This time around when I went to the City of Pines, it was a long weekend again. Somehow it was different because when my siblings and I went to the Northern part of the Philippines, we came all the way from South aka down under. We arrived late at night of June 23rd and we left the house around six in the morning so we could catch up the earliest trip on Victory Bus. Sadly, because it was fully booked, we took the second trip and we waited for two hours to ride the bus.
Honestly, I was not thrilled to go to Baguio because I’ve been there for quite some time. However, I still went with my brother and sister and I must say that I was happy that I did. The plan to go to Baguio was not smooth and there were changes along the way until the day of our trip itself.
Let me share with you the places that we’ve been and the foods which we discovered that you might want to check out when you and your family also decided to go to Baguio for a long weekend!
Where We Stayed
~Tulip’s Place
It is located in a quiet neighborhood at Naval Base, only walking distance from Leonard Wood Bridge. It is not hard to find because it is surrounded with some apartelle and inns that near to it. We initially booked for a room which could accommodate three to six persons, but, sadly the two people who should be with us couldn’t make it. Luckily, they still had a room for two to four people.
PROS
-Affordability. If you are a first time traveler in Baguio, I suggest this place. For two nights, we only paid for 3,400 php for two bedrooms.
-Customer Service. I loved the friendliness and the fast service of their staffs.
-Wifi Connection. It was very accessible and quite reliable.
CONS
-Bed. Both my siblings commented that they were bedbugs.
-Comfort room/Bathroom. There were no floor mat and the bathroom curtain was dirty.
Places that We Visited
~Strawberry Farm, Benguet
It was my second time to go to the place and it was epic failed again! We weren’t able to pick any strawberry because it was off season already! Boo!
~BenCab Museum
I appreciated art, but I’m not a fan of it. I was still amazed on how talented and creative Filipino artists! The artist’s imagination and the messages that every painting and artworks convey is fascinating! Check out my favorites among the photos posted above.
Student Entrance Fee: 100 php
Regular Entrance Fee: 120 php
Open from Sunday to Tuesday
Where We Dine In
~Choco-Late de Batirol
This nature-themed food place had been one of my sister’s bucket lists in Baguio. It is located inside the famous Camp John Hay.
PROS
-Popularity. Your interest will be piqued why they are one of the recommended must try in Baguio.
-Suman sa Lihia. Hands down with their delicious ‘kakanin’! I was happy that my sister ordered this as her breakfast. I believed Batirol’s Suman was so far the best suman I ever tasted! Good job!
CONS
-Overprice. It was our first time to have a total bill of whooping 861 php for our breakfast and we were only three who ordered them.
-Drinks. My brother was very disappointed with his Baguio Blend and I was not satisfied by their Almond Chocolate. My sister was the happiest with her drink, the Traditional Blend.
~Goto BP
Underrated ‘lugawan’ that you should not miss to visit when you are in Baguio! The location is perfect for commuters because it is only few meters away from SM Baguio and at the city’s former bus terminal.
PROS
-Price. If you are on a tight budget, BP’s Goto (50php), Lugaw with Egg (35php) and Arroz Caldo (50php) will surely win your hungry tummy. The serving of each bowl of these Filipino favorites will surprise you! Our total meal with three bottled water is only 189 php!
-Service. Customers come and go because of their fast customer service! When you sit down on their stool, their attendant would immediately ask for your order and just a few seconds, the bowl of happiness will be served to you.
CONS
-None.
~Sizzling Plate
We were hungry and a bit disappointed because we were not able to accomplish those two itineraries that we had on the list. We were supposed to eat in a known restaurant in a mall, but it was crowded already and we had to wait for an hour just to be seated. My cousin then suggested Sizzling Plate which was across the mall.
*Session Branch*
It was jam packed with people because it was lunchtime, but we were able to find a table for four. The waiter was somehow quite accommodating but he rarely smiled when we ordered our meals.
PROS
-Side dishes. All of us agreed that thanks to the beans and potatoes, we survived lunch.
CONS
-Meals. My sister and I ordered Korean Beef Steak which was bland to our taste buds. We had to put condiments like soy sauce, pepper and salt, so we could eat it. My brother on the other hand, didn’t like the Java rice. It was bland to him.
-Ambience. My brother kept on complaining that he didn’t like the smoke that stuck inside the restaurant.
*Leonard Wood Branch*
The first time that we saw the place, we thought that it was a hotel. It was only a walk away from Tulip’s Place. We already decided that we try the restaurant but, our experience on the Session Road made us think twice. However, on our last day in Baguio and we really needed to eat a quick lunch, we chose to dine in the Sizzling Plate at Leonard Wood.
PROS
-Cucumber Blend and Boneless Chicken Steak. I ordered these two and I fell in love with them, especially the Cucumber Blend, a must try for your first drink!
-Interior. I recommend that you visit Sizzling Place at their Leonard Wood branch because of its spacious room and perfect surrounding!
CONS
-None!
I’m grateful for the three days that we stayed in Baguio. Quite short but the memories and the places that we’ve been were truly unforgettable. I hope that I see Baguio again soon!