#MyBaguioStory: A Journey of Pride Promoting Baguio (Part 5 of 5)

DAY 4: December 2, 2021

Enjoying an all-expense paid VIP trip to one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country for the past three days was indeed one for the books in my eyes, and just like any other book with loads of chapters, this wonderful experience has got to close shop, transporting us back to earth.

With only a few hours left before our departure at 10:00 a.m., after our final plated hotel breakfast, we all went our separate ways frolicking around town to enjoy a last glimpse of the Summer Capital.

Last Plated Breakfast

Well, one of the best places before bidding farewell to Baguio would definitely be a visit to one of the famous dessert outlets located along Session Road, the Vizco's Restaurant and Cake Shop, to taste their best-selling Strawberry Shortcake. 

Vizco's Strawberry Shortcake

Formally departing our official accommodation, we did some photo opportunities with the organizers and hotel personnel before embarking the van, as the urban backdrop gradually faded away.

Posing with Ms. Rachel Montoya,

Tourism Operations Officer II of the Baguio Tourism Office

Farewell Baguio City!

Arriving in Rosario, La Union, we ate lunch at Mang Inasal, and had our last group shot before plying the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway back to Quezon City.

Mang Inasal (Rosario, La Union branch)

On behalf of the Larga-Bistas Mountaineering Group, who loves to explore various mountains in the Philippines and uplifting lives of underprivileged communities as a way of sharing blessings from the Almighty, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all concerned personnel from the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Baguio Tourism Office, City Government of Baguio, Agetyeng Travel and Tours, and Venus Parkview Hotel, who have been so instrumental in the rousing success of the #MyBaguioStory event.

Explore Pinas!

Please click here to view the other parts:

#MyBaguioStory (Part 1 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 2 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 3 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 4 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory: A Journey of Pride Promoting Baguio (Part 4 of 5)

DAY 3: December 1, 2021

Baguio City is noted for having a beautiful tradition of embracing the yuletide season starting on December 1st. The entire stretch of Session Road is lit up with festive decorations as the countdown to the Christmas tree lighting begins, which incidentally has also been practiced by several towns in the country.

Fortunately, as part of our sponsored trip being city guests, we would be among those who could experience up-close the so-called Baguio Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 6 p.m. together with prominent city officials.

With loads of free time to spare, after the usual plated morning meal at the hotel, some of us decided to explore the other sites in town. To gain more cultural knowledge of the entire Cordillera Region, I visited the Baguio Museum, which was not part of the sponsored itinerary. Built in 1975, this Ifugao-inspired infrastructure houses antiques and relics from local indigenous communities, as well as the history of Baguio and the lives of Cordillera tribes.

Plated breakfast at the hotel

Tribal belongings on the first floor

History of Baguio on the second floor

When noontime came, we were all treated to a picnic lunch at Burnham Park c/o Raquel's Cuisine. Established in 1925, this park, designed by American architect and Baguio city planner, Daniel Burnham, has always been an ideal spot for a family picnic or recreational activities. 

Picnic on the table

Picnic on the ground

Another round of free time gave me the chance to visit the not-so-famous Emilio F. Aguinaldo Museum, which is actually the first immersive historical museum in the country, focusing on the road to Philippine independence. Despite its low popularity in attracting tourists, one very significant item this place could boast of is the grand opportunity of being able to view the first Philippine flag unfurled on May 28, 1898 (yes, not on June 12, 1898 in Kawit) during the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite, aside from the many other century-old historical objects connected to Aguinaldo’s life.

First Presidential table and Aguinaldo's wheelchair

Oldest Philippine flag

The “Lighting of the Baguio Christmas Tree” festivities were a blast as thousands of spectators flocked to personally witness this annual event, marking Day 1 of “Christmas in Baguio”. Conveniently positioned on the first few rows, just a stone’s throw away from Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Miss Baguio 2021 titlists, and some media personnel, just made the evening more priceless.  

