Baguiocious, Zoobic and Klownz Airlines - Part I

A few months back, Cebu Pacific Airlines (http://www.cebupacificair.com/) and AirPhil Express (http://www.airphilexpress.com/) gave out seat sales again. Well, Labsy's friends/officemates wanted to join us on one of our adventures outside of Davao City, Philippines. So, we booked us (me and labsy) via Airphil Express and Labsy's officemates Hilda with sister Judith, Hanie with daughter Eryn, and Alden with GF Em-em via Cebu Pacific Air.

Months passed and the excitement grew more and more every day. Tensions and financial preparation became a priority. Until finally, the moment came. But before it happened, two from the group decided not to join the adventure, Hanie and her daughter, Eryn. Hence, despite the bad news, on the night of last Oct 22 (2010), we flew from Davao City to Metro Manila in two separate airlines and met up at the nearest Mc Donalds from the NAIA Terminal 3, about an hour before midnight.

After a little rest, the group of six (6) went to the Victory Liner Pasay terminal to get a ticket for Baguio. By the way, just about a week before the trip, Typhoon "Juan" visited Philippines, and I was worried that there might be cancelled trips due to some landslides to/from Baguio. But Victory Liner was very friendly and accommodating to every inquiry I did through emails to info@victoryliner.com. For other concerns like rates, schedule, routes or whatever, visit their website, http://www.victoryliner.com/ for more information.

So we went there and since it was a long weekend due to a Holiday on Monday, Oct 25, due to Barangay Elections, there were many waiting passengers and thus we ended getting the 2:00 AM trip schedule Then chilled, waited and slept our way to Baguio City, YAHOO!!!

We arrived at around 7:00 AM, went for breakfast at Chowking in Session Road, where our pre-booked hotel La Brea Inn (http://labrea.webs.com/) is also located. After breakfast, we went to our hotel and tried for an early check-in. Fortunately, they have vacant rooms ready for us, and we didn't need to wait for the 1:00 PM check-in time.

Through the kindness of Labsy, we were able to get a jeepney for the whole day trip in the city of Baguio for Php 1,800.00 only with our very kind driver, Tito Lando. And if you want to get his contact number, feel free to email me at donandji@gmail.com and jlbeloy@yahoo.com.

So we settled in our ride and started the fun filled Baguio City experience. Visited places were the following:


- Burnham park and Strawberry farm, where we bought most of the "pasulubongs" like strawberry jams, lengua, souvenir shirts, among others. We also tried their delicious strawberry taho there. Well I didn't, but Hilda seemed to have loved it much. And we got to taste their so good strawberry ice cream.

- Lourdes Grotto, where we climb the 252 (so they say) steps and stopping every chance to take a rest and get some air. We lighted candles and offered flowers and prayers while we were there.

- The Mansion, the official residence of our Philippine President when in Baguio, Wright Park, right in front of The Mansion and Mines View Park, where we took pictures with the huge St. Bernard dog and stayed for a bit at the park to have a little fun.

- Botanical Garden, where we had a few cute moments with the natives of Baguio, and then passed by Good Shepherds to buy their extra delicious thick ube jam.

- PMA, where we weren't able to get in right away because some of us were wearing slippers and it wasn't allowed, though fashion sandals are. So, Labsy and Alden went to a store within the camp to buy a sandal for me and Hilda, costs Php 190.00 each. (only to see it a couple of days after at harizon plaza for a buy one take one for Php 90.00, hahayy...). So friends, slippers and sandos aren't allowed in PMA, beware.

- Just passed by Manor Hotel at Camp John Hay and off to SM Baguio for a lavished dinner at KFC.

We headed back to the hotel after dinner. Me and Labsy rested the night while Hilda, Em-em and Judith spent a few minutes in the market to buy a few more stuffs to take back home.

The whole experience was invigorating and bonding among friends. It may be the first time together in this journey, might not be the last (who knows?), but the most important thing is, the time spent was filled with fun and treasured memories burned within a big part of our hearts.


"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived" - Jean Luc Picard