It was my second time for the month of May to visit the north. After exploring Hundred Islands and hike a mountain to experience Antong Falls, I went back this time to the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio!
This time around, I wouldn’t be doing a DIY trip just like what I did few years back.
My trip was hosted by one of the prime hotel in Baguio – Azalea Hotels and Residences. Azalea invited bloggers from Manila and prepared a lot of things to do in our three-day stay in Baguio.
Can you guess what kind of activities are we supposed to do? Continue reading to find out.
Travelling Via Joy Bus
We left Quezon City at 10, via Joy Bus, it’s comparable to Victory Bus’s deluxe ride that is spacious and have a comfort room inside. After four hours of traveling, we were fetched by Azalea rep. at the terminal, then head straight to Azalea Hotel.
How to commute to Baguio City
Azalea Hotel & Residences in Baguio City
Located at No. 7 Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City, Azalea Hotels and Residences is the only 4 star-serviced apartment hotel that will make every family vacation, group getaway, or romantic retreat more memorable.
Upon our arrival, we were served some welcoming drinks. After confirming our booking, we then head straight to our respective rooms. I shared the spacious room with John, Alwil and Enrico. Here’s a photo of a Deluxe room with View. An overnight stay at a Deluxe room starts at Php 5k plus.
Check out the other rooms at Azalea Residences here.
After a short rest, we had dinner at Kalapaw Restaurant, it’s an Ilocano restaurant buffet located at Engineer Hill Street, Baguio City.
We were distributed in three vans. After the dinner, my group decided to have a quick side trip at Cafe Dua or Cafe by the Ruins 2, which is the newest branch of Cafe by the Ruins. (More Stories here: Cafe by the Ruins Dua)
Harrison Road Night Market
One of the popular things visitors of Baguio City do is to hunt thrifty finds by visiting the night market. Located at the long stretch of Harrisson Road, the street was closed to accommodate sellers and buyers. It was held everyday from 9-12 pm and can extend till one in the morning over the weekends.
I bought two sweaters, a polo and a toy dog which I named “Noggy” as John suggested. I spent at total of Php 300 at the night market only.
Group Tour/Activity by Azalea Residences
The busy day starts on the second day of our stay at Azalea. The Azalea team prepared many activities for us to try and visit hence a wake up call was placed as early as seven in the morning. Our day started with a breakfast buffet at Tradisyon, it is the main restaurant found at Azalea Residences that serves Pinoy comfort food.
After having a sumptuous breakfast, our first activity for the day is to visit La Trindad Benguet, for its famous strawberry picking. The temperature was a bit hot when we arrived in Baguio specially during lunch time, something I didn’t expect. And because I have a goal in this trip that I would only to spend Php 1,500, hence I opted not to do the picking, which costs Php 500.00 per basket.
A side-trip at the Flower Farm, which is a 30-minute drive away from the Strawberry Farm was next. There weren’t a lot of flowers blooming when we came in, it might have been harvested already when we visited. Nevertheless, the sight was still awesome.
At lunch time, we went to Jewel Igorot Restaurant located at KM4 La Trinidad Benguet. Its a garden themed restaurant perfect for events and big gatherings.
What we had for lunch: Sinigang na Bagnet, Chapseuy, Butter Chicken and a plate of fruits. I love thier fancy chinas, and tea too.
Azalea Group Race
In the afternoon of our second day in Baguio City, Azalea prepared a group activity they coined as the Azalea Amazing Race. We were group into five teams, and I was appointed to be one of the leaders. My team mates are Jen, Khail nad Justin, and we were called “The Sessionistas.” Why? That’s actually the first name that I thought of, and we just can’t think of any other name to be called to.
Our starting point is at Burnham Park, where we were given 11 tasked to finish in an hour, with a map and a pocket money of Php 500.
First tasked is to have a selfie at the Burnham lake with the swans. The other tasks took us to Lourdes Church, Panagbenga Park and Sunshine Park.
After finishing everything in that area, we took a cab to our next destinations. Contracting our driver with Php 300 for an hour, we went to Mines View where we were tasked to take a groupie with two of our team mates wearing an Ifugao clothes, also we did a selfie at the Botanical Garden, and the Mansion.
Two more tasks and we’re running out of time, we heard that the first team have arrive already at Azalea. Our plan was to visit the haunted hotel in Baguio City called Diplomat, and climb the 150th stairs in Lourdes Groto, but before heading to the place, we received a message that the rules have change, and were asked to hurriedly go back to the finish line, at the Azalea Residences. So we did.
We did not finished the race, but luckily, my team was the second fastest to go back at Azalea. Tiring but it was fun! We got to take home prizes right after the presentation! Thanks Chelle for the photo, I look so happy!
It was a long day for us, that is why an amazing night out and dinner could be just perfect! Luckily, we were invited to try and have a taste of what this newest bar-restaurant called 2600 Gastropub has to offer.
Check out what they got, read it here: 2600 Gastropub.
3rd day: Strolling Around Baguio
On the third was an easy-laid-back day. Right after having breakfast, we were given two options to choose from, that’s between La Presa or to visit Ben Cab. I’ve chosen the latter one. Will create a different blog posts for this one. 🙂
A few minutes away from Ben Cab is the Tam-awan Village, it’s an artists colony set in a different Ifugao huts. Tam-awan in the local idiom means “vantage point,” an apt name for a colony of Cordillera Huts that sit on a hillside that affords visitors a magnificent view of the South China Sea on a clear day. A minimal fee of Php 50.00 is needed for you to get inside the village. There are different stations and a coffee shop/restaurant that can be found inside.
Grab from OrangeMagazine
We also did a short stop-over at the Mines View. For so many times that I’ve visited Baguio, this would be the first that I’ve seen this place. It was stunning, and it would be best to visit this place in a not so crowded time, which is a bit indefinite. For pasalubong, I bought three cactus plants for Php 100.00.
Good Shepard was just a stone throw away from Mines View, so we did a quick shopping as well. Finally, I could taste the famous Good Shepard Ube Jam! Yum!
Finally, capping our day activities, we brave the heights by trying to be Superman and/or Silversurfer via Tree Top Adventure. Will create another blog post for this one as well.
It was an amazing three days vacation in Baguio City courtesy of Azalea Hotels and Residences. If in the future, you and your friends would want to visit Baguio, try to book at Azalea, and let them handle your itineraries and activities for you to have the most memorable Baguio getaway.
Special thanks to the staff and crew of Azalea Hotels and Residences specially to Sir. Vincent Tabor, for making this trip possible, to JC Moulic, Paul Darang, Rachel Anapen, and Terry for taking care of us. Crossing my fingers to visit this place again soon!
