I've been to Panagbenga Festival thrice already, the first one in 2003 with college friends in an unplanned trip where we literally have no bus tickets and ready accommodations, we just went there; second in 2010 with my office office friends and the third one just recently (Chinese New Year Long Weekend)

Baguio becomes too crowded on the weekend of the Grand Float Parade, here are some tips to survive the Panagbenga crowds (and just about any long weekend in Baguio when people from the lowlands travel up there)

SM's giant tiger float highlighting the year of the Metal Tiger in 2003, Espect a dog this year to signify YEar of the Dog


1. If taking public transportation i.e. bus, get your tickets as early as possible. Expect very long lines and lots of chance passengers at bus stations. Secure your return ticket as early as possible too

2. Book room accommodations as early as possible. Choose one on Session Road for the view or within walking distance from Session Road, SM Baguio and Burnham Park for you are never going to be able to park your car, ride a jeepney or take a taxi back as roads are closed, heavy traffic and no taxis in sight

3. Use comfortable shoes as you're gonna do some serious walking

4. On the day of the Grand Float Parade, you can position yourself along Session Road as early as 7am, bring a plastic chair then don't let go of your position. Drink water to the minimum to avoid frequent trips to the toilet. Expect toilets to be crowded and long lines especially for ladies


5. To avoid scenario 4, you can actually catch the parade on Burnham Park where all the floats gather before going on the parade along Session Road. The parade route is just Burnham Park, Session Road and Harrison Road (parade route map upcoming)

6. Exercise caution at all times. Baguio is relatively safe but there are lots of pickpockets trying to take your hard-earned money. put your bag in front of you, and your wallet and valuables in your front pockets and be on your guard always.

7. To avoid heavy traffic going back to Manila, drive a bit late or better leave the following Monday

In 2003, I swore I'll never go back to Baguio during Panagbenga but it was broken in 2010.

The Grand Float Parade is spectacular to watch live but the challenges to watch it live is great too

For now, enjoy the festival! :)

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera Administrative Region, Festivals

Herewith is a preview of a series of posts about my recent trip to Baguio where I will provide details, as usual, about the expected budget/costs, and tips for first time visitors to Baguio particularly the upcoming Panagbenga Festival Grand Float Parade Baguio Budget Tour:

Transport (Toyota Innova AT DSL that can seat 8 including driver)
Diesel/Fuel Cost: PhP2000.00
Toll Fee (NLEx - SCTEx - TPLEx - Kennon Road P1,400.00
Parking at Strawberry Farm PhP20.00

Tip: cheaper to have your own car if you're at least three in a group due to fuel/gas cost and toll but beware lack of parking in Baguio. Victory Liner Deluxe bus to Baguio is PhP750.00 while regular fare is about PhP550.00 Other bus companies from Manila are Joybus, Philippine Rabbit and Sualog Transit (Cavite)

Accommodations at a nearby Pension House: PhP350.00/head
Food: PhP150.00/head (depends on your budget)




Jeepney Fare/Taxi to Baguio Tourist Spots:

Lion's Head: Along Kennon Road
Burnham Park
Session Road

Baguio Botanical Garden: P8.50
Mines View Park: PhP8.50
Good Shepherd: PhP8.50 (Walking distance from Mines View)
Wright Park: P8.50
The Mansion: Walking distance from Wright Park

Aguinaldo Museum: walking distance from SM Baguio
Baguio Cathedral: Walking distance from SM Baguio

Strawberry Farm entrance Fee/Admission: Free
Strawberry picking: PhP450.00/kilo (minimum of 1 kilo)

Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad: PhP12.00
Bell Church: P8.50
Tam-awan Village
BenCab Museum

Asin Hotsprings

Lourdes Grotto

Philippine Military Academy (PMA): No Entrance Fee/Admission but required to have valid ID and no wearing of slippers

Camp John Hay Historical Core (Bell House, Bell Amphitheater, Secret Garden, The Lost Cemetery (Cemetery of Negativitism) Entrance Fee: PhP60.00

I will complete this soon when I have time :)

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera Administrative Region

Wishing to visit the cool mountains of the Cordilleras to escape the summer heat? There's currently only one bus line going
to Banaue, Ifugao for you to see the Banaue Rice Terraces.

These information on Ohayami Trans Bus to Banaue, Kiangan, Lagawe and Baguio City (Benguet)

Ohayami Bus Company Trip Schedule
Sampaloc, Manila to Banaue, Ifugao daily at 9pm and 10pm
Bus Fare/Ticket Price: PhP450.00 one-way
Ticket may be reserved but you need to pay for it in advance

Main Office: Ohayami Shop , Dullagan, Pob. West, Lagawe, Ifugao, 3600
Manila terminal: cor, J. fajardo st., Lacson ave., Sampaloc
Contact number: * 09276493055 , * 02-5160501 (manila) * 09175617344 (ifugao)
Email: reservation@ohayamitrans.com
website: www.ohayamitrans.com




How to get to Ohayami Trans Bus terminal:

for an updated, accurate online map of Ohayami Trans Bus terminal, please click here

From LRT 2 Pureza Station, walk along Ramon Magsaysay then board a jeepney with signboard Tayuman (The Tayuman - Lardizabal jeepney route) at the corner of M dela Fuente (formerly Trabajo). Drop off at the corner of J. Fajardo. You can walk here, take a pedicab or a jeepney bound to Quiapo (the Quiapo- Lealtad jeepneys) and alight after crossing A.H. Lacson (formerly Gov. Forbes). There's a Seaoil gas station opposite as landmark.