Miss Baguio 2021 - Ghenesis Padilla-Dalayday Latugat

Miss Baguio Tourism 2021 - Dean Dianne Balogal Lucas 

Posing with Mayor Benjamin Magalong

Baguio Christmas Tree

Appearance on GMA News' 24 Oras

Closing this chapter for Day 3 was a palatable dinner back at the Venus Parkview Hotel. 

Realizing that this was our last night, we went for a short cold evening stroll along Kisad Road, heading straight to the Macao Imperial Tea for a “colder” trek back to dreamland.  

Enjoying cold refreshments

Please click here to view the other parts:

#MyBaguioStory (Part 1 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 2 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 3 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 5 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory: A Journey of Pride Promoting Baguio (Part 3 of 5)

 

DAY 2: November 30, 2021

Waking up on a holiday (Bonifacio Day), coupled with an itinerary indicating the busiest day on our four-day sojourn, indeed calls for a delectable plated breakfast at the hotel as early as 6:30 AM to provide us the jumpstart for a grueling day.

Plated breakfast at the hotel

After a brief orientation inside the hotel from our tour guide Maria Teresa Umipig, for this given date, instead of the usual shuttle, that would take us to various spots, we rode Agetyeng’s Exclusive Creative Jeepney, the only tourist jeepney in the Philippines, adding more splendor to the tour proper.

Orientation with Tour Guide

Agetyeng's Creative Jeepney

Alighting in one of the most scenic parts of Baguio, Wright Park, named after Governor Luke Edward Wright, a former Governor-General of the Philippines, has always been associated with its most popular amenity, the horseback riding area, located at the lower level of the park. Unfortunately, given the limited timeframe in our itinerary, we were not able to experience it anew, since we arrived on the upper level. Instead, we strolled along the nature-driven vicinity of pine trees and flower gardens; with some of the participants electing to be photographed, dressed in rented native and ceremonial Igorot attires.

"The Mansion" can be seen at the background from Wright Park

A few walks from Wright Park, we arrived at the so-called The Mansion, which is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines during official visits and engagements. It was constructed in 1908 as a summer home for U.S. Governor-generals and was rebuilt in 1947 due to damages brought about by the battle for the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese during World War II.

"The Mansion" Historical Marker

Mines View Park, undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist destinations in Baguio City, proudly boasts itself of an Observation Deck, allowing visitors to feast their eyes on a magnificent panoramic view, overlooking the mining town of Itogon, which used to be gold and copper mines of Benguet Corporation. Actually, Mount Pulag, Luzon’s highest peak, can be viewed from a distance. Souvenir shops, plant vendors, and photo opportunities with horses and dogs, flank this compound. 

Mines View Park Observation Deck

For genuine silver-made products, do drop by Pilak Silvercraft, which is among the favorite souvenir items of visitors as well as residents due to their luster’s longevity as compared to much cheaper counterparts being peddled in some areas. In fact, tourists can be able to view up-close how their items are being manufactured by the Silversmith. This establishment is the home of handcrafted Baguio silver jewelry and accessories. A UNESCO designated creative craft.

Tour guide providing venue information

With stomachs grumbling, we then proceeded towards the Elements Buffet located inside the Newton Plaza Hotel to experience their famous “Merienda Eat-All-You-Can” priced at Php195 net, which surprisingly starts at 12 NN (Yes, they do not have a lunch buffet unless it falls on a Sunday).

Newton Plaza Hotel

Elements Buffet

A unique souvenir and pasalubong center for visitors is the Crafts and Productivity Center-One Town, One Product (CCPC-OTOP) hub, which serves as an incubation and market testing facility for food, weaving, and other products of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Cordillera to further promote their produce in the region as per the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Facade of the CCPC-OTOP

Right across the Victory Liner bus terminal along Utility Road lies one of the colorful murals in the city, the PNR Mural, which was masterfully created by Venazir Hannah Martinez, a multi-disciplinary street artist. Her street art was designed as a technique for promoting cultural emblems and identification markers, highlighting the relevance of cultural diversity as a physical link to the public through a sequence of interconnected works.

