Baguio in the Rain (Day 1)

The 6-hours travel from Manila wears everyone out so after settling down, everyone decided to sleep. It was just around 7 AM. I negotiated the driver to pick us at 11:00 AM for our brunch. We were so tired the breakfast was forgotten. 

But sleep was elusive to me. It's as if I've just awakened-in-a-normal-bed and sleeping again would give me headaches. I never had a problem with sleeping on the bus so maybe while everyone is stressing themselves, I was in dreamland. 

With nothing to do, I decided to peep outside and hope to think of something. The wisp of cold air and foggy scenery greeted me. And ah....sleep is the only option. Then I saw the open door of the CR. Right! Who says sleep is the only option?! I'm also thinking how burdensome it is to wait turns on the bath.

The hot water was heavenly. But I didn't want to miss the feeling of cold water in Baguio so I tried to bath in the pail water (super duper cold). It was pure suffering. I trembled and thought maybe it's OK to miss it. After the hot water bath, sleep caught me. 

I woke up of noisiness. Everyone was getting ready by then. Excited on our first day. =)

We were starving when we got here. Kuya Ernie, our driver suggested this place. 

 Gutom pa ug mga nawng!

After the much-appreciated meal, the tour started! 

Day 1 
(1) Botanical Garden 
(2) Mine's View 
(3) SM City Baguio 
(4) Session Road 

(1) Botanical Garden

It started to drizzle when we reached botanical garden. When we went out of the van, it rained hard but that didn't stop us from exploring the place. Some of us bought umbrellas and bonnets to fend the colds. And of course...photo shoot is still on! I love how umbrellas blend together. Many thanks to Ricco for risking his DSLR on our capriciousness. Ahahaha! Couldn't blame him...the sights were too lovely to pass. And...it was on those moments that I miss our cam more. :(

Not my favorite angle but I ♥ the shirt..and of course, the one I'm with! ♥♥♥

(2) Mines View

The rain didn't stop but we have no choice but to move on. Next Kuya Ernie brought us to Mines View. The stores in the area entertained us while waiting for the rain to stop. We lingered a little here and had our pockets emptied. :P When the rain was bearable, we still went on with our photo shoots. :D

The Shop

Lovely things are sold here. Picture takings are allowed but you have to donate.

Family Picture

Uhurm!

Family picture AGAIN!

And another!

Love this!

Because we're BEAUTIFUL!

The actual MINES VIEW

And I actually thought the stores is the Mines View. Migo had to correct me. He's been to Baguio with friends last 2007(back when we were strangers)...the only non-first timer among the group.

Because it's foggy, we didn't get to see the actual view. Maybe, it's something to be back in Baguio for. Haha!

Single! Double!  Single! Double!  Single! Double!

After the photo shoot, we were starving. Lucky that a 7 Eleven were in the vicinity. We went there to eat and drank hot stuffs to ease the coldness. When everyone was full, we decided to go.

St. Joseph Church

It was Sunday so I asked Kuya Ernie if we could stop by a church to attend mass. He said it was late already so we might not be able to reach the last mass. But I insisted. He took us to St. Joseph Church, there I alight candles to ask for a good weather the next day. 

(3) SM City Baguio

We were wet. And as much as we would like to continue our stroll, the coldness changed most of our dispositions. From gay to grumpy...so we asked Kuya Ernie if he could drop us at the apartment to change before SM.

Dinner!!!

 SM Baguio got me in awe. The design was very different. It's super cold even without air-cons. 

The group separated for a while to roam the place. Migo, Mira and I went together. We ended at Quantum. And remember our "Happy to Gather" craze sometime last year? There were 4 of those machines. Migo and I busied ourselves getting our names on the top score. Ahahaha! And yes..we partially did! :)

(4) Session Road

After the dinner, we went to session road (will have a separate blog about this soon). At around 9 PM, we decided that it's time to go. We stopped by at 7 Eleven to buy our breakfast for the next day. Then off we hired a taxi back to the apartment.

:)

To Baguio with Love

It was love at first. The weather, the sights and everything Baguio has to offer were all I imagined it to be except one...the RAIN. Argh! But hey, I should be thankful...not everyone was able to experience Baguio in the rain. Hmmm! Just imagine the photo shoots in the pouring rain...AWESOME! Not to mention the instant paraphernalia of umbrellas, cool getup and "aso-aso" breathe. It makes you forgot that you're still in the Philippines. :P

Welcome to Baguio! :)

My head is saying when I stepped out of the bus. I can't believe that I was actually in Baguio. The place which haunted my dreams months before. And the very place I thought of letting go because of the monsoon rains. And oh yeah...26th birthday in Baguio!