From LRT Tayuman Station, walk along Tayuman Street going to Oroquieta then board a jeepney with signboard Lardizabal (The Tayuman - Lardizabal jeepney route). Drop off at the corner of J. Fajardo and Vicente Cruz. You can take a pedicab or a jeepney bound to Quiapo (the Quiapo- Lealtad jeepneys) and alight after crossing A.H. Lacson (formerly Gov. Forbes). There's a Seaoil gas station opposite as landmark.

If you're taking the jeepney from Taft or from Quezon City, alight at the corner of Espana and Lacson (near UST) then walk to the terminal (going to Nagtahan Bridge). You will pass by G.V. Florida bus terminal.

*the Ohayami Trans bus station can best be reached by taxi from LRT 1 Tayuman station, and LRT 2 Legarda or Pureza station.

Driving directions to Ohayami Trans Bus Station:

from Makati, the easiest route (but not necessarily the fastest as always) is via Buendia, right to Osmena Highway, right to Quirino Avenue cross Nagtahan Bridge to A.H. Lacson then turn left to Fajardo St.

from Quezon City, head to Quezon Avenue, pass Mabuhay Rotonda (formerly Welcome Rotonda) to Espana Boulevard then turn left to A.H. Lacson


Related Posts:

Where to Stay in Banaue Accommodations/Hotels
How to get to Banaue Rice Terraces, How to get to Banaue, Ifugao

SCTEx
Bus Terminals in Cubao
Bus Station in Pasay/Taft/LRT Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda

Labels: Cordillera Administrative Region, Ifugao, Public Transportation

Dinosaurs Island Baguio is the summer capital's latest attraction. It features moving dinosaurs brought back to life using animatronics technology from Italy, the same technology used in other dinosaur islands park (e.g. Clark).

Dinosaurs Island is inside Baguio Ecopark along Marcos Highway near the viaduct and after the tunnel (if you're coming from Manila. Map of Baguio Ecopark is available here (via OpenStreetMap, updated by Tutubi).

Dinosaurs Island Baguio Ecopark (information from official website)


How to get to Baguio Ecopark:

Driving Directions from Baguio:
Drive down along Marcos Highway and take the first right before the viaduct.

From Manila via Marcos Highway:
Take first right after the tunnel before the flyover.

Operating Hours:
Park is Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily!
(please inquire from their contact number or email address if open during Holy Week, and other holidays (Christmas Day, New Years Day, All Saints Day et al)

Dinosaurs Island Entrance Fee/Rates/Ticket Prices:

Adults: PhP 350.00
Children, 4-12 yrs old: Php 300.00
3 years old and below: Free

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera Administrative Region, Theme Parks

UPDATED: February 2018

For those coming to Baguio for the upcoming Panagbenga Festival weekend, you may want to visit again Burnham Park for the newly-drained and refilled with water man-made lake where you can ride boats.

Boat ride rates: PhP250.00/30 minutes (boat rental)

Burnham Park Lake Boat rides are open from 7am in the morning til 10pm in the evening

you may also be looking for:
baguio boat rental price burnham park

Related Baguio Posts:
How to get to Baguio from Vigan
Tam-awan Village
Barrel Man
Strawberry Farm

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera Administrative Region

Looking for nice, cheap place to stay in Banaue? Look no further, herewith is a list of accommodations in Banaue (hotels, inns, lodges, pension houses) that you can inquire from to reserve a place to stay, some with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Accommodations: Hotels, Inns, Lodges, Pension Houses:
See also How to Get to Banaue

Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel
Telephone Number: +63.2.524.2513; +63.2.524.2495
Remarks: Government-owned and operated. Facilities: restaurant, swimming pool, large parking lot, cultural presentations. With backpacker accommodations (dormitory type rooms) at budget prices

Batad Pension and Restaurant
Mobile: +63.921.737.1745

Cristina Inn
Telephone Number: +63.906.977.3771

Fairview Inn
Telephone Number: +63.919.424.8201
Email Address: dictrebolledo@yahoo.com.ph
Remarks: near Banaue Hotel and the post office

Foreigner's Inn

Greenview Lodge
Telephone Number: +63.74.386.4021; +63.920.540.4225

Halfway Lodge
Telephone Number: +63.74.386.4082; +63.919.614.2266
Remarks: restaurant with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Hillside Inn and Restaurant
Telephone Number: +63.919.379.9599; +63.905.769.9796

Las Vegas Restaurant and Lodge
Room rates: PhP250.00/person
Remarks: hostels with kitchen for guests who wish to cook their own food; free wi-fi Internet at the restaurant/bar and nightlife

