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Showing posts with label baguio city. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baguio city. Show all posts

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Azalea Residences: Great Hospitality in Baguio City

The chosen official home of Baguio Food Tour 2014 Group (#BFT2014) is Azalea Residences.  It was my first time to encounter this hotel and I feel so privileged to be acquainted with this excellent hotel.
 azalea residences
From the moment our cab dropped us off, we were welcomed with utmost hospitality.  Our heavy baggage were properly handled as we were ushered to our room.

azalea residences
Eight Degrees Lounge

On the ground floor is the hotel lobby, Eight Degrees Lounge and Tradisyon by Azalea.

azalea residences
 The hotel has five floors.  From the front view, the hotel doesn't look so deep.

azalea residences

It surprised me that it had an even wider area and more rooms on the back.  And, all these are fully occupied during peak seasons.

Two Bedroom Apartment Suite
We stayed in a Two Bedroom Apartment Suite with front view.  The back part is offered at a lower rate.
azalea residences
We requested them to convert this sofa into a bed since there were 4 of us.  My couple friends occupied the first room while I had the second room.  My friend Billy slept on the sofa bed and he slept like a rock during our stay so I guess we can assume that it is cozy.  The total room capacity if two people occupied the queen sized bed, full sized bed and the sofa bed is 6 persons.  Aside from this area, the two rooms are also equipped with Cable TV. The WiFi modem is also stationed here.

azalea residences  azalea residences
The kitchen is complete with a stove, sink, fridge, microwave and even an electric kettle.  There are complimentary bottles of mineral water inside the fridge. By the kettle are complimentary coffee, tea, cream and sugar.  I love the marbled dining nook with high soft stools too.
 
azalea residences

This is the room I slept at.  The bed is so soft that I find it difficult to get up once I've laid upon it.  I also have my own closet with clean bath robes, slippers and laundry bags.  There's a phone on every room so that you can connect to room service who will accommodate your needs 24/7.

azalea residences
Every morning, it's so nice to wake up and glance upon the balcony with a nice view over Azalea's driveway and playground and the mist covered houses of Baguio.

azalea residences

azalea residences

The bathroom is squeaky clean with clean towels and necessities.  It also has a shower with heater and a laundry line.

azalea residences
Overall, we Travel Tripsters, highly recommend Azalea Residences for an excellent stay in Baguio.  They are very eager to please their guests in every possible way.  They cater to requests such as family set up with playpen or even a romantic set up with a bed room filled with petals.  Room cleaning is done professionally.  If you're commuting, they can hail a cab for you.  They also offer Baguio activity tours.

Azalea Residences
Hotel Address 7 Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines
Contact (632) 435-3545 Reservation Required No (Encouraged)
Payment Options   Cash Public Transport Jeep, Taxi
Room Types Room Amenities Published Rate
Three Bedroom Apartment Suite
3 Bedroom with 3 Queen sized bed. Balcony with limited view.

Room size: 75 Square Meters

Amenities

  • Kitchen and Dining Area
  • Electric Cooktops with Range Hood
  • Microwave Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Cookware
  • Crockery
  • Electric Water Kettle
  • Samsung LCD TV
  • Samsung DVD Player
  • Cable Channels
  • iPod docking station
  • FM Radio
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Mini-Bar
  • Complimentary Coffee & Tea
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Complimentary Bath Amenities
  • Iron and Ironing board
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath Robes
  • Slippers
  • Alarm Clock
  • Private toilet and bath
  • Parking
  • Breakfast for 2
2,100 php
Two Bedroom Apartment Suite
2 Bedroom with 1 Queen sized bed in Master's bedroom and 1 Full Sized bed in the 2nd guest room, private toilet and bath in the masters bedroom, Sofa bed in the living area. Balcony with limited view.

Room size: 60 Square Meters

Amenities

  • Kitchen and Dining Area
  • Electric Cooktops with Range Hood
  • Microwave Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Cookware
  • Crockery
  • Electric Water Kettle
  • Samsung LCD TV
  • Samsung DVD Player
  • Cable Channels
  • iPod docking station
  • FM Radio
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Mini-Bar
  • Complimentary Coffee & Tea
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Complimentary Bath Amenities
  • Iron and Ironing board
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath Robes
  • Slippers
  • Alarm Clock
  • Private toilet and bath
  • Parking
  • Breakfast for 2
7,000 php - 15,000 php
Deluxe Room (NO balcony)
Room Can fit maximum of 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults using existing beds- One Queen Sized Bed and Sofa Bed. Windows are available on selected rooms only.

