenga festival was such a large field of canvas with art projects here and there. "Oh my world", I said to myself. (click here to see pictures)
There are some parts of the park that has been blocked from the vehicles, no wonder it looked bigger. It was already crowded but not as crowded as I've expected. After a few minutes of stroll, we asked some people around the way to Baguio Cathedral. So off we strut the long walk up the Session Road. Two familiar food establishments caught my eye, the Session Delights and Pizza Volante. I was yearning to try their food because of what I have been reading on the net, but it didn't really pushed through. Waiting at bottom part of the cathedral is a scary 100+ steps. You'll see this place just in front of Volante building. Wow, we're already short of breath because of that long walk and now we're faced with this never ending staircase. Talking about exploring parts of the city by foot!
WHERE TO STAY IN BAGUIO
WHERE TO STAY IN BAGUIO
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| Baguio Cathedral |
Moving our way up was scary for both of us because the steps are just too narrow. But we're glad we made it on top! We stopped by shortly to hear the mass, it was in Ilokano. I said my thank you's especially for this wonderful chance to explore parts and pieces of the North. The Baguio Cathedral also known as Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral is one of the historical sites many travelers would visit and its pink architectural facade is such a charm.
We went down the stairs once again. Hungry for lunch, we immediately rode a cab to get us to Good Taste. And their servings my friends are to die for! Check out more of Good taste here.
Right after lunch it took us a hard time getting a cab to take us to Botanical Garden. There were just too many waiting for taxis.
A group of Igorots welcomed us as at the very facade of Botanical Garden. We took some photos with them before leaving. They priced P10 for each Igorot, we decided to get 5 of them plus the one who secured the tripod while it takes picture. Click here to check out more photos of Botanical Garden.
Passing by right in front of Botanical Garden are jeepneys going to Wright Park. Here, you'll find really cute pink and curly haired baby horses. We didn't try riding one and just continued on with other nature views. Just in front of Wright Park's lake is The Mansion. These two areas are special because it reminded me of my last Baguio climb along with Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv staff and crew. Check below to watch part of the episode I'm talking about:
From the Mansion we rode a cab to take us to Mines View Park. The place at that time was already crowded. There were a lot of pasalubongs you can buy, from souvenir t-shirts to bonsai plants to little trinkets. We bought my favorite mais and then tried to get a decent space. We lobbied near the part where tourists are taking photos with another of Baguio's familiar face - St. Bernard. How cute he is!!! Rocker style!
For our final stop of the day - Good Shepherd, walking distance from Mines View. Now this part of the trip is quite a frustration. I have been wanting to go to Baguio because of their Ube Jam which is kind of addicting really. Bad new is, I couldn't buy one because there's a tendency that it could get spoiled. The staff told us that Ube Jams should be refrigerated at all times, if not it could only last for 3-4 days. We won't be back in Manila any time soon as we still have the Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpod leg. Good thing they still have a branch in Tagaytay.
Moving on, we got back at Benguet State University at around 5pm. We toured the place while waiting for ate Jag. She found a good place for us to stay, near Lourdes Grotto. The house has a basement with 3 rooms. We were charged P300 each per night (discounted already), twice the price the room we reserved at BSU. But the whole situation was a blessing in disguise. We loved the the place, very condo in style yet homey and way too affordable compared to other transient houses. There's a heater, kitchen with plates and utensils we can use plus the owners are really nice. We unpacked our stuffs, munched on our dinner and slept.
End of day one.
Right after lunch it took us a hard time getting a cab to take us to Botanical Garden. There were just too many waiting for taxis.
A group of Igorots welcomed us as at the very facade of Botanical Garden. We took some photos with them before leaving. They priced P10 for each Igorot, we decided to get 5 of them plus the one who secured the tripod while it takes picture. Click here to check out more photos of Botanical Garden.
Passing by right in front of Botanical Garden are jeepneys going to Wright Park. Here, you'll find really cute pink and curly haired baby horses. We didn't try riding one and just continued on with other nature views. Just in front of Wright Park's lake is The Mansion. These two areas are special because it reminded me of my last Baguio climb along with Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv staff and crew. Check below to watch part of the episode I'm talking about:
From the Mansion we rode a cab to take us to Mines View Park. The place at that time was already crowded. There were a lot of pasalubongs you can buy, from souvenir t-shirts to bonsai plants to little trinkets. We bought my favorite mais and then tried to get a decent space. We lobbied near the part where tourists are taking photos with another of Baguio's familiar face - St. Bernard. How cute he is!!! Rocker style!For our final stop of the day - Good Shepherd, walking distance from Mines View. Now this part of the trip is quite a frustration. I have been wanting to go to Baguio because of their Ube Jam which is kind of addicting really. Bad new is, I couldn't buy one because there's a tendency that it could get spoiled. The staff told us that Ube Jams should be refrigerated at all times, if not it could only last for 3-4 days. We won't be back in Manila any time soon as we still have the Vigan-Laoag-Pagudpod leg. Good thing they still have a branch in Tagaytay.
End of day one.
This post is part of my North Luzon series:
Baguio: My first ever Panagbenga Festival Experience
BenCab Museum: On meeting the Master
13 Travel Tips: Panagbenga Festival
Baguio Day Tour Part 1
Baguio Day Tour Part 2
Baguio: My first ever Panagbenga Festival Experience
BenCab Museum: On meeting the Master
13 Travel Tips: Panagbenga Festival
Baguio Day Tour Part 1
Baguio Day Tour Part 2
