The City of Pines is such an endearing way to call Baguio City. It has such a magical ring to it, and that magic was definitely felt as we toured the city for 3 days and 2 nights last October 29-31, 2017.
With three kids, three yayas, and four adults in tow, we rented a Hi-Ace van through http://baguiovanrentals.com, which cost us Php 18,500.00 for 3D2N inclusive of everything (gas, toll, food and lodging of driver, and tour itinerary). Kuya Willie, the driver assigned to us, went from one point to another based solely on his road knowledge - never once did he open Waze. The van rental was a bit pricey, but we got what we paid for - which was a stress-free trip.
DAY 1
We left Metro Manila a little before 4:00am and arrived at our first stop around 8:00am - breakfast at S.O.U.L. Cafe (http://soulcafe.com.ph/). Thankfully, the kids all slept through the trip.
I loved the breakfast at S.O.U.L. Cafe. I had their Garlic Longganisa meal - and I savoured every bite I took, esp. their scrambled egg with herbs (and black olives, yum!). I was surprised to see how small their serving of hot chocolate was, but was quickly taken over when I tasted how rich their chocolate was.
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| Garlic Longganisa - Php 145.00 |
For MBS - I ordered Green Eggs and Ham. The cafe got the idea for the dish from Dr. Seuss, and the look and taste is quite effective with kids. MBS was a bit hesitant when she saw the color green (pesto) on her eggs, but ate heartily when she tasted it.
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| Green Eggs and Ham - Php 170.00 |
With our tummies happy and full, we continued on to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. Along the way, we would pass by Bell Church and the Valley of Colours.
Bell Church is a Taoist temple. As of what I know, Taoism is a religion that is similar to Buddhism but rests its beliefs in the Universe. This temple is known for its vivid colors and beautiful garden scenery.
We had to climb a few flights of stairs before we reached the temple. We then paid our respects to the gods at Bell Church by lighting an incense at the altar. Donations are voluntary and can be given in exchange for an incense. You can't take photos inside the temple though.
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| Little troopers :) |
Just a few seconds away from Bell Church, a view of coloured houses warmed our eyes as we passed by the Valley of Colours. From what I've read, the Valley of Colours was a project that began January 2016 and was made possible by the donation of paints by Davies Paints.
Kuya Willie made a stop by the side of the road, just so we could take pictures of this very picturesque location.
I also liked that the air was a bit cooler here because of the flowing stream in front of the houses. There's also a hanging bridge nearby where you can take more photos.
After another 20 or so minutes on the road, we finally reached La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. I'd say that the adults were more excited to pick strawberries than the kids. Then we found out that we were just in time - to know that the strawberry seeds had just been planted. @_@ Harvest season for strawberries would be some time December this year to January next year.
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| It was harvest time for lettuce though. hehe :) |
So, we made good use of our time there and stuffed ourselves with strawberry taho and strawberry ice cream.
It would be an understatement to say that the little monkey (MBM) loved the strawberry taho. He loved it so much, he kept calling our attention with "-ho!" just to let us know that he wanted more.
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| Family picture by the GIANT strawberry |
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| Just as we were about the leave the farm |
*The stalls near the entrance of the farm were also selling strawberry and blueberry liquor. They can give out free tastes if you ask them. And while my eldest went to the comfort room with her yaya, and the little monkey was in the care of his dad, I took a shot. I found the strawberry variant quite strong, so I did not dare taste the blueberry one anymore.
*Fun fact: All the comfort rooms in Baguio are labeled as "CLEAN CR/COMFORT ROOM." They ask you to pay Php 5.00 for urinating and Php 10.00 if you want to dispose of body wastes.
Kuya Willie then lead us to Tam-awan Village by Chanum Foundation, Inc. (www.tam-awanvillage.com). Entrance fee for this place is Php 50/adult and Php 20/kid.
Tam-awan Village is also called "Garden in the Sky" because the whole place is a trek upwards to get a nice view of Baguio City. We, however, weren't able to enjoy the said view because of the fog.
This place also boasts of its art exhibits from various artists and the preservation of old traditional Ifugao huts and cultural experience. These traditional huts that are part of the exhibit are also being rented out.
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| The kids beside rice god statues |
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| A picture on picture shot of the dreamcatcher and paintings inside one of the traditional huts |
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| MBS with a representation of a rice guardian spirit |
Tam-awan Village is a nice and educational place to go to when in Baguio. But it's pretty hard when you have a 1 year old in tow. It's a place where you have to trek, and the slippery ground adds to the challenge.
For a joint late lunch-early dinner meal, we went to Cafe by the Ruins Dua. The two-storey place was lovely. They sold breads and milk at the 1st floor near the cashier. We bought a few pan de sals for breakfast the next morning.
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| Baguio Bagnet - Php 340.00 |
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| Mt. Trail Duck - Php 340.00 |
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| Mango Shrimp Curry - Php 300.00 |
Unfortunately, the shrimp curry dish did not sit well with MBS. She threw up and was then sent to the corner (by me) to wait for us to finish.
With MBS feeling a bit down, it was a good thing that our next and final stop for the day was to check in St. Patrick's Village - just in time for the kids to enjoy the Halloween program St. Patrick's was holding.
St. Patrick's Village was less than 10 minutes away from the restaurant, and the kids danced to their hearts' content as Izzy and Spider. :)
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