Room size: 30 Square Meters

Amenities

  • Kitchen and Dining Area
  • Electric Cooktops with Range Hood
  • Microwave Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Cookware
  • Crockery
  • Electric Water Kettle
  • Samsung LCD TV
  • Samsung DVD Player
  • Cable Channels
  • iPod docking station
  • FM Radio
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Mini-Bar
  • Complimentary Coffee & Tea
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Complimentary Bath Amenities
  • Iron and Ironing board
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath Robes
  • Slippers
  • Alarm Clock
  • Private toilet and bath
  • Parking
  • Breakfast for 2
2,100 php
One Bedroom
One Bedroom with 1 Queen sized bed in Master's bedroom with toilet and bath. Sofa bed in the living area. No Balcony with limited view.

Room size: 45 Square Meters

Amenities

  • Kitchen and Dining Area
  • Electric Cooktops with Range Hood
  • Microwave Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Cookware
  • Crockery
  • Electric Water Kettle
  • Samsung LCD TV
  • Samsung DVD Player
  • Cable Channels
  • iPod docking station
  • FM Radio
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Mini-Bar
  • Complimentary Coffee & Tea
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Complimentary Bath Amenities
  • Iron and Ironing board
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath Robes
  • Slippers
  • Alarm Clock
  • Private toilet and bath
  • Parking
  • Breakfast for 2
4,200 php
Presidential Suite
(inquire for more info)

General Amenities

Parking Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating Azalea Residences Map
Location
Room Comfort
Cleanliness
Service
Price

Monday, May 21, 2012

Cemetery of Negativism: A Graveyard with Irony and Humor

The Camp John Hay Historical Core entrance fee includes a pass to the Cemetery of Negativism.


cemetery of negativism
At first, my companions were wondering what the name meant.  But upon seeing the tomb stones, we all understood.


Each tombstone bore a characteristic of negativity.  I found it to be ironic because the negativity are common for us as humans.  Yet, it was written in a humorous way.  So the negative bring as laughter and yet, it also made as aware of what negativity we possess.  Of course, I'd like to believe all of our negativism was left and buried there that day.


Overall, the short visit to the Cemetery of Negativism was certainly worth it.  The entrance fee is very affordable and the a quick walk around the cemetery during a cool weather is a fun activity.

Cemetery of Negativism Cemetery of Negativism Map
Price Per Person Adult: 50 php
Student/Senior: 30 php
Payment Options Cash
Business Hours
Reservation Required
Contact
Other
Address
Camp John Hay Historical Core, 
Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction

Commute Guide

Monday, February 27, 2012

Baguio City Travel Guide: Baguio and Benguet Discoveries and Hot Spots

Baguio City is known as the summer capital of the Philippines.  It attracts a lot of tourist because of its cool weather.  Baguio City is also the most urbanized city in North Luzon.  There a lot of malls, restaurants,schools, banks and hotels in  Baguio City.  It is also equipped with electricity and connectivity.  Baguio City is filled with both private and public transportation which attributes to its frequent traffic.  However, it is the accessibility and easy transport to, from and within Baguio City that makes it a great tourist location.  There are a lot of foreigners in Baguio City which is why the locals are accustomed and very friendly towards them.



Baguio City Map




Baguio City Climate
Due to its high altitude, Baguio City has a cool temperature ranging from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius.  During the rainy season (May to October), it can be foggy and damp.

