Bago pa man sumapit ang ika 30 ng Hulyo 2010 ay matagal na naming napagplanuhang magbabarkada ang pag akyat sa Baguio City,kung saan kasakulukuyang nainirahan si Ms. Reana B. Paguio.Hulyo 30 ganap na alas 4:00 ng madaling araw ay agad akong nagtungo sa guadalupe makati para kitain ang aking matalik na kaibigang si jason.Nang mga sandaling iyon ay agad naman syang nandodoon at nauna pa siya sa akin.Kumaen kami sanndali sa chowking at habang kumakain kami ay katext ko naman si jay at mp para sa updates.5:15 am ay nagtungo na kami sa Cubao (Victory Lines ).At agad din naman kaming nakarating at agad kaming nagtungo sa ticketing officwe para alamin ang schedule ng biyahe..Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay dumating naman si mp habang katext ko naman si jay at jin.Ng makalipas ulit ang ilang minuto ay agad din namang dumating si jay at jin at basang basa ng pawis si jin sa kadahilanag sumayaw daw ang kanilang team at tumakbo daw siya sa pagtakas.Ng makumpleto na kami sa terminal ay agad na kaming bumili ng ticket.Habang naghihintay kami ng bus na babiaje ay nagtungo muna kami sa 7-11 upang bumili ng tubig,snacks at iba pang pagkain,sa kadahilanang mahaba daw ang biaje( 6-7 hours).9:00 am ay tumulak na ang sinansakyan naming bus at habang naglalakbay kami ay panay ang masid namin sa aming mga dinaraanan at may kasamang kulitan ang bawat isa.Pampanga,Tarlac,Pangasinan,yan ang mga bayan na aming tinahak at at sumunod naman ang Baguio.Habang binabagtas na namin ang daan patrungong Baguio ay nakaramdam ako ng takot at kaba paakyat na kasi ito.Sabi kasi ng mga magaulang ko ay napakadelikado daw ang mga daan papunta sa lugar na iyon.Iyon kasi ang pangalawang beses ko na makakrating sa bayang iyon,bata pa kasi ako noong unang marating ako sa lugar na iyon.Ng medyo malapit na kami ay tinawagan na ni mp si yanah "mp: hello yanah malapit na kami! yanah: ok cge text ka pag dumaan nakayo sa may tunnel then pag nakita nyo na ung petron,malapit na kayo.Sa sobrang excited ay agad namang pumara si mp ng makita na nya ang petron.mp: bababa natayo at agad naman kaming tumayo lahat at binitbit ang maing mga dala-dalahan.Manong Suello Village po? Conductor :malayo pa!. Natawa na lang kaming lahat sa aming ginawa.Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay nakababa din kami sa aming sinakyang bus at nakaabang naman sa amin si ms. reana.Habang naglalakad na kami papasok sa nasabing villlage ay kwentuhan naman kami ng mga nangyari habang naglalakbay kami at mga kalokohan namin.At last nakarating na din kami sa bahay na aming tutuluyan,maganda yong bahay at maaus naman ang pasilidad,3 rooms at 3 comfort rooms with heaters.Pag katapos naming ayusin ang aming mga dala dalang gamit ay agd kaming nagkuhanan ng ng pictures,sa loob pa lng ng aming tinuluyan ay sobrang masisiyahan ka na sa sobrang ganda ng bawat apligid nito.Pag katapos ng mga sandaling iyon ay napagdesisyoonan ng aming pangkat na pumunta sa s"Session Road" Kung saan matatagpuan ang isang kilalang Fast Food dahil sa napakamurang pagkain at napakadaming servings ng bawat order.Sumakay kami ng jeep (minimum fare php 9.00) nagulat ako,kala ko kasi php 7.00 lng,at agad naman akong nagtanong kay ms. yanah "ganito talaga dito" sambit niya.Habang sakay kami ng jeep patungong session road ay panay ang kulitan naming magbabarkada sa jeep(napatingin tuloy sa amin ang mga pasahero).
