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After a six-year wait, I finally had the chance to revisit the Philippines. Eager to make the most of this rare opportunity, I took a trip to Baguio, where I could once again enjoy the familiar scent of pine trees and breathe in the cool mountain air. Fortunately, I had two days free between the President’s Dinner for UPAA Awardees on August 14 and the formal Awards Ceremony on August 17.
Thanks to the newly constructed Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union Expressway (TLEX), the journey has become much easier, requiring just 3.5 hours of driving from the old North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) that connects Quezon City to Pampanga. I was accompanied by five close friends along with my daughter and my eight-year-old grandson. We arranged for a rented 12-seater van with a driver for just over $300.
The Trip Up/First Dinner
Our primarily senior group made food a top priority on the trip. Just an hour into our journey, we took a break at Lakeshore, the last stop for gas at the end of NLEX. One friend treated us to a delicious breakfast buffet featuring Filipino favorites for only P299 ($5) per person. (See main photo)
An hour before arriving in Baguio, we paused at the base of the Cordillera Mountain Range. I enjoyed a moment of nostalgia in Naguilian, La Union, my father’s hometown, as we entered the winding Kennon Road. Later, we saw the cascading waterfalls, although we skipped the iconic Lion’s Head as it was crowded with tourists.
We arrived in Baguio during lunchtime and headed straight to the beloved Fil-Chinese restaurant Good Taste. We indulged in some delicious not-so-crispy pata, great lomi, and their famous buttered chicken, which another friend kindly treated us to.
Following lunch, we checked in at the Forest Lodge, an affordable accommodation option in Camp John Hay—previously a military base for the U.S. Armed Forces until it was handed over to the Philippine government in 1991. This expansive camp has transformed into a popular tourist destination featuring lodging, dining, shopping, and various recreational activities.
Our day concluded with an exquisite dining experience at Hill Station, courtesy of another friend. Located in Casa Vallejo, a historic building dating back before World War II, the restaurant prides itself on a log cabin ambiance. We enjoyed appetizers and will long remember our highlights of paella, sangria, and canonigo for dessert.
The Big Baguio Day
Our Big Baguio Day commenced with Filipino delicacies and the renowned thick chocolate at Chocolate de Batirol. This breakfast treat was my turn to host at this garden-style eatery conveniently located near our hotel within the Camp.
After breakfast, we took a trip down memory lane to Teachers’ Camp, a teacher training center established in 1907 by Americans and handed over to the Philippine government in 1988. We even toured a select cottage that was reserved for top management since a friend’s son currently holds the position of Undersecretary in the Department of Education.
This visit brought back cherished memories of our family vacations. My mother was the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf and the Blind, and every summer, she had access to a standard cottage.
Next, we ventured to Mirador Hill, home to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, which was established in the early 1900s. In my childhood, we would climb the 200+ steps to reach it, but this time our van skillfully navigated the narrow, winding roads. The breathtaking views of Baguio City from the Grotto did not disappoint.
My daughter took my grandson to Mines View Park for some souvenir shopping and to snap a photo with the Giant Dog. To our surprise, we found another Giant Dog at the intersection of Wright Park and the Mansion House, adding a fun element to these two popular attractions for Baguio visitors.
Just five kilometers from the entrance of La Trinidad, Benguet, where we once picked strawberries, lies the now-famous StoBoSa Valley of Colors. Established in 2016 by the Tam-awa Villagers, this area, comprising around 150 to 200 houses, has been transformed into a local counterpart of Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas, with visitors flocking to admire its colorful murals. StoBoSa is shorthand for the three sitios: Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap.
Next, we visited SM Baguio, part of the extensive SM national chain of supermalls. Opened in 2003, I hadn’t had the opportunity to see it before leaving in 2004. This mall is situated at the upper end of Session Road, the city’s main thoroughfare. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering stunning views of Burnham Park, Vizco’s was the perfect spot for a late lunch. Visiting the Park brought back memories from my childhood when I would paddle swan boats across the lake and ride around on play bikes.
Baguio Country Club was our next stop as we explored its upscale atmosphere and picked up a famous raisin bread from its bakery. We then regrouped with my daughter and grandson, who had enjoyed a horseback ride around the Lodge.
Our farewell dinner was hosted at the Camp John Hay Clubhouse by a former Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner and friend, whose husband was participating in a golf tournament at the Camp. Given that it was Friday night, we enjoyed live music, which led to some fun singing and dancing—a perfect ending to our short yet emotionally rich stay in Baguio.
Last Breakfast/The Trip Down
The following morning, our last friend treated us to a hearty breakfast at Le Chef, the diner at the Lodge. However, we had to make haste as we needed to arrive at the Awards Ceremony by 4 PM. We successfully made it back by 1 PM after a brief burger stop, leaving us ample time to prepare.
I truly cherished this trip shared with my friends and family. We indulged in wonderful food, encountered no serious traffic jams, and experienced a wave of nostalgia throughout our journey. The new developments in Baguio did not overshadow the fond memories of my childhood.
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