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Baguio
Revealed
Guest Traveler: Karla Maria Henson
Fifteen years have passed, and Baguio shows
no trace of its impairing battle with an intensity 8 earthquake
in 1991. The summer capital of the Philippines still proudly
holds its crown. Complete with its all-time favorite spots and
best-selling wares that made it famous (plus a lot of new things
added), Baguio is always packed during the entire summer season…especially
on Holy Week. So if there are brewing plans to visit the city,
reservations must be made ahead of time. Book early and book
fast. Here are a few helpful tips to check before and during
your Baguio trip.
What to bring to Baguio?
Make sure you’re ready for the climate and for the shopping
you’re about to face. Besides the usual things you’re
suppose to bring
- A map, especially for first timers (in case you get lost)
- Sweater / Jacket
- Shades / Visor / Cap / Hat
- Blanket – just in case
- Socks and rubber shoes – walking with your flip flops
will freeze your toes and will strain your feet (you’re
up for a lot of walking)
- Lotion – you wouldn’t want dry skin right?
- Lip balm / lip therapy – to avoid wind burns
- Camera
- Cellphone and charger please!
- Lots of cash!
- Big luggage and a big compartment for all your finds –
don’t shop beyond your compartment capacity. It’s
a 6-hour trip back home to Manila, and you don’t want
your jam jars on your lap!
Where to stay?
There are numerous places where you can stay, when in Baguio.
There are also hotels in the city proper with minimal cost.
But houses, apartments and apartelles are best for a big group
where cooking is also permitted. Just find a place big enough
for sleeping, as you won’t be staying home as much anyway.
How to get there?
Travel by land or by air. The usual route is by land. You can
bring your car which will cost you around 1,500 pesos-worth
of gas (one way); travel time is at least 6 hours because of
the numerous gas station stopovers to pee and eat; or just ride
a bus (Victory Liner - stationed at Cubao, Quezon City) which
costs Php 300+ per head (one way) – travel time is at
least 5 hours.
If you’re bringing a car and it’s the designated
drivers first time to Baguio, pass by Marcos highway. It’s
safer and there’s less chance of getting lost.
I also mentioned by air. Well there’s an airport at the
PMA camp at Laoakan, a 15-minute drive from Baguio proper. Chartered
trips may land there. But a trip up to the famed ‘city
of pines’ is best when you drive by land. The anticipation
and the long ride make it more fun.
How to get around?
Once you arrive in Baguio, check in to your hotel, apartelle,
apartment, or house, unpack and start your vacation.
When you’re there moving around is not a problem. If
you don’t have a car, cabs are everywhere and at a very
minimal cost. You can go from one destination to another at
Php30 “per ride” not per head. But if you’re
in the mood for walking, the mountainous cold weather makes
it very convenient and therapeutic.
Where to go?
Here’s a list you must consider to visit while you’re
in Baguio:
- All-time favorite spots
- Mines View Park
- Burnham Park
- Wright Park – for horseback riding (Php 300 per horse
per hour)
- Camp John Hay
- Crystal Cave
- President’s Mansion
- Lourdes – after climbing a 200 and something steps
you will find the Blessed Virgin Mary and offer your prayers,
flowers, and candles. For those with osteoarthritis don’t
worry, a driveway is provided for your vehicles to do the
climbing.
- Cathedrals and other churches.
New Spots
- Tamawan – nature and heritage trip where you can camp
for Php 10 per night per head (tent is also provided) above
the Php 20 entrance fee for adults and Php 10 entrance fee
for kids. You will also see a collection of restored authentic
Ifugao huts which you can also rent overnight for Php 250
per head. Of course without amenities and food. It’s
just there for the experience. Aspiring artists may also sketch
your portrait for free – but donations are accepted.
- Merry Knoll
Where to shop and what to buy?
Good Shepherd
- Ube Jam
- Strawberry Jam
- Peanut brittle
Palengke
- Strawberries
- Vegetables - broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, petchay, Baguio,
asparagus
- Benguet Coffee
- Broom
- Bonnet, cardigan, sweater, shawl, poncho, socks
- Jams and brittles
- Chocolate Flakes, Crinkles, Mallows
- Accessories – bags, earings, necklaces, bracelets,
etc.
Ukay-ukay or Wagwagan – Baguio
is the pioneer on this. You can’t go to Baguio without
visiting the ukay ukay stores. You can buy everything 2nd hand
and make sure that you visit the Rustan’s version of these
ukay-ukay stores where you will find signature bags and shoes
in the best conditions.
Narda’s – high-end shawls,
ponchos, neckties and woen fabrics
Ibay’s and Pilak – for
silver jewelries
SM – yup there’s SM Baguio.
Food to eat and where to find them?
- Longganiza – from the palengke
- Taho – found everywhere
- Balot – also found everywhere
- Inihaw na Mais – Mine’s View Park
- Inihaw na Pusit – also at Mine’s View Park
- Bakahan at Manukan Restaurant – although this restaurant
is found all-over the Metro, it’s different in Baguio.
Besides the great food (Bulalo steak is the best) there are
also life-size statues of famous and ordinary people, animals
etc that you pose for pictures.
Where to hang out?
There are coffee shops and bars all around. Some are even familiar
like Starbucks and Padi’s point, but there a lot more
there. Just go where it pleases you.
What not to miss?
Don’t miss the things listed above and do something more
to make your vacation uniquely yours.
Don’t forget to have your picture taken with an Igorot.
It’s Php 5 per Igorot and you may even borrow their head
gear.
For a different experience try to visit La Trinidad for mountain
climbing and hiking. You may also go strawberry picking there.
It’s exciting and fun. You get to pick your own strawberries
at Php 200 per basket (the basket is a bit small). But the experience
makes it worth the price.
What not to do?
Traffic rules are strictly imposed in Baguio. Never challenge
the one way streets, U-turn slots, and no parking signs. The
local police officers are always watching.
Perhaps Baguio will never lose it charisma. You may have been
there five or even a dozen times…but every visit is different.
Perhaps, it’s the weather that makes all the difference;
when you’re there you feel relaxed and what makes it more
special is that the local residents make every visit exceptional.
They are very warm, friendly, and always make you feel like
you’re welcome.
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