Baguio Trip Day 3

On the third day of our trip, we checked out early  at  Recedencia  at around 10:30am.  We  packed our things    ready  to go home after a  few more visits to some tourist spots.  Right after our breakfast, we headed straight  to our destination, Lourdes Grotto.


Lourdes Grotto

Lourdes Grotto is located in western part of  Baguio City. During Holy Week, the place is a  favorite site for pilgrimage. Going on top of the grotto takes about 250 steps.  When you reach the top, you may light a candle and say a prayer you want.

Diplomat Hotel


After our visit to Lourdes Grotto, we then proceeded to Diplomat Hotel    which is only about a few meters away,  located on top of  the  Dominican Hill.  

The Biggest Ten Commandments Tablet

Baguio holds the Guinness World record for the  biggest  Ten Commandments Tablet with  its 152.90 square meter (1,650 square foot) high square edifice.   It  is  also  located  on top of   Dominican Hill and inside Diplomat grounds.   The Ten Commandments tablet was  inaugurated by city officials  last October 2011.

We only stayed for a while and prepared ourselves for a 6 hour travel back home to Manila.

Lion's  Head

We never got the chance to stop by at Lion's  Head on our way to Baguio on our first day  so before finally heading back to Manila, we stopped by  in this popular landmark  for  a souvenir photo.   So true,  a trip to Baguio would not  be complete without stopping by  in the famous 40-ft  Lion's Head,  located a few kilometers from the Kennon Road view deck.  Lion's Head was carved  by a Cordillera artist from a limestone boulder.

Mcdo and Jollibee

This is not really a part of itinerary but I want to include this in my Baguio Trip Day 3 entry as our first and last stop.  It is good to feel young sometimes.  Our first stop was an early  breakfast at  Mcdo.  Obviously,  at Mcdo with our hand gestures,  "At home ako dito."   *Not a paid post*  :)   A photo of us  full of energy with our long  trip that's  about  to begin that day..

and our last stop few more minutes before home on the third day,   a  quick dinner at  Jollibee.  Sa Jollibee, Bida ang Saya. :)  The kids all looked very tired  but we're almost near  Manila.

I wish I could stop the time and spend more nights and days in Baguio. I love the atmosphere, the weather and the people.   pine trees,  night market,  downtown  and most of all,  I love the trip with  Mendiolables! Awesome!

First Love Never Dies

I fell in love with Baguio from the first time I visited the place way back 19forgotten.  Oh boy,  excuse me for my slang word here.  I  just changed the title from "A Taste of Baguio"  to catch your attention.  Kidding, I was just hoping for some miracles that the climate in highlands extends down here. Ok enough for the segue. I haven't done yet with my post  with my  Baguio Trip Day 3  which is now   a  preserved  jelly in my  draft page and  here we are now longing   to go back and visit Baguio  after watching the news.  Now is the best time to stroll around  the City of  Pines and   feel the  cold climate  with  7 degrees and below temperature.  Must  be a  winter  outfit  theme  vacation.  I knew it,  because when it is cold in Manila,  Baguio is 10 degrees cooler.  Or maybe,  Tagaytay  is next best option.

Baguio Trip Day 2

You wouldn't appreciate Baguio if you don't wake up early in the morning and experience a chilly walk in the park. That's what I believe because it is coldest in this time of the day.  On the second day of our trip, me and my friend Joy had a short  walk   to convenience store to grab some frozen meat products   for breakfast.  It was kind of cold and  we weren't  prepared and should have worn  thicker clothing. I could feel the chilly air in my face. I may be exaggerating  if  a  local in  Baguio read this post because I am used to Manila with typically warm temperature even during dawn time.:)

So here's a quick shot of  us.  Yey,  we  got to wear  a  hoody  in Baguio.

And  here's what we had for breakfast on the second day.  I suggest  travelers  who are looking  for  cheap  accommodation  to look  for  transients  home.  If  you opt  to stay  in a  hotel,  a  lot  of  accommodations are available  in the city.  Check  some  reviews and website for more options.  

After  our  sumptuous breakfast,  we headed our first destination, Bell Church and later proceeded to Strawberry Farm.


Bell Church

Unlike the famous spots like Mines View Park, Burnham Park and more,   Bell Church is less visited by tourists. It is one of  Baguio's lesser known landmarks.  The Bell Church is located north of the downtown area of  Baguio  along the road  leading to La Trinidad where  Strawberry Farm  is located.  The building is designed with flags, bells and dragons.  

Strawberry Farm


One of the most popular destination when in La Trinidad is Strawberry Farm. Tourists are allowed to pick fresh strawberry at  400/kilo but you can also buy freshly picked strawberry  at  a lower price.  For a traveler like me who literally travel light, I chose to buy from the vendors  with pre- packed freshly picked  strawberry  at  a  price of   P100/kilo.  Picking  strawberry costs a little higher  than  pre-packed.   If   you want  to experience picking, then go ahead, its more fun if you do it  yourself  because you can choose  the  freshest and reddest strawberry.   If  you are a city girl,  you better try picking,  because the memories are  surely   much fun  to keep.

