We did not have any plan, but our trip started with an idea. An idea to go to a place or places we've never been as a family. It's James and Adam's first trip to Baguio and it's our first trip to La Trinidad Valley. Both nature and tourist attractions were in mind but above all, we just wanted to be on the road. Since the boys were babies, our time spent in the car, rolling and seeing people, places, things, and events happening in different ways are experiences we all enjoy, sometimes, even more than the destinations. So, instead of a plan, we stick to the idea, to have fun, to stop if something interesting pops up, if there's a need to pee or eat or stretch a bit, and to try a lot of new things. Good idea, right?
So we contacted a friend whose family was in La Trinidad and we were able to arrange a homestay accommodation. We packed some clothes and some drinks for the road, as well as some DVDs for the boys. We did not bring food because we wanted to know the place through our taste buds too! We left at 5am and fortunately, we had a smooth ride from Manila to Baguio. Just in time for breakfast/snacks, we hit Villasis Bagsakan in Pangasinan, where we bought their famous rice cakes (puto from Calasiao), fresh buko juice (young coconut) and mangoes for our hosts.
We were in love with our zigzag journey on Kennon Road with breathtaking views of the mountains highlighted by a sunny sky. We told the boys to look out for lions so they thought it was not a good idea to roll down our windows and turn the air-conditioning off. Of course, they later found out that we were not up for some Safari adventures when we stopped for the well-known lion's head. To make us look the part as Benguet adventurers, we bought bonnets and snacked on strawberry taho (soy pudding).
At 10am, we were already in the City of Pines. We thought the boys would love activities so here's what we did on Day 1:
1. Horseback-riding at Wright Park
Although they liked the experience, they feel sad for the horses not having the freedom the boys think they should have. James did not like the horses being hit to make them run faster, he said he wanted to be a horse police when he grows up to protect the horses.
2. Lunch at the 50's Diner
So even though we wanted something hot like Bulalo, we went back in time and enjoyed a 1950's diner menu which includes the classic Fish 'n Chips, Burger and Fries, and guess what, milkshake was on the menu!
3. Running and Climbing at Children's Playground (Burnham Park)
It's the typical play structure for kids but the boys were intrigued by the round swings. There were nice trees with purple flowers where we could have had our picnic, but we didn't have any food with us. On the way out, we saw a pond where the boys took some time observing some Koi and janitor fish.
4. Boat Ride (Burnham Park)
James tried rowing but it was us, parents, who enjoyed burning some calories especially after a big lunch.
5. Bike Ride (Burnham Park)
Both boys love to ride their bikes at home but they loved the wide open bike area of Burnham Park where they can go really fast without worrying about other vehicles. Adam found some catterpillars on the ground and cut his biking short. He watched them and let them walk on his hands and arms for a long time, he just loves insects!
We had some juice, "scramble", mangoes, and cotton candy after and then we headed to our home for the next three days, La Trinidad. Fr. Tony's nephew, Jomar, warmly welcomed us with his wife Virgilyn and their children Gabriel and Adelle (who was just about 3-week old). James and Adam enjoyed playing with Ontoy (Gabriel's nickname). Their house is on the fourth flour with a lot of space indoors where the boys could run, jump, play, and ride a toy car and a hand-made wooden bike. For dinner, Jomar prepared orange chicken, fried fish, and vegetables. Auntie Mary and Manong Joaquin, who also showed their hospitality with a bottle of Bugnay wine (organic wine from bugnay berries) from Sagada, joined us as we enjoyed Jomar's delectable creations. It was just a perfect way to end the day with family and new friends in a new exciting place!
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