Aside from the cool climate and the sunflowers which dot the mountainside along Kennon Road, I have five other reasons why I keep on returning to Baguio.
1) It reminds me of my college freshman year.
Freshman
year was the best year of my college life. There we were, 20+ teens away from our
families for the first time. In need of someone to call family, we all
instantly bonded together and got along pretty well. We had fun having late
nights doing projects and other school stuff. And to top it all, we won First Place
during Freshman Night, an event which challenges freshmen to showcase their talents. UP's way of welcoming newbies.. *rolls eyes*
And, let's keep this between us, cutting classes were no
ordinary experience in Baguio. Isn't it cool to just run away to Mines View Park
or paddle away at the lagoon in the middle of a school day? And when you needed some stuff, just walk along Upper Session Road to find what you are looking for.
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| You won't miss a sign this big or this high.. |
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| Plenty of photo-ops for tourists are available at Mines View Park. |
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| Enjoy some shopping there as well! |
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| Another tourist spot, the Pink Sisters Convent found along Brent Road, though I come here on Sundays. |
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| The Baguio Cathedral. |
2) Walking is an enjoyable
activity.
Cool
air and pine-tree shaded catwalks, what more can you ask for to motivate
you to go to your destination by foot? And as if by magic, smoke from the
vehicles seem to vanish without a trace of the bad smell. (Well that was
before.. *sigh*)
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| Pine tree-lined sidewalks give shade to those who prefer to walk. |
3) Tourist attractions are for
free!
Enjoy Mines View Park, Burnham Park, Strawberry farm (Sorry, the
locals now alternate the crops they plant to maximize land use and profits,
which is practical.) and other spots without spending a single peso. Now, some
TV series brought La Presa to limelight, adding more wonderful places to see in
Baguio, free of charge!
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| A welcome sign lets you know the walk is almost over he-he.. |
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| Balatoc Mines, found at Itogon, Benguet, farther away from PMA. Entrance is free to the museum but the tour to the mines costs a small fee. |
I
guess that's why Baguio is exploited. People can just enter all these
wonderful places without admission charges. Hmm..
4) Inihaw na Mais, Ube from
Tantamco's or Good Shepherd, Fresh Strawberry and Jam..
These goodies will make you come back for more! Enough said..
5) Panagbenga Festival.
These goodies will make you come back for more! Enough said..
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| Most goodies are offered at a bargain. But I prefer the Tantamco's Ube found at Baguio City's wet market. |
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| Tourists have a lot of options to choose from to give away as souvenirs for friends and loved ones. |
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| More choices for souvenirs! Of course, the most popular is the barrel man, but it's censored he-he. |
5) Panagbenga Festival.
A parade of flowers..
I
don't enjoy getting a bouquet for occasions (hey, I can't eat them!) but
somehow, I love seeing floats designed and covered with flowers.
Someday, I'll find a proof that I was able to join this one-of-a-kind celebration. That photo is just hidden somewhere..
Someday, I'll find a proof that I was able to join this one-of-a-kind celebration. That photo is just hidden somewhere..