Session Road is the main thoroughfare of the city and the center of Baguio's commercial establishment. This is where you will find department stores, banks, movie houses, and bazaars. There are also some hotels, bakeries, restaurants, newspaper stands, bookstores, boutiques, cafes, and studios along Session Road.
Local residents, students in the different schools and universities in the city and visitors alike spend most of their free time just going up and down Session Road. It is a place to go window shopping, looking at people, or just taking a leisurely walk during a cool and quite afternoon or evening. Visitors should take note that residents of Baguio City are predominantly Catholics and when the Angelus (a Catholic devotion in honor of Annunciation and Incarnation) is supposed to be recited in the evening at 6:00 o'clock, a loud continuous siren is heard all over the city to remind everyone about it. At Angelus time, all vehicles come to a full stop, even in the middle of the road. Similarly, pedestrians also stop and bow their heads in prayer and then greet each other "good evening" at the end of the siren. This custom is probably only unique in Baguio City and not similarly observed in other parts of the country.
At ng makarating na kami ng session road,naglakad,tumawid,umakyat ng overpass,bumaba at nag lakad ulet,umakayat ulet ng overpass at bumaba na naman,lumakad ulet at natunton na namin ang nasabing fast food.Welcome Good Taste Restarant! Yes mam,sir? At agad naman kaming binigyan ng Menu for orders.2 orders of butter chicken,fried rice,sotftdrinks and pancit.Yan ang mga pagkaing aming inorder.Habang nag hihintay kami ng orders ay panay ang kwentuhan namin at picture taking.poase dito,pose doon.Sa wakas adumating na ung inorder namin,tnt ang dami kasing tao.At sabay sabay na kaming lumafang ng mga nasabing pagkain.Pag katapos naming kumain ay napagusapan naman namin na magtungo sa Burnharm Park para mamasyal.Walking distance lng naman iyon sa nasabing lugar.Ng makarating na kami sa burnham park.Burnham Park is centered around a man-made lake located at the heart of the city. It was named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. The park is a favorite place of local residents and visitors alike. There are different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are available in the park. You can row a boat, have a picnic, attend an outdoor concert, watch a football game, go biking, or just take a leisurely stroll around the park.
At the southern end of the park is a circular skating rink where skates can be rented. There are also tennis and basketball courts, a few restaurants, outdoor kiosks, a children's playground, and an orchidarium where various kinds of plants, trees and flowers are sold. Chairs and benches are distributed around the park for those who just want to sit down and relax.
The football field at the eastern side of the park is sometimes used for parades, carnivals, concerts, political rallys
Burnham Park is centered around a man-made lake located at the heart of the city. It was named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. The park is a favorite place of local residents and visitors alike. There are different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are available in the park. You can row a boat, have a picnic, attend an outdoor concert, watch a football game, go biking, or just take a leisurely stroll around the park.
At the southern end of the park is a circular skating rink where skates can be rented. There are also tennis and basketball courts, a few restaurants, outdoor kiosks, a children's playground, and an orchidarium where various kinds of plants, trees and flowers are sold. Chairs and benches are distributed around the park for those who just want to sit down and relax.
The football field at the eastern side of the park is sometimes used for parades, carnivals, concerts, political rally
, and for display booths during special events and activities. On certain Sundays and some special occasions, cadets of the Philippine Military Academy perform a parade and review or a silent drill exhibition at the field. Just after the big earthquake that hit the city in 1990, many of its residents fled their homes for fear of aftershocks and temporarily set camp in this field. Burnham Park is an ideal place for taking photographs and a visitor should bring along a camera when going to the park. If in case you forget to bring a camera during your visit, there are commercial photographers in the park who can take your pictures. Pictures are usually delivered to you within just a few hours. It is best to determine and agree on the fee for the services of the photographer and the cost of the photographs before committing yourself to one.
