The next morning, we woke up early to go to my uncle's house located in La Trinidad, Benguet which is the home of the Strawberry Farm. We took a jeep and paid P11 and walked until we reached their house. The farm is famous for their big, sweet and fresh strawberries which you can pick by yourself for a minimal fee. There are also a lot of souvenir shops and stores that sell vegetables and a lot of strawberry taho (sweetened soy bean curd) vendors. It was the boss' first time so we didn't missed buying him a cup.
 |
Strawberry Taho (P20)
|
|
 |
| fresh strawberries (P100/half a kilo) |
 |
| broccoli mountain |
We went to Tam-awan Village after having breakfast at my uncle's house. The village is composed of Ifugao houses reconstructed with the aim of making a model village like the one they have in the Cordillera ages ago to let people know how everyday living was like back then. Every house has its own purpose and meaning and if you want to feel how it is like living in a house like that, they offer lodging. For complete details please click
here. The village also has an art gallery where you can buy paintings and they also offer workshops for aspiring artists. It also has a cafe where you can try ordering their Mountain Brew coffee which I find a little bitter. Adults pay an entrance fee of P50 while kids at priced at P20.
 |
| paintings made of magnifying glass and the sun |
 |
| each one is priced at P25,000 |
 |
| my escorts *wink* |
After lunch, we went back to the city to get a cab to bring us to Camp John Hay which is a golf course , park and residential area in one. We hoped to find the bump cars that we used to frequent before and to our dismay it was already gone and we were informed that it was transferred to Burnharm Park. Camp John Hay has a number of restaurants and stores that sells imported products from clothes to groceries. There were also other activities that you can enjoy like wall climbing and paint ball but we're just not into it. So we just walked along the pine tree - planted roads and had a snack in Chocolate de Batirol.
 |
| this is how strict they are in recycling |
|
|
 |
| assorted delicacies you can pair with your hot chocolate |
 |
| hot chocolate and suman (native rice cake) |
The hot chocolate has a mild nutty taste and the suman goes well when dipped in sugar and coconut meat. But it is even better when you dip it in the steaming cup of chocolate goodness for that melt in your mouth experience. I was asking my boyfriend if he was enjoying so far and he said that he is loving the place. You must prepare yourself for a lot of food tripping when you get to Baguio because there is food literally everywhere.
Our next stop was Mines View Park which is considered as one of the most visited parks in Baguio. There is an observation deck where you can have a good panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains. The park has the most number of souvenir shops that you can choose from where they sell different kinds of sweets, ube (taro) jam, Lengua de Gato (Cat's Tongue) which is made of flour, butter, eggs and sugar, chocolate flakes and crinkles, vast selection of t-shirts, hand-woven sweatshirts to socks and scarfs and blankets, house decorations and furniture, flowers, herbs and everything else in between.
 |
| dried squid for grilling and corn on the cob |
|
 |
| Ifugao natives used to trek the stiff cliffs just for coins but the gov't banned them for safety reasons |
 |
| rows of souvenir shops |
 |
| wanna be Ifugao couple |
It was nearly dark when we arrived at the city. We passed by The Mansion which is the official residential house of the president of the country. You can go past the gate for free and take pictures but it is also a limited area. Next to that was Wright Park where you can rent horses for P300/hour and tour you around its respective track. Since we were craving for some action earlier that day, we didn't let the bump car ride pass us by and we got more excited to see that we have the floor all to ourselves.
 |
| pretending to be guardia civils |
 |
| key chains and pens w/ the presidential seal for sale that I think is not legit |
 |
| finally! P50/head for 5 minutes |
 |
| finally convinced him to try it! |
 |
| boating at the Burnharm Park lake (P100/boat/hour) |
With all the walking and laughing we had for the day, we deserve a good dinner. My cousins recommended 50's Diner where they serve burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, milkshakes, steaks and salads in humongous portions for very affordable prices. Like a usual diner, the interiors of the place are adorned with vintage stuff and an nonfunctional jukebox.
We were finished eating an hour and a half later. I promise, you gotta see their clubhouse sandwich which I think is good enough for 4 persons! We were so full and decided to spend time walking again. At 11pm that same day, we went back to Manila and just rested on the bus. That caps off the boyfriend's first Baguio trip which proved to be a good one. He said that he will likely be coming back soon. Most memorable Baguio trip for me because I'm the one he shared it with. :)
Tsokolate de Batirol
Scout Hill, Camp John Hay
Baguio City
choco-latedebatirol@yahoo.com
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar