I recently headed up north to the City of Pines with my mother, for the sole purpose of secondhand book shopping, as I’ve seen in numerous blogs that Baguio has some cool (both literally and figuratively!) ukay bookstores.
But my latest journey to the Summer Capital has proven to be the most memorable yet, as I’ve experienced more of Baguio in 3 short days than I have in my past visits.
I thought I’d share my experiences (no matter how random they may be!) and provide a list of ‘musts’ for you guys to try whether you are a first timer in Baguio or a self-proclaimed local.
- You MUST visit the Minesview Park at the crack of dawn!
It’s a rather passé Baguio destination and I’ve been here a few times myself but the view just gets more magnificent each time, it just makes you want to stay a couple of minutes and take a mental picture to bring back to Manila with you, which is why daybreak is the best time to head on over because it won’t be too hot while you take your selfies or groupies. Plus, getting to see the sun rising atop the mountains —priceless.
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
Oh! And while you’re there, a picture with one of the fluffy St. Bernards is a mandatory. Here’s mine with King.
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
- You MUST have a cup of Cafe in the Sky
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| Courtesy: Cafe in the Sky Facebook page |
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©BarbiePilapil
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©BarbiePilapil
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Oh… and while you’re there, just drive a few more minutes for a breathtaking view of the La Union Horizons!
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
- You MUST visit the Ben Cab Museum
Artsy or not, I highly recommend you visit this place. Don’t get me wrong, the paintings and the carvings are amazing (if you’re nuts about that too, then great!). However, the part of the museum that I deeply fell in love with isn’t in the actual halls but the one outside it —the garden. I mean, just look at these.
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
I'd be snoozing in there too if I had the pleasure of staying longer.
- You MUST have a Tree Top Adventure
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| Courtesy: TreeTop Adventure's Facebook page |
You can never have enough view, I know. And this is the best place to satisfy that. If you happen to be afraid of heights… well, it’s a good excuse to overcome it now! But seriously though, it’s completely safe and it’s so worth it!
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
I have tried the Canopy package. It was pretty chill (literally and figuratively) as it moves very slowly, there was even a moment when I feel like dozing off for a few minutes while suspended right smack in the middle of a forest —all these coming from someone who’s terrified of theme park rides. So it really isn’t that scary. Promise!
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
- You MUST have a slice of pizza at Amare La Cucina
It’s not a secret that Baguio is home to a lot of great pizzerias but it’s always a delight to discover new ones to try, and on this particular trip, I was able to try Amare La Cucina. What fascinated me the most about the restaurant is their traditional way of making their pizzas —through a wooden brick oven, as you can see below.
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
I’m not a legit food reviewer, a connoisseur or whatever fancy term they use for a food critic, but I do love good food. And I give Amare La Cucina’s pizza an easy 5 star rating. Just look at this beauty.
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
- You MUST go on a secondhand book shopping
Like I said, I came here for this. If you’re a book lover, then spare yourself the regret and go find some ukay bookstores. On this visit, I’ve been able to visit Bookends and Mt. Cloud. I was told there are more and I’m saving that quest for my next visit soon!
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
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| ©BarbiePilapil |
I don’t know what it is but there is a certain charm in these two bookshops. Or maybe it’s just really my love for books.
- Finally, You MUST end the night with a glass (or two) of Sangria at The Manor
Who hasn’t heard of The Manor? It’s one (if not the most!) of the more upscale hotels in Baguio situated inside Camp John Hay. Everything about it, and in it is so fancy it makes you feel fancy too (whatever that means...). That’s why it’s the ultimate perfect place to treat yourself with a slightly lavish nightcap at the end of the day. Ambient lighting, jazz music, chilly weather, and a glass of Sangria to keep warm. I don’t think I need to elaborate further. Anyway, cheers!
