Moving on, we went to Baguio last November 2015 for my grandmum's birthday. Though considered as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines", I personally rather go there during the 'Ber' months because it tends to get really cold and windy - Just the way I like it. I've only been to Baguio twice before, wherein we already did the usual stuff like pick strawberries and whatnot, so this post is mostly about the things I didn't get to do when I was there: Explore the food and artsy side of the "City of Pines."
FOOD
SAVE:
We first had lunch in Ketchup, a food community of five locally-owned restaurants with an open area in the center for events and mini-concerts. I wanted to try all five but we just chose a Thai restaurant called Happy Tummy. The best thing though, is that even if you dine in a particular restaurant, you can still order from the other restaurants as well! I also really liked the outdoor theme and chill ambiance of the place. The Fried Tilapia with Tamarind Sauce (P 200 for medium; P 250 for large) from Happy Tummy, and the Sisig Bagnet Meal (P 158) from Rancho Norte are must-trys!
Location: Ketchup: Food Community, Romulo Drive, Barangay Lualhati (Near Wright Park)
Business hours: 10am to 9pm
Price: PPP PHP
SPLURGE:
For dinner, we wanted to dine somewhere nice for my grandmum's birthday. Hill Station, a Miele Guide awardee, is regarded as one of Baguio's best restaurants. The ambiance of the place sends you back in time with its wooden interiors and rustic charm. The restaurant proudly uses locally sourced ingredients, and describes their taste as "Old World Europe and New World America" - The fusion of flavors is just truly exquisite.
Location: Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road (Near SM Baguio)
Business hours: 7am to 10:30pm
Price: PPP-PPPP PHP
ART
SAVE:
Just literally next door to Hill Station is a cozy sanctuary for book-lovers and artists alike. Mt. Cloud Bookshop houses about 80% Filipiniana titles, as well as the works of independent authors and small publishing houses. We chanced upon a poetry reading session that night!
Location: Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road (Near SM Baguio)
Business hours: 10:30am to 8pm
Admission: Free
SPLURGE:
If you have more time in Baguio, and don't mind driving a bit outside the city, the BenCab Museum is a must! Personally, this, alongside the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, is one of my favorite local museums. I didn't want to post too much photos of the artworks because I highly encourage you to just see them in person. After all, the admission is only P 120 - Not really a splurge but it's worth every penny and distance drove!
Location: Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba
Business hours: Monday - Closed; Tuesday to Sunday - 9am to 6pm
Admission: General admission - P 120; Students with valid ID - P 100; Seniors/PWD with valid ID - P 80
SAVE:
Dress - Thrift shop (P 50 only!)
SPLURGE:
Hat - Forever 21 (P 795)
BONUS
SAVE:
I finally tried the strawberry taho after seeing photos of it online! We first tried it along Kennon Road when we stopped to take photos of the famous Lion's Head, but personally, the one being sold outside the Pink Sisters' Convent and Chapel along Brent Road tasted better - More strawberry bits, yummy!
SPLURGE:
We stayed in a 2-Bedroom Apartment Suite at the Azalea Hotels & Residences Baguio. The suite was spacious enough to accommodate the six of us, plus it came with free breakfast buffet!
Tucked away in the majestic Cordillera mountains, Baguio is truly a haven for both the body and the soul.
Cheers,
Michelle
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