Native Village Inn

People's Lodge
Telephone Number: +63.74.386.4014; +63.919.532.5605
Remarks: near the market and Banaue Tourism office

Ramon's Homestay (Batad)
Contact Number: +63.927.678.3932; +63.918.243.9827
Remarks: has learning and cultural center about Ifugao life

Rita's Mount View Inn and Restaurant
Telephone Number: +63.910.842.3076

Samson's Homestay.
Remarks: Inside the Batad Village

Sanafe Lodge
Room Rate: PhP600.00 for single rooms
Remarks: restaurant with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Spring Village
Telephone Number: +63.916.927.9623
Remarks: large parking area

Simon's Inn
Telephone Number: +63.919.261.9566

Stairway Restaurant and Lodge
Remarks: restaurant with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Uyami’s Green View Lodge

Waterfall Side Inn

Tutubi is not in any way affiliated with any of these Banaue accommodations. Please contact the banaue hotel directly through published contact numbers, email address or official websites for inquiries, reservations, group tours, bookings, room rates, promos and cultural show schedules. You may contact Batad Tourist Information office for more information and contact persons at telephone number +63.905.397.2317

You can also leave comments about the places or give updates/reviews when available

*with thanks to R (who went to banaue recently) for providing the list (hope you send the pictures too :)

Related Posts on Banaue, Ifugao:
Banaue Rice Terraces on Peso Bill
Sagada Map, Travel guide
How to Get to Banaue
Bontoc Museum

banaue hotels, where to stay in batad, hotel accommodations in banaue rice terraces, banaue hotel with a view, banaue lodge, banaue pension house, banaue inn, backpacker accommodations in banaue, cheap banaue hotel, banaue hotel room rates, place to stay in banaue for family, 3d/2n, 2d/1n,

Labels: Accommodations, Banaue, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ifugao

Tutubi visited Solano, Nueva Vizcaya a few months ago and verified with his friend the presence of jeepneys going to Banaue via Lagawe town.

Recently, another friend of his visited Banaue and gave Tutubi an updated information on "how to get to Banaue, Ifugao" via public transportation for the Banaue Rice Terraces and experience the living traditions that made it to the exclusive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Banaue Rice terraces featured on the old one thousand peso bill

How to Get to Banaue, Ifugao

Tutubi was able to visit Banaue Rice Terraces years ago in a trip with Ironwulf but only for a very, very limited time.

How to Commute to Banaue by bus from Manila:

UPDATE: Autobus and Florida Bus Lines no longer serve the Manila to Banaue route

Ohayami Trans bus to Banaue now serves the route with the same
travel time of 8-9 hours
Bus fare to Banaue: PhP450.00
Trip Schedules: daily, First trip at 9pm, second (last regular trip) at 10pm. Extra trips during peak periods
Bus terminal is at the corner of J. Fajardo and Lacson (formerly Gov. Forbes) in Sampaloc, Manila (near UST)
You can reserve your bus ticket seat at their official website or calling
Ohayami Trans contact number
Manila: +63.927.649.3055; +63.2.516.0501
Ifugao: +63.917.561.7344
Email address: ohayami@ohayamitrans.com

How to Get to Banaue from Baguio City

just hop on a bus to Baguio (e.g. Victory Liner) take a taxi to Ohayami Trans terminal then ride a bus to Banaue.

How to get to Banaue via Solano, Nueva Vizcaya:

Ride a bus to Solano, Nueva Vizcaya with buses of Victory Liner, GV Florida, Baliwag Transit or any bus going to Tuguegarao or Isabela.

via Solano, Nueva Vizcaya

Alight in Solano town of Nueva Vizcaya near a gas station where the jeepneys wait for passengers. Board a jeepney with signboard Lagawe (Ifugao). In Lagawe, ride another jeep to Banaue. Total travel time by 2 jeepney rides is 4-5 hours

via Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya

Victory Liner bus fare from EDSA, Kamias bus terminal is PhP349.00. At Bagabag junction you can ride the jeepney to banawe rice terraces

For driving directions to Banaue if you have your own car, you're really adventurous if you want this but it's not recommended at night if it's also your first time to go there and also for SUVs and pick-ups, not sedans.

You can try this Manila - Banaue route:
Manila -NLEX -SCTEX - right Tarlac - La Paz road - Cabanatuan - Talavera - Munoz - San Jose - Sta. Fe - Aritao - Bambang - Bayombong - Solano - turn left to the road going to Banaue before you reach Bagabag - Lamut - Lagawe - Banaue (Ifugao)


you may also be looking for

Bus to banaue rice terraces, driving directions to Banaue, route to banaue rice terraces, how to get to banaue rice terraces

Labels: Banaue, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ifugao, UNESCO

Literally meaning "viewpoint," Tam-awan Village is a re-construction of an Igorot village using authentic huts transported from various parts of the Cordilleras to serve as a haven of local artists. It is current managed by a consortium of artists named Chanum Foundation.


various Igorot huts visible from a viewpoint of Tam-awan Village
the Alang of a typical Igorot village

Typical setup of traditional Igorot villages have the dap-ay, some sort of public gathering place for elders who are looked up as leaders of the village, various huts with various functions and the presence of the bul-ul, the rice granary deity guarding the harvests of the village (and currently used as the symbol of a local indie film festival)


Tam-awan Village Cafe and Crafts Shop
two kids pose with weapons on display

two lady student doctors strike a fighting pose with spears and shields

Due to very limited time as it's already getting dark, Tutubi was only able to spend about 20 minutes at Tam-awan village where he saw no Igorots in tribal costumes and the cultural presentation held a few hours earlier featuring Igorot dances and native feasts.

