Wandering Soul Scamper

Tag Baguio City Backpacking

Mar, Sat, 2015
Revisiting Baguio City: A Journey to Home Sweet Home

(Day 5, March 16, 2015)

After the fun filled city tour on our day 4 in Baguio, we went home full of good memories and exhilarating experiences. Tiredness was not in our vocabulary on that day and we want to have more of Baguio but nightfall has came and we should call it over.

We cooked our dinner that night and I am not the chef, I am just an assistant to our chef Josh 🙂 Thanks Josh.

After dinner, we packed our freshly picked strawberries from the farm for the next day flight back to Cebu.

Day 5 came and the time has come for us to bid goodbye to Baguio City. We then ask Kuya Jhong to fetch us to the gasoline station where Kuya Jay, our contact driver from Clark will pick us up.

We arrived at the Gasoline station around 10AM. We waited for few minutes and Kuya Jay had arrived around 10:15 AM.

Along the way back to Clark Pampanga, Kuya Jay stopped at Kennon Road Viewing Pavilion – a view deck overlooking Kennon road  – to have our picture taken.

IMG_2197 (1)IMG_2196 (2) IMG_2198 (1)

While were traveling along Kennon Road, we stopped at the place where there are some statues of super heroes, cartoon characters, etc. Too bad, we passed several meters away from the others thus we just have our pictures taken with the ones where we stopped.

IMG_2222 (1) IMG_2224 (1) IMG_2225 (1) IMG_2228 (1)

We had fun while we were in the van just like when were heading to Baguio from Clark. Thanks to Kuya Jay who took part of our jokes and crazy conversations. The one that we won’t forget is when he answered Angel asking every Artist of each song played in the car stereo and I quote:

(After few songs)

“Angel: Sino pong artist sa kantang to Kuya?
Kuya Jay: Artist agad Maam? di pwedeng title muna? ”
Angel: (natulala).. Aw, ano pong title ng kantang to Kuya?
Kuya Jay: Kasalanan ba / kasalanan bang mahalin ka ng lubusan?”

Haha, nganga si Angel. 🙂

(That’s because, Angel didn’t ask for a song title even once, she just asked directly who the artist is every time)

With all the jokes and fun talks, we  didn’t noticed the time that it was already past 12NN. We asked Kuya Jay where we could have our lunch, he suggested few options and we finally decided to have our lunch at Isdaan located in Gerona Tarlac. Past 1PM, we arrived at Isdaan in Gerona Tarlac.

Isdaan – Gerona Tarlac

IMG_1920 (1) IMG_1921 (1) IMG_1923 (1) IMG_2238 (1) IMG_2245 (1) IMG_2255 (1) IMG_2262 (1) IMG_2263 (1) IMG_6527 (1) IMG_6528 (1) IMG_6536 (1) IMG_6555 (1) IMG_20150317_140429 (1) IsdaanFood IsdaanInside IsdaanPathway WishingBell

After our sumptuous lunch and picture taking, we resumed our trip back to Clark. Kuya Jay told us that its still early since our flight was scheduled at 9:00PM, so we might as well check Dinosaur Island near the vicinity of the Clark Airbase.

Another funny thing happened as Angel asked Kuya Jay innocently and I qoute “

Angel: Ano pong meron sa Dinosaur Island Kuya? (What is inside the Dinosaur island?)
(Everyone Laughs)
Kuya Jay: Hmmm, hmmm, ano nga ba ang meron sa Dinosaur island.. (with a smiling face)..
Maam, hindi naman siguro mga buwaya (pun intended).. Dinosaur malamang.. (then smile)..
(Everyone was in boisterous laughter and the fun was even heightened)

Past 4PM, we arrived at the Dinosaur island. We inquired inside but the ticket is a bit costly and they will be closing by 5PM.

So getting inside is not a good idea at all coz we might not enjoy all the attractions inside as we have just few minutes left before closing time. It will be just a waste of money.

We had decided not to get inside (maybe next time) and have our pictures taken right outside the entrance instead.

IMG_1936 (1) IMG_1940 (1) IMG_1943 (1)

We went ahead to the Airport right after and wait for our check-in time then.

IMG_1983 (1)

We arrived at the airport past 5PM ( way too early) , and we had to wait until 7:30PM at the pre-departure area for our check-in time. Time not wasted as we were playing our favorite online mobile game and while playing we were having our tummies filled by the uneaten trail foods from Angel – a lot of trail foods hahahaha.. Thanks Angel.

After checking in our luggage, we had to wait again for another 1 hour and 30 minutes for our flight in the departure area but that’s nothing as we had lots of things going on – chit chats, jokes, etc.

