To prove everyone that Baguio still has a lot to offer, my boyfriend and some of friends we’ve tagged along with, allotted time to visit again these places. The bf had an itinerary mapped on his mind and we were able to grasp the culture, experience and other information fresh to our minds.

So here is a summary of a to-do list in Baguio (before you die, ).

1. Souvenir Shopping at Market Encounter

I am a self proclaimed hoarder and souvenirs just captures my senses right away. Burnham park has its own mini tents set up for a tiangge.They sell Baguio’s specialties such as lengua, ube, accessories, and a buy one take one tee shirts for 150 pesos only.

2. Dress up like Igorots.

For ten pesos per picture, you’ll transform as an Igorot.

3. Ride, ride all you can! More from Burnham Park

There are swan boats and ordinary boats for those who would like to experience their lake. Carnival or perya, as well as the rolling skates I’ve only seen at American movies were also there for leisure activities. Don’t like to ride? Have your picture taken to inflatable sponsored balloons scattered around the park.

4. More souvenirs, an encounter with Justin, wishing well and sight seeing at Mines View Park.

5. See the view from SM Baguio.

6. Finish the 100 steps at the grotto.

7.  Strawberry picking at La Trinidad

For 300 pesos per  1 kg, you will be able to pick your own strawberries. It’s a bit pricey, but the experience is priceless.

8. Horse back riding at Wright Park

9. Complete tourists spots by having a picture taken at the Mansion, the Lion and Botanical Gardens. 

10. Panagbenga Festival

Of course, what is Baguio without the flower festival. Read here my experience with Panagbenga Festival.

There are still more from Baguio such as visiting ukay-ukay shops ranging from 10 pesos – 200 pesos. Session road is also worth visiting because of the variety of restaurant shops. There are diners, bulalo houses, bakeries, and the usual fast food chains that we have here in Baguio. If you want to go sosyal, let a taxi drive you to Camp John Hay, a nice place to stay in and you will see authentic stores selling original items at discounted price.

I heard from the other people that I still missed some of important destinations such as Good Shepherd, the makers of the ube I can finish in one seating and an art museum that is also worth visiting. It just shows that Baguio has not lost its touch. In fact, they are still expanding and making their visitors’ stay and at home.

We stayed for four days and the first two days were all about revisiting the tourist spots of Baguio. The remaining days were allotted for the town’s activities such as street dancing and float parade.

Most of the participants are young and they came from different schools of Luzon and Baguio. It’s nice to see them perform with their colorful costumes and props with their graceful dancings. The spectators also had the chance to see Filipino TV stars on their corresponding floats.

Photos I took during the street dancing (February 25, 2012):

A float parade was held the next day, February 26, 2012.

Just like any other festivals, it was attended by many tourists reportedly around 1.3M. The first two weekdays was a bit easy on getting taxis and making your way to tourist spots and malls. But during the weekends and festival proper, Baguio mall started to feel like palengke and it was difficult to hail any other modes of transportation going back to your place.

So here is the list of things I have learned during the festival.

1. Make your stay count. If you know the location will be attended by many tourists, book ahead of time and make your stay long. Baguio has a lot to offer for the tourists to see. Allot days to see, eat, and feel the place. Talk to locals if there are still places you haven’t visited yet. You will not enjoy if you are hurrying up all the time.

2. Book ahead of time. Book one month or two months before to any festival. Even the buses get jampacked too. So, book ahead of time to avoid disappointments.

3. Bring essentials and be patient. Pampaypays, water, food, these festivals require a lot of patience and acrobatic moves to squeeze in to a crowded areas.

4. Research or ask. Announcements regarding the festival are posted in the internet or announced in the tv / radio. These are important because of the schedule and location. So you wouldn’t miss any of the program.

5. ENJOY the activities. It’s the most colorful and sacred festival you’ll ever encounter. It only happens every year, so enjoy!