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| Ate Bev, the birthday celebrant, and Daniz |
Bev is our “angel at home”…we fondly called her Ate or Ate Bev. She makes our life easier by doing house chores, taking care of the dogs and keeping an eye on Daniz.
Last January 11, she celebrated her 19th birthday. It was a Saturday, and during breakfast we asked Daniz what food to prepare for Ate’s birthday…and as expected, she answered “spaghetti” and “let us buy a cake for Ate”. And so it was set. But then another idea popped out of nowhere...maybe it’s the early morning chill…because for the past few days cold temperature was being recorded in the country and we felt it even in Pampanga. I said,
Last January 11, she celebrated her 19th birthday. It was a Saturday, and during breakfast we asked Daniz what food to prepare for Ate’s birthday…and as expected, she answered “spaghetti” and “let us buy a cake for Ate”. And so it was set. But then another idea popped out of nowhere...maybe it’s the early morning chill…because for the past few days cold temperature was being recorded in the country and we felt it even in Pampanga. I said,
“Let’s go to Baguio. Let’s celebrate Ate’s birthday there.”
Even before breakfast is over…it’s already set. Baguio here we come…to Ate’s delight, because she’s never been there. And just like our usual routine for every unplanned trip, we rely on Mr... Google…and for this trip, information on accommodation is the only thing we need, since we’ve been to Baguio a few times.
At 11:00 am, we were on our way, with Froggy, our ever reliable green car. It’s a road trip alright, as it’s the first time we travel by car…our previous trips to Baguio were by bus. We used SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) South and were so surprised that it’s already connected to TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) though until Gerona, Tarlac only, but constructions are on-going.
We stopped at Villasis, Pangasinan for lunch. There is one “turo-turo” or “karinderia” inside Villasis Public Market and Bagsakan Center that serves good food at a very reasonable price. I was not able to get the name but it’s the one right across the comfort room…the corner stall facing the “tupig” vendors. All of the foods below plus six cups of rice and four soft drinks…we spent Php 270.00 only.
- Jonjie loved their “Papaitan”, a popular Ilocano bitter and spicy stew consisting of beef or goat innards such as liver, heart, tripe and the bitter bile (apdo) and an additional order of Chicken Adobo
- Daniz ordered “Dinuguan”, or pork blood stew, a savory stew of blood and meat cooked in a rich, spicy gravy of pig blood, garlic, chili, and vinegar
- Ate had Chicken Curry
- And for me, it’s their Pork Sinigang with vegetables and rich sour soup.
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| Villasis Public Market and Bagsakan Center located near Municipal Hall |
We had another first, when we accidentally found ourselves on the toll gate of Kennon Road. Our hesitation was noticed by “Kuya” manning the toll gate, and he simply told us that it’s only 30 minutes more to Baguio…going back to Marcos Highway would take us another two hours. The road with its uphill and sharp curves were already a challenge, coupled it with the “first time”…then it’s a dual challenge. But Jonjie is Jonjie, and never back-out of a challenge as long as it is doable…and so we braved the Kennon Road.
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We arrived at 3:25 pm…a little more than three hours of travel. Woohoo…woot…woot..Jonjie and Froggie conquered Kennon Road in thirty minutes. The “Kuya” in the toll gate was so right…
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Upon our arrival we immediately check-in at the Summer Place Hotel…chosen because of their promo rates. The place is still fine but needs a make-over. The room assigned to us has three single beds. Upon entering, Daniz and Ate already chose theirs.which means that Jonjie and I have to be in one bed. By the looks of it, the bed sheets, comforters and towels have already served many guests...but its clean.
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| Aha...the daughter took picture of the father behind my back |
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| Taken by Daniz |
Ate Bev...the birthday girl
Below are the views from the deck…
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- Lourdes Grotto
- Burnham Park
- Baguio Public Market
- Baguio Cathedral
- Good Shepherd Convent
- Mines View Park
- Cordillera World At Mines View Park
- Wright Park
- The Mansion
- 50’s Diner
- La Trinidad Strawberry Fields
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