Had our flight delayed for few minutes though but we don’t mind coz we had one of the funniest experiences in our life to focus on instead of the minor system flaws of the airline.

IMG_2014 (1)

And that’s a wrap. Our 5 Day Baguio Adventure had ended officially. See you on my next adventure post!

Let me hear your thoughts by
leaving your comments below.

admin admin
BackPacking , Food Trips , Uncategorized
Revisiting Baguio City: A Journey to Home Sweet Home

(Day 5, March 16, 2015)

After the fun filled city tour on our day 4 in Baguio, we went home full of good memories and exhilarating experiences. Tiredness was not in our vocabulary on that day and we want to have more of Baguio but nightfall has came and we should call it over.

We cooked our dinner that night and I am not the chef, I am just an assistant to our chef Josh 🙂 Thanks Josh.

After dinner, we packed our freshly picked strawberries from the farm for the next day flight back to Cebu.

Day 5 came and the time has come for us to bid goodbye to Baguio City. We then ask Kuya Jhong to fetch us to the gasoline station where Kuya Jay, our contact driver from Clark will pick us up.

We arrived at the Gasoline station around 10AM. We waited for few minutes and Kuya Jay had arrived around 10:15 AM.

Along the way back to Clark Pampanga, Kuya Jay stopped at Kennon Road Viewing Pavilion – a view deck overlooking Kennon road  – to have our picture taken.

IMG_2197 (1)IMG_2196 (2) IMG_2198 (1)

While were traveling along Kennon Road, we stopped at the place where there are some statues of super heroes, cartoon characters, etc. Too bad, we passed several meters away from the others thus we just have our pictures taken with the ones where we stopped.

IMG_2222 (1) IMG_2224 (1) IMG_2225 (1) IMG_2228 (1)

We had fun while we were in the van just like when were heading to Baguio from Clark. Thanks to Kuya Jay who took part of our jokes and crazy conversations. The one that we won’t forget is when he answered Angel asking every Artist of each song played in the car stereo and I quote:

(After few songs)

“Angel: Sino pong artist sa kantang to Kuya?
Kuya Jay: Artist agad Maam? di pwedeng title muna? ”
Angel: (natulala).. Aw, ano pong title ng kantang to Kuya?
Kuya Jay: Kasalanan ba / kasalanan bang mahalin ka ng lubusan?”

Haha, nganga si Angel. 🙂

(That’s because, Angel didn’t ask for a song title even once, she just asked directly who the artist is every time)

With all the jokes and fun talks, we  didn’t noticed the time that it was already past 12NN. We asked Kuya Jay where we could have our lunch, he suggested few options and we finally decided to have our lunch at Isdaan located in Gerona Tarlac. Past 1PM, we arrived at Isdaan in Gerona Tarlac.

Isdaan – Gerona Tarlac

IMG_1920 (1) IMG_1921 (1) IMG_1923 (1) IMG_2238 (1) IMG_2245 (1) IMG_2255 (1) IMG_2262 (1) IMG_2263 (1) IMG_6527 (1) IMG_6528 (1) IMG_6536 (1) IMG_6555 (1) IMG_20150317_140429 (1) IsdaanFood IsdaanInside IsdaanPathway WishingBell

After our sumptuous lunch and picture taking, we resumed our trip back to Clark. Kuya Jay told us that its still early since our flight was scheduled at 9:00PM, so we might as well check Dinosaur Island near the vicinity of the Clark Airbase.

Another funny thing happened as Angel asked Kuya Jay innocently and I qoute “

Angel: Ano pong meron sa Dinosaur Island Kuya? (What is inside the Dinosaur island?)
(Everyone Laughs)
Kuya Jay: Hmmm, hmmm, ano nga ba ang meron sa Dinosaur island.. (with a smiling face)..
Maam, hindi naman siguro mga buwaya (pun intended).. Dinosaur malamang.. (then smile)..
(Everyone was in boisterous laughter and the fun was even heightened)

Past 4PM, we arrived at the Dinosaur island. We inquired inside but the ticket is a bit costly and they will be closing by 5PM.

So getting inside is not a good idea at all coz we might not enjoy all the attractions inside as we have just few minutes left before closing time. It will be just a waste of money.

We had decided not to get inside (maybe next time) and have our pictures taken right outside the entrance instead.

IMG_1936 (1) IMG_1940 (1) IMG_1943 (1)

We went ahead to the Airport right after and wait for our check-in time then.

IMG_1983 (1)

We arrived at the airport past 5PM ( way too early) , and we had to wait until 7:30PM at the pre-departure area for our check-in time. Time not wasted as we were playing our favorite online mobile game and while playing we were having our tummies filled by the uneaten trail foods from Angel – a lot of trail foods hahahaha.. Thanks Angel.

