BALER: WHERE THE SKY KISSES THE SEA
Baguio, The Summer Capital of the Philippines: A Good Place to Soul Search
*****
My intro sure did imply that it was my first time to visit Baguio. In fact, it was also my first time to travel outside Manila, up north, alone (I wouldn't count my lone travel to Camarines Sur way back in 2012 because I am very much used to of going to and fro the place).
In fact, my friend at work called my personal pilgrim as "soul search", but I never intended it to look that way. Going back, it was a really nice opportunity to be in the city on a hill. It was like a long overdue immersion project which I prayed about so hard.
And since the whole journey was an absolute eye opener for me, I listed a few things that might help those who are planning to visit Baguio alone:
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." --Matthew 5:14I was planning to go back to Camarines Sur, Philippines, this holiday break but, I finally decided to finally go and visit the place I haven't visited in my long 25 years of existence: Baguio.
*****
My intro sure did imply that it was my first time to visit Baguio. In fact, it was also my first time to travel outside Manila, up north, alone (I wouldn't count my lone travel to Camarines Sur way back in 2012 because I am very much used to of going to and fro the place).
In fact, my friend at work called my personal pilgrim as "soul search", but I never intended it to look that way. Going back, it was a really nice opportunity to be in the city on a hill. It was like a long overdue immersion project which I prayed about so hard.
And since the whole journey was an absolute eye opener for me, I listed a few things that might help those who are planning to visit Baguio alone:
- If you are on a budget, it is wise to stay in a transient room in Baguio. I stayed at the Good Shepherd Dormitory near the Rotonda. It only cost me around 125 for two days--not bad eh?
- If you are dreaming to finally see the famous Session Road, sorry to burst your bubble, but it's just a main road. Nothing grand to see.
- If you are looking for a place to stay, it is better if you do the scouting by yourself. The people who claim to be working for the Department of Tourism sure would help you look for a "cheapest" hotel, but the most affordable recommendation they can offer would be around 1,800Php per night.
- Commute, do not take taxis if you can. The city is so small, you can have the streets and roads all memorized in just three days. Believe me. Besides, the fare there is so cheap that you would want to spend the whole day roaming around the small metro.
- If you want to buy the ever popular Good Shepherd Strawberry and Ube jams, wake up early to avoid really long lines.
- The city's strawberry puto bumbong and taho are just delightful.
- Wear jacket (or raincoat, maybe) as it will be really cold and, well, wet due to thick fog/moist.
Also, most of the transient rooms in Baguio generally do not have AC. Believe me, even the floor would be really so cold that you wouldn't think about walking barefoot.
Mount Pico De Loro: 5 Reminders For First Time Mountain Climbers
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!""
-Isaiah 52:7
With the height of 664+ MASL (meters above sea level), Pico De Loro is actually a great mountain to climb for first timers. We started our hike at around 9 AM and managed to go back on the road at 8 PM. It was excruciatingly exhausting, but as we reached the top, it was all worth it. With that, I listed a few ideas for first time hikers who are up and about to climb Mt Pico de Loro.
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!""
-Isaiah 52:7
Mount Pico De Loro, March 2014. My First Mountain Hike.
This was probably the most tiring thing I've ever done for the sake of seeing the beauty of the heavens. Or the ground, for that matter.
With the height of 664+ MASL (meters above sea level), Pico De Loro is actually a great mountain to climb for first timers. We started our hike at around 9 AM and managed to go back on the road at 8 PM. It was excruciatingly exhausting, but as we reached the top, it was all worth it. With that, I listed a few ideas for first time hikers who are up and about to climb Mt Pico de Loro.
- Bring packed lunch and lots of water. If you intend to start your trekking in the morning, make sure to bring your packed lunch and carry lots of water. Do not even fancy that you can actually buy cooked lunch at any point during your trek--that only happens in the city.
- Wear appropriate hiking clothes. We were told by a friend that a tshirt, leggings, and a pair of rubber shoes would do--but NO. Make sure you wear appropriate trekking apparel and shoes as there are trails that are rocky, dusty, and slippery due to really pure and dry sand.
- Bring trekking poles. During the climb, my friends called me 'Moses at ang mahiwagang tungkod' as I carried a long and sturdy stick as an aide for my struggling hiking. My legs were so tired that I couldn't walk. Trekking poles are invented for a reason.
- Make sure you are in good condition. Sleep enough. Exercise enough. When you do, you'll make it alive.
- Buddy System. Don't try to be brave. Trust me, been there, done that. Always have a guide/professional trekker to guide you as you climb the steepest slope of the mountain.
Well, it was a worthwhile experience, after all. :)
