Lion's Head: Kennon Road, Baguio City, Benguet

The Lion's Head

I have visited Baguio City many times but I wasn't able to visit this popular Lion's Head not until this year. This 40-foot high Lion's Head is situated along Camp 6 in Kennon Road. Still the undisputed landmark that is synonymous to Baguio City. A trip within the city will not be complete without taking home a photo souvenir on this famous Lion's Head. So give yourself a time to visit this place if you plan to visit Baguio City.

Finally at Lion's Head

Session Road: Baguio City, Benguet

Session Road at almost midnight.

Strolling along Session Road in Baguio City at night will make your vacation enjoyable. It is where and when you can feel the cold breeze especially when you're like me who dare to walk outside without any jackets on. Walking along the road not crowded and with less vehicles passing by will make you appreciate the simplicity of the city at night.

Standing at the middle of Session Road!

I made sure that I will let my cousin and his wife experience strolling along the main road of Baguio City. They love it especially the cold air breeze. Well, we went back to the hotel after an hour of strolling. After all we need to get some sleep after a long day travel around the city. Just make sure you will try this and you'll definitely love it. Brrrrrrrrrrr!

My cousin and his wife. 

Botanical Garden: Baguio City, Benguet

Botanical Garden is also one of the places in Baguio City that should be visited. It is also known as the "Igorot Village". The Botanical garden features native huts typical of the type of Igorots found in the Cordilleras. 

Taking shots at the entrace!

It does capture the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot. The tranquility of the village is such a great place to relax. This place if good enough for those who love to stroll along the great landscape wherein you can see numerous various plants and trees. 

Greens!

You can really appreciate things that you see in the village. The arts, plants, trees and animals. You can as well see Igorot's at the main entrance suited in their typical attires and pose with them, off course for a fee. 

Male Igorot

Female Igorot

Pathway to the mini cave.

Scared going inside. Roar!

Wright Park: Baguio City, Benguet

Wright Park is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City. It is located just across the gate of "The Mansion". The shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as "Pool of Pines" is one of the main features of the park. Those who love to stroll will definitely love this place. Enjoying the cool breeze and the fresh air of the city. 

Chilling at Wright Park!

Forgot how many step-ups!

Riding a pony is also an interesting activity that can be done at the park. It is a favorite for the children and also for the adults as well. The place is most likely crowded during weekends. Go ahead try this activity and you'll definitely love it. Just check the prices below.

Sexy horses :)

Who's male or female?!

The Mansion: Baguio City, Benguet

The Mansion is an easy access to every visitors who visits the City of Baguio. It is located along the Leonard Wood Road and right across the Wright Park. The Mansion is just a pit stop before strolling to Wright Park. Strict security level is being practiced in the area. Visitors are not allowed to enter inside The Mansion only taking pics right after the main entrance can be done. :)

The Main Entrance

Constructed at the instance of William Cameron Forbes following the design of William E. Parsons, as part of the Burnham Plan for Baguio, 1908, inspired by the city beautiful movement. Venue of the special session of the Second Philippine Legislature, 1910. Destroyed during the war, 1945. Rehabilitated, 1947. Venue of the U.N. Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), 1947. The U.N Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 1948; and the First Meeting of the Southeast Asian Union (SEAU) known as the Baguio Conference of 1950. Summer residence of American Governors-General, 1908-1935 and later of Philippine Presidents from Manuel L. Quezon to the present. 

Mines View Park: Baguio City, Benguet

After having boat experience at the Burnham Park, we headed to Mines View Park. There is no doubt that this is one of the most favorite and visited places in Baguio City. It is a place wherein a panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mines can be seen. It is a spectacular site that should not be missed when visiting Baguio City. 

Chilling with the Dog, I forgot his name!

Php 10.00 per pic! LOL

You can enjoy the Mines View Park also by taking some pics with the animals there. Just be wise enough to ask how much. LOL. My cousin's wife got an unforgettable experience with the above pic. They charge every shot with Php 10.00!!! I as well enjoyed dressing like an Igorot... see the pics below. :)

Playing with my cousin and his wife.

Chilling with the local kids in the city.