After checking in our luggage, we had to wait again for another 1 hour and 30 minutes for our flight in the departure area but that’s nothing as we had lots of things going on – chit chats, jokes, etc.

Had our flight delayed for few minutes though but we don’t mind coz we had one of the funniest experiences in our life to focus on instead of the minor system flaws of the airline.

IMG_2014 (1)

And that’s a wrap. Our 5 Day Baguio Adventure had ended officially. See you on my next adventure post!

Let me hear your thoughts by
leaving your comments below.

Mar, Fri, 2015
Revisiting Baguio City: The Mansion and Wright Park

The Mansion

IMG_1340 (1)(The Mansion)

(Day 4, March 16, 2015)

After Mines view Park, our next stop is the Mansion and the Wright Park. The Mansion House otherwise known as “The Mansion” is the official summer residence of the President of Philippine Republic after it has been rebuilt and with improved structure in 1947. It was built in 1908 for U.S governor generals but was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for Philippine liberation.

It is located in the summer capital of the country –  Baguio City at approximately 5,000 feet (1,500m) above sea level. It is at the eastern part of the City along Leonard Wood right across the Baguio’s  Wright Park.

With its beautiful and scenic gardens, The Mansion has become a favorite site for sightseeing and picture taking for tourists and the locals as well. IMG_6413 (1)IMG_6386 (1)IMG_6393 (1) IMG_6395 (1) IMG_6399 (1) IMG_6402 (1) IMG_6408 (1) IMG_6410 (1)IMG_1346 (1)

The Wright Park

IMG_6411 (1)(View of the Wright Park Pool in front of The Mansion)

Fronting the main gate of The Mansion is the Wright Park. It is considered as one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City that has quiet a number of visitors. One of the highlights when visiting Wright Park is its man-made shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the “Pool of Pines” just right across the main gate of the Mansion. Tall pine trees surrounds and decorative street lights line at the access road beside the Wright Park “Pool of Pines” and visitors often took postcard type photographs at both ends.

IMG_6421 (1)IMG_6415 (1) IMG_6418 (1)(Picture taking in front of the Wright Park Pool while there is still light)

Another highlight when visiting Wright Park is the park circle on the other end of the park. From the park circle, it has a walkway which leads to a wide stairway that descend to an area were ponies can be rented out.

IMG_1308 (1)(View at the other end of Wright Park Pool, opposite to The Mansion Gate)

IMG_1321 (1)(One more pic of the Wright park Pool)

Along the stairway or just below it, are some native handicrafts sold by native peddlers. Also there you can rent out the native Igorot attire for photograph taking.

IMG_1303 (1)(This is the Wright Park Circle taken on my previous Baguio visit. The stairs leads to the place below where ponies can be rented out)

Just below the stairway is a wide area where ponies are housed for rent. Riding a pony is one of  the favorite activities among children when visiting the place as well as the adults. The place is crowded on weekends and especially during Panagbenga festival. There are some ponies that can be rented out of the park to go somewhere like Mines View Park, etc but with an accompanying guide of course. However, it is highly recommended that you agree first on the hourly rate to be charged to avoid any cost related issues afterwards.

IMG_1254 (1) IMG_1276 (1) IMG_1277 (1) IMG_1286 (1) IMG_1288 (1)IMG_1245 (1)

The Mansion and Wright Park were the last tourist attractions for the day since its getting dark and other places on the list were closed already. So we went to the market afterwards to buy some ingredients for our dinner. Who will be the chef for night?

Have you been to The Mansion and Wright Park? How was your experience?
Leave your comments below.

admin admin
BackPacking , Uncategorized
Revisiting Baguio City: The Mansion and Wright Park

The Mansion

IMG_1340 (1)(The Mansion)

(Day 4, March 16, 2015)

After Mines view Park, our next stop is the Mansion and the Wright Park. The Mansion House otherwise known as “The Mansion” is the official summer residence of the President of Philippine Republic after it has been rebuilt and with improved structure in 1947. It was built in 1908 for U.S governor generals but was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for Philippine liberation.

It is located in the summer capital of the country –  Baguio City at approximately 5,000 feet (1,500m) above sea level. It is at the eastern part of the City along Leonard Wood right across the Baguio’s  Wright Park.