Konting masid sa kapaligiran at nagtungo naman kami sa "SM Baguio".At doon naman naiisipan ng kasama naming si Jason na bumili ng tsinelas (ang tagal pumili) nung araw ding iyon at inabutan pa kami ng malakas na ulan at agad din namang humina.Habang Naghihintay kami na mawala ang ulan ay panay ang harutan namin dahil sa aming maga nakikita.At tumigil na naga ang ulan pero may kasama parin na ambon at dumerecho naman kami sa "Sunshine Supermarket "para bumili ng aming hapunan at inumin na rin (matador,ice tea,tuna,cornbeef atbp).Nakakatuwa kasi tulad na lang noong nakita kong mantika,para syang galing sa freezer,sa sobrang lamig ng klima doon.Pagkatapos naman sa supermarket na iyon ay umuwi na kami.Sumakay ng jeep (pay as you sakay).At ng ngalalakbay na kami patungo na sa aming bahay na tinuluyan ay bigla na namang bumuhos ang napakalakas na ulan.Dumaan muna kami sa mini store ng suello villge para bumili ng mineral h20(1 gallon) at binuhat naman ito ni jayson.Pagkadating namin sa aming inokupang bahay ay agad akong nagpalit ng damit para ayusin ang aming mga pinamiling mga pagkain (hapunan). Nag-saing,nag luto ng corned beef at tuna at pagkaluto ay sabay-sabay na kaming naghapunan(late kumain si jason,naligo pa kasi,hindi pala kami sabay sabay).Pagkatapos naming maghapunan ay nag inuman na kami,kantahan gamit ang mahiwagang "Magic Sing ni Reana".Shot ko,shot na jay,shot ni yanah,shot ni mp at paikot-ikot na shot.Kanta ko,kanta ni yanah,kanta ni mp,kanta ni jay at kanya kanyang kanta,habang nasa dining table naman si jason at jin(hindi namin alam kung ano pinag uusapan nila).Pagkatapos ng toma namin ay isa-isa na kaming umakyat para matulog para na rin maaga kaming magising.PANGALAWANG ARAW namin ay nagtungo naman kami sa "Baguio Catholic Cathedral Church".The Baguio Catholic Cathedral Church is the biggest church in baguio and is the center of religious activites such during the holy week when thousands of devotees from metro manila and the provinces come up to the city.During sundays and other special holidays ofv the catholic church,you will find vendors along the stairway and also the church's open selling flowers,baloons,news paper,sweeptakes tickets,candles,rosary beads and other religious articles.Right after we're visited the baguio catholic church ay nagtungo naman kami sa "Mines View Park.There is no doubt that the Mines View Park is one of the most popular and most visited park in the city. From the observation deck of the park a breathtaking panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains unfolds before you. It is a spectacular sight to behold and should not be missed when visiting Baguio.
The park is usually the next stop taken by most visitors after seeing the Mansion or Wright Park. To reach the observation deck, you need to go down a winding stone-covered stairway which is just close to the parking area. One should be careful when ascending or descending the stairway just after a rain as the steps can be very slippery. There are a few benches at the promontory where you can sit down to rest and enjoy the view. For a few pesos you can rent a binocular and there are also some commercial photographers around just in case you want to have your picture taken. A visit to the park should also be planned earlier during the day as the view may not be visible when the fog starts to move in during the afternoon. However, this occurs only on certain months of the year.
There is no doubt that the Mines View Park is one of the most popular and most visited park in the city. From the observation deck of the park a breathtaking panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains unfolds before you. It is a spectacular sight to behold and should not be missed when visiting Baguio.
The park is usually the next stop taken by most visitors after seeing the Mansion or Wright Park. To reach the observation deck, you need to go down a winding stone-covered stairway which is just close to the parking area. One should be careful when ascending or descending the stairway just after a rain as the steps can be very slippery. There are a few benches at the promontory where you can sit down to rest and enjoy the view. For a few pesos you can rent a binocular and there are also some commercial photographers around just in case you want to have your picture taken. A visit to the park should also be planned earlier during the day as the view may not be visible when the fog starts to move in during the afternoon. However, this occurs only on certain months of the year.After naman sa mines view ay tinungo naman namin ang "The Mansion".
The Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along the Leonard Wood Road and right across from Wright Park. It was built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines.
The Philippine government later rebuilt and improved the structure in 1947 and since then it has been used by various Philippine presidents whenever they come up to Baguio for their official visits and engagements. The Mansion served as the seat of the Second Session of Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East in 1947. It has also been the site of first meeting of the South East Asia Union which was popularly known as the Baguio Conference of 1950 which was conceived and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.
The elaborate main gate of the Mansion is said to be a replica of that at Buckingham Palace in London. Vehicles entering the compound pass through a great circular driveway and it is usually open only when the Mansion is used for an official function or activity. With its beautiful gardens and a well-manicured lawn, it is a favorite site for sightseeing and picture taking. Inside the Mansion is a mini museum housing memorabilia and works of art collected over its years of occupancy by the former presidents. Within the compound and adjacent to the Mansion is a two-story building which serves as the official residence of the Philippine President in Baguio City. A contingent of Philippine marines maintains the security of this large compound and you will see a some of them manning the guardhouse at the vicinity of the entry gate.At nagtungo naman kami sa "Wright Park" katapat lng ito ng The Mansion at ng may biglang aleng sobrang kulit (she is selling grapes) Ale: sir,grapes po bili na kayo! xt: nay madami po nyan sa kanila(kina yanah,kahit wala naman) ale: sir alm ko,pero sanan naman tangkilinkin nyo ang baguio ,ang sariling atin.(hindi na ako umimik pa baka humaba pa kasi.Habang naglalakad kami sa wright park ay may namataang isda si jason(gold fish daw yata) at nabaling naman ang attention naming lahat at meron nga.Wright Park, which is located at the eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion, is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City. Its main features are a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines" and the park circle which is on one end of the park. Postcard-type photographs are usually taken at both ends of Wright Park and when going there it is best to bring along a camera.
Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool. There are times that you will find at the park some Igorots dressed in their native attire and regalia who are willing to pose for a photograph ... of course, for a fee. Native handicrafts are also sold at the Mansion end of the park by a few Igorot peddlers. From the park circle is a walkway which leads to a wide stairway made of stones that descend to an area where ponies are rented out. Riding a pony is a favorite among children as well as adults. The place is usually crowded with people during sunny weekends and on holidays. With an accompanying guide, there are some ponies that may be rented and taken farther out along South Drive, the Mines View Park area or to Outlook Drive. For those who intend to take out a pony, it is advisable to first agree on the hourly cost to be charged.At tinungo naman namin ang "Botanacal Garden" "Umali kayo" Katagang igorot na ang ibig sabihin ay "tumuloy kayo".
The Baguio Botanical Garden is located east of Baguio's downtown area. You will find it between Teacher's Camp and the Pacdal Circle. Its main entrance is along Leonard Wood Road and just across the street from Gilberto's Hotel and Baguio Vacation Hotel. It is quite a large park and about the same size as Burnham Park.
Also known as the Igorot Village, the Botanical Garden features native huts typical of the type of Igorot dwellings found in the Cordilleras. The village is said to capture the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorots and being tranquil and quiet, it is a nice place to just sit down and relax, take a leisurely stroll along its narrow and winding pathways and also enjoy the landscape where you will find numerous plants and trees.
