The
first time hubby and I had lunch at Woodnymph on Military Cut-off road
was in 2003. It managed to top my best Korean restaurant list. I loved
the sweet marble potato appetizer they had. And the kalbichim was scrumptious! It was just the right mix of sweet and spicy with the beef
soft and tender. We brought the family there in 2005 and it was a hit
with everyone, making it a must-eat place when in Baguio. We also
discovered that this location was previously the house of an old family
friend where my parents and siblings stayed in before. Small world.
This trip we had dinner there and ordered the usuals - grilled pork and
chicken, chap chae and kalbi chim. The food was still delicious but
there was something different with the kalbi chim - it was more orange
than brown, less flavorful. Later, we found out the old cook was
stationed in their branch at SM.
When
we stayed at the Manor at Camp John Hay in 2001, we raved about their
breakfast buffet. They had the best longganisa and the best waffles.
For those 2 items alone, the price for the buffet was well worth it.
In the succeeding trips however, the waffles weren't available anymore.
So we were planning to try the buffet at the Baguio Country Club
(BCC). But, Pitz, the waiter, assured us waffles were back. And yes
they were! Ummm, yes they were disappointing. It was soft and
pancake-y. I guess next trip back we should really try BCC's buffet.
The creamed butter was still good though.
Breakfast or not however, the view from the manor is still great for photo ops.
And
then there is El Shalan ni Kabadjo in Camp John Hay (CJH). They seem
to have bigger and healthier horses and a safer and more scenic trail.
Signboard said P200 for 30 minutes when littler one rode on Saturday.
Sunday, signboard was the same but the guides were charging P50 more for
an additional person on the horse. I would have raised hell for the
arbitrary change in prices but I did not want to disappoint little one
who finally got the courage to ride.
Little one was brave as a knight... Squealed in delight and patted the horsie.
Pasalubong
from Baguio is always easy. There are so many goodies to buy. The
Good Shepherd Convent near Minesview park makes the best Ube jam in the
world. 5 stars for its smooth creamy consistency, sweet but not too
sweet taste, always freshly made and when stored properly lasts more
than 3 weeks in the ref. In recent years they've added more items on
their product list like chocolate crinkles (its ok, but i've tasted
better. In Baguio, try everything nice in mile hi center at CJH),
alfajor cookies (really sweet), oatmeal cookies (not too good, should be
called peanut baking soda cookies), lenguas de gato (pretty good second
to nancy's which i can not find anymore - i guess that makes this #1).
view from Good Shepherd's ridge
The
Baguio City Market is also another great place to go pasalubong
shopping. They have everything: Pine trivets (i think its the needle?) 3
for P50; walis tambo P50each, baked goodies like Tantamco's, rico's,
Baguio Tartland; Peanut Brittle (get Romano's for whole peanuts);
blankets - they have the Ilocos weave and the China made flannel; wood
carvings; caps, shawls, vegetables, fruits.... Are those huge Sagada
oranges for real? Really grown in Sagada? I wouldn't know but the red
orange ones were really sweet and juicy. Only P80/kg. It was
refreshing.
Lots of people arrive by 7 am
Had
to take the kids to more fun activities. Under the scorching heat of
the sun, we took a boat ride in Burnham park. Hubby was eager to row
around in circles. We carefully avoided the walls (Boat renter warned
us we may get stuck because of shallow waters). It was a tiring 30
minutes (I took the pictures) but the kids seemed to like taking turns
holding the oars, pretending to row. And the different shaped boats
were kinda cute - from afar. Up close, they were kinda shabby and too
close, they bumped us.
Yep, the water was neon green.
After
boating was biking. We chose the area with the smaller bikes. We got
tricycles that we pushed around (for kids who can't pedal). It was a
work out. It wasn't just difficult to push the bikes around, it was
also hard to make our way around the bumpy and narrow road and avoid the
little rascals who drove like mad max in thunderdome.
We
made a quick stop at the the Botanical Garden (aka Igorot Village). It
was nice and there were many beautiful flowers but there was a feeling
of neglect. it wasn't just the landscape, it was also the dwindling
number of Igorots in the area, most of them elderly. It used to be they
were everywhere and for a small amount, you could take pictures of them
or with them.
I
still enjoy the cool weather and fun shopping in Baguio City. But
there is something amiss. I remember being able to just look out the
window and have a feeling of tranquility come over me. Now, i look out
and I see overcrowding - buildings and people. I'm all for progress and
activity. But for me, Baguio's charm lay in its ability to make me
feel rested, rejuvenated and alive.