With its beautiful and scenic gardens, The Mansion has become a favorite site for sightseeing and picture taking for tourists and the locals as well. IMG_6413 (1)IMG_6386 (1)IMG_6393 (1) IMG_6395 (1) IMG_6399 (1) IMG_6402 (1) IMG_6408 (1) IMG_6410 (1)IMG_1346 (1)

The Wright Park

IMG_6411 (1)(View of the Wright Park Pool in front of The Mansion)

Fronting the main gate of The Mansion is the Wright Park. It is considered as one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City that has quiet a number of visitors. One of the highlights when visiting Wright Park is its man-made shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the “Pool of Pines” just right across the main gate of the Mansion. Tall pine trees surrounds and decorative street lights line at the access road beside the Wright Park “Pool of Pines” and visitors often took postcard type photographs at both ends.

IMG_6421 (1)IMG_6415 (1) IMG_6418 (1)(Picture taking in front of the Wright Park Pool while there is still light)

Another highlight when visiting Wright Park is the park circle on the other end of the park. From the park circle, it has a walkway which leads to a wide stairway that descend to an area were ponies can be rented out.

IMG_1308 (1)(View at the other end of Wright Park Pool, opposite to The Mansion Gate)

IMG_1321 (1)(One more pic of the Wright park Pool)

Along the stairway or just below it, are some native handicrafts sold by native peddlers. Also there you can rent out the native Igorot attire for photograph taking.

IMG_1303 (1)(This is the Wright Park Circle taken on my previous Baguio visit. The stairs leads to the place below where ponies can be rented out)

Just below the stairway is a wide area where ponies are housed for rent. Riding a pony is one of  the favorite activities among children when visiting the place as well as the adults. The place is crowded on weekends and especially during Panagbenga festival. There are some ponies that can be rented out of the park to go somewhere like Mines View Park, etc but with an accompanying guide of course. However, it is highly recommended that you agree first on the hourly rate to be charged to avoid any cost related issues afterwards.

IMG_1254 (1) IMG_1276 (1) IMG_1277 (1) IMG_1286 (1) IMG_1288 (1)IMG_1245 (1)

The Mansion and Wright Park were the last tourist attractions for the day since its getting dark and other places on the list were closed already. So we went to the market afterwards to buy some ingredients for our dinner. Who will be the chef for night?

Have you been to The Mansion and Wright Park? How was your experience?
Leave your comments below.

Mar, Tue, 2015
Revisiting Baguio City: A Step by step to Lourdes Grotto

IMG_1811 (1)(Day 4, March 16, 2015)

After our La Presa hype, we then went over to our next destination, the Lourdes Grotto. The Lourdes Grotto is one of the Catholic Shrine in Baguio. The place is located uphill in the Western part of the city. Uphill is the image of the Lady of Lourdes and is a conducive place for meditation as well.

The Grotto is said to be one of the favorite pilgrimage site during the Lent season. You can reach to the top of the Grotto either by driving through a winding, narrow and steep asphalt-paved road or climbing the 250+ steps uphill. We opt to climb those steps going uphill.

Devotees go up to the grotto to meditate, to pray and some just to take a look at the place. Devotees who prayed usually light up a candle and offer flowers at a n altar below the image (there are designated places for lighting candles and for flowers).

Like most of the religious shrines, there are also vendors who will offer to light up a candle for you and say a prayer for whatever personal intentions you might have.

There are candle and flower vendors just below the Grotto. We bought the set of colored candles to light up . According to the vendor, each color has corresponding meaning like health, love, peace, etc. Too bad, i didn’t memorize which color stands for what. Along the road going to the steps going up were some natives offering the tourists to try wearing their native costumes for small amount.

IMG_1791 (1)(You will be treated with this view at the entrance of Lourdes Grotto)IMG_1798 (1)(This is when the vendors offered their colored candles to us)IMG_1800 (1)(Excited much to climb the steps going up the Grotto?)IMG_1804 (1)(The climb has started, but wait let’s pose for the camera for documentation :))IMG_1811 (1)(Thank you to Ate Flower vendor who took this group picture of us. Yay, everyone is in the picture!)

Upon reaching the Grotto, we say our prayers and light our colored candles. One of us offered flowers as well. IMG_1831 (1)(Lady of Lourdes image on top of those 250+ steps)

IMG_5948 (1)(Colored candles lighted by one of us)

IMG_5953 (1)(My lighted colored candle. Look! there’s 2 pink candles i didn’t notice it when i bought it.. the vendor said pink is for love, does it mean I will have 2? hahaha)

IMG_1807 (1)(Aside from lighted set of colored candles, Michelle offered these flowers as well.)

