Showing posts with label Baguio. Show all posts

Baguio's Diplomat

It's the nth time I've been to Baguio and every time I visit this place, I always end up going to the same places and doing pretty much the same things. This time, I made sure to do a little planning and research on the things I want to visit and do. Having only one full day in the city, it was quite a challenge picking the places I want to visit.

There were four things on my list: The Old Diplomat Hotel, Kape Umali, La Comida De Antonio Ristorante and of course, Wagwagan. These (except for wWagwagan) are places I've never been to or heard of before. Thanks to Trip Advisor and some friends, I found these places.

The Old Diplomat Hotel


I've never heard of the Old Diplomat Hotel in Baguio. I know some of the haunted places there but I've never heard of this one 'til this trip. Situated in Dominican Hill, it's quite a challenge to go to. I was planning on walking going there since it was more or less 2 km away but I ended up taking the cab. I was glad I took the cab, the Old Diplomat Hotel is located all the way up Dominican Hill. My legs would have probably died if I did.

Fountain
This place is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. There is no entrance fee and no guide to give you a tour of the place. Famous for it's eerie look and feel, haunted stories and history, it has become a favorite for pre-nup, debut and other photo shoots. There are two fountains located on the first floor which makes beautiful instant backdrops to any photo.

Gated Staircase

The house consists of three floors (including the rooftop) but only one is open to tourists. I don't know why they don't allow tourists to explore the whole place. The second floor looks a lot scarier too.

Windows on the 2nd floor
I went around to check the surroundings of the house and the moment I stepped out, the fog was slowly creeping into the house. It just made the whole experience creepier and more eerie.

One of the sides of the house
Foggy Diplomat Hotel
Behind the house was a walk way covered in trees but it seemed like a private property. There was some sort of gate at the end of the walk way so I didn't bother check it out anymore. Looking back, maybe I should have. Maybe there was another house up there or a cooler place. lol

Private Property
This seminary turned hotel turned ruins turned tourist spot has so much history behind it. It would be great if the local government takes over and puts tour guides. It's quite a waste of this historical building because it's just known for being haunted.

Diplomat Hotel sans the fog

When in Baguio

It's too hot here in Manila! The solution to that is... Baguio!

There are so many things to do and places to visit in Baguio. Since this is the nth time that we are going there, all we did was eat, drink, thrift shop and be merry!

In Baguio, there is a place called "Wagwagan" (I don't have photos :( ). Which is like a night market full of thrift shops. Two lanes along Burnham Park is closed from 9PM-1AM to make way for racks and racks of clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, gadgets and even food! Clothes there are crazy cheap! They range from 10 ++ depending on the item you are getting. I guess I'll have to go back to Baguio for photos LOL


SHE (Pork, chicken, fish, beef, hotdog, veggies and rice) Php 190

Struggle with food
On our second day in Baguio, we ate in 50's Diner for brunch. They have insanely cheap food given their serving size and the amount of food in one plate! I ordered the SHE which definitely drove me crazy! So many things happening in one plate. Although they have good food for cheap prices, their service sucks. They lack man power.


 
Market place

Enjoying Strawberry Taho!
When you're in Baguio, don't forget to get yourself some strawberry taho for breakfast!

That's about it. Hihi I need to start taking more photos :)

2012, Challenge Accepted

taking a break from reading Albert Bandura. HAHAHA


Two months into 2012, so much has already happened.

This is one of my first photos for this year. It's not just Ronna who I dearly missed over the break - or miss because I barely see most of the people I hung out with last term. Can you believe it, in less than a year, we're graduating.

School hasn't been as bitchy as it should be - to me at least. I know this might make me look bad but aside from thesis.. I don't really feel like I'm actually going to school. The following photos should explain why. Hahaha



These photos were taken on my way to Cebu and in Cebu CIty. I went to Cebu with my parents on a whim but they already had their tickets booked by a friend so I had to book myself another flight which did not lead me straight to Cebu. Manila-Bacolod-Cebu. It was quite an adventure traveling alone. We were there just in time for Sinulog unfortunately, we had to leave on the day of the street party because my dad did not want to risk being absent from work the next day. Plus the traffic was terrible! We stayed in Mactan City which is also another reason why we did not attend the street party. Next year perhaps.


A week after I arrived from Cebu, I went to Baguio to accompany my dad and help him with his lecture. I went crazy buying from the thrift shops there. My eyes and wallet could not believe the deal I got on clothes. hihi. Too bad I wasn't able to take a photo of anything >.<

Moving on, another week from my arrival from Baguio, I was bound to leave for Boracay. OH YEAH. The great escape from all the stress - which was weird because there was no stress. Hahaha. This trip was booked about a month prior to the date. There was a wedding wherein my mom was to be part of and she needed help in carrying all the things so she brought me, the oh so trusty and efficient runner.


What is there not to love with Boracay? The view is great, the other views are great as well! It's definitely an escape from the city's hustle and bustle that we can't seem to get enough of. I will definitely come back here with my girlies soon! :D

And of course, when I got back to Manila, why not start it right by goofing around? HAHAHA