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A Summer Escapade Called Baguio As far as I can recall, the last time I visited Baguio was about some Jurassic years ago. There were a couple of attempts a few years back. But sickness like flu would always come in my way. I could recall it was perhaps during the late 70’s when I was with my friends, my classmates and fraternity brothers way back college days that I had the chance. That was an overnight trip which was focused more on our studies and as part of my curriculum observing a dairy farm that spawn milk and other products geared for human consumption. There was however a chance to make a quick visit to the market and a few landmarks but only on a limited time. Ergo, enjoying the scene of the summer capital was not really fully appreciated. Just recently, a three day three night experience of Baguio came to finally pass. I was with a balikbayan friend who, like me, wished to go back and fully appreciate the city. On our first day, we decided to bask first on the sands of an Olongapo beach resort. Then on the next day, we proceeded to Baguio for the rest of our summer escapade. As passengers of a Victory Liner bus, we had the chance to view as well the scenes while passing along a new expressway called Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The trip to Baguio took about six hours. It was so tiring we did not bother to choose an inn where we can stay. Instead we took the chance of taking the services of a hotel peddler who asked P1200 for an overnight stay in a small inn located along Magsaysay Avenue and near St. Louis University. By 12 noon lunchtime, we have to check out and transferred to a more comfortable and hygienic hotel located along Kisad road and fronting the Baguio Plaza and Burnham park. Venus Parkview hotel provided us a room at the third floor where its terrace can serve as a good viewing point particularly a view of the heart of the summer capital. For the rest of our escapades, we were comforted by the hotel at a rate of P1, 800 overnight. The three day trip was just enough to appreciate Baguio. My friend and I were relieved from the warm and intense humidity of Manila in contrast to the cool winds and the cloudy overcast skies. We did not really wear jacket at all times because day and night offered a climate that is weather friendly and just enough coolness. That coolness added more life and brightness of colour of vegetations particularly a variety of flowers you see at Burnham or everywhere in any parts of the city. The pine trees of John Hay are reminiscent of winter in other western countries covered with snow. At night, the sight of slopes of the magnificent mountain ranges were brightened by lights emanating from residences, villages, hotels and other structures which made it looked like an extension of the distant stars of the skies. A more extensive mountain view of the summer capital was provided by the mines view park while it offered as well the sight of enterprising natives of Igorots wearing their indigenous and colourful weaved attires. There were a series of kiosks at the entrance peddling souvenir items ranging from key chains, wood crafts, t shirts, bags, hats, delicacies, pasalubongs, and so forth and so on. Based at the very heart of the city, SM Baguio served almost as a second home where we bought grocery items, eat for lunch and dinner and of course the enjoyable coffee breaks at the terrace overlooking the beautiful slopes. Coffee breaks were also the time to view again moments captured from our digital cameras, pictures of myself surrounded by the beautiful nature, the friendly spontaneity of the natives and popular landmarks that made the city a popular tourist destination. On our last day, a few hours before we leave our hotel, and bringing along our enthusiasm to capture more memories of the city via our digicams, we proceeded to the Baguio Cathedral and the Grotto. By early afternoon, we were on board our bus that would bring us back to Manila. As I progress further towards the so called twilight years, I was thinking about giving myself a break more than I would deserve. Travelling outside Manila will be a very good idea and hopefully, trips out of the country would not anymore be wishful thinking. The pictures that I could capture during these journeys would eventually become a treasure. They would absolutely serve as a source for my joy and a source of inspiration as well to conquer more places as I approach towards the last years of my life. 
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4/18/2009 7:06 pm |
I love staying at Camp John Hay, and playing golf on their terrific golf course!   What are you doing when you lose the most track of time? This is what you should spend the most time doing.  
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