Travelling Philippines: Baguio City

When we say Northern Philippines, Baguio City is the place where one must really see. It is considered to be the Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cold weather. A place where you don't basically need an air conditioning unit in establishment. You can just simply go shopping without worrying about the warm weather which is typical in most islands of the Philippines.

The best time to go there is during the whole month of February as the city is celebrating the Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival). I have seen most of the early part of the said event during my college days. That's 10 years ago? lol.

Panagbenga means “a season of blooming.” The word is a kankanaey word, a dialect mostly in some parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.

The festival highlights Floral Float parade where cars are adorn by flowers like Malaysian Mums, Antorium, Rose, orchids and the like. It also showcases the creativity of the local artist. Another highlight of the festival is the street dancing where it mesmerizes its spectators by the endowed students of Baguio City and the nearby provinces.

The festival will run for the whole month of February where each day the city government plots an activity where everyone would definitely enjoy. Other highlights include battle of the bands, local arts show, closing of Session road.

The closing of Session Road is one of my favorite since it is closed intended for shoppers. Affordable wood carves, flowers, food, clothes, and a lot more is offered on the said event.

Of course your visit to Baguio is not complete without visiting the other must see places of the summer capital of the Philippines.

First stop is the famous boat riding and other recreational activities The Burnham Park. One can enjoy, boat riding, or jogging along side the lake or one can bring their children at the children's park.

Another must see place is of course the Lourdes Grotto.

Mines View Park is also part of my must see list:

Then of course the majestic Baguio Cathedral: Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral located just above the Session road near SM Baguio.

I am also fascinated with the of course the culture and ways of living of the Igorots. Well I am one of them so I am proud. I am most proud with this next stop and a really must see place of Baguio City: The Tam-awan Village. This places focuses mostly in showcasing the Igorot's culture and the arts.

Going to Baguio is so easy. It is so accessible... Its only a 7 hour bus ride from Metro Manila. I suggest to ride a Victory Liner since they have more trips to choose from. Sometimes though they have poor ordinary airconditioned bus. Some buses don't have a reclining chair. Check out their schedules and trips.

Travelling PASAY! The Premier Gateway to the Philippines

Last May 12, 2012 it was my friend’s Birthday (Anton). Since I work at night we decided to go out at night and visit the SM Mall of Asia. Sometimes, it is better to go there at night to avoid the warm ocean breeze most especially for me where I have little patience under the sun. hehehe

We decided to watch a movie, unfortunately that time we don’t feel watching the movies available. So we decided to just go around and do some window shopping and maybe spotting some items that we could buy when budget permits.

Photo care-of Izza Santos

After few hours we went out the mall maybe do some stargazing and to add it more the different lights adorn the MOA Park. The laughter of children playing on these beautiful rides scattered along the stretch of the park. Along with these are the songs played by the bands in the bar symphonized by the splashes sea water hitting the sea wall.

After long walk from window shopping to walking along the park and stargazing we decided to stop by a restaurant named Aling Marsha Dampa Resturant. Of course if you go out we don’t just don’t go out and tire ourselves out. After that tiring refreshing walk it is time for us to grab something to munch.

We never tried Dampa before. So we decided to just try it and have a feel of it. At least to have a totally new experience. I think it is always good to try something new once in a while.

Below is my top picks that I recommend worth visiting in Pasay City.

1. Nayong Pilipino – is a theme park that show cases the different cultural group and racial groups in the Philippines. This theme park is located near Manila International Airport. If you are in Mall of Asia or anywhere in EDSA one can just take a bus going to MIA (it will only cost you Php 12.00 depending on your location) or one can take a passenger jeepney if you are along Rizal Park or Taft Avenue (fare would range from Php 8.00 to Php 15.00) depending on your location)

2. Cultural Center of the Philippines 

3. Folk Arts Theater

Some photo's here are taken in google images. Click the image for redirect.

Travelling Manila: First stop is Intramuros

Here's the Map of Intramuros

My friend Anton and I decided to roam around the metro. I already thought that travelling Metro Manila in a broad day light because summer heat could reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. So, I already set my mind that it wouldn’t be that much fun.

We decided to explore the said city of Manila because I don’t want to be ignorant in the nearby cities where I worked. I know I wanted to explore the said city because this is the very first city to be developed way back Spanish Era in the Philippine History.

Anton told me that it would be best to visit the famous Intramuros because there are a lot historical spots. Intramuros is a Spanish term which means inside a wall. This was built by the Spaniards to basically to protect them from their detractors like British and Chinese pirates.

Photo taken in google images.

This is the Baluarte de San Diego
Photo taken in google images.

Inside Intramuros is Manila’s oldest churches or schools built during the Spanish Regime in the country. In my opinion this place was built not only for protection but also to separate the middle class Filipinos and the dignitaries and the Spanish Aritocrats.


So to start our travel we first visited The Manila Cathedral. When we went there it is under repair. It is formally known as Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica or Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception but it is locally known as Manila Cathedral.

It was my first time to visit the said place and honestly I am amazed because some of the buildings are still in their old Spanish Era architectural design.

I am basically amazed by the structure of the church. It was beautifully and artistically built. Preserving this kind of structure in its original color and architectural design is not that easy but it is worthy and priceless because the color and the façade of the church tell a story of a rich cultural heritage of the Filipinos. Looking at it somehow tells me the story of the old Manila.

After visiting the Manila Cathedral we stop by another famous church. It is the San Agustin Church. It is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The exterior is amazingly beautiful. This church also has a museum to have a better understanding as to what the church has gone through and its most important dignitaries. This church is very popular as a wedding venue and I am not surprised because it captures a

Inside the San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
This photo was taken from google image

This is the facade of San Agustin Church
Photo taken from google image.

I would say that this magnificent church is something that we could compare from basilicas and churches abroad. I feel blessed that I was able to see this church. I was mesmerized and enthralled with such excitement when I see the ceiling of this majestic church.


Transportation Option:


By taxi


The easiest way to get into Intramuros is by Taxi. Taxi drivers are anywhere the metro is very much familiar with Intramuros as they are well versed on this location as they are used in bringing tourist in this place. This type of transportation is highly recommended for those visitors who don’t mind shelling out a little extra of their budget more so when you are caught on a heavy so called rush hour traffic jam. Currently the flagdown rate is PHP 40.00 and fare goes up every Php 3.50 for every 300 meters.


By train


Visitors who would like to experience how it is like to work and live in Manila, I would advise you to take the train. So, you should go to an LRT station and then buy a ticket up to Central Terminal. Central Terminal Station is the nearest to the eastern wall of Intramuros it’s a pretty long walk to the most tourist destination within Intramuros so I would advise to take their Kalesa that can tour you around. Of course nothing beats walking in getting around the place.

Kalesa: the earliest land transportation during the Spanish Era
Photo taken at google images

Of course our trip would never be successful if we don't pose infront of our camera. Here's our pictorials from our Intramuros Trip.


Below is my friends pictures in Intramuros and Manila Cathedral:

Inside a man-made tunnel in Intramuros

This is the door of the Manila Cathedral.

Here are some of my pictures: