The Great Escape at Baguio City

Travelling is the best way to relieve stress and escape the chaotic life in the city. And I think the best place to shake that stress away is in the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”, Baguio City. Whenever I think of Baguio, I always thought of its cold temperature, pine trees and strawberries. Despite having many pride and things Baguio is known for, I can’t help but thing of those three things alone while imagining that I will be able to visit Baguio City. And I eventually did Last November 29-30, 2015. Although my uncle was there for a seminar, we did not waste the opportunity to have our vacation even with just a short period of time. And I must say that I didn’t waste any precious time that time because I believed that time is gold so I just enjoyed it in the nick of time. And now let me tell you about my trip at Baguio and how it became my Great Escape.  

Our first stop is Burnham Park which is located at the heart of Baguio City. The park was named after its designer, Daniel Burnham. The park has been the favorite place of residents and visitors that visit Baguio City. I would admit that despite visiting it for just one day, I loved it already and what I loved the most about it is the different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are present in the park. I loved how the park gives off the modern yet nature loving vibe. Trees and flowers are seen everywhere giving off the tranquil and sweet aroma in the premise. In just seeing such view made my heart happy and made the butterflies in my stomach go wild. I never expected that just by sitting and relaxing in the park could make my eyes glimmer in delight. It’s unfortunate that time fly’s past and I needed to leave already. But if I’d have the chance I would and should visit it again.

After strolling around the blissful yet tranquil park, our next stop is The Baguio Cathedral. Baguio Cathedral is the biggest catholic church in Baguio and is the center of religious activities where almost 10, 000 of devotees visited during Holy Week seasons. It is fascinating and heartwarming to visit such kind of place especially seeing families bonded together by love and care. Families gather together at the church despite not having mass since being religious runs in the family. The church is unique and popular with its twin spires, rose colored exterior, traditional stained glass and long concrete stairway having more than hundred steps. The view deck is known as the favorite spot for visitors and locals and it is my favorite part as well since it overlooks all the other special places in the city which were Burnham Park, Camp Allen and City Hall of the City. The church really had a big part in my heart and I would recommend people to come in there and witness personally its captivating beauty. Our first day ended with visiting such places and we would visit some other places on our second day before leaving.

    

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On the second day of our trip, we head out early so that we would see all the places we were planning to visit before going home. We first went to meet pink cuties which are the strawberries. I really loved strawberries that seeing them made me crave and see myself salivating profusely from the sight of it. We head to a strawberry farm and was given a chance to pick them on our own. While picking strawberries, my eyes are shining like stars due to the happiness I’ve been feeling inside but though I am excited, I touched and picked them gently as if I am holding a baby. Not only strawberries are inside the strawberry farm but there is also strawberry ice cream, strawberry jam and strawberry taho that we tried eagerly and bought eventually. Aside from strawberry products, they also have peanut brittle and sundot kulangot sold inside. It was fun seeing strawberries as well as having a taste of its sweet and sour taste that lingers in one’s mouth. Eating is fun and it is my favorite thing of all I had done. It is sad and unfortunate but we needed to leave the strawberry babies behind but I would not leave without bringing back home one and we bought quite plenty of it.

If you were looking for a serene place where you could talk to God in private then our next destination is the best for you and our destination is at Pink Sister Convent. Visiting Pink Sister Convent made me reflect on many things where I realized quite a lot on my life and I also found solitude in it. I also loved how the church was colored pastel pink where it seemed girly but it has the vibe where you could have soul-searching away from the chaotic scene of Baguio City. Another thing that I loved about The Pink Sisters Convention is the writing of prayer intentions on small piece of paper and drops it into the wooden boxes. I loved how the nuns would pray for each and everyone’s prayers. Through visiting the convent, I felt something inside me changed and something inside me was fulfilled and I knew it was due to God’s grace.

  

     

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As they say it, save the best for last and so we visited last the Mansion. The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. It is located on the eastern part of the city right across from Wright Park. The Mansion has been the most visited and photographed landmarks of Baguio since it holds all the former president’s memorabilia and works of art over the years. But what is difficult with visiting The Mansion is the restriction of guests coming inside since a contingent of Philippine marines maintains the security of this large compound and some of them would be seen manning the guardhouse at the vicinity of the gate. But at least you can enjoy feasting your eyes with such view with some souvenir pictures of it also. I really hoped to celebrate Panagbenga Festival at Baguio but it’s unfortunate that we visited on November since Panagbenga is celebrated during the month of February. But I will make sure that I would and should be back in here to explore more lovable things about Baguio. After such great experience, we are needed to come back home again and be back from the reality of our lives. In a short period of time, I was thankful to know more about Baguio and what’s in it. If I need some Great Escape again I would not think of other places other than Baguio, because “I love Baguio”.