PHILIPPINES 2024 - BAGUIO CITY

The Summer Capital of the Philippines. Every summer, people from the lowlands flock to this highest city in the Philippines to escape the heat and enjoy its beauty. My family moved here because of my father's job when I was in 3rd grade in elementary. I remember my brother and I visited my family on my father's side in Manila every summer.

This was decades ago and this city is far less attractive than it used to. Back then, the City of Pines (another nickname of the city) had pine trees and the side of the mountain was full of trees. The air was fresh and you will need a sweater when outside.

Sad to say that after all these years and after much improvement and progress, I feel that this city that used to be the Summer Capital or the City of Pines is no more. The trees were cut down to give way to high-rise condominiums and subdivisions. The city became so crowded and much much worse during summer. I will try to look for old pictures that I have of my beloved city to show you what it looked like.

This city was our last stop before heading back down to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. From Pangasinan, we drove to our Airbnb in Baguio City to spend a couple of nights. It was a 2 bedroom condo. I am guessing owners bought condo units for this purpose. Our condo's balcony overlooks other housing developments and several condominiums, gone are the days when you could see luscious green trees and a breath of fresh air. That time you smell gas fumes and noises from vehicles.

When we arrived at our condo, it was already night time and we just ate our dinner and chit chat then called it a night. I was surprised that we needed an electric fan because it was hot and humid. It was supposed to be cold but I guess this is what we pay for progress.

The next day, Chona stayed for work and we got ourselves ready to go to Camp John Hay to grab a breakfast buffet. This used to be an American base where servicemen came for R&R. Technically they built the Kennon Road that connects the city to the lowlands. Before you could not get admission to John Hay without passing through security. Since the Americans left the country, this place was converted to some tourist attractions, and built hotels and restaurants.

I just found out that I did not take many photos here. The one shown below is Mines View. Decades ago, you would only see the mines, hence, Mines View. Now, the mines closed and the area is being converted into a housing development.

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After breakfast, we just strolled in Camp John Hay and they headed back to the condo and dropped my wife at a flower shop. We needed to get flowers to lay on her father's and brother's graves. This was the main reason we went up to the city, to visit the graves of her deceased father and brother. Did I mention that my wife used to live here as well decades ago? I did not meet my wife here in the city but in Manila, however, that is a topic next time.

Later that day, we went for dinner at the Slaughter House. Kid you not, it was my first time to come here and dine although I used to live here. I was told that this area has improved a lot and was made famous by bloggers who dined here. If you are a picky eater then I suggest not to come here, otherwise, you should try what they have to offer and you will not be disappointed.

The next day, we made sure that the Airbnb was in order before we turned in the key to the caretaker. Then got ourselves ready to drive to the cemetery where my father-in-law and brother-in-law were laid to rest. Afterward, a long drive back to Laguna.

PHILIPPINES 2024 - TRIP NORTH

Two weeks is not enough time to spend vacationing in the Philippines. It has been just a week and most of the things we've done aside from celebrating our mother's birthday were doing day trips.

This was the only time we could get away for several days. My wife planned a trip to Pangasinan and then to Baguio City with her niece Tania and her mom, Chona. They picked us up at the Seda Hotel. I was told that they were driving alternately since they were working remotely. We were supposed to be picking up a friend from the States who came to the Philippines as well but there was some change of plan.

Our first stop after about a two-hour drive was at a rest area 50 miles from our hotel. It just goes to show that you need more time to vacation in the Philippines. Traffic to Manila is brutal despite the road improvements they have made.

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Then, another 4 hours to get through 90 miles. We stopped at Los Pedritos restaurant in Alaminos, Pangasinan for a late lunch before we headed to the resort, Bamboo Paraiso, where we booked for 2 nights. They were checking out restaurants with high star ratings and this one came up. But before the restaurant, we stopped at fruit vendors along the highway to buy some mangoes. My wife was haggling for a better price, which you can see it was ₱70 per kilo, roughly $1.25 per 2.2 lbs. She bought a lot.

Going back to the restaurant, it was decent and you can't beat the price. We also bought baked goods since they also have a bakery.

After our meal, we drove for about 10 miles to our destination. Our Google map led us to the wrong way. We were supposed to go through another resort to get to ours but they have blocked access. We need to turn around and look for road signs to Bamboo Paraiso.