This place deserves a second visit, probably more, for Tutubi in the future.

---
Tam-awan Village travel information

Tamawan Village Entrance Fee: P50.00 adults, P20.00 children

Cultural Presentations schedules at 2pm every Saturday where Igorots in native tribal costumes show off their rich heritage and traditions to curious tourists.

There are overnight accommodations offered at Tam-awan village with several huts are offered where foreigners are often the ones spending the night at the village. A popular choice is the fertility hut...you probably know why :P

No contact numbers of Tam-awan Village is posted at the gates, not even an official website. Should you have the telephone number, please leave a comment.

How to get to Tam-awan village:

From Baguio Plaza, look for jeepneys with signboard Tam-awan that can take you directly to the Igorot Village

Related Posts:
Victory Liner Deluxe Bus
Cemetery of Negativity
Directions to Baguio,
Panagbenga Festival

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region

One of those souvenir items of Baguio that made it famous in the past, the "iconic" barrel man of Baguio, wood carvings of a man hiding inside a barrel, with a spring contraption that pops up a phallic symbol whenever the barrel is removed to display the naked man's "masculinity."

It has been some time since Tutubi saw these ingenious carvings made only in the Cordilleras, that even wood carvers from his hometown Paete, Laguna has yet to come out with a creation that they can symbolize their own like what the barrel man did for Baguio City (some people think of Machete but it falls short of being a symbol of Paete woodcarving)

an army of baguio barrel men statues waiting for curious tourists to snap them up

Some call it a nice souvenir, some call it art, a few tag it as disgusting, but Tutubi just say it's funny, even for first-timers clueless of what's hidden inside the barrel.

Where to buy the Baguio barrel man woodcarving? They're practically everywhere in Baguio City's souvenir shops, wood carving/handicrafts stores, and pasalubong centers. How much? Price depends on the size as usual.

In Manila, Tutubi used to find them at Balikbayan handicrafts in Quiapos Ille de Tulle (Ilalim ng tulay) near Quinta Market and some other Filipino cultural stores (probably SM Kultura but not sure).

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region, Pasalubong

There's a place near downtown Baguio where you can witness how traditional fabric is woven by the Igorots of the Cordilleras; where you can buy native cloths for home or design your own fashion statement and also snap up Baguio souvenirs and handicrafts made the traditional way: Easter Weaving Room, located in the same compound as the Philippine Episcopalian Church.

Easter Weaving Room is an institution more than a hundred years old that's been nurturing the age-old tradition of manual fabric manufacturing as well as provide livelihood to locals. It's also a souvenir shop where various handicrafts, besides cloths and fabrics, are sold to tourists at not so touristy prices.

traditional way of weaving fabrics for you to witness and sometimes experience at Easter Weaving Room

another view of the traditional hand-operated weaving machine

the souvenir shop and handicraft store sells items at not so touristy prices

Admission is free to Easter Weaving Room (no entrance fee) and is open 7 days a week but sorry, Tutubi wasn't able to get the exact opening and closing times plus contact numbers for you to call...probably next time.

It's a place where you can witness age-old spindles weaving cloths and fabrics by natives and can also buy the hand-crafted products, souvenirs and Baguio pasalubong all in one roof (including the infamous barrel man)

How to get to Easter Weaving School Room | Easter School Baguio

Driving Directions: From Baguio plaza, head to Abanao then turn right to Bokawkan Road. Turn left to Easter Road where the Easter Weaving School and the Philippine Episcopalian Church is located on your right about 500 meters from the corner of Bokawkan Road.

Commute to Easter Weaving Room:

From around Burnham Park, look for jeepneys with signboard Baguio Plaza-Quezon Hill-Tam-awan Village and request the driver to drop you off in front of the school, souvenir shop and Episcopalian Church.

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region

Baguio's Session Road, the summer capital's main central business district, usually filled with vehicles stuck in traffic or parked on the inner lane of the thoroughfare, during Panagbenga Festival turns into a pedestrian-only road after the Panagbenga Festival Grand Parade of Floats

Photos of Session Road with the crowd of Panagbenga Festival:





The long queue of ladies waiting outside the washroom. There's no line to the men's toilet: it's good to be a man in times like this

One thing that struck Tutubi was that it was in the same Chowking branch that he ran to relieve himself back in Panagbenga 2003, deja vu or just plain "Di na natuto?"

Related Baguio posts:

Cemetery of Negativism
Directions to Baguio via SCTEx
Victory Liner Deluxe Bus to Baguio

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region

For Tutubi, the most compelling reason to choose Baguio Country Club over The Manor, Club John Hay is simply the famous Raisin Bread of the 100 year old institution in Baguio City where the rich and famous stay.

Aptly named Raisin Bread in honor of its famous product, the Raisin Bread is also known for its banana bread and other pastries, desserts and a hang-out place at Baguio Country Club.

Baguio Country Club Raisin Bread counter where you can order cakes, pastries, coffee et al besides raisin bread



Raisin Bread with full of succulent raisins for the sweet toothed people and those in need of fiber

Raisin breads are priced at P130.00 (large) and comes with the distinctive green paper bag of Baguio Country Club. Note that you can't buy raisin bread, banana bread or any other product at Raisin Bread (or avail of other Baguio Country Club services) if you're not a member or currently checked in. It was mentioned the popular Baguio pasalubong will soon be sold at SM City Baguio but not definite date has been given (nor a plan to sell it it Metro Manila, if you know of any Manila pastry shop that sells similarly good raisin breads at less price, please do hit the comment button)

Tutubi stayed at Baguio Country Club during the last long weekend of April 9-11 (Araw ng Kagitingan) but it doesn't mean he's rich nor famous, it's just another one of his company's activities that he co-organized that took him for a planning trip to the City of Pines during the recent Panagbenga Festival (when the stars of ABS-CBN were billeted).

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region, Pasalubong

For people who'll be flocking to Baguio City during the Holy Week (when even SM Baguio is open during the time), here's updated information and pictures of one of the hot spring resorts in Asin, Tuba, Benguet for your information.

Tutubi went to Asin, in an unplanned trip thus unarmed with information on details except his usual adventurous heart to explore places beyond the usual tourist spots, he was able to do ocular inspection of Palm Grove Spring and Mountain Resort where he was able to take photos of the swimming pools of the resort facility.

There are two primary Asin hot spring resorts: Palm Grove Spring and Mountain Resort and River View. The former is more modern in look while the latter is more of the nature type in accommodations and general resort appearance.

Palm Grove Hot Springs and Mountain Resort Photos of swimming pools (Olympus 1050SW camera):

one of Palm Grove Resort's swimming pool closed for cleaning

the main swimming pool of Palm Grove Resort

Palm Grove Resort Entrance Fee: P100/head
They have cottage rentals for daytrips and overnight accommodations available. please call Palm Grove Resort's contact numbers for the current room rates, function hall rentals for events (parties, weddings et al), promos, massage, spa, jacuzzi prices and costs and other inquiries. As of posting time, no official website still.

Palm Grove Hot Springs and Mountain Resort
Address: Asin, Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet
Telephone Number: (to be updated once Tutubi finds the brochure)

No reviews of Palm Grove resort for Tutubi merely visited the place in a very limited time, he took very few pictures and went ahead to look for a place to eat (it's around 12nn when arrived there). No information on restaurant menu prices.

Other Asin Hot Spring Resorts in the area include Riverview Waterpark (not River View Resort) which is the first one you'll see on the road. There are about two other Asin Hot Spring Resorts but not as noticeable as the mentioned two.

Riverview Waterpark
Asin Hot Spring
Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet
Contact Number: 09189388071
Email address: info@riverview-waterpark.com


How to get to Hot Spring Resorts in Asin, Tuba, Benguet:

Commuting to Asin hotsprings is easy though it's about an hour from Baguio City proper. To get there by public transport, look for jeepneys going to Asin Hotsprings near Baguio Public Market (upper palengke) (Note: jeepneys with signboard Asin Road do not go there, probably near Km. 6 only. Kilometer zero marker in Baguio is near Burnham Park, and there's a reference for the original Kilometer Zero marker from Rizal Park in Manila for reference). The jeepney will make the return trip to Baguio Plaza near public hotspring swimming pool. Jeepney Fare: P22.00

Driving directions to Asin Hot Spring Resorts, Tuba, Benguet:

For those with their own cars and vehicles, you just need to find Asin Road all the way to the your target hotspring resorts in Asin (tip: you may follow Asin Road jeeps until you see the resort billboards). You will pass by Bencab Museum, at least two steel bridges, kilometers of zigzag roads and two tunnels (that locals call "tatlong araw at dalawang gabi" pertaining to the three days and 2 nights when entering and leaving the access tunnels to the town of Tuba. Travel time is less than an hour and about 16 kilometers from Baguio Plaza.

If you have your own GPS, you may contact Tutubi for the GPX tracklogs and waypoints of his trip, one of his first foray into GPS mapping with his shiny new Garmin Nuvi 1300 :P

Labels: Benguet, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region, Resorts

"I visit Baguio cathedral every time I'm in Baguio" claimed by Tutubi's officemate that's why even if it's getting late and "millions" of people crowding the narrow snake roads of Baguio City, they hied off to the hill where The Our Lady of Atonement, the formal name of Baguio Cathedral, stands.