Before I could gather more of my thoughts, a person which looked like a tour guide approached me and asked if we had reservations already. I said yes clutching the paper Charry gave me. It contains the description of the place of our accommodation. I pouted a  little when he still urged me to their booth despite my answer. Be nice, Kring. I actually don't know what to do next so I obliged. He showed us more choices of accommodation. I wasn't sold into any of it until the apartment with kitchen. I wasn't sure if Charry's choice of accommodation included a kitchen so I thought it's a better option.  When the accommodation was picked, we were instructed to wait for the transportation that would take us there.

I'm thinking that the accommodation was a taxi. It's a van(?) good for 10 people. When I asked the driver the fare, he said PHP 100. We chorused "PHP 100 each?" It's for the entire trip and for all of us. I was relieved thinking we did it again. Unintentionally overpricing everything. 

I sat in the front seat with Migo. The driver was especially chatty. I wasn't so into his talk because I'm occupied with some-other-Charry-things*. What should we do next? Where should we go first? Oh no, why didn't I familiarized Charry's itinerary. How would I direct everyone to each place. +_+

"I can tour you around for 2 days...." Epppp! What was that?! I was especially attentive AGAIN. Asked him the usual pay for tour in a day. He said, PHP 3000 per day. I pouted, thinking we'd need a service good for 2 days. I can't let us spend that much. 

"I can give it to you for PHP 3500. Tour half day today and whole day tomorrow." I thought it was a good deal. I asked the group. No one bothered to complain. I don't know the actual price for a transportation in Baguio so that was it. I was thinking PHP 350 good for 2 days is a steal. 

When we reached the apartment, everyone settled. After a while, I went to Charina** to settle payments. We were about to stay in the apartment for 2 days at PHP 3000 per day.  On our discussion, since we already have a transportation, why don't we just bring our bags on the 2nd day so we wouldn't have to pay for the accommodation. It was good and  cheap plan. The landlady thought we'd stay in the apartment*** for 2 days so she discounted the price. When I brought up that we'd only stay for a day, she raised the amount to PHP 3500.

* Charry is our Baguio tour researcher.  Unfortunately, she wasn't able to join us. And being lazy(wanted to be spontaneous), I didn't bother to check transportation and accommodation in Baguio. That was part of Charry's job description. Haha! I'm glad my being lazy didn't put us to spend too much. Ain't I lucky???!

** Charina is our appointed treasurer. She always is on our trips. Money matters is a burden to me. I hate collections. I love keeping track of my expense but on a group's? It's another story.

*** The apartment was quite spacy and nice. It has 4 rooms. 2 rooms good for 4 each with 2 double decks and 2 rooms with a bed good for 2 persons. The kitchen has a burner, kettle, plates, spoon and fork. It has a sala with TV. It has refrigerator too. I don't know if it's usable though. The burner is usable. We used it to cook our breakfast the next day. It has 2 toilets also with hot and cold shower. Hot shower is I think a necessity in Baguio. I wish we had pictures. :( Sorry if you remembered I lost our cam in Taal. 

Notes
Accomodation PHP 3500 per day
Transportation PHP 3500 for 1.5 days

Up Next:
Baguio Day 1

Enchanted: The 2nd Time Around

Last year was the first in celebration of my 25th birthday. We arrived noon so the place was already people-packed. As a result, we weren't able to maximize the unlimited rides. Sans change of clothes, we opt to miss the watery rides. But that didn't decrease the fun we had. :)

This Year

I have this habit of not experiencing the same suffering again. So after the Space Shuttle last year, I never thought of undergoing the same torture twice. But my companions were so game I decided to break a habit. I'm glad I did. Who would think of backing out when even the cowards want to fight?!



We were on our way to Baguio so we brought all our stuffs. This time, I was able to experience the watery rides. I so love the Rio Grande Rapids. It feels like a mellower and safer version of water rafting. It would be perfect if the river was longer.



The Log Jam was a ride to remember. I underestimated it. Never thought it was that heart pumping. I literally hold on for my life on the 2nd jump. You could see how moved I was on my picture. Epic! I don't want to forget the moment so I had Migo bought the picture despite the price. Hahaha!

 

I also rode Anchor's Away again. Migo hating the feeling on last year's ride opt to pass. I was bored on this ride the first so I wanted to test if I'd be bored the 2nd time. I was amazed. I forgot the boredom. The feeling already get to me but I discovered a technique to make it all go. On the 2nd rise, my hair flew into my face. I didn't like it so I flipped my head. When I did it, I noticed that the bad feeling disappeared. I did the flipping thing on the 3rd rise, the same thing happen. On the 4th, I shared the technique to Mira. On the 5th, the 2 of us were doing the flipping thing. :P

Aside from those 4, we also experienced other challenges/rides. See below for the list: 

1 Flying Fiesta - All
2 Space Shuttle - All
3 Anchor's Away - All except Brian, Nie, Migo
4 Ekstreme Tower - Mira, Lawrence, John Jay, Ricco
5 Balance Challenge - Lawrence, Mira, Yours truly
6 Bump Car - All except John Jay
7 Rio Grande Rapids - All
8 Log Jam - All
9 Laser Challenge - Mira, Lawrence, John Jay, Migo, Yours truly
10 Carousel - Migo, Yours truly

I didn't ride the Ekstreme Tower again. I super hate the feeling last time. Haha!

