Mommy Pehpot, Author at Mommy Pehpot

Tourists Attractions In Baguio

Here are some of the places we visited the last time we went up to Baguio. Actually, the first time we went there, I researched for this places. Since it was our first family getaway then, I want our stay there to be worthwhile. it was indeed and now we just love going back there.

Tam Awan is a must when you visit Baguio. Their site gives all the explanation. Just be careful on your steps, kinda slippery.

Strawberry Farm is also a must stop, from picking strawberries to just tasting strawberry (home made) ice cream. Just be there early on the morning.

Bell Church is located on the boundary of Baguio and Benguet, a Maoist Temple. The place gives you the impression of China.

Burnham Park is the most visited tourist spot in Baguio. There’s a lot of activities going in Burnham. A day in Burnham is not enough. You can go biking with the kids. Admire the flowers in orchidaruim. You can also have a feast on the food stalls on the side. And of course, boating in the man made pond, the center of Burnham Park.

We never had a time to visit Mine’s View, maybe this year, we might. As far as I remember (form my high school trips), Mine’s View houses all the merchandises you can buy in Baguio.

While we really enjoyed our Baguio trips, we still can’t get over the steps we have to take.. you know every place in Baguio is a staircase away.. and lots of it.

Looking For A Place In Baguio?

Are you spending Holy Week in Baguio? Tired of looking for hotel to stay? Or not even sure of what kind of accommodation you want to rent? I am the answer! Just kidding guys, I sound like I am a promotional person no. Actually I just have some places to share. You know how my kids (and moi) love Baguio. Aside from blogging (blog hopping included), I usually surf for cheap accommodations, I have seen hotels from Baguio to Boracay (on pics only of course).

I usually look for accommodations with cooking facility. Traveling is expensive, eating out makes it more expensive. We experienced going to Baguio and staying in a hotel (not that much of a hotel actually). Our total bill in the hotel is not even half of what we spend eating out. Can you just believe that? I tell you it really is cheap if you will just cook, specially if you are traveling in a large group. If in case you have the moolah and you like hotels that much, here are my two recommendation for you:

Venus Parkview Hotel. We stayed here twice and the staffs were nice. The place is not bad, it is not the best but it is cheap. We like this place for one reason, it is very near Burnham Park. Actually it is just a road away from the park. Yup, you just need to cross the road and you’re there, that’s why Parkview. The food? er, just dine somewhere else. The rooms are not that great, I just love this place because it is a few meters away from the park. There was one time when we went there and the kid were playing in the park then it suddenly rained, the convenience of just running to your hotel room (when it rains) got me.

Veniz Hotel. I have never been here, but it was our first choice when we planned our first Baguio trip. Why? well Veniz is in the heart of Baguio! Session road is just steps away, market is almost at the back. Burnham is some meters away, jeepney terminal is just there. There’s Mc Donald’s, there’s 7eleven. Why we stayed in Venus instead in Veniz? It was my mom’s fault. Apparently, her friend knew the owner of Venus and guests who are from my hometown are given a discount in their stay. We got 25% off on our bill.

For some not so hotel type of accommodations, you can go from native huts to dormitory types.

One of my dream accommodation is in Tam Awan Village. Have you been there? It is a tourist attraction in Baguio that gives you the feel of the natives.

In keeping with the spirit in which the village was originally conceived, Tam-awan Village has become a venue for art exhibits and workshops envisioned to foster a deeper understanding, respect and pride in the cultural heritage of the Cordillera people.

The village is an experience in itself. By living in the huts, guests get an opportunity to immerse in an atmosphere that allows them to get a glimpse of village life.

On a clear day, a magnificent China Sea sunset can be viewed from the village, being true to its name as Tam-awan, that is, vantage point. (source)

I dream of sleeping in one of the huts, accommodation is cheap, but the bathroom.. ahh forget it..

Robol 88 Hotel is another cheap place. This is not actually a hotel, more like a 4 story building with units. Each unit has cooking facility and 2 bedrooms. I have never been here but according to my brother in law, who stayed here last December, the place is OK. Another thing, the place is very near to the market (now that’s a thumbs up).

For more listings of houses with cooking facilities, you might want to check this site. They provide the rates and some pics of the house.

Happy Hotel Hunting!

Amusement Floating Restaurant

Yes you read it right, I am talking about an amusement floating restaurant.

Somewhere in the North, you can find a very amusing restaurant surrounded by rice fields. You will never miss this as this establishment is huge. Huge in terms of decors and all. Can you just imagine huge monkey monuments? Huge Buddha? A feel that you were somewhere else? It is not in Thailand, it is just somewhere in the North. If you are heading to Baguio or in La Union or in Ilocos, surely you won’t miss this resto. It is located in Gerona Tarlac, and the name of the resto is (do I really have to say, I tell you, you won’t miss it) Isdaan.

Isdaan in Gerona Tarlac comes from the creative minds of the people behind Barrio Fiesta (opo Tito ni Heart Evangelista ang may ari). What makes this place different from other Barrio Fiesta branch is its theme. Although you can still feel the nativity in their nipa huts and dancers, there’s a lot icons on the place that would make you think you’re in Thailand (forgive me if I am wrong but that’s our first impression). There’s the lucky hand, the wishing Buddha and even huge spitting monkeys. And picture taking is not prohibited, just bring extra batteries for your cam.

I said floating right? yes it is kinda floating beacuase you are surrounded by man made pool( about 8 to 10 feet deep) with so many many many fish in it. The kids (and kids at heart) will enjoy this. As you wait to be seated, they give away free food fish. Try to put some on the water and you will be amazed as the fish fights for the pellet, makes you think this poor fish were not fed.LOL

Recently they added some nice and naughty features in the place. Scattered all over are the political figures in our country. There was a bench where Tita Cory and Cardinal Sin chats (we just assume LOL). There was also guards who were sleeping on duty (ops!)
Then there was this big Trex ready to devour Tita Cory (bad Trex! bad Trex!)

If you are still not amazed with the above mentioned. I am sure the next attraction will take you off your feet to the nearest bus terminal (to the north of course). The restaurant main attraction is not actually the food or the lavish monuments. The main reason why this has been famous (and continue to be) was their Tacsyapo Wall. This wall was made for the sole purpose of hatred and anger. Hold your temper guys, they have no intention to make you hate them. Actually they made this to release some of your ill feelings. Yo can purchase glasses, plates and even TV from them and throw it in the Tacsyapo Wall. COOLNESS? nah wait till you see the writings on the wall and hit your jackpot!

Now let’s talk about the food. Well, there’s a wide selection of food, huge resto, lots of choices. Their menu was overwhelming actually. You can find a lot of food from different restos. Some coming from the kitchen of Barrio Fiesta, some from Bakahan at manukan. If you are familiar with all the food establishments Ongpauco family owns, basically all the foods are served in Isdaan. The quality of the food in relation to its price and the place is good. It is not cheap, it it is not expensive. If it’s worth the stop, I guess that question has been answered by how amuse you can be on the place. Anyway, a must in the menu is the Mama Chit’s selection or plate. This is actually a big plate with lot of dishes (ugh I have been using a lot a lot.. ugh!), mostly grilled foods. Another must try is the chicken marinated in coconut milk. Their beef soup is a must try too but you have to take chance because they serve it warm, not steaming HOT.

The service? super bad! they are not oriented on the phrase: “The costumer is always right”. We have been there thrice and we experienced bad service more than thrice. To entertain you while your food is serve (by the “willing” waiters), singers or dancers will approach and gives a good show. But it is not free, you have to give them a tip, 20 PhP is not bad, so if you will head on to Isdaan, prepare a lot of twenty peso bills. Or you can avoid them by eating on the far side of the place. LOL

MY rating for this restaurant is 8 out of 10. The points missing is for the bad service of its crew. And oh they even have the luxury to chat while costumers are pouring in. I do reccomend this guys, specially for the balikbayans, it is a must see this summer (poor service might be good if you look like you have alot of money, or that you are a balikbayan). LOL