The Baguio Chronicles - Chapter 1: Getting to Baguio

(taken from my Multiply Blog dated May 6, 2009)

For several months if not years I wanted to go to Baguio badly. So I had to make arrangements to go. I got some friends to tag along.

In going to Baguio, I decided to take the Manaoag route through Dagupan BusLines. It was April 30. I underestimated the crowd that would be flocking the terminal. It was the eve of Labor Day and many flocked the terminal for the long weekend.

We left the Cubao terminal at around 1:00am. The travel time was between 4 to 4.5 hrs. We got to Manaoag at around past five in the morning. We freshened up a bit and were ready to go for the 6:00am mass.

After the mass, we headed off to baguio. Lucky us, a van was on its way back to Baguio and caught our eye. The van service going to Baguio cost PhP70.00 per head.

Travel Advisory: If you wish to go to Manaoag first before heading to Baguio City, it is cheaper compared to going to Baguio directly from Cubao. A trip from Cubao to Baguio would cost roughly PhP 440.00. If you would go to Manaoag first the trip would cost PhP250.00 + PhP70.00 (for the van) so that would only be PhP320.00. You get to have a chance to go on a Pilgrimage to Manaoag at the same time save P120.00. ;)

Anyways, the trip was an Express Trip... ambilis ni manong mag drive, it took us about an hour and a half only to get to Baguio City... hehehe.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

By the Sea

Image
The Philippine Archipelago is also the home of many beaches. They are among the many riches of our nature-blessed country. This is a beach found in Sabang, Puetto Princesa, Palawan. Sabang is known as the gateway to one of the greates treasures of the world, the Underground River. Batangas also hosts a great deal of beaches. This beach is found within the parameters of the Laiya Coco Grove Resort. It is a privately owned resort that attracts many tourists, local or foreign. Oh yes, this is one of my favorites. One of the emerging hotspots in the Philippines. This is a beach in one of the islands that comprise the Busuanga group of islands in Palawan. Busaunga (also known as Coron because of its neigbouring town) is known for its many beaches and islands. (Photo of this beach in Busaunga was taken by Michael Trias)
Read more

The Baguio Chronicles - Chapter 3: Food and Dining

Image
(taken from my Multiply Blog dated May 6, 2010) I love to eat... well I love to experiment with food. My time in Baguio led to different places... food particularly. O'Mai Khan is a Mongolian inspired resto... it is located near the Rizal Monument right next to Burnham Park. My first encounter with O'Mai Khan was way back in 2002. They have an eat-all-you-can Mongolian Bowl which starts off at 195.00 per person. hehe... it was really satisfying and you get to put flavor to your food according to how you want it to be... (pics of O'Mai Khan downloaded from the blog of "TANYA SPEAKS." I wasn't able to get pics of the place... sorry...) It was in Baguio that I got to taste something unique..."Strawberry Taho." In Manila the syrup used to give this soy delicacy was caramelized sugar together with mini-tapioca (arnibal and sago). Anyway, in Wright Park, when we were taking our stroll we saw taho vendors around. We joked around and asked each other if ever...
Read more

Holy Places

Image
The Philippines distinguishes itself as the only Christian nation in South East Asia. Together with this self-acclaimed distinction are living proofs found in structures around the country. Here are some of them which I was blessed to see. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Naga City, Bicol. A flock of devotees come to Naga to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin every third Sunday of September. Many faithful find refuge in times of hopelessness in this sanctuary. Local townsfolk also give accounts of miraculous stories that they encounter. Batulao is a place for finding space and time with the Divine. It is a "hub" for retreat places. This is the Chapel found in the Caleruega compound in Batulao. Caleruega is a retreat house with many function places for religious activities. It is named after the birthplace of St. Dominic De Guzman. It is owned and operated by the Dominicans (Order of Preachers). When I went to Bicol in 2008, I was fortunate to see the Cagsaua Ru...
Read more