Baguio City Trip Budget

The Budget for a Baguio City Trip  ranges from 3,000 php to 5,000 php.  Your  Baguio City Trip  Budget should include allocations for the following:
Transportation

Public Transportation
  • To and From Baguio
    • Bus 
      • Victory Liner
        • Regular (Travel Time: 6-7 hours with 2 stops):
          • Cubao Terminal - 445 php
          • Pasay Terminal - 455 php
          • Caloocan Terminal - 445 php
          • Sampaloc Terminal - 445 php
        • Deluxe (Travel Time: 5-6 hours via SCTEX with CR)  
          •  Cubao Terminal - 715 php
          • Pasay Terminal - 715 php
  • Within the Baguio 
    • Jeep (Minimum Fare is 8.50 php)
    • Taxi (Flag down rate is 35 php for the first 500 meters)
    • Van for Hire 
Private Transportation via car from Manila
  • Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) up to Exit 85 to get to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).  Turn right and head for Baguio via Tarlac.  From Tarlac exit, follow the road signs going to MacArthur Highway and drive straight until you reach Rosario, La Union.  Turn right at the junction to Kennon Road or straight from the junction to Marcos Highway. 
Baguio City Trip Itinerary
There are two options in making your Baguio City Trip Itinerary:

1. Avail a tour with a planned out itinerary from travel and tours companies
2. Plan you itinerary by considering the following:
    a.  Baguio City Trip Samples Itineraries
    b.  Baguio City Activities By Area:

Baguio City Downtown Area
Leonard Wood Road Area
  • Botanical Garden (Leonard Wood)
  • Good Shepherd Convent (Gibraltar Road)
  • Mines View Park (End of Gibraltar Road)
  • Teachers Camp (Leonard Wood-Teachers Camp Road)
  • The Mansion (Gibraltar Road)
  • Wright Park (Gibraltar Road)
Commute to Wright Park, The Mansion, Good Shepherd Convent and Mines View Park:
NOTE: All are along Leonard Wood to Gibraltar Road so just drop of where you want to go in this order (Teachers Camp - Botanical Garden - Wright Park and The Mansion - Good Shepherd Convent - Minesview Park)
  • Ride jeepney labelled with "Baguio Plaza-Minesview" at the Minesview Jeepney Terminal. Good Shepherd Convent along Gibraltar Road is around 1 kilometer away Minesview Park(Fare price: 8.50 php)

Camp John Hay Area 
  • Historical Core
  • Scout Hill
  • Ecotrail
  • Treetop Adventure
  • Igorot Garden
  • Shalan di Kabadjo
    • Horse back riding
  • Pagnagbenga Park (Loakan Road)
  • Philippine Military Academy (Loakan Road) - Bring valid ID
Commute Guide to Camp John Hay:
1. From Scout Barrio Jeepney Terminal (formerly Bakekang Terminal)

  • Ride jeepney labelled with "Baguio Plaza-Scout Barrio" at the Scout Barrio Jeepney Terminal.  Tell the driver to drop you off at the gate of Camp John Hay.  (Fare price: 8.50 php)
2. From PMA
  • Ride jeepney or van labelled with "Baguio Plaza-KIAS-PMA-Springhills-Apugan" which will pass by Camp John Hay.
Commute Guide to PMA: Ride jeepney labelled with "Baguio Plaza-KIAS-PMA-Springhills-Apugan" or "Plaza-Loakan-PMA" at the Loakan PMA Jeepney Station.  (Fare price: 18.25 php; Commute Time: Approx. 30 minutes)
 

Itogon Benguet Area
Commute Guide to Balotoc Mines: Ride jeepney labelled with "Acupan-Balatoc" at the Acupan-Balatoc Jeepney Station near the corner of Jose Abad Santor Dr and Harrison Road .  (Fare price: 28 php; Commute Time: Approx. 30-40 minutes)

Naguilan Road Area
Commute Guide to Tam-awan Village and Arko ni Apo: Ride jeepney labelled with "Baguio-Plaza-Quezon Hill-Tam-awan" at the San Luis Jeepney Terminal. You will be dropped off somewhere near so that when you walk uphill, you will reach Tam-awan Village. (Fare price: 8.50 php)