Some years back Igorot dances and rituals were held in an improvised outdoor stage within the village. Local students go to the Botanical Garden for a day of retreat or just enjoy the outdoor environment. When visiting the Botanical Garden, you will usually find a group of Igorots at the main entrance who are dressed in their authentic native attire and regalia. They will be more than happy to pose with visitors for a souvenir picture ... of course, for a fee. There are plants that are also sold at the Botanical Garden, however, before you decide to buy any, be aware that some of these plants may not be suitable for replanting in lowland areas where the climate is much more humid and warmer than that of Baguio. Just bear in mind that the city has an average elevation of about 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above sea level with a temperature a number of degrees lower than that of Manila and the nearby provinces in northern Luzon. It will probably be best to just admire or take a photograph of the beautiful plants and colorful flowers that are abundantly seen and grown in Baguio.Pag katapos naman sa Botanical ay muli naming binalikan ang "Good taste Restaurant para naman sa aming pananghalian.Matagal kaming naghintay sa kadahilanang sobrang dami ng tao kasi nga napakamura ng mga pagkain dito.Pagkatapos naming kumain ay nagpahinga lang kami ng konti at habang saglit nman kaming inabandona ni yanah para makipagkita sa kanayang pinsan yata un(hindi sigurado).At a kanyang pag babalik ay may dala dala syang dessert(ube halaya)masarap naman ayon sa aming panlasa.Napagdesisiyunan namin na pumunta sa "Baguio Public Market" para mamili ng mga pasalubong namn sa aming pamilya sa pagbabalik namin sa maynila."The Baguio Public Market"
It always seems to be a must for visitors from the lowland areas to visit the Baguio Public Market before leaving the city. The market is located right at the lower end of Session Road and behind the Maharlika Center. It is here where they buy different souvenirs typical of Baguio. There are numerous other products and handicrafts sold at the Baguio public market which are brought in from other nearby provinces.
A wide variety of items are available such as fresh vegetables, strawberry jam, peanut brittle, dried tobacco, an assortment of fresh flowers, meat, Baguio sausages, fish, poultry, fruits, clothes and clothing material. You will also find native products and handicraft such as baskets, brooms, bags, brass, blankets & sweaters, woodcarving, and locally made jewelry. Fresh and sweet strawberries from nearby La Trinidad are sold at the market but these are available only on certain months of the year. From the province of Pangasinan, "bucayo" (coconut candy) and "bagoong" (salted fish or shrimp) may also be purchased.
At the upper part of the market are "carinderias" or small food stores serving delicious and inexpensive native as well as a few Chinese or western-style menu. Different native food choices are available and these include favorite dishes from the Ilocos and Tagalog regions, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Bicol, and others. These carinderias are patronized by most of the market vendors, people who work in the market, and the local residents. The Maharlika shopping complex is also an integral part of the public market and at its basement is a food court popular among students, office and retail workers in the downtown area, and low-budgetted tourists from the nearby lowlands. It operates just like any other food court in big shopping malls in Metro Manila. At its upper floors are small retail outlets selling clothing, shoes, grocery items, wood and metal carvings, and antiques. Many visitors from foreign countries shop at the Maharlika shopping complex for silver craft, shell products, wood carvings, and other kinds of native handicraft.Pagkatapos namin mamili ng mga pasalubong ay umuwi na din kaagad kami.Pagkadating sa bahay ay nakaidlip ng konti at paggising namin ay pumunta kami ni jason para bumili ng uling.Habang naglalakad kami ni jason ay talak sya ng talak sa kanyang celphone.(may kaaway yata).Uling,gsm blue,yan ang aming binili at pagbaba naman namin ay dumaan kami sa mansion nila yanah para kunin ang vegetable salad,chocolate cake at ang iihawing balyena este bangus pala.