It’s been 10 years ago since I last step foot in one of the coldest place in the Philippines. Baguio sure is the Summer’s capital, as people would flock this place to escape the scorching heat of the city.
I’ve been planning this trip since forever, so when a friend asked me to go with her, I immediately started planning. Unfortunately, not all plans go as you want them to, so instead of cancelling everything, I decided to go ahead with the plan, even if it means I’ll go alone. As they said, change the plan and not the goal.
I left the office early in the morning to catch the bus going to Baguio at 3:30 AM. I decided to board the JoyBus Executive coach, since the travel time is lesser.
What I love about the bus is that there is so much leg room. There is a comfort room inside the bus, and it took just 4 hours to reach Baguio.
I arrived the City of Pines at around 7 AM. I went to where I had my hotel reservation, which is Bloomfield hotel. Good thing there is already an available room, and although I had to pay extra since it’s an upgrade – I’m originally booked in a deluxe room without balcony, and I had to upgrade with the one with balcony.
The room I had is just right for a solo traveller like me. It’s clean and feels homey. It has the basic necessity that I needed during my stay. I resisted the urge to lay down on the bed and sleep, because I wanted to visit as much places as I can before sleepiness takes over my body (I came from the night shift, so I’m gonna be knocked out soon, that I know).
It was a good thing that I chose to stay in this hotel, because it’s right at the heart of Session Road. It’s near SM Baguio. It’s surrounded by nearby restaurants, and bus terminals. It was easy for me to get a cab to roam around the city.
After I checked in, and settled my things inside the room, I began my Baguio misadventure. Since I just came from my shift, I decided to have breakfast first at Cafe By The Ruins, but then the taxi driver also didn’t know where that is. Instead, I decided to head to the Wright Park and The Mansion first.
The Wright Park is located in front of the The Mansion, which is the President’s residence in Baguio. The first thing that got my attention was the array of beautiful flowers being sold by the entrance. This park also has horses, which you can ride on. Unfortunately, I was not able to take pictures of the pink haired horses, just the flowers.
There is a stairs from the park that leads up to the pool of pines and the mansion. When I was told that I need to walk up the stairs to get to the other side, I was shocked. I am scared of stairs and heights, and I’m not even sure if I can get there without being too breathless.
Good thing I was able to reach the top. From there, I was greeted by the Wright Park circle. A few steps away form is the pool of pine. It was on my way back that I realized that the pool has Kois in it.
At the other side of the street stands The Mansion. I was able to enter the place, but only just behind the gate.
Before I go to my next destination, I headed to Pizza Volante, which is right across the park, to have a quick breakfast. I ordered the Kenny George Pizza, Hot Chocolate and Mama Lou’s Apple Pie.
The pizza I got is a 6 inches one, since I also have the apple pie. The Kenny George pizza contains sausage, pepperoni, onions, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese. Although the pizza is small, it made up for the toppings. I was already on my third slice, and I somehow felt full, but there’s still the apple pie.
Mama Lou’s Apple Pie was a big one. I was surprise how big the serving is, and how much the apple filling is. It was served hot and with a side of maple syrup. I’m not sure how it stated without the maple syrup, but the apple pie and maple syrup combination tasted great, although I think I have put a little more syrup than I should that’s why it tasted too sweet.
Plus, the staff is very accommodating and helpful. They were able to answer some of my questions regarding getting around Baguio.
My next stop is the Mines View Park. I was a little bit hesitant going to this park, because the last time I was here, I got a little bit dizzy. Plus, looking below the deck makes me scared.
There is an observation deck in the park, where you can view the mountains of Benguet. But before you can reach that, you need to go down the stone stairs. My shoes were quite slippery, so I had to be careful with my steps, or I may end up falling on the ground, or worse, down the deck.
The view of the mountain is breath taking and very relaxing. I love feeling the cold wind from the deck. There were a lot of people in the park, so it’s hard to take better pictures of the view, or even go down the deck. I spent most of the time by the gazebo to just look at the mountains.
The last place I went for my first day in Baguio is the Baguio Botanical Garden. This is just near Mines View Park and Teachers’ Camp.
From the entrance of the garden, you can have your picture taken together with the Igorot for a certain fee. As you entered, you will be greeted by beautiful flowers. Basically, since this is a garden, expect a lot of plants, trees and flowers. There are also huts, which are replicas of the traditional houses of the Igorots.
It was very relaxing to roam around the place. A lot has changed since the last time I was here. There were more structures and status for photo ops, and the landscape has changed. The place is also being improved, as I noticed some construction at the back. I was expecting more flowers around the area, since this is a garden, but there wasn’t much flowers. However, it’s almost zen look makes me feel at peace.
I was supposed to go to one more place before heading back to my hotel, but I’m about to get knocked off because of lack of sleep. So, I decided to end my day one and take my rest.
Stay tuned for day 2!
Chasing The Dandelion 