Commute Guide to Lourdes Grotto:
1. From Lourdes Dominican Jeepney Terminal
  • Ride jeepney labelled with "Baguio Plaza-Dominican-Lourdes" at the Lourdes Dominican Jeepney Terminal. (Fare price: 8.50 php)
2. From Tam-awan Village
  • Ride jeepney labelled with "Baguio Plaza-Quezon Hill-Tam-awan" and ask to be dropped off at the intersection between Naguilan Road and Dominican Hill.  Walk down Dominican Hill to reach Lourdes Grotto. (Approximate distance is 400 meters before you reach its 252 steps) (Fare price: 8.50 php)
La Trinidad Benguet Area
Commute to Bell Church and Flower Farm and Strawberry Farm: Ride jeepney labelled with "Baguio-Buyagan" or "Baguio-La Trinidad" along Magsaysay Avenue side of Baguio Center Mall or Trinidad Jeepney Terminal.  You can also see them passing around Shantung Road and Baguio City Hall.  It will first pass by Bell Church which is approximately 4 kilometers away from the Strawberry Farm.  For the Strawberry Farm, ask to be dropped off at the BSU last gate. (Fare price: 11.25 php; Travel time: Approx. 30 minutes - 1 hour depending on traffic)
Marcos Highway Area: 
  • Baguio Dairy Stock Farm 
  • Green Valley
  • Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary (Sto. Tomas Road)
  • Mount Santo Tomas (Tuba, Benguet)
  • Baguio Eco Park
    (Tuba, Benguet)
    • Dinosaur Island
    • The Holy Land
    • Tuba Science Museum

Hope this Travel Tripsters Baguio City Trip Guide Helps!  
(Last Update: June 12,  2016) 

Good Shepherd Convent Baguio: Best Baguio Pasalubong

Good Shepherd Convent is a must stop in Baguio City for pasalubongs.   

good shepherd

good shepherd

good shepherd

good shepherd

good shepherd

good shepherd

Good Shepherd Convent offers a good scenic view with all the flowery plants and religious monuments.

good shepherd

We, Travel Tripsters, always make it to a point to visit Good Shepherd Convent just for its pasalubong center where pasalubong products by the Mountain Maid Training Center are sold.

good shepherd

Mountain Maid Training Center is famous for its Ube Jam, Strawberry Jelly and Peanut Brittle which can be bought all over Baguio City.  Aside from that, they have a wide range of other products which can only be bought at Good Shepherd Convent.  One of our favorite is their Angel Cookies which I believe is underrated compared to the rest. 

Travel Tripsters suggest you try the product of  Mountain Maid Training Center.  Although its more expensive compared to other alternatives, a portion of your money goes to charity.  If you're buying in bulk, its better to buy directly at Good Shepherd Convent because it's cheaper than those found at other areas in Baguio City.  In addition, they also accept credit card.

Good Shepherd Convent Baguio Good Shepherd Convent Baguio Map
Entrance Per Person FREE
Payment Options Cash good shepherd
Business Hours No but suggested
Reservation Required No
Contact (74) 442-3865, 619-0158 
Other
Address
15 Gibraltar Rd., Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction
Taxi, Jeepney 

Baguio City Market and the Rattan Fruit

A must stop in Baguio City is the Baguio City Market.  Every fresh produce of the North Luzon can be found in the Baguio City Market.  Products range from brooms to pasalubongs.

baguio city market
The Baguio City Market occupies a large area.  The market vendors are scattered on both indoor and outdoor parts.  It's best to go to Baguio City Market early in the morning between 5 to 6 am so you can bargain for a cheaper price.  The vendors believe in "buena mano" (a Spanish word which means "good hand") wherein the first sale of the day will bring succeeding ones.  

kape umali

baguio coffee
One of our Travel Tripsters favorite stops in the Baguio City Market is the coffee stalls.  They have the finest coffee beans from the Benguet Region.  In fact, the famous Nescafe Instant Coffee is the largest purchaser of Benguet Blend coffee. 

rattan fruit
We, Travel Tripsters, were intrigued upon seeing the Rattan Fruit.  The manong vendor noticed our musing and asked us to try it.  Upon opening and tasting, fellow Travel Tripster Kurt face transformed into a sour look I have never seen before.  The manong vendor was laughing hard at our looks.  Boy! It was so sour.  Haha! But, it was a good discovery too.

Overall, there are a lot of great finds at the Baguio City Market.  We Travel Tripsters advise it a must stop when you're at Baguio City.

