Relaxing Weekend in Baguio City

Almost six years ago, I traveled to Baguio City for a much needed solo vacation away from Metro Manila. I consider myself as a newbie solo tourist then. I was about to do many firsts: My first Victory Liner First Class/De Luxe bus experience, first solo staycation in a place away from home and it was in that trip that I realized I shouldn’t feel guilty doing nothing while on a weekend trip.

P1290457
Lunch at Inn Rocio with food served by La Parilla for the Virtual Assistant 101 Workshop

This time, I rode the ordinary Victory Liner bus from Dagupan to Baguio for a Virtual Assistant 101 Workshop organized by Baguio-based online entrepreneur/blogger Samantha in Inn Rocio (check discounted rates). It is not a secret in this blog that once upon I time, I was also a VA (I even made a short film about it way back in 2009). I realized that I need to update my knowledge by taking a quick seminar. Joining me in this productive trip is Lovely, a good friend of mine who is also interested in the possibility of earning stable income working from home.

Samantha Justine giving encouragement to her students

I also met a number of interesting personalities during the workshop. We may have different backstories prior to attending the class, but we have one thing in common: we want to explore other options. I was also surprised that some of them bought a copy of my book Badette šŸ˜€

P1290479
Virtual Assistant 101 Workshop students!

We had late dinner at La Parilla, which is just located beside Inn Rocio. They’re known for their mouth-watering Paella dishes, but we opted for the Lomi Bagnet and Pork Binagoongan.

P1290492
La Parilla’s Lomi Bagnet and Pork Binagoongan for dinner
12696829_1112967862076608_1301802457_o
Senyorita and LVLYGREY: We’re obviously from the hot and humid Pangasinan with our layers haha


The ambiance is relaxing – colorful interior, good food and cool weather!

12695921_1112967682076626_758120343_n
Brrr…

We were debating if we should go out and party at Spades on a Saturday night or just watch “Everything About Her” since SM Baguio is just near. We were planning to warm ourselves up by drinking hot coffee at the lobby when poof, brownout.

BLACKOUT!

While I loved the idea that I am experiencing Baguio brownout at night, Lovely was the complete opposite. She got scared and kept interviewing the staff about incidents or something. The funny part there is they don’t have extra flashlight that night and no generator. No electricity for almost two hours meant boredom on my part, so we decided to just go back to our room, listen to Rihanna’s ANTI album and sleep.

P1290503
Who would want to leave this place after eating breakfast?

Waking up early in a place like Inn Rocio makes one want to just move there permanently. Big windows with the nice view of tall trees and all the greeneries. Aaah… life.

Lunch at Ketchup Food Community's Rumah Sate- Laksa and Tamarind Juice
Lunch at Ketchup Food Community’s Rumah Sate- Laksa and Tamarind Juice
P1290518
The popular Baby Back Ribs of Canto

For lunch, we went to Ketchup Food Community near Wright Park. I went there three years ago and fell in love with Canto’s Baby Back Ribs. I also orderedĀ Laksa for starters.

P1290521
I missed Microtel Baguio’s comfortable bed!

We retired in Microtel Baguio that afternoon. It’s been six years since I last stayed there! I was excited to see the developments. Read my hotel review!

Since we’re both coffee lovers, we took advantage of the overflowing coffee at the coffee as we also use the free wifi. Sunday chill ftw!

12656370_1112970735409654_1066854020_o
Tourist mode on at SM Baguio

We didn’t let the opportunity to catch the sunset in SM Baguio. We roam around the mall looking for food (as usual) but we ended up in Dunkin’ Donut because we’re legit Jennylyn Mercado fans. Haha. Anong klaseng pagrarason ‘yan, mga beh?

By dinnertime, we met up with Sam, Mayette and Ane and they brought us to The Other Office (formerly Cordillera Inn) and we were surprised to see that such establishment still exists in Baguio City!


I wasn’t able to take much photos, but the place has this ‘Baguio in the 80’s’ feel. I then imagined how my Uncle Vincent and my father spent their Sunday nights in Baguio way back. They must be smiling looking at me from heaven. Why did you two have to leave me? It would’ve been more fun chillin’ in this place with the two of you as we catch up, listen to music and drink some beer.

P1290569
Live band at The Other Office. Hope to sing on that stage soon haha

But why should I ruin my night thinking of the What Ifs that will only make me cry? I try to do the reverse. I focused on discussing family (!) situations, love stories and so much more! I’m lucky to be in good company of sweet and openminded girls as we munch on good calamares.

Panagbenga Flower Festival 2016 Opening Parade woke me up. I was initially planning to wake up early so I can take photos, but my sleepyhead won’t cooperate. We had breakfast in Te Quiero. Nomomnom!

P1290573

We spent the rest of the morning just chillin’ in the room and later on at the lobby area. Like what I said, our goal for this weekend trip is to simply attend the VA Workshop and do whatever we want without the pressure of shopping for clothes and souvenirs. We deserve this break in a cool place!

February is Baguio month for me this year. Why? I attended a Valentine wedding of my high school batchmates who ended up together and I might be back for the Panagbenga Floower Festival 2016 Grand Parade!

12696367_1112966238743437_230975788_o
<3



Have you been to Baguio City recently? Mind to share your most memorable Baguio experience? What are your most recommended places to visit?

2 Comments

  1. www.tarachilldito.com said:

    I really love what i am reading out here. I think need to promote this on my travel site also as you have a very interesting article!

    October 2, 2016
    Reply
  2. “BAGUIO TOUR” FOR ONLY 1,799 PER HEAD
    (MINIMUM OF 10 PERSON)
    SWAK NA SWAK SA BARKADA AND FAMILY BONDING..

    2 DAYS AND 1 NIGHT,
    DEPARTURE NG SATURDAY 1AM
    ARRIVAL TO BAGUIO 6AM OR 7AM
    BACK TO MANILA (SUNDAY AFTERNOON)

    UNG HOUSE PO NATIN LOCATED AT CAMP 7, MAY SARILING CR WITH HOT SHOWER, SALA AND TV, AT MAY BACKYARD FOR BARBEQUE AND GRILLING, TWO ROOMS, KASYANG KASYA PO KAYO, UNG VAN PO NATIN L300 VERSA VAN, MAY AIRCON PO.

    WITH LUNCH, DINNER, BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.
    TOURS:
    MINES VIEW
    WRIGHT PARK
    THE MANSION
    HORSE BACK RIDING
    BURNHAM PARK
    NIGHT MARKET (9pm)
    BOTANICAL GARDEN
    GOOD SHEPERD
    CAMP JOHN HAY

    PICK UP POINT: MONUMENTO OR BALINTAWAK

    MESSAGE LANG PO KAYO, OR TEXT CALL
    09266679970 Mikael Cupcupin

    November 11, 2016
    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.