Pictures of Baguio Cathedral, now and then:

Picture of Baguio Cathedral at Night taken using a lamp post to steady the shot (Tutubi is too lazy to drag a tripod in most of his travels)

Our Lady of Atonement, Baguio Cathedral photo (circa 2004) when it was the still "single." You'll readily notice modifications to the church structure. It's not possible to take an uncluttered photo of the church now, thanks to lamp posts and other eyesore structures at the place

Baguio Cathedral Mass Schedules:

Sunday: hourly morning masses start from 5am to 12nn; afternoon masses at 3pm to 7pm. All masses in English except 5am and 9am masses in Ilocano and 10am mass in Tagalog.

Weekdays:
6am, 6:30am, 7am, 12:15pm, 5:15pm (daily novena at 4:30pm)

Saturdays:
6am, 6:30am, 7am, 12:15pm, and anticipated masses at 5pm and 6pm

Expect Baguio Cathedral to be full of people during the Panagbenga Festival as well as summer pilgrims during Holy Week.

Labels: Baguio City, Churches, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region

For weeks now, Tutubi has been receiving queries from friends going to Sagada for the summer on where's the terminal of Cable Tours buses going to Sagada. Though he has yet to personally take the Cable Tours bus, he's been to Cable Tours bus terminal before during his Sagada trip with Ironwulf (he also has Cable Tours business card that he used to contact them for information posted here)

UPDATE February 10, 2014: Mt. Province Cable Tours franchise was sold to GV FLorida for the routes Manila to Bontoc and Manila to Sagada. One of the buses figured figured in an accident on February 7, 2014 which killed about 16 people including Arvin "Tado" Jimenez (of unTV Strangebrew TV show and 99.5 RT radio show Brewrats with Angel Rivero and Ramon Bautista).



For other people looking for the same information on Cable Tours, Tutubi was able to take a drive-by photo of the unassuming terminal of cable tours on E. Rodriguez St in Quezon City a few months ago.

the not so noticeable bus terminal of Cable Tours in Quezon City near St. Lukes Hospital. Notice the partially hidden sign

Cable Tours Contact Number (Manila): +63.929.819.4688
Cable Tours Contact Number (Bontoc): +63.918.521.6790
Cable Tours Telephone Number (Sagada: +63.928.626.7293
Telephone Number (landline): +63.74.606.8235

Cable Tours Trip Schedules:

Manila to Bontoc: daily trips at 1230HRS
Bontoc to Manila: daily trips at 1500HRS

Cable tours bus station address:
E. Rodriguez St., Quezon City

Bus Fare to Sagada: PhP650.00

How to get to Cable Tours bus terminal:

From Manila, just take jeepneys bound for Cubao and drop off in front of the terminal (fronting Shakeys on E. Rodriguez)

From MRT Araneta-Cubao station or LRT 2 Cubao Station, twalk towards Aurora Blvd then board a jeepney bound for Manila.

Note: Cable Tours buses don't directly take you to Sagada but only to Bontoc. You need to take another 45-minute jeepney ride to Sagada (fare: P40.00) to get there.

No information on Cable tours official website, safety records and accidents (if there are), chartered bus rates as of posting time.

There's another bus company serving the manila to Bontoc route,
Kasilen Transport with contact numbers: +639178629574; +639163603483
also with Manila to Bontoc daily trips at 9pm and Bontoc to Manila return trips at 4pm.

Related Posts on Sagada:

Sagada Travel Guide
Sagada on All Saints Day

Labels: Buses, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region, Mountain Province, Public Transportation, Sagada

On its fifteenth year of staging colorful festivals, Baguio Panagbenga Festival, patterned after the New Years Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, is a festival of flower-covered floats and marching bands showcasing the colorful flowers of the Cordilleras.

Panagbenga Festival 2010 Photos (taken on Session Road cor. Perfecto St):

the colorful float of Baguio City local government
SM's giant tiger float highlighting the year of the Metal Tiger

Samsung audio-video themed float
Megalopolis, perhaps a property developer

Coca Cola float with their commercial models

Panagbenga 2010 Stargazing:

Various showbiz personalities hied off to Baguio to ride on the flower-bedecked floats like Valerie Concepcion, Karylle, Pauleen Luna et al (it so happens Tutubi is not fond of showbiz that's why he can't identify the stars he saw that day)

GMA 7 Kapuso Stars with Camelot-themed float.

GMA Kapuso stars (Pocholo?). No float from rival ABS-CBN that day
Pauleen Luna on the San Miguel beer float

All in all, there were 24 floats showcased for Panagbenga 2010 (Tutubi can't remember how many were there in 2003, the first time he witnessed the event).

The float parade started at around 8:20am and finished shortly before 10am.