I choose strawberries that are not fully ripe  because it wasn't our last activity that day and I need to keep it  fresh  till we come back home  to Manila.
 

Also available  at  the farm  aside from strawberry are cabbage,  lettuce and broccoli.  It was our first time to visit La Trinidad and  see  the  Strawberry Farm,  the only place in Baguio with flat stretch of land. 

Broccoli is available at  P100/4 pieces. It's a lot cheaper than in Baguio Public Market.

Tam -Awan Village

I have no idea of Tam-Awan Village and haven't read of it in other blogs unlike the Laperal House and   Diplomat Hotel   that my kids and I are always wanting to visit.  It was included in our itinerary for the day  right after Strawberry Farm stop.

The Tam-awan Village is located in the northwestern part of the city. You need to pay a minimum entrance fee at the gate.   You need to climb uphill and steep pathways from one hut to another.  It  surely  is a good exercise  but  make  sure to wear the right shoes that is  comfortable  enough for a  few minutes hiking.  It was a breathtaking experience when you reach the top where you can see the view  of La  Union Province and Gulf of Lingayen. Such an amazing reward after a  tiring climb. 

Grabbed the above photo from Occasions of Joy

I took this shot near the peak of  garden in the sky.

One of the huts inside Tam-Awn Village.  This is  the typical  Igorot huts   where you can picture  how the homes of the mountain people look like.

Arko Ni Apo

Right across Tam-Awn Village is Arko ni Apo. I have no knowledge about what is inside Arko ni Apo and who is  Ben-Hur Villanueva until Joy introduced me to the man who was  busy working with his masterpiece during our visit.

Ben Hur Villanueva, a sculptor, painter and art educator  founded his gallery workshop in Baguio after he retired  from teaching at  Ateneo de Manila . Among his notable sculptures are:  Kapit Bisig,   Among Supremo,  Thy Will Be Done,  St. Aloysius Gonzaga and  Risen Christ  at Caleruega Nasugbu Batangas. Villanueva is best  known as a sculptor, working with brass, metal and wood.

Before this visit , I have zero knowledge about sculptures in famous landmarks in different parts of the country.  I  was totally surprised because the man whom we visited,  Ben-Hur Villanueva created some of those.    When we asked for what project  he was  currently doing, he replied, "if  I can please others,  why can't  I please myself."   He was making the  bull sculpture  for his own happiness and fulfillment.   We asked permission to take photos and he allowed us  to roam around the art gallery.  Every pieces of  arts  displayed were  truly amazing. I can't exactly  define the feeling  but it's unbelievable how those pieces of  arts  were made.  Unimaginable. Glad that we included the place to our destination.  Now I appreciate more about art.  Next time I visit the Global City,  I know  who made the Among Supremo - Andres Bonifacio sculpture,  that's  a masterpiece from  Ben-Hur Villanueva.

Ben Cab Museum

From Arko ni Apo, we then proceeded to BenCab Museum located in  Asin Road known as Km 6 Tadiangan  Tuba, Benguet.  Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, known as  BenCab,   is a Filipino painter and was awarded National Artist  of  the Philippines for Visual Arts in 2006.  It is definitely a must visit  place  when you're in Baguio. You can find different collections of  his paintings, indigenous Cordillera art and the works of  Filipino masters and contemporary artists.

Asinan Carving Village

Located along Asin Road, you will find Asinan Carving Village, a place where carved furniture and figurines are made.  You can buy them on wholesale and a lot  cheaper if you know how to make a deal.

Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay is a haven for nature because of its numerous pine trees inside. It is located at southeastern side of   Baguio City.  It is cooler in Camp John Hay.  It is the only  remaining protected pine forest reservation of the city according to their website.   It has 250,00 pine trees and average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius.   We just made a quick visit at shopping area and  commissary and headed straight to Baguio Country Club. 

Baguio Country Club

Our last stop for the day before heading home.

Burnham Park

It is during night time where you will appreciate Burnham Park more because it is much cooler in temperature and there are fewer people  compared during daytime where people flock to go boating and bicycle rides. After dinner we walked down to the park to  burn some calories. We then proceeded to night market and went home late afterwards. Did I mention I had my first goal in Baguio? Ah, wait til my next post. My  first  ever soccer ball kick happened at Burnham Park in  Baguio.

It was  tiring  but more fun on the second day  in  the City of Pines.  Strawberry Farm,  Tam-Awan, BenCab, Arko ni Apo  were amazing sight  that  you shouldn't miss   when you  visit the Summer Capital of the Philippines,  Baguio.

