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The New Year brings a fresh start to everyone. It also gives way for us to try new things and travel to new places. And although Baguio City, as the Summer Capital of the country, is already a favorite destination of most Filipinos, it still continues to surprise visitors with the many activities it offers.
This 2018, discover new activities and attractions to enjoy and rediscover classic haunts that may bring back memories of the old Baguio that everyone knows and loves.
1. Enjoy the outdoors—with a twist
The entrance to Camp John Hay’s eco trail is found across Le Monet Hotel.
Baguio weather during the first months of the year (January to February) offers a lot of sunshine and not much rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities with the family or loved ones or even on your own. But rather than the usual activities such as horseback riding at Wright Park or boating and biking at Burnham Park, why not try out something new?
If health and wellness is part of your New Year’s resolution list, consider the early morning Zumba and aerobic classes in Burnham Park. Instructors have their own spots, which are usually found around the lake grounds. Each instructor has a portable sound system for his or her choice of music and each can take on as many students that can fit in his or her respective area. Students only need to shell out as low as 50 pesos after each session.
If high-impact exercise is not your thing, why not try walking off the excess weight you accumulated over the holidays? Aside from Burnham Park, Camp John Hay also offers space for brisk walking, jogging, or running. If you are up for a challenge, you can take the eco-trail which is a much more scenic route. What can be more satisfying than breaking a sweat while enjoying the scent of pine trees and the cold breeze?
2. ‘Tis the season for strawberries, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Freshly-picked strawberries
Image: Farsai C.
The quintessential Baguio fruit, the strawberry, starts its season in November and usually lasts until March or April. If you are in town during the first quarter of the year, this is the best time to enjoy the famed fruit.
For the freshest encounter, nothing beats strawberry picking at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet. However, this popular tourist spot can get quite busy during this season, so it would be good to plan your trip early in the day to avoid the crowds and traffic. You can take home fresh strawberries that you pick or better yet, eat them after a good washing.
Other strawberry goodies such as strawberry ice cream and strawberry taho are also available at the Strawberry Farm. For pasalubong, jars of strawberry jam or preserve will do the trick. Aside from the farm, these goodies can also be bought at the Baguio City Public Market.
3. Be like a foodie and eat your way around town.
Glorious food at the Sala Restaurant, one of the many newer restaurants in Baguio City.
Image by Writer
It is no secret that we Filipinos love to eat. Baguio will not disappoint in this area, with its wide range of cuisines available. With its traditional favorites as well as a new breed of restaurants sprouting up, the city is fast becoming a foodie haven of sorts.
Among the newer restaurants that are making a mark especially among the city’s young professionals are the ones at The Camp along Leonard Wood Road. You can check out the friendly and unique atmosphere of Sala, or the laid-back ambiance of the Just Another Damn Good Sick Joint, or the fresh food of Hardin Resto/Cafe, a rooftop garden restaurant. These new places, together with old favorites like Café By The Ruins, Mario’s, and Solibao might just complete your Baguio culinary journey.
Even if you are on a budget, you can still enjoy the city’s culinary offerings. Try eating like a local and eat in places where most locals would go. With the food stalls back in business at the night market along Harrison Road, you can be satisfied without breaking the bank.
4. Go vintage shopping—you will be surprised with what you can find.
The center of Baguio City at night
Image: Moe Abellera, used with permission
If retail therapy is your favorite pastime, Baguio has something to thrill the shopper in you. One cannot go home without doing some “ukay-ukay” (thrift store) shopping or what locals call “wagwag.” At the Night Market, which happens every night from 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM along Harrison Road, one can find vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories. Make sure to arm yourself with a flashlight as it might be hard to see clearly under the street lights. If you are the diligent kind of shopper, you may find unique items that you cannot find in a department store.
5. Stop and smell the flowers at the Panagbenga Flower Festival.
Left: One of the many dancers during the Panagbenga Street Dance Competition 2017; Right: Even the drum and lyre players are all decked in colorful costumes during the Panagbenga 2017.
Image by Writer
The Panagbenga Flower Festival has evolved into a month-long celebration which starts in February and lasts until the first week of March. Originally, the festival was conceptualized as a celebration of Baguio’s resilience after the 1990 earthquake, as Panagbenga means “season of blossoming” in the Kankana-ey dialect.
Which of these activities have you tried in the Summer Capital of the Philippines? Let us know about your experience in the comments section below!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions wherever you go. Have a great trip!
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on January 12, 2018.
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