Tutubi's tip: try to be along the Panagbenga Festival parade route as early as 6am to get a "front row" seat on Session Road and other streets along the way. There are temporary stages/benches where you can seat but those get reserved very early. There really are too many people seeing the festival up close. If only festival organizers can lengthen the parade route to allow spectators to spread out instead of concentration on jam-packed Session Road (na di mahulugan ng karayom). If you're a photographer, try to secure special passes so you can walk in the middle of the road and get the best vantage points, instead of just trying your luck on the sidewalk.

Lastly, book your bus trips and Baguio accommodations early particularly those near the Panagbenga parade route (maps available online if you want) so that you can easily walk or view the parade outside your hotel window.

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Tutubi has seen Panagbenga in an unplanned trip in 2003, this time however is not much different except he got free accommodations from an officemate and early bus tickets from Victory Liner.

Personally, Tutubi prefers the "audience participation" style of Ati-atihan festival (Kalibo, Aklan), the authentic father of all Philippine festivals. It seems Panagbenga festival is only about the flowers and showcasing less and less of genuine culture of the Cordilleras making the festival less authentic. When Tutubi was there in 2003 it was Ricky Martin's "Living La Vida Loca" played by the marching band instead of authentic music of the Cordillera people. The 2010 edition featured knights, princes and princesses that's so un-Cordillera, not even Filipino-- no wonder Philippine tourism is not that well-known due to misplaced preferences.

The commendation goes for the festival organizers for not allowing slimy politicians to parade their own floats though. (there were the Bongbong Marcos, and Gilbert Remulla, Manny Villar et al)

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region, Festivals

Posted in celebration of Baguio City's 100th year anniversary as a chartered city last September 9, 2009.

Walking distance from The Manor Hotel and inside the Historic core of Camp John Hay is the charming Bell house, the original vacation home of the Commanding General of the Philippines. It was named after General J. Franklin Bell who's credited for transforming Camp John Hay into a major military resort.

Bell House, historic vacation home, surrounded by a nice manicured garden and pine trees at Camp John Hay Historical Core



The seal of Camp John Hay, used to be displayed at the main gate, marking more than 100 years of existence from 1903

The Bell House of today currently serves as a museum of American colonial architecture and lifestyle. A portrait of John Milton Hay is displayed in the living room, complete with a fireplace, while the walls narrate Camp John Hay history through various images.


the dining room displaying lifestyle of American commanding general

At one corner of the vacation home stands a totem pole with descriptive plaque that states:

"Carved by Ernesto Dul-ang, a succession of historical figures during the first half of the 20th century form a totem pole that once looked out on top of Scout Hill

Admiral George Dewey led the Battle of Manila Bay

General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first president of the Republic of the Philippines

President William Howard Taft was the first governor-general of the Philippines and later Secretary of War took a great interest in the development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay

Secretary John Milton Hay was secretary of state when the Philippines became a colony of the United States. He died as the construction of the camp named in his honor went into full gear.

William Cameron Forbes was a governor-general of the Philippines who is credited with the development of Baguio City

President Theodore Roosevelt signed the order that designated 535 acres as the military reservation that became Camp John Hay

Major General Franklin Bell was commander of the Philippines department and designer of Italian Garden as well as Bell House and Amphitheater

Lt. Col. Lyman W. Kennon oversaw the completion of the road that facilitated the construction and development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay

Mayor James Halsema was the last American Mayor of Baguio City

General Douglas McArthur was the famous liberator of the Philippines during World War II"

Near the historic Bell house is the Bell Amphitheater, a favorite venue for weddings, debuts, parties and other events.



The Bell House and Amphitheater are not just tourist attractions in Baguio City but also has historical and heritage significance that should be preserved for posterity.

Interesting Places near Bell House and inside Camp John Hay:
The Manor Hotel
Cemetery of Negativity

How to get there:
The best way to get there is via a taxi from Baguio CBD/Session Road as public transportation (jeepneys) don't enter the former military camp (unless you love to do lots of walking)

Labels: Baguio City, Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region, History, Museums

Strawberries are one of the most popular Baguio pasalubong besides ube jam from Good Shepherds and peanut brittle. One of the more popular "things to do in Baguio" is picking strawberries at the Strawberry Farm in Baguio's neighboring town of La Trinidad.

Tutubi wanted to visit the farm again after so many years but due to the grueling schedule of the convention, he begged off at the last minute and decided to wake up late than join the free trip to the farm offered by a convention sponsor.

fresh strawberries at a roadside stall

Just before going back to Manila, Tutubi and his friends stopped by a stall near Kennon road selling fresh strawberries at PhP100.00. Tutubi just bought a kilo and selected not so ripe ones since it's not for immediate consumption plus the danger of "beaten black and blue" strawberries due to travel from Baguio to Manila. He also hand-carried the strawberries instead of stuffing them in his bags to avoid damage.

After just a few minutes in Manila, the strawberries were consumed in no time at all!

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Notes:

If Baguio celebrates the Panagbenga Festival in February, Benguet has the Adivay Festival scheduled in October annually.

