Saturday, July 28, 2012

Baguio City - Summer Capital of the Philippines!

Our first ever out-of-Bohol family outing was to the Philippines' summer capital, Baguio City!!!

I am very very excited to share my 4-day stay in this wonderful city as I am really longing to go back! Waaah!!!!

We boarded a 7:45 pm flight via Cebu to Manila. I was with my mom, dad and 2 younger bros.

while waiting at Mactan International airport
We arrived around 9 pm and headed to Victory Liner's terminal in Pasay city.

my mom lining up to buy tickets

We never really thought that a lot of people would spend their weekend in Baguio. We planned to leave around 11 PM but we got 4:00 AM tickets instead. While waiting, I got hungry and tried goto for the first time.

Goto! my first time!

After a few hours, we boarded the bus.

excited!
Since it was still dark, we managed to sleep and woke up when I felt the sun on my face. It was a 6-hour trip with 3 stop-overs to buy some food or use the CR. As I really love travelling, 6 hours was not really long for me considering that you get to see different views along the way. When we stepped off the bus, no matter how sunny, the cool air just welcomed us and yes dear, we are indeed in Baguio!!!

first pic!

We did not stay in a hotel since my dad wants to cook and stuff. Hence, we opted to stay in a transient house that my mom saw in the internet. It was called "God's Love Transient House". We already deposited our payment and all we needed was just to know where it was. We just followed the landlady's instructions and viola! We stayed in some kind of apartment. It has 2 bedrooms in it and a kitchen, bathroom, tv, etc. It was really complete and I didn't expect it.

After settling down, we just need to eat lunch! So, we headed to SM Baguio which was just few meters away.

kinda hungry na
Oh, I just loved the weather here. You don't get to sweat in walking to various sites. No wonder, most people just opt to walk. Their main public transpo are FX and Jeepneys. I haven't seen a taxi here.


overlooking the city!

After lunch, we didn't waste time. From SM, our first stop is the famous Burnham Park! We just actually walked to get there and I'm glad since I got to see and experience what's around me.

colorful buildings

Then finally, we're here! Such a huge park. You can paddle through the lake or just stroll around or even rent a bike! But we opted for the first though and nothing's calmer!

at burnham park!

we just couldn't miss this

row row row
We had some snacks after.

still at the park
Then, we hailed an FX to our next destination, the Mine's View Park!

before heading inside
There were a lot of things you could do there too aside from the view,

not afraid of heights
You can have a pic just like this,

modern tribe
Or buy some souvenirs and delicacies,

so much food!!!
Or ride a horse!

meet my pet
It started raining when we went back to the house. It was very cold as well! So, my parents bought some fresh veggies and fish for soup!

On the second day, we went to the Philippine Military Academy after we heard mass.I never really thought it was that big!

after mass


one of the monuments

familiar? exacly where the president stands on PMA ceremonies

where families can stay and visit their loved ones in PMA

yes, PMA
It just so happened that on this day, Manny Pacquiao has a fight. And luckily, the PMA offers a free view of their fight, LIVE!

the audience!

too bad he lost :(
just outside the room


After the viewing, we had lunch at Boodle Cafe, just adjacent the Lopez Hall where the boxing was screened.

lunch!
It just rained so the fog was all over the place.

silent hill? haha
As we can't stay here longer since we got other spots to visit, we headed back to the city and visited the Teacher's Camp!


inside the camp
Then, went to the Mansion, the President's vacation house!

the gate of the mansion

we can't go closer to the mansion
Then, just in front of the Mansion is the Wright Park!



After strolling in the park, we went to the Lourdes Grotto.


 Then, we went back the house, left for the souvenir market in Burnham Park and brought some foods from McDonalds. We had dinner at the house. After we ate, my bros and I opted to go out and went to a cafe near the house, ZOLA!

Baguio at night

dessert!

zola!
Our last day in Baguio started at the Kenon Road.

a famous structure at Kenon

view down below

a view only in Baguio

Then, we had lunch at SM and went to our last stop, Tam-awan Village!






amazing paintings!

manny and the others. haha

cute patterns!
huts!
Then, we went back to the house, had some pictures taken and bought ticket from Victory liner terminal.

 

We slept early since we are scheduled to depart at 3:00 AM!


before heading to the terminal

the terminal

say bye!
Well, I think if you would be in  a new place, days wouldn't be enough to explore everything. Baguio has a lot to offer aside from its weather. I love the city, the slopes, the colorful buildings, food, view and the people. I never really think a city like this exists in this very far place but I'm glad it does.

IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!