Baguio Insider

 The whole country has been waiting with bated breath for the Panagbenga 2008 Schedule of Activities. I have posted the tentative schedule emailed to me by the Panagbenga Secretariat at the Go Baguio! Festivals and Events Page.At the risk of sounding surly, I want to call everyone’s attention to the fact that despite:

• knowing the Panagbenga is held yearly in February,
• the Baguio Flower Festival now is on its 13th run,
• the knowledge that tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of visitors will flock to Baguio for the colorful and exciting activities,
• the opening ceremonies being less than three weeks away

the Panagbenga Schedule of Events is released very late, as it is every year that it is not organized or run by its founder Attorney Damaso Bangaoet. For goodness’s sake, while I appreciate a prompt email response to my request for the Panagbenga 2008 Schedule of Events, why was I sent on January 8 just a TENTATIVE SCHEDULE? (more…)

You may have noticed how silent this blog has been for the past two weeks, and may think me a terrible blogger! I’ve been quiet because I’ve been looking for something nice about Baguio to write about (of course there are two restaurant features in the wings that require more research). “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything” applies to Baguio and me these days.

However, I did find this unfinished July 2007 post that was held in abeyance pending more urgent (political) matters. And I felt its release for those visiting Baguio this Christmas season very timely. Here goes…

Why Riding a Cab in Baguio is a Very Pleasant Experience

The taxi service Baguio is pretty good. I wouldn’t say exceptional, like the ones in Singapore, but nevertheless way better than Manila’s, for the following reasons:

1. The taxi drivers give you the exact change. (more…)

Good news for all those living in Baguio, or those coming up in the next few months!

Asian Massage is a great alternative to all the blind masseurs who have heretofore been the only ones offering home service massage. And you no longer have to go to a public place like those ’spas’ at SM City Mall or Session Road.

(more…)

Will the real lion please stand up? This large rock naturally-shaped like a lion’s head was the original landmark that greeted all visitors to Baguio City. The Lion’s Club commissioned in 1971 the sculpting of the much larger one made out of limestone a few meters past it.

Kennon Road remains the Baguio locals’ preferred access route to Baguio City. Not only is it a more familiar road, it’s also, in my opinion, way prettier than Marcos Highway. The route is shorter by about 15km, plus the bends are easier on your vehicle. Those cars outfitted with inclinometers can tell, for example, that when the road curves to the left, the road also tilts to the left, thus making it easier to navigate.

(more…)