Tower conquered!

Me last year! :P

Family Pictures

Tagaytay Tour

We were battered after Taal that the swimming and board game plans were forgotten. But being drawn to water, I didn't let the swimming slipped even if I had to do it alone. I swam until I  got tired of the cold water.

Family Pic at our room!
Buhbye Aroma!

  

The next day, we woke up at 4 AM. We only had until 6 AM to stay on Aroma. Kuya Anthony would pick up at 7:00 AM for the touristy Tagaytay Tour. We had breakfast. Everyone was ready by 6 AM. Unfortunately, Kuya Anthony was late. We had the chance to play games beside the pool.

FamPic at the pool

 

When Kuya arrived, we were ready for People's Park and Picnic Grove. Kuya Anthony was our personal tour guide. We paid him PHP 100 each to take us to People's Park and Picnic Grove then drop us at Tagaytay terminal. Since we were bringing our stuffs already, we need them to guard our bags.

People's Park in the Sky

  

    

Picnic Grove

Us and our tour guides

I had fun despite our short stay in Tagaytay. The detour to Taal was amazing. I never thought I could add 2 places on my list. Cavite for Tagaytay, Batangas for Taal. Yeahoo! Finding nice drivers were a blessing too. They make our stay less hassles considering I didn't know how to commute to those spots. Haha!

If you want to have less hassles too, you can contact Kuya Anthony at this number 0939 881 2338 for your transportation and Tagaytay boating. I can vouch for his kindness. This is the least I could do considering we didn't give him tip. :P

Moments at Taal

While the others were preparing, I busied myself capturing Aroma Apartelle. When everyone was ready, I texted Kuya Anthony. The plan was to eat at a Karenderya first before going to the lake. But Kuya suggested why don't we just ate there. Thinking we could save time if we do, I agreed.

I wish I didn't. The ride to the lake took about 30 minutes downhill. And the food was served about 1 and half hour. Our energy was drained. For the first few minutes, we were smiling and teasing. The next minutes was torture. I remembered how Erwin slumped unto the table. My stomach was screaming food. My heart goes out to Charina, Ricco and Lawrence who haven't eaten breakfast.

When the food arrived, everyone got busy. After a while, the usual energy of the group was back. We had Bulalo, Pancit and Pork Belly. I don't know if the food were really good or it was just good because we were so hungry. 

The negotiation followed after the meal. We didn't waste much time and hurriedly proceed to our boat that would take us to Taal. We were 10 so he had 2 boats. Charina, Lawrence and Ricco were with me and Migo. On the other boat were JJ, Mira, Brian, Nie and Erwin. 

I was in awe when we reached our destination. The row of bancas was picturesque. And the horses were amazing. We had to walk a little to reach the main entrance. We were escorted, told about the things we could do and settled for payments. The entrance was PHP 50. The horse ride was quite expensive (PHP 450) so we had a consensus not to ride. They discouraged us about the walk but we were deaf. Aside from the entrance, we had to pay for the guide for PHP 500. We spent PHP 100 each.

The walk was hard at first. Annoying horseback riders followed us, continuously haggling their service. But we remained firm with our decision. We were right. The walk was not that far. They just discouraged us so that we would get their service. 

When we arrived at the crater, I feel a sudden surge of victory. We did it! We've seen Taal up close. We took some pictures and enjoyed the scenery.

Some time later, we decided it's time to go. Migo and I was the last on the trail. I was busy sliding unto the dusty pavement when Migo asked me about his camera. Told him I don't have it. So we went back to the crater spot, tried to retrace our steps hoping we would find it. It was all for nothing. Our guide went back to look for it too. Nothing still.

I was so down...tried hard not to cry. The walk suddenly becomes unbearable. Then I saw Migo. He had that distant look but it was not a losing face. I asked him and for the nth time, he got me in awe. I hugged him saying, I would copy his resolve. Besides, we could always buy another one.     When I did that, the moment was back.

The lost camera has become a favorite joke. We laughed at it till the remaining days of our 4-day trip. We lost it on the 1st day. On the next days, Migo and I has become a camera leech. Thanks to Ricco and Charina for being very understanding. "Bayad to sa nice weather ang camera, Miga!" Says Migo. I  didn't say anything. Silently wishing it would cover for the whole trip.

