In a spur of a moment and itching thought for travel called upon us amidst our inevitable routine and schedules. On constant talk of travel, the toiling and waiting for the perfect moment, back packs on, comfortable shoes and we begin our spontaneous journey – to the city of pines we go! Setting out to unfamiliar terrain normally involves a plan, proper gear, lump of cash, a great place to stay and an interesting companion. And what do we have of these? Only the greats -- tight cash, ready feet, explorer instincts and the perfect half!
Setting foot to a place the second time around somehow gives that feeling of disinterest and excitement all at the same time. Having been there before makes things a bit weepredictable, it takes the fun out to the little things that count like knowing how to get to the place, what type of food will greet our anticipating taste buds or a simple soaking on the hanging thought of what magnificent views to welcome us at the end of our ride.
" Quick tip though, when on road trips on any kind of transport, make sure to bring your own provisions. Otherwise they will rob you blind with possible unfavorable loose bowel movement... "
On the other hand things always have an upside, surprisingly always kept the travel and discover impulse to the hype. Nothing is what it seems, no truer words could ever elucidate what came next to the scene. Yes we knew where the bus station was, unlike our maiden voyage, yes at the back of our heads spelled an inkling of losing the element of surprise.
And yes, we practically had a very good grasp of how the food will taste, what kind of delicacies to find and what kind of accommodation will be available to us once the wheels stop turning. But never will it cross out -- Curious off the seemingly humdrum and unrelenting thoughts in our heads. Wondering about what changed or might have changed in the place, being inquisitive even of simple things or plainly scratching the surface for new ideas will definitely be worth our while. And besides having been, gives that feeling of putting in a root of sorts, making our trip destination not just another place in the map.
Road trip
It was more than perfect, breeze on our faces, feeling every bump on the road, savoring every moment of our road trip, no one can ask for a more perfect moment. The same exact moment shared by thirty other passengers in our little 7 hour bus ride. We definitely heard the buzzing of tight cash as privacy vanished slowly along with the yapping mix of people in common transport.
In this part of our trip, we opted to half comfortably slip in each other’s arms for some shut eyes. We left the station late evening by the way, just the thing to match our routine break. Of course pit stops had to be in any itinerary as long trips require occasional munch time and inevitable pee stops along the way. Quick tip though, when on road trips on any kind of transport, make sure to bring your own provisions. Otherwise they will rob you blind with possible unfavorable loose bowel movement which might I add, a huge trip hassle not to mention it naturally sucks the life out of a romantic moment in the making.
Fare Fright
Being new to any place definitely has its perks but then again it weighs equally with its downside. Getting off the bus at 4am, waiting intently in the side streets, a group of tourist middlemen welcome us with cards and catalogues of places we can stay the weekend. Two years later and here we are again, it felt just as it did our first trip standing in the middle of the city of pines with no sense of direction. Got in the cab and wheeled our way out in search of shelter in the most budget friendly epicenter of the city.
For a tiny city, the cabbie took his time seemingly going around the longer way. Last we recalled the station was very accessible to the common hotels and transient houses but to our surprise and a tiny bit of luck we ended up circumvented unnecessarily in Baguio’s outskirts on top of the over charged cab fare. All we could do was glance at one another soaking in the awkward moment of who will give in first. But what the hey! cabbie was old and the irresistible frigid city greeted us in frosted like breeze. We were already getting a taste of what we bargained for. And so the journey begins.
Tourist Spotted
Walking along the empty streets early mourn allowed us to savor the tranquil moment for any spotted tourist couple. It was ecstatic -- to be in an unpolluted breathing space. The day breaks and before we knew it we were exploring them pine streets side by side the locals. Blending in wasn’t even close to what we were in. My beau in his comfy cargo short pants and tee while I wear my jeans and shirt and as we tagged along we were definitely the most conspicuous characters in the crowd – delighting in the cold breeze.
Taking in whatever cool air we can get whilst people around us comfy up in their bonnets, sweaters and gloves. D’you know how couples skip and hold hands as they enjoy each other’s company, getting in the sweet and cuddly moment or simply quietly strolling whilst marveling the stunning view? This ain’t one of them. Unlike the classic touring couple, we wing it the way we see fit! We’re the shoot now ask questions later kind. We’re a trigger happy photo hoarder kind of couple – street lamps, sign posts, awkward shots, jumping shots, humorous posts. Anything that catches our attention, it’s a piece in the making. Finger pointing curse doesn’t really scare us…d’you know how moms make up these silly stories like if you keep asking for them to get you stuff or point at something your finger would fall off? Yeah, well we hate to disappoint but it’s a myth.
