It was in the early 80’s when I first got to visit Baguio together with my older cousins. Back then, I was merely eight years old and the then over eight-hour ride up the Cordillera Mountains from Metro Manila seemed like a breeze. I remember the cool air spiked with the scent of mountain pine. I also remember picking strawberries as well as enjoying the breath-taking views from Mines View Park.
To be honest about it, I never thought that I would be back in Baguio especially since our family moved back to Davao. The thought of flying to Manila and then taking an eight-hour ride to Baguio is totally out of the question, but then came the new flights from Davao to Clark which literally threw open the doors of Central and Northern Luzon for Durianburg’s urbanites.
I was recently invited to a familiarisation trip of Clark and Baguio by the team from AirAsia. From Clark, Baguio was just a quick three-and-a-half hour drive by van. Riding along NLEX, the flat plains of Central Luzon gradually gave way to the dramatic landscape of La Union. We eventually made our way up Kennon Road and after an hour-and-a-half, we were greeted by Baguio’s famous Lion Rock.
Our residence of choice for the trip was Baguo’s only 4-star serviced apartment vacation hotel, Azalea Hotels & Residences Baguio, located along Leonard Wood Loop. The hotel’s eye-catching Swiss Chalet exterior brought back memories of my first time in Baguio, huddled around a fire-place up with my sister to keep warm in the evening.
Azalea Baguio’s rooms, more like family suites really, each feature a fully-functioning kitchen with a complete set of utensils, a dining area, and a balcony with spectacular mountain views. Aside from Deluxe rooms which can accommodate up to three, Azalea Baguio also has one-bedroom and two bedroom suites which are perfect for family or barkada outings. Tour and transfer arrangements can also be arranged with the hotel.
I love how the hotel welcomes guests with fresh Baguio fruits and flowers. There is no air-conditioning mainly because Baguio’s cool climate is really all one needs. In fact, I had to use the down comforters in my room just to feel comfy during my stay as the temperature dropped to around 18 degrees Celsius.
From Azalea, many of Baguio City’s attractions are within reach. Baguio’s famous Botanical Gardens are just a short walk from the hotel and just beyond that is Wright Park where one can try horse-back riding, and The Mansion House, the Summer residence of the President of the Philippines.
For those who intend to shop, Session Road as well as various malls are just around the area. The more adventurous can also check out Baguio’s Night Market along Harrison Road were one can shop of souvenirs or taste various Baguio street food such as Tupig (a native glutenous rice and coconut snack wrapped in banana leaves and toasted over charcoal) and Binatog (boiled whole corn kernels with grated coconut served either sweet or salty).
And any visit to Baguio would never be complete without a trip to Baguio’s famous Market where one can buy heaps of fresh strawberries at an affordable price. I suggest using the Grab App to book a Grab Car to get around Baguio’s complicated road network.
My return to Baguio was a fun and enjoyable experience. It was nice to see that the places and experiences I fondly remembered the as a kid are still there. And though some people may say that Baguio’s urban development has cut its beauty and charm, the warm smiles of the people as well as the unique experiences and landscape of the mountains make Baguio, still a wonderful place to visit.
AirAisa flies four times a week from Davao to Clark. From Clark to Baguio, one can take a UV Express Van or any of the express bus services from Dau, Pampanga.
