The wrong time to visit the Strawberry Farms in Benguet

27 September 2016

If you want to visit the Strawberry Farms in La, Trinidad, Benguet and participate in their strawberry picking activities, then don't go at this time :)  Harvest season is between November and May.  We told the kids not to expect that they'll be berry picking and they understood.  We still went though because we were curious and at least the next time that we come back, we already know the way.  I have included directions to get there from the City.

Dinner at the iconic 50's Diner in Baguio City

26 September 2016

While here in Baguio, Patrick and I decided that we'd only eat at local restaurants and dining haunts because what's the point in traveling and educating our kids with the local culture if we're just going to end up at fast food franchises.  So, on our list of dining choices was the iconic 50's Diner at the corner of Upper Gen. Luna and Brent Roads.

A rainy day with the kids at Wright Park in Baguio City

26 September 2016

Visiting The Mansion in Baguio City is a fast process.  You go there, take your pictures and leave.  At least, that's what we did since it's not possible to get any closer than just inside the gate.  So, we crossed the street and headed to Wright Park.  This was the first time we've gone to Wright Park from this direction so it was an adventure of sorts :)

Visiting The Mansion in Baguio

26 September 2016

After a hearty lunch at Amare La Cucina and checking in at C Boutique Hotel, we headed straight to The Mansion as it is one of the landmarks that is close to where we were and we already knew how to get there.  The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines and this is the closest that you can get inside.

Kids enjoyed making their own pizza at Amare La Cucina in Baguio

26 September 2016

Before we even went to Baguio, I already made a list of places that we wanted to dine at and on top of that list was the Amare La Cucina which was famous for having their own brick oven and they also let kids make the pizza they ordered.  After Mines View Park, we headed straight to Amare La Cucina which was fortunately in the same vicinity, located at the EGI Alberto Hotel near Wright Park.

Kids' first visit to Mines View Park

26 September 2016

When we reached Baguio City, we first headed to our hotel, C Boutique Hotel Baguio near Mines View Park to check-in.  But our room wasn't ready yet so we headed to the nearest tourist attraction which was, of course, Mines View Park.  It was the first time for the kids to visit this destination and they were pretty excited.

Visiting Cafe in the Sky in Benguet

26 September 2016

When we reached Baguio, we didn't immediately go to our hotel because it was too early to check in.  Instead, Patrick drove us quite a ways to the location called Cafe in the Sky in Sto. Tomas, Benguet.  He said that it was a popular destination because of the stunning views from atop the mountain.  We didn't anticipate what we would find when we got there.

First Stop on the way to Baguio: Petron Lakeshore, NLEX Northbound, Mexico, Pampanga

26 September 2016

Leaving as early as 6AM, it's expected that somewhere along the long NLEX route, the kids are bound to get hungry.  We avoided the crowded gas station/service facilities most proximate to the Balintawak Toll Gate and instead went straight to the Petron Lakeshore facility which was closer to the SCTEX.

Review: Exceptional stay at C Boutique Hotel Baguio

26 - 28 September 2016

I discovered C Boutique Hotel from the Deal Grocer site when they had a Getaway Deal (Cozy Baguio Stay for 3 in a Deluxe Suite with Breakfast) which I subsequently purchased.  All I can say is that I don't regret my purchase because our stay was exceptionally satisfying.  The location, the room, the breakfast and most importantly, the service, all contributed to an enjoyable stay.

Driving Directions to Baguio via TPLEX and Kennon Road

26 September 2016




If you're coming from Manila, the ideal way to start your journey to Baguio is via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with Balintawak as your entry point.  We paid P55 at the Toll Gate since we were driving a Class 1 vehicle.  From here to Baguio, you will drive more than 230 kilometers for about 4 hours.  There are many gasoline stations with restaurants, shops and restrooms along the way should you feel the need to refuel, dine, shop or use the restrooms.

Update:  Via Marcos Highway with 2018 Toll Fees