During every trek and travel we have this tendency to get overwhelmed like children do and we likely shoot blanks with our pointer fingers coupled with a mag of questions and statements and unlikely remarks on anything and everything that we see which eventually ends up in a burst of uncontrolled laughter. If only being a tourist is a means of making a living, we’d be first in line! But then again if life is all fun and no work how can we ever enjoy ourselves? Monotony and happiness would probably be quite the killer.
Scene Stealer
Experiencing the sights and sounds amidst the busy streets and interaction is just the tip of the iceberg, the real scene stealer is the breath taking view from the top of the cordillera region. It’s amazing how some parts of the scoured earth remain unscathed. I’m sure from an indigenous view they’ll be thinking, we ain’t seen nothin’ yet. But a glimpse of even just a piece of something greater and beautiful was definitely enough for us to hold that awe and amazement in our faces. But like any other tourist destination the crowd only thickens hence, the moment cherished being one with nature that seemed like a lifetime was in fact just a few minutes.
Gastronomic Collision
After long hours of strolling and hiking, our inquisitively fun-filled adventure is placed to a halt. Of what sane reason to retire momentarily from young love adrenaline packed roaming? Grumbling stomachs craving for new and unfamiliar gastronomic flavors. We then found ourselves seated comfortably in a small dining area awaiting ---- delectable menu for a lunch out! But after a long day’s trek and snapshots, one would find any meal appealing.
Revitalize
To achieve relaxed state without feeling sluggish, a pot full of lemon grass tea with honey and zest of lemon. Quite the relaxing means of reserving strength and stamina for the next jaunt.
Feast of Sorts
Alas! Our meal greeted us as the cool breeze delivered its
appetizing aroma stirring our taste bud’s curiosity. What a sight it was, a bowl of mouth-watering seafood in broth, fried to the crisp pork choice cuts and steaming rice. If you have the same love for food as we do, then you would agree that in such occasions extra rice is quite inevitable. We were all smiles as we savored every spoonful of flavors exploding graciously into our mouths.
Burp! Doesn’t even express the immense happiness we experienced in that feast of sorts. This is what we all should live for, gastronomic collisions, breath taking places, unique people, rich culture and awkward moments. Curiosity, discovery and learning – don’t let these end just because you no longer are a student in a classroom. You ought to let these go on and on as we will always and forever be a student in life.
Courage, Integrity, Loyalty
We were happy tummy as we walked away from our insane gastronomy, thanks heaps to the café by the ruins. Jess and I looked on and had a similar thought in mind, what normally follows after any full meal – siesta! But looking up to the azure skies coupled with its chilling breeze constantly embracing our skin, got us grins on our faces and had us comment to ourselves. It would be a shame to waste a great afternoon in the confines of a hotel. Our journey continues! Stepping off the cab and a quick stroll later, we were welcomed by a snappy salute by the Philippine military academy cadets.
Like toddlers we scrambled and grabbed our camera and started snapping photos of the quadrangle, buildings and fighter planes on display. We even went up to a tree house to get better view of its vast and green training grounds. We were lucky enough to catch a battalion during formation in the fields. What a magnificent sight it was! Courage, integrity, loyalty is what it says as we looked on across the field onto one of the buildings. Seeing the academy’s motto reminded us of its core values that our men and women in uniform live by each day and swear to uphold. This reminds us as well that nationalism is something that we should all be proud of and embrace, love your own.
Hay Happy Campers
After our exhilarating tour inside vast academy grounds, the museum, the mess halls and getting a hint of how our men and women in uniform shape their lives with education, discipline and having an inspiring motto as a guide, we geared towards a new location via Jeepney transport downhill. What is so fun about Jeepney rides in the summer capital is how the cool breeze hits your face as we look on the transport’s open window. But of course this can only be fun in environments with fresh air and cool breeze, otherwise, you’ll be in for a different kind of surprise. Camp John Hay is another tourist spot found just a cab away from the epicenter of Baguio City.
It’s very much green as the vast grounds are covered in green grass and trees. It had a lot of establishments, different ones that catered to our needs during our long and enjoyable strolls. We often chose to walk as it allowed us to get better view and feel of the places we visit.
Curious Fun
When traveling, each experience, no matter how simple it may seem, should be able to tap into curious minds, emotions, senses and gastronomical discovery. These are the greats as we call it in our travels, it really gives us plenty room to appreciate everything and anything that we come across. Like the café we went to that was also a log cabin.
Now, that’s something we do not get to see everyday and so we went in and had a snack. Locally grown strawberries are always in sight, we ordered a strawberry fondue with marshmallows. We had fun! It’s like playing with your food without your mom’s scolding. There are plenty other activities available inside the Camp John Hay grounds. Anyone can enjoy their stay with paintball, zipline and wall climbing but for those who just want to relax and embrace nature, picnic grounds amongst the trees and vast grass covered parks will be as enjoyable.
