Baguio City: A Home Away From Home

Baguio City. Crowned as the summer capital of the Philippines.

That weekend, I never thought I'd be in a bus going to Baguio. Unplanned as it is, I opted to join a group of new friends to experience Baguio firsthand as why it is the going-to of many people during summer.

When we went off the bus at 5am, I was freezing so bad that cause me to stutter when I speak. So... I didn't speak. But deep in my thoughts, I am beguiled by how cold it was and by how bizarre the place is.

With the cold temperature and the early morning darkness, we were able to walk around Marcoville St. and Leonard Wood Road to look for a transient home. As we make our way, I noticed the buildings and establishments weren't tall. Given that it's a mountain, there must be building codes here that is strictly implemented by the local government. Then I remembered the not-so-strict building construction in Intramuros Manila.

We had our breakfast at 50's diner which also caught me. I am a great fan of the classic era. I wish I have a time machine that could transport me from this era to that. I have found Bistro 70's in Katipunan with displays of famous classic hollywood icons but this diner made me forget it for a moment. A Marilyn Monroe's famous portrait and the James Dean iconic pose along with many other icons were displayed. Waitresses were also dressed with a very 50's uniform.

After eating the sumptuous breakfast at 50's diner, we explored Baguio and it's attractions.

Mines View Park

Gate to the Mansion

Burnham Park Boat Ride

UP Baguio

During my night walk.

Casa Vallejo

View from SM Baguio

Cute Cloudy Bookshop in Baguio City

The Great Perhaps Found in Bencab Museum Article Read Here

What we miss though is Diplomat Hotel. I will not miss this place the next time I go to Baguio. What I'm also looking forward to is to try to go inside a mining tunnel, hiking the mountains of Benguet and witness actual small scale mining and kanyaw tradition with my naked eyes.

What Baguio instilled in me was a place where I found home away from home. The people are so welcoming and friendly. Taxi drivers were honest and helpful. I was able to walk along Session Road, experience night market shopping with my camera on my shoulder until 1am alone. I don't know but it felt safe for me. Like you have nothing to worry about. The city looks so calm that it gives you peace of mind. These are the reasons why you'd always want to go back home right?