We were exhausted after Taal. Slept on the uphill ride. When we reached Olivarez Plaza, we asked Kuya Anthony to just drop us. We decided to have dinner and bought snacks for the next day. The next stop would be Picnic Grove and People's Park!

The View

The Walk

Us and our guide

Our favorite pose!
Katag-katag!
Survivor Pose!

Amazing Taal!

And of course...mandatory family picture!

Pre-Taal

This day last week...

I can't believe it's been a week since. The memories are still vivid...the pain of losing Migo's cam, the laughters, bloopers and blessings...Maybe not blogging is what makes it still vivid. My minute capacity memory has been threatening out of space so...

An early flight of CebuPac brought me, Migo and JJ to Manila where some of our companions waited at NAIA. But before the worry-free flight, we were faced with an almost habitual annoyance..LATE! When we arrived, the checking counter was closed. But we were able to overcome the obstacle and rendezvous with the others at the planned time and location.

Going out of NAIA, we were faced with the dilemma on how to reached Pasay Bus Station. And that's because I halfheartedly read the link Migo gave me 2 days before the trip. I'm still having 2nd thoughts then. With nowhere to go, I directed the group to look for the bus stop sign. When I saw the bus, my mind was fixed. I'm quite sure the last stop was the Pasay Bus Station. I just don't know if it was the same station where we'll find a ride to Tagaytay.

I was agitated along the way. Desperately looking for signs that my decision was right. Habitually blaming myself why I choose not to print maps and all the kresia stuffs. You see on this trip, I vowed to be a little spontaneous. I've always been clipped and controlled when traveling. This time, I just had the final itinerary. No maps and all. I wanted to develop the ability to decide things right there and then.

My heart hammered when the bus stop. Is this it? Is this really the place? And hooray! The driver confirmed my doubts. I silently congratulate myself saying "See! I know you can do it." We had breakfast then took the bus to Tagaytay. The ride was quite long. It took more than 2 hours. When the conductor collected our fare, I asked him to drop us at Olivarez Plaza in Tagaytay. He nodded as he handed me the tickets.

I slept along the way but is mindful that I have to wake every now and then to make sure that we haven't strayed away from Tagaytay. I can't trust our fate to the conductor entirely. On my nth waking moment, I lookout the window and asked Migo where we are. He said, we just reached Tagaytay. My heart starts hammering again. Oh my! I have to make sure we got off at the right spot. 

There was a vendor. I didn't mind him at first. But at the top of my head, I wanted to ask him where we are, thinking the conductor might have forgotten what I told him. When I did, he said we might have missed our stop. I panicked. Ordered the group to hurriedly took of the bus. When everyone was settled, I let out a sigh of relief. Ah! I was right. I should not completely trust anyone. 

Picking a tricycle to Aroma Apartelle was hard. The dispatchers and tour people were annoying so I hurriedly pick the next tricycles in sight. On the ride, I was praying that the drivers would not impose too much fare. Someone told me never to ask fares when traveling because tendency is people will take advantage of your ignorance. But what choice do I have? 

I was relieved when the fare was just PHP 10. Silently thanking God that He had lead us to a nice person. While waiting for the others to settle their fare, our driver proposed if we'd like a Taal tour, boating and trekking. My mind wanted to say "No" immediately. I've been researching Taal tours and what I found was discouraging. The prices were expensive. But JJ was especially open to idea so the negotiation continues. Kuya Anthony, which we learned later, offered that the estimated budget is PHP1K per person. I was all in with the 1K. But I can't decide for the group so I mentally list the issue in my head. After keeping Kuya Anthony's card, we then went inside Aroma Apartelle where Charina, Ricco and Lawrence waited.

The Receiving Area

Our room!

CR inside the room!

The Sala!

The Dining

The Pool

Aroma Apartelle, Migo's find, was nice. It's a 3-story building with a pool. We took a dorm room good for 12 person at PHP4500 because I thought we were 12. We wanted to transfer to a smaller room good for 10, unfortunately they won't let us. It's OK though we need the extra beds for our bags.

After settling, I then open the issue about the Taal tour. They asked about our itinerary for the day. When I read it to them, they comment that it's just all about eating. A consensus was reached. We will go to Taal and dropped the entire itinerary for the day. I then text Kuya Anthony about our decision and closed the deal. Yeahoo! 

Taal! Taal! Taal!

And so off we went to Taal...

26th Birthday Trip Itinerary

Oh Yeah! Charry and I just finalized the itinerary today. :) And I can't wait to follow them all. Hopefully, we won't stray much...places and expenses. :D

Super excited...