Stairway to Heaven After our little trip we were happy campers! Our insatiable appetites found its way to the numerous church steps that seemingly went all the way up to the heavens. Well, almost heaven as we trudged it to reach our merienda /dinner spot. We recall a small café serving Sagada coffee, many different native kakanin and my favorite pancit palabok just nearby the top of the church’s stairs. We were catching for breath as we ordered our merienda / dinner at the café, but the brewed Sagada coffee really was exquisite! I could imagine as we stirred the coffee reaching the heavens with its aroma.
Market & Haggle
Just before day break and after our hearty meal and coffee, we went immediately to the city’s central market. We wanted to get everything we could find and bring home for the next morning’s trip.
We scoured the place for cheap strawberries, wines, lengua de gato, crinkles, choco flakes, peanut brittles, vegetables and the list can go on and on and on. Heaps of fun going around the market place knowing we’re getting the best deals possible! And the best part is we only spent a little to take home a lot!
Explore, Discover, Curious… And in the next morning we couldn’t be happier! We do not only bring home with us a lot of food and pasalubong to our loved ones, we also get to bring home beautiful experiences. Only the greats! -- tight cash, ready feet, explorer instincts and the perfect half! We had as much fun as we could everywhere we went. Whoever said only people with money can travel and have fun? Think again! We can all do well and experience many great things in life even with limited means, the key is not limiting YOU!
Explore as all it takes is a single step, feed your curiosity, go and discover and continue to learn! May this Igorot trail, trek and treasure of a trip we had serve as your much needed nudge to get out and explore! Adventure is out there and you should be out there too!
Setting foot to a place the second time around somehow gives that feeling of disinterest and excitement all at the same time. Having been there before makes things a bit weepredictable, it takes the fun out to the little things that count like knowing how to get to the place, what type of food will greet our anticipating taste buds or a simple soaking on the hanging thought of what magnificent views to welcome us at the end of our ride.
" Quick tip though, when on road trips on any kind of transport, make sure to bring your own provisions. Otherwise they will rob you blind with possible unfavorable loose bowel movement... "On the other hand things always have an upside, surprisingly always kept the travel and discover impulse to the hype. Nothing is what it seems, no truer words could ever elucidate what came next to the scene. Yes we knew where the bus station was, unlike our maiden voyage, yes at the back of our heads spelled an inkling of losing the element of surprise.
Road trip
It was more than perfect, breeze on our faces, feeling every bump on the road, savoring every moment of our road trip, no one can ask for a more perfect moment. The same exact moment shared by thirty other passengers in our little 7 hour bus ride. We definitely heard the buzzing of tight cash as privacy vanished slowly along with the yapping mix of people in common transport.
Fare Fright
Being new to any place definitely has its perks but then again it weighs equally with its downside. Getting off the bus at 4am, waiting intently in the side streets, a group of tourist middlemen welcome us with cards and catalogues of places we can stay the weekend. Two years later and here we are again, it felt just as it did our first trip standing in the middle of the city of pines with no sense of direction. Got in the cab and wheeled our way out in search of shelter in the most budget friendly epicenter of the city.
For a tiny city, the cabbie took his time seemingly going around the longer way. Last we recalled the station was very accessible to the common hotels and transient houses but to our surprise and a tiny bit of luck we ended up circumvented unnecessarily in Baguio’s outskirts on top of the over charged cab fare. All we could do was glance at one another soaking in the awkward moment of who will give in first. But what the hey! cabbie was old and the irresistible frigid city greeted us in frosted like breeze. We were already getting a taste of what we bargained for. And so the journey begins.
Tourist Spotted
Walking along the empty streets early mourn allowed us to savor the tranquil moment for any spotted tourist couple. It was ecstatic -- to be in an unpolluted breathing space. The day breaks and before we knew it we were exploring them pine streets side by side the locals. Blending in wasn’t even close to what we were in. My beau in his comfy cargo short pants and tee while I wear my jeans and shirt and as we tagged along we were definitely the most conspicuous characters in the crowd – delighting in the cold breeze.
During every trek and travel we have this tendency to get overwhelmed like children do and we likely shoot blanks with our pointer fingers coupled with a mag of questions and statements and unlikely remarks on anything and everything that we see which eventually ends up in a burst of uncontrolled laughter. If only being a tourist is a means of making a living, we’d be first in line! But then again if life is all fun and no work how can we ever enjoy ourselves? Monotony and happiness would probably be quite the killer.
Scene Stealer
Experiencing the sights and sounds amidst the busy streets and interaction is just the tip of the iceberg, the real scene stealer is the breath taking view from the top of the cordillera region. It’s amazing how some parts of the scoured earth remain unscathed. I’m sure from an indigenous view they’ll be thinking, we ain’t seen nothin’ yet. But a glimpse of even just a piece of something greater and beautiful was definitely enough for us to hold that awe and amazement in our faces. But like any other tourist destination the crowd only thickens hence, the moment cherished being one with nature that seemed like a lifetime was in fact just a few minutes.
