Up In Baguio For The Holidays

The holidays may be over, but for us it isn’t until Chinese New Year comes. While browsing through hundreds of photos we have accumulated over the merriest time of the year, I couldn’t help but smile as I look at the album of our quick getaway the day after Christmas. We went to Baguio for three days to enjoy the cold weather and just relax and have fun with our extended family.

We left five ‘o clock in the morning as Mr. GJG, the official driver wanted to be there early so not to waste a day being stuck in traffic. True enough, those who left around  eight or nine in the morning, such as my in laws, got stuck in horrible traffic for almost twelve hours. As for us, we arrived ten o’clock in the morning, giving us ample time to settle in and take in all the beauty.

TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan- La Union Express Way) The 88 kilometre expressway is finally open. It saved us a few minutes as TPLEX was traffic-free, at least during the time we travelled.

With five hours being stuck in the car, what can a hyper-active toddler do? Sing songs, watch on the iPad and of course, eat snacks. Here’s my lil’ gentleman munching on some Oreo during our trip. Thankfully, despite being stuck in his car seat, no grumpiness nor constant loud-crying happened. The lil’ GJGs soon fell asleep after singing and snacking.

Five hours later, we saw the Lion’s Head, a clear sign that we have arrived in Baguio. We were warned by many that this popular tourist destination would be flanked and full over the holidays. We honestly really weren’t planning on travelling during this time as we’ve learned how challenging it can be especially when you have small children in tow- take our Singapore trip for example. But since it was my in laws who planned this quick getaway, we figured it would be fun since it’s the first time lil’ Mr. GJG is setting foot in Baguio. The last time we were here, I was still pregnant with him as we spent Holy Week in Baguio.

There’s something comforting about the tall pine trees, enveloping the clear sky whisked with cool breeze. Despite the chaotic crowd on almost each tourist-y place in Baguio, still there are some parts that are calming.

“Mom, look at the pretty tree!” 

When I told lil’ Ms. GJG that the pretty tree is indeed a real pine tree, she shrieked and asked me to take a picture of her with it.

The GJGs in Baguio

Of course a trip somewhere cold wouldnt be complete without Frozen lead characters, Elsa & Anna. When lil’ Ms. GJG asked why Baguio is cold yet there weren’t snow, I was tempted to easily blame it on Elsa not being able to reach Baguio to throw some snow our way. Heehee.

The lamiging bata me were freezing during the first night of our stay. I had to bust out my leather jacket coz a mere cardigan couldn’t keep me warm.

Listening to some old school hits as the live band played them at the garden of Manor.

Star-gazing fail! But still, they were happy. 😀

The only tourist-y place we’ve been during this trip was Mines View. They were still in the process of completing the grand entrance so the alternate entrance was the side lane which was filled with souvenir stores.

Mine’s View Wishing Well that well, doesn’t look much like a well.

The chaos and crowd you’d have to endure is worth it once you see the scenic view that is Baguio.

The reality of quick family photo op! Heehee. I forgot to bring the lil’ GJGs shades. Ayan tuloy, not looking!

On our way back to our car, the lil’ GJGs stopped to look around, asking if they can shop. They were allowed to choose one thing they want for a souvenir.

We didn’t have any itinerary during our trip. What we focused on was to enjoy the cool breeze, appreciate nature and eat a lot. Heehee. The usual restaurants that one must visit when in Baguio were always full so we weren’t able to dine at Cafe By The Ruins and Chocolate De Batirol. We did however discovered new restaurants, which I shall share on a separate post soon.

The Go Baguio team. My cool mom-in-law gamely posed with my kids. Too kyoooot!

It was tempting to get a few potted plants and flowers to bring home. But according to my MIL, these pretties won’t last long in Manila due to the hot, humid weather.

Mr. GJGs taking a break from all the walking.

The highlight of our quick getaway was letting the lil’ GJGs ride a horse for the first time. This is practically the only thing they want to do. So off we went riding.

My brave lil’ Mr. GJG wasn’t at all afraid of the mighty steed. Afterwards, he insisted to ride again the next day and so we did.

My lil’ Ms. GJG’s OOTD was riding appropriate. OOTD post to follow. 😉

It was a fun, fun, day being able to do something with our children. It’s a breath of fresh air (although literally it was the opposite as manure reek heehee) to do something out of the ordinary while at the same time appreciate nature and the beauty that comes with it.

I gained two pounds during our three day trip. Yung totoo?! I can’t stop eating! Cold weather + lots of food + no exercise= hello 2 pounds!

My condo-dweller children had so much fun running around playing.

A candid shot Mr. GJG took of us Ang saya lang namin outdoors!

My reading companion during our Baguio trip. I love how empowering, real and just cool Sophia Amoruso is. Girlboss is a must read!

Our Baguio adventure made comfy with my YS pair. Remember how much I have gushed over this Yosi Samra Scaled Pony Hair pair?

Dinner at one of our restaurant discoveries with our cute niece, Amelia.

Meet our lil’ Juro Mars! Hahahaha. The hat is his and the purple guitar is his Achi”s. These were the souvenirs they got from Baguio.

Baguio, why so beautiful?

I learned that Baguio currently is 10 degrees cold. If you want a scenic view with good food to boot then Baguio is the place to be. A trip here this coming (super) long weekend sounds like a good idea.

Know more about the City Of Pines at www.gobaguio.com