Much needed break in Baguio

I owe myself a much needed break so I went to Baguio. The last time I was in Baguio was in December 2007 with my then-boyfriend. We did all the touristy stuff since he studied in Baguio. This time, I went to visit and stay with my friend who is a Baguio resident and "chilled" like a local. After all, what I came up here for is our year-long catch up over cooking, cold weather and some thrift store and designer outlet shopping that I never had the chance to do before.

This time I tagged along with Paolo, who's on a solo trip to Baguio. We both booked a Victory Liner deluxe bus that is set to leave at 8:15 in the evening. We plan to go together and just meet up before we head home to elbi.

Side story: It was the long weekend and we got caught up in a horrifying traffic, drenched in our own sweat, went down earlier from the bus to take a faster route, ran and squeezed ourselves in the MRT, and walked on two overpass. Just as we were 2 minutes away from the terminal, Paolo caught this man trying to steal the contents of my backpack. Paolo smacked the guy's head when he caught him and we didn't have time to argue because we arrived at the bus terminal just as our bus was preparing to board.

We arrived at 1:20 in the morning and I was at my friend's house by 2am. I have no photos of touristy stuff, not even tried the strawberry taho, but I had such a good time with my friend that I just cannot wait to be back. 

Thank God we made it safe just in time!

I changed shirts inside the bus (the bus had its own restroom) and hanged my wet clothes and hanky on the sides #TitaMoves

First stop: Say Hello to sister campus, UP Baguio! ( This is the last photo of my umbrella too as I left it in the cab) 

We shopped at bargain shops and designer outlet stores and got the best deal. I was able to buy 1 poncho cardigan for 100, 2 Zara scarves for 800 and a Vera Wang dress for 500. 

On my first day we went to Cafe by the ruins and had a good merienda. 

We were home for dinner and  just chilled. She baked cookies while we tell stories until 1 in the morning. Every night during my stay there. 

Meet Sparkle's! My friend's daughter's dog. We immediately hit it off. 

We had merienda in this lovely place in Camp John Hay

The traffic when I was on my way back to Manila

 I booked Joy Bus for my 1pm ticket. I dropped by SM Baguio's book sale for my bus read. They even provided a nice comforter for everybody on board the deluxe bus.

It was a good 5 hour road trip. I was actually sad to see the NLex end and enter the city.

What I learned in my short stay:

1. The awful rubber smell while in traffic along Marcos Hiway are actually the smell of the clutch. It is usually non-Baguio residents who uses clutch a lot when in traffic.

2. Baguio drivers are not hot headed at all and there are good Samaritans assisting when stuck in "short cu route"traffic situation. Plus, they return change!

3. Tourists in Baguio hail cabs like they are in Manila. Baguio residents hail cabs in designated areas.

4. There is a 5 second mandatory stop before each pedestrian, and tourists pay zero attention and break the rules.

5. There's Grab Taxi Service in Baguio! My first time and it happened to be the just two weeks old available in Baguio.

6. Baguio residents stay in during tourist season. I can see why.

7. Poverty level is low in Baguio. There are some, but its relatively lower and most of them are migrants.

8. Cost of living is relatively high. Same in Manila/Makati.

9. The best Choco Flakes and Lengua de Gato is the one manufactured by SIZZLING PLATE, by REYNOSO-ANTON Bakeshop. 

I can't wait to be back! Long weekend's just not enough.

Kimberly Hotel, Tagaytay

I spent three days in Kimberly Hotel in Tagaytay for a business trip last month and although it was mostly work and very minimal play, I am thankful for a change of scenery.

We arrived in the afternoon but only started taking photos at night. This is what it looks like:

Pardon the lazy blogger in me, but let me have the pictures do the talking instead.  

I enjoyed the first day of the breakfast buffet. The following morning, its just blah.

This way to the organic farm:

Now for the room rates:

Superior (Single/Twin) – Php 5,500.00

Deluxe (Single/Twin) – Php 6,500.00

Premiere Suite (Single to Quadruple) – 7,700.00

Kimberly Suite Php 12,000.00

Extra person/bed – Php 1,200.00

Other add ons and my reviews:

Complimentary Wifi Internet access throughout the hotel

Very poor wifi, strong access only when you are in your individual rooms. When the hotel is fully packed, very poor signal in the conference area where you need to get out just to check something.

Rates are inclusive of breakfast

I experienced two breakfast buffets, and the first one is good, because...how can you go wrong with breakfast food. The rest of the food, (next day breakfast, lunch and dinner) were nothing special.

Daily housekeeping

They immediately clean your room which is good but there's something wrong with the "lock of the doors"that you need to slam it in order for it to lock. Housekeeping left our room open at one point because it did not really connect with keycard's lock.

Daily local newspaper

The newspaper you need to request and they offer one broadsheet only, and I think it's Manila Bulletin. (Not sure)

Massage services

They have services advertised in each room but I did not try one.

DVD Library

You can borrow DVD from the reception, you just need to leave a valid ID. Each room is equipped with a DVD player.

Safety deposit box

I only saw one in the Quadruple room where I stayed on my first night.

Business center services, gift shop, and hotel clinic

They sell plants from the organic farm that they have. You may request for details at the reception.

Check in time in 2:00, Check out time is at 12:00nn

If you still have a conference ending at 5pm and you need to check out, they offer a luggage area to store your luggage. But in our case we kept it with us in the conference room, better safe than sorry.

Other stuff: 

Tour assistance

Laundry services

Kids 12 years old below stay for free with parents when using extra bedding

More details at: www.hotelkimberly.com