Baguio City Market  Baguio City Market Map
Price Per Person Depends
Payment Options Cash
Business Hours 5am to 12 mn
Reservation Required No
Contact
Other
Address
Rajah Soliman Street, Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction
Taxi, Jeepney 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Baguio's Mines View Park

One of the famous tourists spots in Baguio City is Mines View Park.  It was called Mines View Park because it overlooks the gold and copper mines of Benguet Corporation and others in the Cordillera region.
mines view park

Aside from the beautiful view, you can also feel the strong wind gushing.  There are also a lot of people who will offer you their binocular rental for 5 or 10 php, Igorot costume rental and photography services.  

mines view park

Before getting to see the view, you will pass by a lot of photographers who will offer you their services for 20 php.  You can take your pictures with the St. Bernard Dog for 50 php or the Ponies with colored hair for 100-150 php.  

mines view park

There are also a lot of souvenir stores and plant stores around the area.

Overall, the Travel Tripsters think that Mines View Park is a highly commercialized tourist attraction.  It's a good thing that the park itself is still FREE.  It's still a great landmark of Baguio City and certainly worth the visit.

Mines View Park Mines View Park Map
Price Per Person
  • Entrance: FREE
  • Telescope rental: 5-10 php for 5 minutes
  • Photographer services: 20 php 
  • Picture with ponies with colored hair: 100-150 php
  • Picture with St. Bernard: 50 php
Payment Options
Business Hours
Reservation Required No
Contact
Other
Mines View Park Address
Gibraltar Road, Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Mines View Park
Taxi, Jeepney, Bus

Friday, February 17, 2012

Baguio City Orchidarium

The Baguio City Orchidarium is the place for fresh plants that are sold at an affordable price.  We, Travel Tripsters,  love plants.  We got to visit the Baguio City Orchidarium during our visit to Baguio City last October.  We're glad to revisit it again during the Baguio Bliss 2012 event.

baguio orchidarium

baguio orchidarium

The wide variety of plants never ceased to fascinate us.  All of us were talking about buying a plant in the morning on our way home to Manila.

baguio orchidarium

baguio orchidarium

baguio orchidarium

baguio orchidarium

baguio orchidarium

baguio orchidarium


baguio orchidarium


baguio orchidarium

baguio orchidariummarigold

We asked around for the prices of the plants.  We were all so happy to hear that the plants were so cheap. A beautiful marigold plant costs only 10 php.

Marigold 
However during the morning, we woke up late because of the our pampering at Spa de Soleil.  (see previous entry)  We didn't get to buy any plants which was lucky because we had a lot to bring home and the van was so full of plants and pasalubongs.  Perhaps, we shall buy next time when we have our own vehicles.  Our companions who bought in the morning also told us that the price during the mornings is more expensive that the ones we were told the afternoon before.

Whether you will be buying plants or not, a visit to the Baguio City Orchidarium is always a pleasurable experience.  The various plants that Baguio City offers can all be seen at the Baguio City Orchidarium. 

Baguio City Orchidarium Baguio City Orchidarium Map
Price Per Person Depends
Payment Options Cash
Business Hours 7am-6pm
Reservation Required
Contact
Other
Address
Shanum St., Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction
Taxi, Jeepney 

Arko ni Apo and Kape Diperensya

Just across Tam-awan Village is Arko ni Apo and Kape Diperensya.  The Arko ni Apo is an art gallery owner by Benhur Villanueva and his family.  Arko ni Apo means Ark of the Lord in Ilocano.  On the other hand, Kape Diperensya is a cozy artistic cafe.

arko ni apo
Arko ni Apo does not allow photos to be taken so you have to see the wood and metal sculptures by the Villanueva family for yourself.  

kape diperensya
Before you enter the Arko ni Apo gallery, there you will pass by their artsy cafe called Kape Diperensya.  It's a coy cafe where there is wooden scupltured tables.  The surroundings are filled with art as well.  

The Travel Tripsters were overwhelmed by the art they saw.  Hope you stop by Arko ni Apo and Kape Diperensya to support Filipino artists like the Villanueva family.  
  
Arko ni Apo and Kape Diperensya  Arko ni Apo and 
Kape Diperensya  Map
Price Per Person Depends
Payment Options Cash
Business Hours Mon-Sun: 10 am-6pm
Reservation Required No
Contact (0918) 818-4317
Other Email: bumbobenz@yahoo.com
Arko ni Apo and Kape Diperensya Address
 Tacay Road, Baguio City, Philippines
Transportation to Arko ni Apo and Kape Diperensya 
Taxi, Jeepney 

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