The plan was simple: Make the most of the weekend using very limited resources at
an area familiar yet fairly outside our comfort zone.
In addition to this, perchance learn something new
and unconventional along the way.
We couldn't exactly go outside the country (as we three may have
preferred) but we figured, what better place to test our backpacking skills
than somewhere intermediately as challenging -- BAGUIO, the prime destination
for those who wish to escape the scorching tropical heat. It is also a city of
unending slopes and channels too complicated and remote to simply walk around
in; especially to novices such a we three. Relying nothing but our wits and the
kindness of strangers, we were intent to rediscover and possibly rekindle this
once childhood favorite.
Track 2: Big Eyed Rabbit (Matokie Slaughter)
Kennon Road has always been perceived as the more scenic route when one travels to the city of Baguio and considerably for good reason. This winding (and historically infamous) thoroughfare is surrounded by vast natural beauty that only in recent years has been getting an increasing standing and utmost endorsement from nature lovers and outdoor fanatics. One such preferred site is the COLORADO FALLS, a gushing stream of cool, clean, clear mountain water that drops into a 10-foot pool of massive rocks and boulders placidly embraced by lush greenery. A mere walking distance from the highway, this majestic scenery is actually a water source for most of the locals as well as a convenient spot to cool and refresh themselves from those hot summer days. Positioned favorably close to the falls are cottages and rest areas (which can be rented) meant to encourage those who may wish to stay a little longer.
Kennon Road has always been perceived as the more scenic route when one travels to the city of Baguio and considerably for good reason. This winding (and historically infamous) thoroughfare is surrounded by vast natural beauty that only in recent years has been getting an increasing standing and utmost endorsement from nature lovers and outdoor fanatics. One such preferred site is the COLORADO FALLS, a gushing stream of cool, clean, clear mountain water that drops into a 10-foot pool of massive rocks and boulders placidly embraced by lush greenery. A mere walking distance from the highway, this majestic scenery is actually a water source for most of the locals as well as a convenient spot to cool and refresh themselves from those hot summer days. Positioned favorably close to the falls are cottages and rest areas (which can be rented) meant to encourage those who may wish to stay a little longer.
That (not-so) old adage, " best things in life
are free" holds true in this concealed splendor by the road unwearyingly
waiting for anyone to simply stop and enjoy the view.
- Buses (to and from Baguio) passing Kennon Road may stop at the entrance leading to the falls
- Jeepney ride (from terminal beside SM Baguio) costs around 45.00 Php
- Barangay Twin Peaks, Tuba, Benguet, Philippines
- http://cityofpines.com/baguiokennon/kennon.html
Track 3: I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain (Tim
Buckley)
The TAM-AWAN VILLAGE, endearingly dubbed Garden in the Sky, is a living museum that promises a very fascinating experience of traditional Cordillera way of living. With its several reconstructed native huts representing the provinces of the region as well as the gracious attendants dressed in authentic indigenous attire, visitors are more than welcome to interact and discover for themselves the bountiful colors of this distinct section of the country. As a unique twist to this time-honored ambience, decorated around the property are contrasting modern pieces created by exceptional local artisans and painters further enhancing the tour to a whole new level. For a minimal entrance fee guests may take half a day's worth of trotting along the assortment of attractions the venue proudly offers. Otherwise, as some choose to do so, lodge a night or two in one of their fully furnished rooms fit for those true patrons of the arts and history.
The TAM-AWAN VILLAGE, endearingly dubbed Garden in the Sky, is a living museum that promises a very fascinating experience of traditional Cordillera way of living. With its several reconstructed native huts representing the provinces of the region as well as the gracious attendants dressed in authentic indigenous attire, visitors are more than welcome to interact and discover for themselves the bountiful colors of this distinct section of the country. As a unique twist to this time-honored ambience, decorated around the property are contrasting modern pieces created by exceptional local artisans and painters further enhancing the tour to a whole new level. For a minimal entrance fee guests may take half a day's worth of trotting along the assortment of attractions the venue proudly offers. Otherwise, as some choose to do so, lodge a night or two in one of their fully furnished rooms fit for those true patrons of the arts and history.
The Tam-awan Village demonstrates the true value of honoring
the richness of the past, because born from it is the inspiration for the ones
of today to create and further build the future.