Near the Grotto, there is a chapel also if you want to meditate and say a prayer.IMG_1825 (1) (Perfect place to meditate right? – the chapel near the Lady of Lourdes image)

Spent few more minutes on the place and took some pictures before going over to our next destination. IMG_1112 (1)(Someone stole this snapshot of me. Thanks Norms)

IMG_1828 (1)(Thanks Michelle for capturing this one.)

Few more pictures of the place as we went downstairs.IMG_5957 (1)

IMG_1845 (1)(The gents were having a little talk and plans – boys talk? :))

IMG_1847 (1)(The ladies as well, seems something was going on!)

IMG_1853 (1)(The only disadvantage of owning a camera when no tripod brought with you, is you won’t be in the group pictures most of the time esp when nobody’s around to ask for a favor to take your group picture..)

IMG_5969 (1)(Group picture before going down)

IMG_5974 (1)(Another group pic 🙂

IMG_6040 (1)(The ladies had their share of trying the native costumes)

IMG_6047 (1)

IMG_1792 (1)

(Before leaving the place, let’s have a couple pic first.. hehe)IMG_6073 (1)

It’s a wrap and we went over to our next destination – the Tam-awan Village.

Have you been to Lourdes Grotto? How was your experience?
Leave your comments below.

admin admin
BackPacking , Uncategorized
Revisiting Baguio City: A Step by step to Lourdes Grotto

IMG_1811 (1)(Day 4, March 16, 2015)

After our La Presa hype, we then went over to our next destination, the Lourdes Grotto. The Lourdes Grotto is one of the Catholic Shrine in Baguio. The place is located uphill in the Western part of the city. Uphill is the image of the Lady of Lourdes and is a conducive place for meditation as well.

The Grotto is said to be one of the favorite pilgrimage site during the Lent season. You can reach to the top of the Grotto either by driving through a winding, narrow and steep asphalt-paved road or climbing the 250+ steps uphill. We opt to climb those steps going uphill.

Devotees go up to the grotto to meditate, to pray and some just to take a look at the place. Devotees who prayed usually light up a candle and offer flowers at a n altar below the image (there are designated places for lighting candles and for flowers).

Like most of the religious shrines, there are also vendors who will offer to light up a candle for you and say a prayer for whatever personal intentions you might have.

There are candle and flower vendors just below the Grotto. We bought the set of colored candles to light up . According to the vendor, each color has corresponding meaning like health, love, peace, etc. Too bad, i didn’t memorize which color stands for what. Along the road going to the steps going up were some natives offering the tourists to try wearing their native costumes for small amount.

IMG_1791 (1)(You will be treated with this view at the entrance of Lourdes Grotto)IMG_1798 (1)(This is when the vendors offered their colored candles to us)IMG_1800 (1)(Excited much to climb the steps going up the Grotto?)IMG_1804 (1)(The climb has started, but wait let’s pose for the camera for documentation :))IMG_1811 (1)(Thank you to Ate Flower vendor who took this group picture of us. Yay, everyone is in the picture!)

Upon reaching the Grotto, we say our prayers and light our colored candles. One of us offered flowers as well. IMG_1831 (1)(Lady of Lourdes image on top of those 250+ steps)

IMG_5948 (1)(Colored candles lighted by one of us)

IMG_5953 (1)(My lighted colored candle. Look! there’s 2 pink candles i didn’t notice it when i bought it.. the vendor said pink is for love, does it mean I will have 2? hahaha)

IMG_1807 (1)(Aside from lighted set of colored candles, Michelle offered these flowers as well.)

Near the Grotto, there is a chapel also if you want to meditate and say a prayer.IMG_1825 (1) (Perfect place to meditate right? – the chapel near the Lady of Lourdes image)

Spent few more minutes on the place and took some pictures before going over to our next destination. IMG_1112 (1)(Someone stole this snapshot of me. Thanks Norms)

IMG_1828 (1)(Thanks Michelle for capturing this one.)

Few more pictures of the place as we went downstairs.IMG_5957 (1)

IMG_1845 (1)(The gents were having a little talk and plans – boys talk? :))

IMG_1847 (1)(The ladies as well, seems something was going on!)

IMG_1853 (1)(The only disadvantage of owning a camera when no tripod brought with you, is you won’t be in the group pictures most of the time esp when nobody’s around to ask for a favor to take your group picture..)

IMG_5969 (1)(Group picture before going down)

IMG_5974 (1)(Another group pic 🙂

IMG_6040 (1)(The ladies had their share of trying the native costumes)

IMG_6047 (1)

IMG_1792 (1)

(Before leaving the place, let’s have a couple pic first.. hehe)IMG_6073 (1)

It’s a wrap and we went over to our next destination – the Tam-awan Village.

Have you been to Lourdes Grotto? How was your experience?
Leave your comments below.