One of several murals

Next stop was the Alimuom Baguio Contemporary Art Exhibition, a project of the Creative City Council of Baguio City, at the Baguio Convention Center. The exhibit was inspired by the concept of alimuom, the lovely smell that pervades the ground after a soft summer rain. Its arrival is veiled in mystery, as if it were an unexpected homecoming or a transformation. 

Admiring various art

Regarding the Baguio Convention Center as a structure, it was really built to host the 1978 World Chess Championship between Russians Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi. Nowadays, it has been utilized as a venue for various events in Northern Luzon, and has a small museum housing items of Cordilleran culture. 

For the most affordable hand-woven textiles sourced straight from the makers themselves, the Cordillera Weaves Exhibit & Weavers Bazaar at the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) compound was the place to be. As a contribution to the 2021 Ibagiw Festival, the bazaar was developed to provide possibilities for Cordillerans by showcasing the ingenuity and skill of Cordillera weavers, as well as to help them recover from the ill effects of the pandemic.

Group shot at the Weaver's Market

Located at the Baguio General Hospital Circle was the Wall of Heroes, a mural painting undertaken by the city government in collaboration with various local Baguio artists, which was aimed to give utmost recognition to all frontliners, who all have immensely experienced loads of effort and sacrifices in order to help alleviate our fellowmen in coping with the pandemic.   

Wall of Heroes

Since this trip coincided with the Yuletide season, what more can a visitor ask for than to be able to visit and experience the Baguio Country Club (BCC) Christmas Vilage, which has always been a blockbuster for locals as well as non-locals due to the presence of such features as an artificial snow, a Nativity play, and a live show of Christmas Carols. Incidentally, this annual activity is just one of several green projects by the BCC where decorations in the area were all made out of recyclable materials.

BCC Christmas Village in the afternoon

BCC Christmas Village in the evening

Concluding the day’s 10-destination visit was a hearty dinner buffet at the Podium Boutique Hotel.  

Post-buffet happiness....burp

Please click here to view the other parts:

#MyBaguioStory (Part 1 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 2 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 4 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 5 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory: A Journey of Pride Promoting Baguio (Part 2 of 5)

DAY 1: November 29, 2021

Agetyeng Travel and Tours, the travel agency assigned for this project, dispatched a van to pick us up at SM City North EDSA in Quezon City, and we departed the assembly area at 4:30 AM.

Plying the Aspiras–Palispis Highway, popularly known and still referred to as Marcos Highway, before final touchdown in Baguio City, we were first welcomed by Baguio Tourism personnel with Sunflower Leis as a symbol of hospitality, as well as #BreatheBaguio facemasks. After passing through a checkpoint, we proceeded next towards the triage at the CAP Convention Center located inside Camp John Hay for health screening and verification of QTP and documents.  

 

Warm welcome from Baguio Tourism personnel

 Waiting at the triage

The first stop was the so-called Mandeko Kito situated at the Berkeley School. Mandeko Kito, which means 'let's sell' in Ibaloi, is a Baguio City artisans market established in 2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its main thrust is to assist local crafts people and artisans in Baguio City and the Cordillera Administrative Region. A wide array of various products from Baguio, Benguet, Sagada, Mountain Province, and Pangasinan, such as handwoven items and accessories, were elaborately showcased to the delight of purchasing visitors.

Mandeko Kito

Apart from these types of products, this market also catered to the hungry tourist as evidenced by the presence of kiosks featuring local food items. We were served the uniquely delicious Smoked Chicken meal by Moe’s for lunch.

Post-lunch smiles

Also, nestled inside this market was an art gallery called Gallery Ninety. It featured various exhibits proudly depicting inventiveness, as local and everyday materials were transformed into extraordinary works of art.

A creation by Architect Dulthe Munar

After being warmly welcomed at our accommodation venue, the Venus Parkview Hotel, we then checked-in and freshened up ourselves in preparation for a Welcome Dinner at the Grand Sierra Pines Hotel in recognition of the Photo Contest winners.       