- Entrance is at 50.00 PHP (20.00 PHP for children, 30.00 PHP for students)
- Lodging costs 500.00 for 1 person; 1,000.00 PHP for 2; 350.00 PHP for additional lodger
- 366-C Pinsao Proper, Baguio City 2600 Philippines / (074) 446 2949
- http://www.tam-awanvillage.com/
Track 4: One Big Holiday (My Morning Jacket)
After hours of gallivanting the city streets, The
GOOD TASTE Cafe and Restaurant is a sight for sore eyes most especially to the
fatigued and immensely famished vacationer on a particular strict budget. The
large number of crowds lining outside the entrance may be discouraging but well
worth the wait nonetheless. The general feel of the interior is that of a high
school cafeteria with the army of tables placed at close proximity for maximum
space usage, the flesh colored trays carrying steaming food on plastic plates
being transferred from one (waiter's) hand to another and the maddening noise
from the customers going about their own business as they engulf on the feast
they individually ordered. Clearly not a place to expect fine dining and
discriminating atmosphere -- Yet in spite of this, Good Taste has that certain
charm that only the transpiring chaos inside can only deliver. The menu
includes your typical Chinese restaurant repertoire but make no mistake in
underestimating the establishment's ability to make their clientele bulging in
satisfaction and fullness. The usual serving of one dish can feed 2-3
individuals and what makes it even more appealing is that the quality does not
necessarily suffer due to the quantity -- Agreeably, the food is good. AND once
everything is masticated, savored and consumed, paying for such a spread
surprisingly does not burden one's pocket as might expect.
In the end, the vacationer is left fed, rejuvenated
and assured that all things DO come to those who wait.
- General dishes range from 150 – 300 PHP (good for 4-5 persons); Fried rice toppings cost around 80.00 - 100 PHP (good for 2-3 persons)
- 8-9 Lapu-Lapu Street, Baguio City, Philippines / (074) 444-2201
- http://www.baguiofood.info/2011/04/good-taste-restaurant-menu.html
Along the tranquil Leonard Wood Road stands the
towering structure of the LAPERAL WHITE HOUSE, once residence to the oldest
clan in Baguio and apparently, now houses denizens of the somewhat spectral
kind. Originally built during the 1920's,
the house was believed to have witnessed numerous tragedies from brutal mass
murders to unfortunate fatal accidents. Such dark history later warranted to
tales of macabre that seems to occur within the homestead.
Whether this may be true or not, the ill-reputable disposition have invited many thrill seekers and ghost hunters to inspect the house's inner premises in hope to have a first-hand encounter themselves.
Its current owners have put much effort in establishing the house as an exclusive exhibit area, chiefly for art pieces provided by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation. These works bare exquisite details done by very skillful and precise hands of the Ifugao artisans in which most definitely deserves mass reverence and responsible preservation.
Whether this may be true or not, the ill-reputable disposition have invited many thrill seekers and ghost hunters to inspect the house's inner premises in hope to have a first-hand encounter themselves.
Its current owners have put much effort in establishing the house as an exclusive exhibit area, chiefly for art pieces provided by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation. These works bare exquisite details done by very skillful and precise hands of the Ifugao artisans in which most definitely deserves mass reverence and responsible preservation.
- Entrance is at 50.00 PHP
- 14 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City, Philippines
Perhaps arguably, GOOD SHEPHERD is synonymous to Baguio.
-- at least to folks with the penchant for sweets. It proves inevitable that anyone who decides to pay a visit to this fair city, will eventually be drawn to purchase at least a bottle (or possibly a whole box) of one the ever-growing array of quality and tasteful products. The property itself was acquired by the “Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd” (also known as Religious of the Good Shepherd or Good Shepherd Sisters) in 1948, initially intended to be a vacation house. However with the keen foresight of their senior leaders, was later established to be the convent it is known today. The Mountain Maid Training Center, to which the actual brand "Mountain Maid" was derived from, was later established to finance the education of deserving Filipino youths.
-- at least to folks with the penchant for sweets. It proves inevitable that anyone who decides to pay a visit to this fair city, will eventually be drawn to purchase at least a bottle (or possibly a whole box) of one the ever-growing array of quality and tasteful products. The property itself was acquired by the “Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd” (also known as Religious of the Good Shepherd or Good Shepherd Sisters) in 1948, initially intended to be a vacation house. However with the keen foresight of their senior leaders, was later established to be the convent it is known today. The Mountain Maid Training Center, to which the actual brand "Mountain Maid" was derived from, was later established to finance the education of deserving Filipino youths.
- Mountain Maid products range from 65.00 - 250.00 PHP (per bottle)
- 15 Gibraltar Road, Baguio City, Philippines
- http://www.goodshepherdsisters.org.ph/home
Track 7: Belated Promise Ring (Iron & Wine)
Heavy clouds finally released their load, straining our hopes to pursuing other places (as we knew there were still countless of sights yet to be stumbled). We scampered off out of the convent's gates and sought refuge inside a passing taxi. It did not take long till the fog covered the landscape like a thick gray cloth over the trees and houses.
The bus terminal where we had been dropped off was already populated by anticipating passengers: people with oversized bags that have patterns too obscure to be deciphered and colors to many for anyone's senses to bear and used up boxes filled with clothes, toys, food and absurdly things (almost certainly still alive) that would move about if not for the crammed space. Thankfully the bus we decided to get on was not as occupied or stress-filled as the others. Gears below our seats then began to cranked and jerked and made noises that were too loud to ignore amidst the music blaring out of the speakers. Finally the bus started to move, commencing our departure back to Manila. Though our journey came to an abrupt suspension, it still remained to be a very successful venture -- One of glad tidings and uplifting discoveries.
No comments:
Post a Comment