Quick Baguio Getaway

Left the hustle and bustle of Manila for a quick getaway with the hope that the high altitude would clear my mind. 

On a somewhat spur of the moment thing, HB and I boarded a Victory Liner bus last Thursday at 10pm. The bus ride was comfortable, albeit very very cold. Seasoned bus riders had bonnets on to protect their head from the aircon draft and pulled down to cover their eyes while they slept. Others had blankets. (We took a mental note so we'll know what to bring and do next time.) The trip had a couple of 15-minute stopovers, the first one in Tarlac City and the second one in Sison, Pangasinan. We arrived at the City of Pines at a little past 4:am on Friday. 

We grabbed some snacks at a 7-11 convenience store across the bus terminal then boarded an FX taxi to get to our abode in Camp 7 in Kennon Road. There, we dozed off until about 10am. Then, we headed out to Session Road to grab lunch at a local food joint called Solibao Restaurant.

Solibao Restaurant along Session Road

HB took to the task of ordering our food. After about 10 minutes, a bowl of sinigang na bagnet was placed in front of us.

Sinigang na Bagnet

perfect pair of steamed rice and sinigang

I was impressed that this traditional Filipino dish was served with a twist and it came out well. The warm broth comforted our grumbling tummies. Paired with steaming hot rice, the meal was just perfect for the cold and rainy Baguio weather. 

In high spirits, we trudged on in the rain and headed up Session Road, pausing every now and then to take pictures. We proceeded to SM and couldn't resist a peek at the view deck.

The Burnham Park as viewed from SM's view deck

We then proceeded to the grocery to purchase supplies. Not quite satisfied, our buying spree continued on to the Baguio Public Market to get the usual pasalubong stuff for my girls. 

For dinner, HB prepared a nice meal of medium well steak with fresh button mushrooms and young corn.

perfect Baguio dinner

To cap the evening, we sat in front of this:

The following day, we explored the market once again to buy fresh vegetables and flowers to bring home.

going up the Hilltop

fresh tomatoes at unbelievable prices

fresh lettuce

HB choosing veggies

carnations

strawberries

brooms galore

We went back to our place for brunch. It was time to prepare our bags.

 

our refuge for 1 night and 2 days

We took the Victory Liner bus which left Baguio at 12:20pm. We got home to the welcoming arms of our girly girls at 7pm.

Refreshed and recharged, HB remarked that we should do this again as it was easy and convenient. I was glad that he finally understood my passion for Baguio's laid-back nature. Now he knows why I crave for Baguio's refuge of mountains and pine trees when I feel troubled with the chaos and stress of city life. With a clear mind and renewed spirit gleaned from this trip, I think I'm ready to take on a few more challenges that may be thrown my way.

Pasalubong Shopping in Baguio Public Market

Squeezed in a quick detour to the Baguio Public Market to buy my usual pasalubong stuff for my girls. For more than 3 years now, I have a suki stall where I go. (I wanted to take her picture beside her stall but she refused.)

Here are my purchases:

cornic, Php 35 per bag or 3 for Php 100

chocolate crinkles, Php 35 per pack (1 dozen) or 3 for Php 100

chocolate flakes, Php 60 each

lengua de gato, Php 80 each

honey, Php 150 per bottle

When in Baguio, the usual pasalubong fare, aside from fresh strawberries, vegetables and flowers, are the Romana's peanut brittle, strawberry jam and Good Shepherd ube. I also recommend the Sagada oranges which are usually sold at Php 80 per kilo (about 2-3 pieces). Various flavored sausages can also be brought home as pasalubong. The usual 'flavors' are garlic, hamonado and Vigan-style. Handicrafts and woodcrafts are also favorite souvenir items. Some hoard Ilocos-made blankets.

The Baguio public market is a favorite one-stop area for souvenir and pasalubong shopping. The dry goods section is relatively clean and devoid of smell. A personal pet-peeve though are the local kids pestering tourists to buy their plastic bags or sack bags. Some even offer their service to carry your bags for a minimal fee. My suki also tipped me off about pickpockets and she advised me to place my bag in front of my body.

Going to the Baguio Public Market is an experience one shouldn't miss. There's a certain thrill in getting good finds at bargain prices (compared to that of Manila) offered by this market.