Trip to Benguet Day 2

Despite our peaceful and cozy slumber under warm blankets on a cold La Trinidad weather, we had to wake up to our phone's alarm. We set it at 7am to give us prep time before our 8am strawberry farm tour. It's just walking distance from the house so we got on our feet right after a cup of warm coffee (also produced up North) and some Valley Bread (local brand of white bread loaves), toasted and topped with coco jam.

We passed by a local market filled with fresh fruits and vegetables harvested in the valley and lines of souvenir/pasalubong shops brimming with strawberry products, as well as wooden and woven crafts. 

As soon as we reached the booth where we had to sign up for the strawberry picking, an ice cream vendor handed us spoons of irresistible strawberry ice cream to try. With the sun warming us up for the adventures of the day, we helped ourselves indulge a bit with cones of this cold, sweet treat. Then we headed to where the strawberries are, finding out that we had some rain showers the night before so the boys had to wear boots. Although the price of strawberries per kilo was tripled when you pick them, the experience was worth more than that. James and Adam enjoyed looking for the red and bigger ones and I enjoyed taking pictures and picking those berries on the side where I didn't have to wear boots.

On our way home, we bought strawberry jam and strawberry wine for pasalubong (treats/gifts for family/friends at home). We also rerouted our morning walk and passed by more shops where James and Adam explored different crafts and interesting native products. They bought woven toe socks, which they wore as gloves, and Sundot Kulangot, a native sweet made from molasses with a funny name that can be translated to "picking/picked booger". James tried one but Adam, with his native palate ate a lot! We also enjoyed walking around Benguet State University Campus.

For lunch, we had brocolli and carrots, fried chicken, a bowl of fresh strawberries and Auntie Mary's strawberry salad. The sky was turning gray after, so we decided to change the destination of our afternoon adventure. We went to Baguio city instead and because it was raining, we tried to recall indoor activities that we can do. 

Here's our "accidental" itinerary:

1. Baguio Museum

Here, we had a hair-raising encounter with a real mummy. We found out how our ancestors tried to preserve  their loved one's body with a solution of water and salt. Cesar pointed out how traditional clothing has its dominant color depending on the place or tribe they are from. James and Adam were interested in the weapons tribal warriors used and a diorama showed us how tribes meet to settle issues, avoiding violence as much as possible, and doing rituals as signs of  hospitality.

2. Mines View Park

Honestly, it was stressful for me to be there, with too many people, considering it was a Thursday, and stalls of vendors and products. It was too commercialized for our taste. However, James and Adam had a fun and unforgettable time wearing the Igorot costumes and playing with Igorot weapons(replica, so it's safe). There was also fog blocking the view at first and then we see the view slowly emerging from the clouds and I thought that was a cool way to enjoy the sight. For snacks, we had some crispy battered squid dipped in vinegar.

3. Botanical Garden

We accidentally passed by this place so as our last stop, we had a much more laid-back walk (running, jumping, and climbing for the boys too!) under tall pine trees and just enjoyed being surrounded by colorful plants and flowers.

On our way home, we bought ice cream for dessert and Cesar tried to buy gabi (taro) leaves and coconut for laing. We found out that in this part of the country, taro leaves are not eaten but given to animals as feeds. So, we had to make laing with coconut milk and gabi stems. We did not realize that the stems will not absorb coconut milk and will produce more liquid making the dish too wet. Cesar also put too much salt, same amount we would usually put if we were at home, but their salt is also different! But I salute Cesar for trying really hard and for the effort in making something special for Fr. Tony's family, our host.

Although our "laing" was not as successful as we hoped for, we had one fantastic dinner because Jomar prepared something REALLY special, Pinikpikan(see picture above). It is a local Igorot dish made with chicken beaten to death (they also call it "killing me softly"), bruised to distribute the flavor up to its wings, boiled together with homemade Igorot ham (salted pork belly, smoked and  sun-dried for months). We really feel sorry for the chicken, but it's their tradition.