BAGUIO!!!

Vacation and Bonding Time with Pikachu 🙂

Last April 2012, my college barkada “Pikachu” decided to have our outing at Baguio, primarily because we were able to buy a very affordable voucher from Clever Buy which is PHP3000 3D/2N at Hotel Henrico for 4 persons. Isn’t it the greatest deal?!

Since I’ve been to Baguio last 2009 (but wasn’t able to explore Baguio) and I’m an organizer at heart. I prepared the itinerary of our 3-day trip. I make sure that we can visit all the must-see in Baguio.

In order for us to maximize our stay, we took the last trip of Victory Liner (Cubao) to Baguio on April 27, 2012. We had a safe trip! While everyone is sleeping in the bus, I’m “muni-muni” haha because I don’t and I can’t sleep whenever I’m on “byahe.” We arrived at Victory Liner Baguio terminal by 4:30am, we decided to have our breakfast at the second floor of the terminal since we don’t know any restaurants open during that time.

After having our breakfast, we decided to go to Hotel Henrico (Check in time is 1pm but I’ve already coordinated to one of the hotel’s staff that we’ll be arriving early and if possible to have early check-in, the staff then told me that as long as there would be available rooms, we can check-in already). Instead of riding cab going to hotel, we do the walkathon with the help of Jerald and Love’s GPS on their iphone. Joking, laughing and picture taking are also the secret why we didn’t get tired of the longggg walk. Upon arrival on the hotel, there are only two rooms available, the other two rooms will be available after lunch. We divided the group into two to share rooms for the mean time.

This is the first group picture taken at Hotel Henrico. (In our room – Love, Makoy &Karla).

We take a rest for two hours and start preparing for our trip today.

DAY 1:

At the basement of Hotel Henrico, you can find the luxury cars of the owner. And here’s one of them. “Pogi ng tsikut?”

From the hotel, we took a cab going to SM Baguio. Cabs in Baguio are very cheap and because it’s already cold there, no need to turn on their aircon, just pull down their window. We had our lunch at Adobo Connection and stroll a bit at the mall. Then we headed to our first stop, Mines View.

Mines View

At Mines view, you can have souvenir pictures such like this, wearing Ifugao dress. but it’s not for free, you have to rent it but you can take pictures, unlimited shot! hehe

Another souvenir shot (not for free again), the very famous huge dogs in Baguio! They are so cute and big but they look so tired with all these picture taking/ posing of the tourists!

And the real view of the park. Perfect for our group picture!

Good Shepherd

From Mines View, we did walkathon again to reach our next stop, Good Shepherd. Good Shepherd is known for their delicious Ube, peanut brittle and other delicacies. Once you’re there, be patient for your turn coz they have many customers.

One of the good shepherd garden.

And of course, our cute group picture!

The Mansion

Nothing is special about the mansion except that it’s the Malacanang-like on Baguio. It’s where the President of the Philippines goes during vacation.

The exterior side of the Mansion. (Supposed to be a jump shot, but we’re not synchronized!haha)

Behind the black gate. Tourists are allowed up to this area only.

Wright Park

Across the mansion, is the wright park.

The wright park. Vehicles are parked at the sides of the park which is not good.

Kubong Sawali

We had our dinner at Kubong Sawali, a cab away from the hotel. It gets colder in Baguio in evening, so make sure to bring jackets.

Although their service was not that good their food was great!

DAY 2:

Lourdes Grotto

We woke up early since I’ve read on some reviews to visit Lourdes Grotto first thing in the morning to avoid too much crowd. Lourdes Grotto is a catholic shrine which is 252 steps from the ground. Upon reaching the pilgrimage at the top, Catholics offer their prayers and lightens their candle.

Group picture behind the pilgrimage.

Baguio Cathedral

Our visit would not be complete without visiting a church. Baguio Cathedral is located near session road which is very accessible.

Barrio Fiesta

Can you see the promo? 50% off on any dish or on Crispy pata! I guess, you now know why we chose to have our lunch here. Aside from the delicious food offered by Barrio Fiesta, they also have vibrant statues and colorful decorations which are pleasing to the eyes.

Nilagang Baka.

Paella and their famous Crispy Pata.

My favorite! Kare-kare!

Burnham Park

A group picture with Baguio’s Jollibee! Kiddo!

Burnham Park is a nice place for a stroll just to enjoy the Baguio scenery. There is a small man-made lake where tourists can go rowing. (Just like us!)

After our strolling in the city of baguio, we went to Public Market to buy “pasalubongs.”

To end our day, we had a post birthday celebration of one of our dearest pikachu, Jerald. He’s so “sipag” because he’s the only one who bought all the food and drinks even he forgot her gf’s stuffs in the market ( BUT he got it back!)

The food and drinks! 🙂 Thanks to Jerald!

Of course, the group picture! (Jerald and Clarisse’s room)

DAY 3:

Down to our last day!

Strawberry Farm

A trip to Baguio will always include a stroll along the strawberry farm just outside the city proper.Picking strawberries, strawberry taho and taking pictures turns out among the top things in anyone’s what to do list.