Wanting to escape the heat, my family packed up last Sunday and head to the country's summer capital, Baguio City, to cool down.
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| Wish you were here |
Baguio is nestled within the mountain ranges inside Benguet province, North of Luzon. And because of its altitude, temperature here is much lower than Manila. A perfect getaway if you want to feel refreshed and enjoy scenic views.
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| Manila (pointA) - Baguio (pointB) |
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguio |
It was Saturday midnight when we left Manila. It is best to travel at night since there are less pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
We took SCTEX for a shorter travel then took Marcos Highway to enter Baguio. We choose Marcos Highway over Kennon Road because roads are wider and curves are less sharper than that of Kennon's but Marcos highway is a farther drive than Kennon. If your vehicle is in good condition, I suggest you take Marcos for entry and take Kennon for exit. Marcos not only helps drivers but also boast very beautiful views and landscapes of La Union and Cordillera Mountain Ranges plus you can also get a glimpse of South China Sea from the peak.
I really wish i could show you pictures of La Union. The views are really stunning.Imagine those landscapes from Disney movies or mountain views from Mission Impossible. It was just stupid not to reach for the camera.
Moving on, we reached Baguio before 6am. We stopped over for food then we head on for a relaxing drive around the City. The City showcases several parks and recreational facilities.
Our first stop was at the Strawberry Farm. Here you can handpick your strawberries for 500 pesos a box (approximately 2 kilos) or if you want you can just buy those fresh fruits outside the farm for 150 per kilo. Aside from strawberries, the farm also plants other fruits and vegetables you rarely see in Manila like lychees, giant grapes, brocollis, etc.
While driving around the city proper, we saw the houses clingin on the side of the mountain which reminded me of the slums of Rio de janeiro. Well, it kinda look good in an angle but in my opinion, about twenty years more, it wouldnt look as good as it is now since Baguio is getting highly urbanized. I think authorities should put some actions into this before it gets worse.
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| Slums of Baguio |
After the farm we went to see Burnham. The park is very different from the pictures in the net. The lake is gone, trees are few and there are lots of vendor tents built around the perimeter. I dont know if its being renovated but since there are few to see, we decided that we skip Burnham and just go to next destination, Mines View Park.
On our way to the Park, we saw 'The Mansion'. A home built to serve as meeting place of important conferences and as resthouses of the Presidents of the Philippines. We stopped to take some pictures and chill down.
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| The gates |
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| The yard sign |
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| The historical scripture |
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| Seal of the Philippines |
Across the mansion is the Wright Park where you can rent a horse and ride around the park.
We then head to Mines View Park. The park boasts a very scenic view of the city. It also houses the Cordillera World where you can see the rich and beautiful culture of baguio. Mines View is also the home of the popular giant St. Bernard dog where you can take a picture with for only 100 pesos a shot. Unfortunately the line for the shoot was long, bye Lala.
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| View from Mines' |
Around noon, we took lunch in a restaurant overlooking the city. There, we saw a tree carved in the likeness of an Ifugao.
After lunch, we went to PMA or Philippine Military Academy, a school for aspiring soldiers. Rules inside are strict. You cant enter without proper attire (shirt, shorts and shoes. no slippers allowed.) Places that are off-limits to guests are not to be enter, the sign keep off the grass is sacred and noise is something you should put out of your dictionary. The place may look boring but is very conjusive for learning, training and just plain relaxing.
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| Vie from PMA grounds |
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| The Academy |
Aside from the Headquarters, the academy main building and the museum, the place is also home to numerous weapons and vehicles used during the war in early times.
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| A flak cannon used to bring down planes |
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| an air force jet |
There are other parks and facilities you can visit in Baguio but since it is getting late, (it is Sunday and people are going to work the day after) we head home.
We took Kennon Road to see the infamous lion's head statue.
The road is shorter than Marcos' and the view is also stunning but I like Marcos' views more. Oh and if you're oing to take Kennon, make sure to drive extra careful especially when taking those sharp curves. Crazy drivers of jeepneys and some trucks thinks they are those drifters from Initial D when taking these curves so slow down and give signals.
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| Curves are sharp because of the mountain's scape. |
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| These are views you dont see everyday |
If you need maps and additional information, I suggest you visit the city governement website:
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| http://www.baguio.gov.ph/ |
The baguio trip is just like a trip to a park but with this type of climate and breathtaking views, you will surely fall in love with the city.
I rate this trip 8 out of 10 pines.
oreoisgood~
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