(Matagal kaming naghintay kay yanah,ang tagal kasing lumabas).Pag kadatting namin sa bahay ay agad namang nagpasiklab ng apoy si kuya (care taker ng bahay) para sa iihawin namng bangus.At ng maluto na nag bangus ay saby sabya muli kaming naghapunan at pagkatapos ay muli kaming naginuman.Nauna na akong umakyat,sumunod si jason at nagsunuran ng lahat dala dala ang natira naming ininum at ipinagpatuloy naman namin ito sa higaan namin na may halong takutan,kulitan at mga kwento ng kalokohan,picture ulit(naka timer ang cam) para naman magkaroon kami ng picture na buo ang aming barkada.Pagkatapos ng inuman ay agpahatid si yanah sa kanilang tahanan, at inihatid naman siya ni mp,jay,jin at jason.Nakaramdam ako ng takot kasi naiwan ako mag isa sa bahay (nagpapanggap lang kasi ako matapang).Agad din naman silang nakabalik.At sabay sabay nadin kaming natulog( maga nakainum na kasi kami.IKATLONG ARAW ay nagtungo naman kami sa Strawberry Farm" . Hindi namin alam ang sakayan papunta doon (hindi kasi namin kasama si yanah at daaglian naman siyang tinawagan at natunton din naman kaagad namin ang terminal(Php 22.00 each) ang pamasahe at hndi naman ito pay as you sakay..tnt."Welcome to Strawberry Farm" (Sponsored by Jollibee ang welcome tarpaulin) at ng marating namin ang farm ay agad namin itong pinasok at nagkuhananan agad kami ni jay ng picture.Wala pang gaanong bunga ang mga strawberries bagong tanim daw kc,ngaun pa alng daw sila nakakabangon simua nung mga nakaraang bagyo at my pailan ilan naman kaming namataa.Pagkatapos namin sa loob ng farm ay nagikot ikot naman kami sa paligid ng nasabing lugar at bumili na din kami ng gulay for only php 50.00 may instangtsalad ka na.(1 plastic bag,mixed vegetables).Si Jay naman ay nagdadalawang isip pa kung bbbli sya ng strawberry at hndi rin nagtagal ang ilang sandali ay bumili na ri naman siya.(bumili din kami ng ice cream sa cone,strawberry flavor).Naglakad na kami papalabas ng farm,habang naglalakad kami ay tinitingnan namin ang paligid at hinahanap namin ang bahay na aming tinuluyan (sa dami ng bahay ay hindi ito namin makita hahaha).Sumakay na kami ng jeep patungo namang papuntang sa terminal nPMA (Philippine Military Academy).Habang umaandar na ang jeep ay bigla akong nakaidlip sa sobrang antok ko ay muntik na akong mauntog at nagtawawan naman sina jason,mp,jey at jin( tnt kau).Ng makarating kami sa terminal ng papuntang PMA.Ng may biglang nagtatwag na lalaki,nagtatwag pala ng customers sa kanilang buro-turo karinderia at naengganyo naman kaming kumain (gutom na kasi ang bawat bisa sa amin).Rigth after namin kumain ay ng PMA,sumakay(parang papunta ng batangas ang patungo doon).
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the premier military institution of the country and is the training ground for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Phillippines. It's mission is:
"To instruct, train, and develop the cadets so that they will possess the character, the broad and basic military skills, and the education essential to the pursuit of a progressive military career."
In 1950, the Academy was transferred to a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan which is ten kilometers south of downtown Baguio City. Here it found its permanent home in a fort named after the young hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar.
The PMA site was developed into an ideal military training institution with facilities and infrastructure required of a growing military institution. It's rigid and unique 4-year curriculum has been designed to fit the specific needs of the major branches of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Just like military academies in the United States, female cadets have also been accepted by PMA since 1993. Fort Del Pilar is one of the most visited and photographed places in Baguio City. Local and foreign tourists visiting the city always make the Academy an important part of their itinerary. It is one place one must not miss to see when visiting the summer capital. The fort is usually open to visitors during the daylight hours seven days a week. A camera is a must to have when visiting the Academy especially during most Saturday mornings when the cadet corps undergo their outdoor inspection in ranks. A parade and review at Borromeo Field follows the inspection. It is here where you will witness the marching precision of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of The Philippines.Pagkatapos namin libutin ang PMA ay nagkakayayaan na kaming umuwi.Pag kadating namin sa bahay ay agad akong humaga para umidli sandali (napagod kc ako,medyo malayo kasi ung PMA.At naka idlip din sila.Ng magising ako ay gumising na din sila .Bandang 5:30 ay nagtungo kami aitaas para bumili ng aming hapunan...