Gastronomic Collision
After long hours of strolling and hiking, our inquisitively fun-filled adventure is placed to a halt. Of what sane reason to retire momentarily from young love adrenaline packed roaming? Grumbling stomachs craving for new and unfamiliar gastronomic flavors. We then found ourselves seated comfortably in a small dining area awaiting ---- delectable menu for a lunch out! But after a long day’s trek and snapshots, one would find any meal appealing.
Revitalize
To achieve relaxed state without feeling sluggish, a pot full of lemon grass tea with honey and zest of lemon. Quite the relaxing means of reserving strength and stamina for the next jaunt.
Feast of Sorts
Alas! Our meal greeted us as the cool breeze delivered its
appetizing aroma stirring our taste bud’s curiosity. What a sight it was, a bowl of mouth-watering seafood in broth, fried to the crisp pork choice cuts and steaming rice. If you have the same love for food as we do, then you would agree that in such occasions extra rice is quite inevitable. We were all smiles as we savored every spoonful of flavors exploding graciously into our mouths.
Courage, Integrity, Loyalty
We were happy tummy as we walked away from our insane gastronomy, thanks heaps to the café by the ruins. Jess and I looked on and had a similar thought in mind, what normally follows after any full meal – siesta! But looking up to the azure skies coupled with its chilling breeze constantly embracing our skin, got us grins on our faces and had us comment to ourselves. It would be a shame to waste a great afternoon in the confines of a hotel. Our journey continues! Stepping off the cab and a quick stroll later, we were welcomed by a snappy salute by the Philippine military academy cadets.
Like toddlers we scrambled and grabbed our camera and started snapping photos of the quadrangle, buildings and fighter planes on display. We even went up to a tree house to get better view of its vast and green training grounds. We were lucky enough to catch a battalion during formation in the fields. What a magnificent sight it was! Courage, integrity, loyalty is what it says as we looked on across the field onto one of the buildings. Seeing the academy’s motto reminded us of its core values that our men and women in uniform live by each day and swear to uphold. This reminds us as well that nationalism is something that we should all be proud of and embrace, love your own.
Hay Happy Campers
After our exhilarating tour inside vast academy grounds, the museum, the mess halls and getting a hint of how our men and women in uniform shape their lives with education, discipline and having an inspiring motto as a guide, we geared towards a new location via Jeepney transport downhill. What is so fun about Jeepney rides in the summer capital is how the cool breeze hits your face as we look on the transport’s open window. But of course this can only be fun in environments with fresh air and cool breeze, otherwise, you’ll be in for a different kind of surprise. Camp John Hay is another tourist spot found just a cab away from the epicenter of Baguio City.
It’s very much green as the vast grounds are covered in green grass and trees. It had a lot of establishments, different ones that catered to our needs during our long and enjoyable strolls. We often chose to walk as it allowed us to get better view and feel of the places we visit.
Curious Fun
When traveling, each experience, no matter how simple it may seem, should be able to tap into curious minds, emotions, senses and gastronomical discovery. These are the greats as we call it in our travels, it really gives us plenty room to appreciate everything and anything that we come across. Like the café we went to that was also a log cabin.
Stairway to Heaven After our little trip we were happy campers! Our insatiable appetites found its way to the numerous church steps that seemingly went all the way up to the heavens. Well, almost heaven as we trudged it to reach our merienda /dinner spot. We recall a small café serving Sagada coffee, many different native kakanin and my favorite pancit palabok just nearby the top of the church’s stairs. We were catching for breath as we ordered our merienda / dinner at the café, but the brewed Sagada coffee really was exquisite! I could imagine as we stirred the coffee reaching the heavens with its aroma.
Market & Haggle
We scoured the place for cheap strawberries, wines, lengua de gato, crinkles, choco flakes, peanut brittles, vegetables and the list can go on and on and on. Heaps of fun going around the market place knowing we’re getting the best deals possible! And the best part is we only spent a little to take home a lot!
Explore, Discover, Curious… And in the next morning we couldn’t be happier! We do not only bring home with us a lot of food and pasalubong to our loved ones, we also get to bring home beautiful experiences. Only the greats! -- tight cash, ready feet, explorer instincts and the perfect half! We had as much fun as we could everywhere we went. Whoever said only people with money can travel and have fun? Think again! We can all do well and experience many great things in life even with limited means, the key is not limiting YOU!
Explore as all it takes is a single step, feed your curiosity, go and discover and continue to learn! May this Igorot trail, trek and treasure of a trip we had serve as your much needed nudge to get out and explore! Adventure is out there and you should be out there too!
