This Week in Baguio (November 14-20, 2015)

Want to savor life in Baguio City? Here is an overview of what to expect in the city within this week.

Thoughts of Baguio are usually accompanied by thoughts of strawberries. Strawberry picking season usually starts in November and lasts until April. The strawberry fields of La Trinidad is the best place for tourists to experience harvesting this seasonal fruit. The farm can be reached 30 minutes from Baguio City by public tranport. Strawberries in the farm retail for Php 200.00 to 300.00 pero kilo, but those from the local market only range from Php 100.00 to 150.00.

Peak season for hotel accommodation starts by November and lasts until May. Most hotels are fully booked beginning the 3rd week of November. There is a slim chance that hotels will accommodate “walk-in” customers and a 50/50 chance that the more decent hotels are still available for reservation.

Starting this week in November, a high volume of people can be expected in popular dining areas. Ketchup Food Community is a good place to stop by. It is located near Pacdal circle, just across Wright Park and adjacent to Pizza Volante, and open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The community is composed of restaurants Rancho Norte, Green Pepper, Happy Tummy, Rumah Sate, and Canto. Many food choices are available for around Php 90.00 to 250.00 per order.

Good news for private vehicle owners! The number coding scheme is suspended from November 17 to December 7, 2015 per Administrative Order no. 136, series of 2015, issued by Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan.

The 66th Filipino-American invitational golf tournament will be held at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay from November 21 to December 5, 2015. This is an international golf tournament showcasing local and foreign skills and techniques.

A chilling temperature of 15 degrees Celsius can be expected as the minimum, while 33 degrees as the maximum. This week will be mostly sunny and pleasant, which is best for family picnics and other outdoor activities.

Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue, and Bonifacio Street are expected to be clogged with motorists as this week is likely to see an influx of tourists from around the country. Baguio Country Club will host a golf tournament from November 20 to December 7, 2015. Families are anticipated to flock the city’s famous Christmas Village, which feature themed decorations and attractions every year, in November and December. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland“ and tourists will be greeted with artificial snow and Christmas carols when they visit.

According to the Department of Health, dengue cases are on the rise in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) based on their records from January to October of this year. Baguio City is listed as having the second highest number of dengue cases: rising to 1,227 cases in 2015 from only 305 cases in 2014. Taking necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites when visiting the city is important.

Heeding the advice of someone who suddenly approaches a tourist for any reason is not advisable when visiting any unfamiliar place. The motives of such a person can never be checked. When asking for directions or touring recommendations, it is better to speak to a someone who has no interest in you (or your money).