When we finally got there, it was a small resort and we had to park our car outside the resort. Not to mention that it was not as good as it looks on the website. I believe there was a huge contingent of military personnel with their families on their R&R. It was nighttime already when got there, and they had commandeered the central area where doing karaoke and getting drunk. Too bad for us, our room did not shield us from their revelry.

This resort is famous for its 100 Islands. This was my first time being here, even though I used to live less than 100 miles north of here. We did not get to see anything since it was dark, we just ordered dinner and ate after we freshened up. My wife booked 3 rooms, but we only occupied 2 since our friend had changed of plans.

The next morning, we woke up to the same noise we had last night. I thought those people singing did not sleep. But the good thing was we got ready for breakfast and we booked our island hopping tour and left their revelry.

The only plus side for this resort was the proximity for booking the island hopping tour, literally just outside where we parked our car. We had to change the boat we booked since it was small and there was no ample cover for the sun. We opted for one good for 10 people, though we were only 3. There were a lot of tourists that day and we were only able to manage 4 islands. 100 Islands Pictures

Manaoag, Pangasinan

We only stayed at the resort for 2 nights and 2 days; just spent a full day island hopping. We left the resort on our 2nd day to go up to Baguio City. We always pass by The Shrine of Manaoag whenever we are going up to Baguio, and sometimes going down, depending on the plan.

The drive is about 50 miles away from the resort, however, we stopped by roadside stores to buy some local food to take to Baguio. By the way, I have not mentioned the weather, it was a scorcher. I needed to douse my head with cold water when we visited the Shrine. We just lit up candles and offered up some prayers for our loved ones. There were a lot of people since it was Sunday.

After our visit, we drove for about 12 miles to Silverio's Seafood Restaurant. Another Google search and a recommended place to eat. As usual, my wife ordered too much food that we had to wrap up and take with us. Manaoag Pictures

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PHILIPPINES 2024 - SAMPALOC

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Time flies and my kids are flying back to the States after about a week in the Philippines. It was a short visit for them, but it was priceless to celebrate their grandmother's 80th birthday. Ten years ago, I came for her 70th birthday celebration.

With our rented van, we dropped them off at the international airport. With Joel's courtesy, someone from the airport accompanied them through security to facilitate their departure.

After dropping them off, we headed to Sampaloc Manila where we used to live, and went to grade school for 1st and 2nd grade before moving to Baguio City. My Tito Jaime started his "lugawan" business outside their home and occupied the sidewalk. Lugaw is like porridge because it has a similar consistency but with options of adding different proteins like cow's eyeball, cow's intestine, and hard-boiled eggs to name a few. He starts prepping early in the morning and usually closes around 10 AM. However, we have to let Tito know that we are coming so that he can reserve some for us that day. Amazingly, people will see us eating and will ask him if there are still some left since it is way past 10 AM.

In the picture, you will see my brother enjoying a bowl of lugaw and whatever my Tito saved him for protein and my Tita Alma. If you look closely on the left side of the picture, you will see the price of the lugaw depending on what protein you want added. The most expensive one is 40 pesos (less than $1) plus the price of the lugaw, I am guessing around that much as well. I usually don't ask since I get to eat for free. Click here for other pictures

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The visit to Sampaloc is not complete without stopping by to visit my grandparents at the cemetery. This is by far the largest that I have seen. Others who have not visited this cemetery will be in for a surprise when they do. A cemetery is usually reserved for the dead but not here, when you drive to the cemetery, you will see a community living inside the cemetery. There are stores and houses inside the cemetery. They have their own utilities inside, just don't ask where they get them from. I was told that they tapped into public utilities. I was told that it comes alive at night because there are bars as well.

Once a year during All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November 1, this cemetery and all the cemeteries in the Philippines get crowded due to this celebration. People visit their dead loved ones in the cemetery. They bring food and drinks, and they spend almost the entire day at the cemetery. Personally, I have not had a chance to visit during this time and honestly, I don't think that I would be able to.

My Tito (uncle) and Titas (aunts) from Australia send money for the upkeep of my grandparents' tombs. Recently, they improved the location by building shade and improved by adding a restroom. This will be pretty convenient during the celebration I mentioned above.

After our Sampaloc visit, Grace and Joel invited us for dinner at Wooden Horse Steakhouse in Molito Lifestyle Center. They have another dinner celebration for my mom's birthday. The picture below shows the head chef greeting her, my dad and brother were also in the picture.

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