If you still want to try the "strawberry fields forever" experience in La Trinidad, Benguet, don't be surprised that the price of strawberries there is double the price of the the prevailing market cost-- you're actually paying for the experience and not the actual strawberries. As usual for your information, here's Tutubi's guide on how to get to the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet:

Commute to La Trinidad from From Baguio City: board jeepneys going to La Trinidad on Gen. Luna near the University of Baguio. Request the driver to drop you off at the Strawberry Farm. You need to cross the road plus a little flexing of your leg muscles to get to the Strawberry farm for your strawberry picking "adventure."

Driving Directions to La Trinidad From Baguio: From Session Road, head towards Magsaysay Road where you'll pass by Bell Church and La Trinidad welcome arch. The strawberry farm is about six kilometers from the welcome arch and look for street signs to the farm to turn left. At the entrance of the farm are the usual stalls, souvenir shops and hawkers selling their wares and mostly "strawberry-powered" delicacies.

Notes:
The common strawberry varieties grown in Benguet are the Sweet Charlie from Argentina, the Festival and Camarosa from California in the United States, and the Toyonaka and Haronoka from Japan. Organic planting method also use predator mites to help eliminate spider mites, a major pest that destroys strawberry flowers and leaves.

Related Post:
Cemetery of Negativism
Directions to Baguio

Labels: Baguio City, Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region, Pasalubong

Tutubi's numerous trips to Baguio City made him visit many restaurants but left unposted on this blog due to his very busy schedule. Herewith is a list of his favorite restaurants in Baguio for your dining pleasure:

In search of exotic pinikpikan dish? try Cafe by the Ruins where you can watch a cultural presentation and demonstration on how to make pinikpikan by beating a chicken until blood clots appear on the skin then the chicken is roasted by a "flame thrower." Café by the Ruins also serves salads, upland rice, camote bread, organic vegetables and tapuy (Igorot rice wine). Open-air, cogon and roofs of cogon structure around the ruins of Governor General Whitmarsh’s home. With a traditional Igorot dap-ay for bonfire parties. Located at 23 Chuntug St., in front of Baguio City Hall. Telephone Number: +63.74.442.4010

For steaming hot bulalo in Baguio, try Rito's on Marcos Highway or Balajadia's Restaurant near Session Road

Rose Bowl for pata tim and other Chinese food
Address: 7 Harrison Road,
Phone Number: +63.74.442.4213; +63.74.443.9221; +63.74.443.9222; +63.74.442-9374

Mario’s with Spanish cuisine since 1971
Address: 16 Session Road Extension.
Contact Number: +63.74.442.4241; +63.74.442.5445

Pizza Volante Baguio's best pizzas, pastas and other Italian food
Address: 82 Session Rd. (the former Session Theater, Baguio’s first movie house), Tel. No.: +63.74.445.0777; +63.74.619.0466. Free delivery 24/7

Tabligan’s Kambingan: for kambing (goats) either kilawin, adobo, and sinigang
Located on Scout Barrio St. (near Camp John Hay)
Tel. No.: +63.74.445.5857.

If you have other recommended restaurants in Baguio City, halal food, or vegetarian fare, please leave a comment.

Related Post:
Directions to Baguio

Labels: Baguio City, Cordillera, Cordillera Administrative Region

Imagine visiting a place where all your negative emotions, thoughts and impediments to achieving your goals can be buried. A cemetery where no former living thing is buried but where you'll find tombs with funny yet thought-provoking epitaphs inscribed on tombstones. It's a place where you can bury your negative traits and thoughts where you'll end not grieving and instead make you a better person.



Welcome to the Cemetery of Negativism, sometimes called Lost Cemetery, part of Camp John Hay Historic Core that includes the historic Bell House and Amphitheater.



The welcome "tombstone" states: "Negativism is man's greatest sel-imposed infliction, his most limiting factor, his heaviest burden.

No more, for here is buried the world's negativism for all time. those who rest here have died not in vain - but for you a stern reminder -- as you leave this hill remember that the rest of your life, Be more positive.

have a good day! - Treat today like it's your last - though it's the first of the rest...
CJH"



Some of the "buried" negativisms in a slideshow:

After the interment of your negativisms, negative traits and bad vibes, leave them all there, never resurrect again. Your highway to achieving your goals may have now been cleared of unnecessary obstructions and be able to harness the power of positive thinking.


Entrance fee to the whole Historic Core is PhP20.00 per head (PhP15.00 for students and senior citizens). Park is open from 8am to 5pm from Mondays to Sundays.

How to get to Camp John Hay:

Besides, The Lost Cemetery, Camp John Hay boasts of two hotels, the upscale The Manor Hotel and the mid-end The Forest Lodge, a Butterfly garden and the historic Bell House and Bell Amphitheater.

To get to Camp John Hay,, take a jeepney plying the route Baguio Plaza - Scout Barrio and request the driver to drop you off at the gate then walk towards Cam John Hay historic core. If you're three of four, best to take taxi as it's almost the same with jeepney fare summed in total

Related Posts:
Driving Directions to Baguio
Flights to Baguio
Bell Church: Taoist Temple in Baguio
Panagbenga Flower Festival

Labels: Baguio City, Cemeteries, Cordillera Administrative Region