At the entrance to the park you can find stall which sells plants, shirts, wood carvings among others. There is also canteen wherein you can enjoy local dishes. So there's nothing to worry if you got your stomach empty when visiting the park. 

Burnham Park: Baguio City, Benguet

Going to Burnham Park is a must included in one's itinerary if visiting Baguio City for the first time. It has been a great opportunity to accompany my cousin and his wife during their first visit to the city. I made sure they will have a boat ride on this man-made lake. It has a lot of fun doing some paddling sessions with them. 

TRIVIA: Burnham Park was named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. This park is a favorite place for local residents and tourists. There's a lot of recreational and relaxation activities that can be done on the park. Just visit this place once you visit the city and definitely you'll enjoy here! 

Me and Ate Cathy: enjoying the ride!

Tam-awan Village, Garden in the Sky: Baguio City, Benguet

I have been visiting Baguio City regularly but never had a chance to visit this wonderful Tam-awan Village. I usually stroll at the city proper and enjoy the scenery there. On my _th visit in the city, I made sure that I included on my itinerary a visit to this wonderful village. I just wanted to immerse myself with the village of the locals. Also to appreciate the works of local artists. 

Chilling at the lobby!

Tam-awan Village is located in Pinsao Road owned by artist Ben Cabrera along with other artists and taken care by Chanum Foundation Inc, founded in 1998. It is uniquely blends indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Cordilleran craftsmanship with an artist's concept for a village adapting to Baguio City setting.  

Jan Belocura and Edwin Macadaeg

Rice Guardian Spirit

The installation is a representative of the Cordilleran rice guardian spirit, usually placed in the fields to protect the precious crops of the mountain tribes.

The 6-feet installation piece made of steel aims to stress the co-existence of past traditions in the modern time, serving as a reminder not to forget the culture our forefathers have made.

In some parts of the region, it is believed the spirit of our peoples ancestors reside in the rice god, which is revered and taken cared of by the members of the community. 

The modern interpretation of the traditional bul-ul is intended for the protection of the Tam-awan Village and all those who will walk through these paths.  

Dukligan (Ifugao Hut)

The fertility hut is such that it is where a married couple resides after a year of inability to produce a child. The shaman performs a ritual offering to male and female bulols. The couple will then stay in the hut for a month or so. If after this period expires and still they are unable to produce a child, the man has the right to find another woman, although the marriage is still in effect. 

The cycle is repeated and then the woman may now find another man. The purpose of which is to determine who among the couple is infertile. 

The village is so relaxing. You can really immerse yourself with how the locals live. It is a great place wherein you can appreciate art. Just make sure you got those strong knees to go uphill, otherwise you will just sit there and take a rest. This place is great enough for those who love to stroll. Uphills and downhills, but no worries, the cool breeze will help you not to feel tired. Visit this place and you'll definitely love it. 

Learned new dialect! :)

Strawberry Farm: La Trinidad, Benguet

Benguet is one province that I love to visit maybe because it is where Baguio City is located. I just love this city, one of my favorite cities here in the Philippines. The cold weather, the atmosphere, the people, oh I just love it there. Strolling around the city and nearby towns is great and will never make you bored even if you visit the city regularly all year round.  

Oh no! No more strawberries this time :(

Strawberry picking at Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad is just one of the many things you will definitely love when you visit the province. It is a unique experience for every tourists who visits the place. You got to pick fresh strawberries alongside with the friendly Ibaloi farmers. Sadly, it was off season when I visited the place so instead of strawberries I was able to uproot lettuce. Not bad still a great experience for me and to my cousins. 

Sweet Strawberries from La Trinidad!

Strawberry Taho: yummy!

Located just 30 minutes from the City of Baguio. You can as well buy pasalubongs near the area. Ohhh and that strawberry taho that I tried was unforgettable. It was yummy! You just love and enjoy your time when you are in the farm without you noticing the time. You'll definitely love the place even more when the farm is covered with thick fog which can make you freeze. How's that experience?!

Such a great experience to visit the farm once you hit Baguio City. Strawberry Farm should be included on your itinerary when going up to the province of Benguet. Before we left, we bought some pasalubongs! Wine, ube jam, peanut brittle among others! Will definitely go back here soon and will make sure that it will be strawberry season. 

With my cousin's wife!