Baguio Trip Day 1

On Day 1 of our trip, before we headed to Baguio we first stopped by at Our Lady of Manaoag by which  I will  blog in a separate post later.  We reached Baguio at around noontime.  After checking out  our   reservation at  Alecksandra Recedencia, we  unloaded our things and had lunch.  We wanted to maximize our time so after a few minutes rest,  we  proceeded to nearest tourist spots like  Mines View Park, Cordillera World,  Good  Shepherd and Botanical Garden.  We passed by at Laperal House, known to be a haunted house in Baguio   (will  blog in a separate post)  before proceeding to Pink Sisters,  our last destination for the day.



Mines View Park

Our first destination was at  Mines View Park.   Mines View park  is the most visited park  in  Baguio. I said so,  because  it is always also included  in my place-to-visit list when in  Baguio.  At the park,  you can  see a breathtaking panoramic view of  Benguet's  gold mines  and  mountains.  You can also rent a binocular for closer view.  At the entrance park, you will find a  flea market where you can  buy a lot of souvenir items such as jewelries, accessories and local products like baskets, brooms, blankets  and sweaters.

Above photo grabbed  from Occasions of Joy

Cordillera World

The place is located near Mines View Park.  From the name of the place itself, you would know that  it's about  Cordillera and the people of  the province. In less than an hour inside Cordillera World, you would discover more of  the products, handicrafts and  their way of  living. This travel destination was only launched in March 2011.

You can have many photo ops as much as you want  inside the  Cordillera World. You can wear Igorot and take all the pictures  that  you want. Donation is welcome to support  out-of-school youth go back to school and help finance and support  young families.

Good Shepherd Convent

A quick stop at Good Shepherd for Ube Jam. I forgot that I have enough  Ube Halaya back home, left over food  for our New Year celebration.  Good Shepherd is a place where you can  buy goodies and other pasalubong. The most famous products are  Ube Jam, Peanut Brittle and Choco Crinkles.

Good Shepherd is located just a few meters away from Mines View Park, so don't forget to swing around if you're in the vicinity for delicious pasalubong.

Pink Sisters Convent

We arrived at Pink Sister's in perfect timing just before it closed.  Pink Sister's convent is located somewhere along Brent Road in an upscale area  in Baguio. It is not like the usual church where you can hear mass.   The sisters were all  in pink and  meditating when we arrived but we were not allowed to take a photo as  posted inside the convent.  The place is also perfect  to  meditate and reflect. You can also write your wishes/prayers and drop in petition box  located inside the church and the pink sisters will pray for your petitions.  We ended our tour for the day  here  and headed back home. 

Again our big thanks to Mendiolables for another great adventure. If  not  for  the best  event  planner,  now  travel planner,  Joy who prepared the  itinerary  and her better half  John for making the trip  possible,  not to mention his familiarity to  the place via GPS guide,   the trip would have been  cut  to ten,  half  only  of   the  places we visited.   What makes this trip new  is the happy Mendiolables who's always smart  and witty  in making the trip worth every time.

Coming Back for More of City of Pines

Baguio is a place I will never get tired of  visiting.  Aside from the cold climate and beautiful sight, the city is also known  for its  rich history.   I've  been  to Baguio  for  the  nth time but still I get amazed and excited  like it was my  first  every  time.   In this visit,  we explored the not so usual spot  that  tourists often  missed.  We discovered  places  that  we only  read from other  bloggers  and travelers'  stories.   We stayed in transient homes  where guests are allowed to cook so it was  not  really  the  trip where meals are done  in  fast food,  restaurant  or  served inside the hotel.   Our  recent  trip  has many discoveries and  many  firsts experiences.  In  my coming  post,  it would be a series of  our  Baguio trip  from day 1 to day 3.  And because  we visited more than 20 tourist spots,   I'll be posting them in separate post,   coming in my next entries.

For strawberry alone, I can give  you  more reasons  to come back to the City of Pines,   Baguio City  that  is.   No  wonder,  Baguio is still the Summer Capital of the Philippines.   Here's a little bit of  Pines City  and why  I call the place a  city of  strawberry  too. 

Manong Taho with strawberry flavored taho.

Bits of strawberry fruit toppings for your Taho.

Strawberry flavored  Ice Cream

Freshly picked strawberry..

even  red and sweet strawberry at a very low price..  P100/kilo with lots of  free extras and tasting. :)  (hiling and tikim.)

Endless strawberry stalls..

Strawberry flavored wine

Colorful strawberry souvenir items

And  my  take  home  Strawberry  from Baguio  is now waiting  to squeeze in some juice and toppings for my sinigang.


Baguio City,  known as City of Pines   is located in the province of Benguet in northern Luzon. Some of famous tourist spots are Mines View Park, Strawberry Farm, Camp John Hay,  Burnham Park, Botanical Garden and more.  It  is about  six hours drive  from  Manila  with  about  250 kilometers  distance via Kennon Road  or  longer via Marcos Highway now known as Aspiras Highway.