Momma Travels: The Baguio Adventure

Jan 16, 2015 | Travels

Growing up in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio will always have a special place in my heart. But because of school and pregnancies, it took a while for me to go back. So when my husband said he wanted to go to Baguio for December, I immediately said yes – and made reservations at The Forest Lodge as early as June.

I was really excited to go back. Not just because the last time I went there was during my college days, but it’s also the first time I’ll go to Baguio with my kids.

Of course, traveling with tots is going to be a challenging one. Thankfully, TPLEX until Urdaneta was operational so it saved us a lot of time – although the line in ALL toll gates can be irritating (My tip: follow the trucks. Trust me, it’s a lot faster). The good thing was my kids were sleeping most of the travel, so it’s easier for me to manage them.

First Day

It was a tiring one, to be honest. Baguio was so crowded and yes, it’s like we’re in Manila because it’s traffic everywhere. We opted to stay inside the hotel (check out my review of The Forest Lodge) because for one, it’s hard to go around Baguio with two kids, and two, it’s so crowded. We decided to stay in the hotel and walked around the nearby establishments since it’s inside Camp John Hay. Baguio 3Baguio 4It was also my eldest 3rd birthday. We were supposed to go to Baguio Technohub for dinner but because it is crowded, we just celebrated in inside the room with some of my nephews and nieces. We just bought pizza from Yellow Cab, chicken from KFC, pasta from Shakey’s and cake from Red Ribbons. Oh diba, hanggang Baguio, sila parin. Good thing the hotel allowed outside food so less hassle. Baguio 1Baguio 2Second Day

We dedicated our second day for tour and sightseeing. It was my husband’s first time in Baguio so this could be a good chance to tour him around the city. After having breakfast at Hill Station in Baguio Technohub, we rented a van so we don’t have to worry about traffic and parking. Kudos to the hotel for organizing this one.

First stop, Philippine Military Academy. Too bad, we were late so we weren’t able to see the young soldiers doing drills. Maybe next time. So we just took pictures on the military tanks and canyons. Baguio 5We also went to Wright Park though horseback riding didn’t excite us that much. And yes, there are lots of people too so we skipped on that one. We just went straight to The Mansion, though the President wasn’t there to pay a visit. Haha! Baguio 6Our next stop was Good Sheperd. We were supposed to buy pasalubongs but we were late so what was left was tons of macapuno. Of course, we didn’t buy. We were also supposed to have lunch at Ruins but we were 13th in line, so never mind. We just went back to the hotel since the Baguio tour was hopeless. And the traffic, wow. Really irritating. And tons of people everywhere!

After having lunch at Mile-Hi, we decided to take a walk around the hotel’s vicinity. My sisters and brother did their own thing, which is the mini golf (yes, it still exists!) while me, husband and our eldest walked around inside CJH. It’s a good thing my mom suggested we leave our youngest with her so we can easily take a walk. Baguio 7I was surprised to see my big girl refusing to be carried and prefers walking, even on steep areas. Then we reached Starbucks but of course, it is crowded plus, Starbucks again? Seriously? So we went to Illy and had our caffeine-and-cake fix. Baguio 8Third Day

Time to say goodbye to Baguio. To be honest, I wasn’t ready to go yet since I felt so bitin plus there are so many places we want to go to but because of traffic and crowd. It only means we will go back, right?

Baguio 9

Breakfast Buffet – P580/person

Anyway, we started our day with breakfast buffet at The Manor. There are a lot of food choices – from breads to waffles, to eggs, to lots of ulam, they have it. Of course, my favorite is the dessert table and I’m glad they have a yogurt section – in different flavors. We bought some last-minute pasalubongs in the market since we weren’t able to do that during the tour. As usual, there are tons of people, before heading back home.

Overall, the Baguio experience was okay. It wasn’t what I was hoping for and it really changed a lot since the last time I was there. There are tons of people everywhere, traffic was crazy and it’s just hard to go around without bumping into someone. The good thing is our hotel was superb and everything we need is walking distance so less hassle.

Bye Baguio. See you soon.

Bye Baguio. See you soon.

Lesson learned: never go to Baguio on December + long weekend :))

11 Comments

  1. mamaspeaks

    Love your post Ayi! Made me want to go visit Baguio as well. And I agree definitely not on a long weekend.

    Reply
    • Ayi

      Daming tao grabe šŸ™ Wasn’t able to enjoy the trip because of traffic.

      Reply
  2. AciGirl MB

    I love Baguio, di kasi ako maswimming na tao šŸ™‚ I always spent my Birthday there, sana this year makabalik ulit.

    Reply
  3. SOL RAZO

    Me too, I love Baguio so much, too! The fresh veggies and fruits, the colorful flowers and of course the cold weather. Last time I went there, kain-tulog ginawa ko..nice bonding time with your family!

    Reply
  4. MrsMartinez

    Naku I have not been to Baguio in a long time! I hope I can go back soon! This entry brings back a lot of good memories ; )

    xoxo
    MrsMartinez

    Reply
  5. Jem Alvarado (@esupermommy)

    I’ve been to Baguio way back 2002 and I love the place. Yes, it is crowded already there as told by my friend residing there but we still plan to visit the place with my family.

    Reply
  6. Rackell Lumberio-Villareal

    After reading your post, I want to go back in Baguio, this time with my baby. I can’t remember the last I went here, I guess college days pa ata yun. I want to relax and unwind. Hopefully, ma plan namin yung pag visit namin dito pag malaki laki na si Rhian. šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Ayi

      I suggest palakihin niyo nga muna si Rhian. My one year old kasi was sleeping lang almost the whole time. Hahaha! But my 3-year old was very attentive and observant šŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Mamanee San Luis

    My first and last trip to Baguio was when I was in College. Grabe ang tagal na pala and then I see all my friends going to Baguio hehehe. Sana rin madala ko rin mga anak ko like you did. šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Ayi

      Ilan taon na sila? Mahirap din to roam around with kiddos tapos madami tao. Kaya next time talaga hindi kami pupunta ng December :))

      Reply

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