December in Baguio Part II

Okay, it has been a while before this part 2. Sorry for that, got so busy with a major project and shoots.
Anyway, here are more photos of our Baguio trip.

Mines View Park

at Mines View Park

With the famous pink-haired horse. P10 per photo op whether you ride the horse or not.

For P10/pax, they will dress you up in Ifugao costume for a photo souvenir.

Sophie was all smiles while Sam was just busy with his stick 

he just wouldn't face the camera

stolen shot while he's looking my way

my bro-in-law in his ukay-ukay leather jacket. he was feeling the bad boy look :)

Sophie trying on a hat from one of the stalls in Mines View park.

and I finally tried the strawberry taho (soya). Tasty and  priced like our ordinary taho.

Tam-Awan Village

The highlight of my trip to Baguio, going up to Tam-awan village in Pinsao, Baguio City. Tam-awan means 'vantage point', apt name as one can see South China Sea on a clear day. Not for us, though, it was a foggy afternoon when we came. For a mere P50 per head entrance, you get to experience getting in the Ifugao and Kalinga houses, get really high with our very own arts and culture.

inside the Bugnay house which also serves as an art gallery for several local artists' works.

the painting of a man on a horse is done with coffee as medium

one of the painting in the gallery that interests me

You can also sit down for a sketch session with their available artists. I think it's P200 per head. Yup, were in a hurry so maybe next time. The thing is, we took the wrong and longer route to Tam-awan. Here's a tip if you plan to get to Tam-awan: from the City Hall, make sure you will pass by Naguillan Rd. If you miss Naguillan Rd and reach Ipil-ipil Rd. then you're going the long cut. Anyway, more interesting arts and artifacts inside the village: 

enchanting sun worshiper

fertility hut

male and female loo

Ifugao hut where you can actually lodge. Go to their website for more details

Right across Tam-awan Village is Arko ni Apo (Arc of the Lord) Gallery owned by sculptor, painter and educator Benhur Villanueva. Benhur was the artist who made Andres Bonifacio in Global City. 

We were rushing back to town  because it was getting dark and foggy so I just made a quick look around. I love their art pieces especially the religious ones, just couldn't afford them right now. Sorry, no picture taking inside the gallery. The gallery also houses Kape Diperensya. 

Wag wag in Baguio

 

I just had to experience ukay-ukay (or more commonly know as wag wag in Baguio) since everyone who's been there said it's an exhilarating experience. And yes, it is. Just make sure you go to the old building right behind the market. Don't go buying in ukay-ukay stuff along the main road, it's much more pricey. There's an old 4-storey building that holds all bargain stuff, there's just so much stuff that you can't finish shopping in one visit. I made two trips to this building before I can find what I'm looking for. Also, it's best you go with a companion, one important tip for any traveler in an unfamiliar place. 

me looking for that one perfect biker jacket. 

shoes, bags, clothes galore. you just have to be patient and careful when buying 

are you loving my new biker jacket?

I actually ended up buying 3 jackets, 1 cardigan, 1 denim skirt and a Christian Dior kikay kit. All for less than P1,000.00. For the clothes you bought, make sure you wash them well. Let them stay in a basin of water and a few drops of  Lysol Multi-purpose cleaner for a few hours, rinse and dry. Then have them washed like your regular laundry. 

That's our 2010 Baguio trip, exciting, fun and memorable. For any travel, it can be spontaneous or well-planned, your choice. For this one, with the kids in tow and because we wanted to experience Baguio in a more-than-meets-the-eye way, we made sure our itineraries are planned ahead of time. It's more stress-free and time and cost efficient that way.