Checking-in at Venus Parkview Hotel

Since we still had a few hours to spare before sundown, we decided to visit the Vanilla Cafe. Located inside the Kamiseta Hotel compound. It was a vintage French-inspired cafe, wherein we just ordered dessert while enjoying the ambience.

Vanilla Cupcakes & Strawberry Iced Tea

The evening festivities opened its curtains with the Welcome of Participants and the Invocation led by Ms. Montoya, and was followed up by the Welcome Remarks courtesy of Engr. Aloysius C. Mapalo, City Tourism Officer.

"Barkada Category" winners

A representative from each winning group then joyfully delivered their own messages in relation to their winning entry, which captivated the audience. The representatives were Chel Caitlin Caridad (Couple), Germaine De Castro (Barkada), and Charlene Marvilla (Family).

Message Delivery to the Audience

Next on the plate was the presentation of Baguio’s official music video, which was actually launched last September 1, 2021 during Baguio Day, highlighting the new tourism and city brand #BreatheBaguio.

Concluding the program proper was the presentation of tokens to the winners by no other than the Hon. Elaine Sembrano, City Councilor & Chairperson of Committee on Tourism, Parks and Playgrounds, and Engr. Mapalo. The representatives of each group were given the symbolic “Key to the City” and each group member received a #BreatheBaguio shirt and tote bag.

Presentation of the "Key to the City"

Capping off the day was a sumptuous dinner buffet, and a group photo opportunity at the garden area as media photographers fired away.  

Please click here to view the other parts:

#MyBaguioStory (Part 1 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 3 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 4 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 5 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory: A Journey of Pride Promoting Baguio (Part 1 of 5)

Baguio has always been a mecca for avid travel enthusiasts here in the Philippines. Dubbed as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” mainly due to the continuous presence of cold weather all throughout the year, this highly urbanized mountain town situated in the Cordillera Administrative Region, proudly boasts as a melting pot of various cultures, wherein  the socio-cultural scene has been vastly enriched brought about by the overflowing diversity of indigenous ethno-linguistic groupings.

The Larga-Bistas Mountaineering Group has always been a staunch supporter of the wonders of the outdoors, as well as uplifting lives of underprivileged communities through travel as a way of sharing our blessings from the Almighty for several years.

As tourism advocates, this group has successfully promoted various regions, mostly in the island of Luzon, through discovering and exploring several customs and traditions in their own little way, and what would be more fulfilling than to obtain a golden opportunity in assisting a well-known town on its thrust towards resurrecting its tourism potential due to the unfortunate onslaught of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Alas, it only took a friendly prodding from Dr. Ginger Opulencia, a member of my hiking group (yes, I am the head), to provide me with enough push to participate in the #MyBaguioStory Photo Contest, concocted by the Baguio Tourism Office, which started accepting entries on June 18, 2020. 

Promotional Poster

The idea for the said contest is for the participants to share their best Baguio travel story or memory and share their Baguio scenic photos of their previous visit in their social media account. 

With just a few days to spare towards the new submission deadline on August 31, 2020, my entry was sent last August 20, 2020. The winners of which will enjoy a 4days/3 nights red carpet treatment in the City of Baguio, inclusive of accommodation, meals, city tour, land transportation (Manila-Baguio-Manila) and a courtesy call with City officials. Only one winner will be awarded in the “Couple”, “Family”, and the “Barkada” (obviously I joined this one) categories.

The continuous rise of COVID-19 for the next several months though prompted the City Government of Baguio to enforce strict safety protocols, barring tourists from entering the city.

A huge smile suddenly descended on my face on March 2, 2021 as Ms. Rachel Montoya, the Tourism Operations Officer II of the Baguio Tourism Office, contacted and relayed to me that my entry won in our category to the delight of my family, relatives, and colleagues.

"Announcement of Winners" Poster

My Winning Entry

After registering our profiles and submitting our travel requirements, through the Baguio Visita website, we were then all set to experience Baguio anew after successfully obtaining entry approval.  

Thus, our journey began…

Please click here to view the other parts:

#MyBaguioStory (Part 2 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 3 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 4 of 5)

#MyBaguioStory (Part 5 of 5)