baguio - taking a breather

Last weekend was a long breather, literally. The fresh air of Baguio (well at least in several parts of the city) was a welcome respite from the smog of Metro Manila. It was also our long overdue family vacation. Not an outdoor trip this time, and no pressure in capturing that "perfectly lighted landscape". I did not even think much of photographing anything. That would sound ironic if you've seen us that day - we were lugging around several kilos worth of photo equipment hehe (my brother is also into photography). I was tempted quite a few times to veer off the well established destinations and explore but I'm glad I didn't.

So what does one do in Baguio?

Well, the nice cold weather (a nice 15-20 degrees Celsius) is perfect for lazily waiting for the fog to creep in while sipping a hot cup of choco or coffee.

Dusk as seen from our cabin

Then there are the parks. If you are into flowers then Baguio is the place for you. Its the only one with a flower festival (Panangbenga Festival)

Purple overload

Our long overdue prenup hehe (Wright Park)

Of course when one is in Baguio, the PMA (Philippine Military Academy) grounds is a must. There you'll meet the finest, bravest, and brightest of our soldiers (and future politicians?) and defenders of our motherland. :)

Who is the odd one?

We also visited some of your not so typical Baguio destinations. On the way to the strawberry fields in La Trinidad, Benguet, we passed by the Bell Church (aka Chinese Temple). It was a very serene place and we were practically the only group there. There was a koi and lotus pond right in the center of the courtyard. Everywhere you look there are intricate Chinese designs on practically everything.

Gateway into the Bell Church

The Bell Church

Here's a clown, Bell Church or not :)

Weather turned sour when we reached the strawberry fields. It rained and the fog cover began to thicken. So we forgo the plan of strawberry picking because of the mud.

A foggy day in strawberry fields

If you want to visit an art gallery in a native setting, there is the Tam awan Village in the northwestern outskirt of Baguio City.

Bamboo bridge in Tam awan

The place also features authentic Ifugao huts, a coffee shop, Eco tours, and portrait sketches for souvenirs.

And the food in Baguio? Well, you go can't go wrong with the ultra fresh vegetables there. In fact I didn't have time to take pictures of the food, I'm too busy eating :).

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outdoor photographer no. 5

No new outdoor trips at the moment, but here's one of the fruits of my recent trek to Mt. Romelo :)

Link to web gallery here.

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