Summer Capital of the Philippines,City of Pines,City Mountain Top...
The Journey .
It's just some of the names that you can think of when you come up with Baguio City. Legend has it that the Igorot's upper class was founded when a local gold trader and a maiden gold panning was held in a marriage. Their offspring was then bestowed with a key to a gold deposit, which he uses to develop the first inhabitants from 1500's to 1600's. I don't know much about Ilocano's history aside from the fact that my wife was a Ilocana herself by blood. But Baguio has been one of my favorite place since I first came here in the late 80's. People often visit the City when they are looking for something to "escape" whirlwind-type of life in the busy Metro. As the saying from a local actor goes "We came there as a friend". Nothing more, nothing less. But we can surely agree that it is, by any chance, one of the best way to forget all your drama's in life.☺
If you are from Manila from your whole life, you will be thrilled by the weather, absolutely cool. So cool that even the Mall's Air condition System is turned off. The best season to go to Baguio is from the months of November to February, when you will be expecting more chilling days compared to the rest of the year. On the average, July and August will be the rainy season so better skip the part of the year.
Now, we all know how it works. Here is he sample of the expenses you will have during the journey:
- Travel Distance-Baguio City-543 Km. from Km 0(Rizal Park)-Luneta,Ermita, Manila.
- Travel Time-4-6 hrs. depending if which part of manila you will be coming from.
- Gasoline consumed is 6.5 Gallons (24.5 L) with the carbon emission at 127 lbs of CO2 for unleaded gasoline.
- Typical stop overs -On the standards, there are only accredited D.O.T. and predesignated pit stop, but if you will be commuting, The following stop overs are given as follows; Mabalacat Bus Terminal in Mabalacat, Pampanga; Siesta Bus Stop in Tarlac City; Sison Stop Over in Sison, Pangasinan; and Rosario Bus Stop in Rosario, La Union.
- Travel fare (commuting)
For Victory Liner-34 trips for 24 hrs(https://victoryliner.com/)
495PHP For Regular Fare
800PHP For First Class passengers
Joy Bus-(Luxury arm of Genesis Transport)Please see www.thepoortraveler.net for complete set of schedules.
CUBAO TO BAGUIO
Deluxe:P720
Premier:P740
PASAY TO BAGUIO
Deluxe:P730
Premier:P760
AVENIDA (MANILA) TO BAGUIO
Deluxe: P720
Semi-deluxe: P600
It can be assumed that, not only that the travel time has been fairly decreased, the quality of comfort of the travelers has also been given priority. With all smoother and more convenient journey.Premier Class in Joy Bus offers USB ports and personal entertainment services for your needs. There is also a T.V. Screen in front if you'll get bored during the travel.
Our Stay.
We stayed in Baguio Holiday Villas (www.baguioholidayvillas.com). Right after we arrived at the city, we where able to checked in at our destination. ( Good thing cause its getting chills at 5 in the afternoon).I'll be doing a separate blog on that. 😊
I have been here before, as I have mentioned. But the most memorable one was my trip in Baguio in 1996. We had some time with my family, reminiscing such event always brings a special smile in my heart maybe because it was one of the few times we had a great time and every one was present. My Grandfather took pride in what he does back then as a Businessman, (Carpenter by nature) he was able to provide back then for the whole trip.
The next day, we where able to see some great views like camping sites and the ever famous Camp John Hay. (campjohnhay.ph)
You could experience a safe stroll, to say the least, to the vast grass-build areas and luxurious tree-enveloped mountain tops. It was just like, " I've never seen so many trees in my whole life" thing. If you are really into nature, this one, should be on top of your list
As we head far across the park, we came about the statue of liberty. Maybe most of you are not as familiar with this one.(This magnificent statue was once renowned as one the 7 wonders of the world). Up to this point, we should pay tribute to this, not only as non Americans, but as a people of a nation who aspire for justice, liberty and equality, the very same way we did.
Off we went to The Mansion, Even though its a bit far, still you could see that its not as ordinary as it portrays. Build in the early 1900's it was part of the efforts of the Americans to commercialized the city, as they find it suitable in their part to lived in. ever since it became a mainstays for vacations and Holidays for Presidents of the Philippine Republic and other prestigious guest.
Our Last(Few)Stop
We also had a chance to visit the Dominican Hill and Retreat House. Old Folks from the City knew this place as the Old Diplomat Hotel.
It was originally build by Dominican Friars to be place of meditation, until the early 1900's where it became a School (Colegio Del Santissimo Rosario).
Now, this were it became interesting. If you are a fan of the strange and the extra ordinary (some might call it), you should pay this place a visit. Humor has it that it is haunted by ghost of the people who once lived here. As a place of worship, Holy Men and Women who once served here became victims of the violence, deaths and sufferings came across resulting to numerous bloodstain. As a result, their spirits became restless, demanding justice or even vengeance, to those who did these to them. It was even documented in one Philppine's most trusted Docu-Series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR39Tc1Gd60
No one can really tell what really happened at these place. As a traveler, I know that my time will just move as I pass by the roads I have taken. I will all leave it here for you guys to enjoy.
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