Right now I work in Makati and have been in Metro Manila for quite some time now. I have been here for almost 5 years and I'd say I'm enjoying my stay here. But there's no place like the city on a hill. I already knew that the first time I stepped to the cold city. So to express my longing for Baguio I thought that I should write a post about the things you should know about living there and why this small city will always have a special spot on my heart.
1. Temperature. Okay, so this is quite obvious I know. But really, the temperature in the summer capital of the Philippines is one of my favorite things about this place (we all do I think.) Unlike tourists who only know Baguio during the Panagbenga (Flower Festival in the city) or during summer, I experienced Baguio's temperature all time of the year. It's the rainy season that I hate the most but after the rain comes sunshine and cold chilly nights you'll find it really hard to get up in the morning. During the night you won't know what sleeping position you have to do in order for you to feel warmer! My comforter and sweater always fail me during the cold season which is from November to February-January and February being the coldest months I think. Well you can disagree why not, anyway that's only my opinion based on my experience. :)
2. Taxi. If I am going to compare the taxi drivers in Baguio and in Metro Manila, well come on, really? Okay. If you take a cab and the meter reads let's say Php62.50 and you gave the driver Php65, you have all the right to ask for your change. They'll give you your change up to the last centavo. Except if manong ran out of 50 cents. While in Metro Manila, you don't have the right to ask for a change! haha
3. Food.
Vegetables.The expensive vegetables here are cheap there. You can prepare your favorite salad everyday without hurting your pocket.
Binatog. Boiled corn mixed with coconut, sugar and milk. There's one particular binatog in the public market that you should try. It's located beside the Maharlika building.The vendor puts a lot of milk into it that sets it apart from the other binatog that you can find in the city.
Taho. Soft, gelatin-like snack made from soy beans. They have 2 flavors of taho there-the original flavor, the one you know, and strawberry flavor.
Cinnamon Bread. You should taste the cinnamon bread at Danes Bakeshop and you'll never forget it.
4. People. Although the temperature is cold, the people are warm. It's easy to make friends because the people are more relaxed, unlike here in the Metro where people seem to be always catching a train..Well they are right? :)
5. Culture. Baguio belongs to the Cordillera Region. Living there will give you a taste of how our Igorot brothers live. You'll witness their great culture and heritage, unique from all the other minorities in our country.
I should also mention that Baguio has a culture of "walking". You should be good at this if you life to stay in Baguio for quite some time. You'll do a lot of climbing of stairs, walking and gasping for air.
6. Fog. I love it. When I was having my review in a review center near I noticed the reviewers were amazed and thrilled by the fog. They would sometimes open the window and smell the fresh air and all of us students would stare at him like we were saying. "Are you okay sir? Because you look weird." Now i know why they do that. When you're in Baguio you can smell the cool fresh air, especially if you're near some trees you can literally smell them. Sorry I cannot describe that refreshing feeling.
7. My Alma Mater. If not for Saint Louis University then I would not have the chance to love Baguio.
I can go on and on and write so much things about this tiny city but words will not be enough. Thanks to Baguio I learned to appreciate more of our nature and my country. Being there inspired me to explore more and know more about my culture.
1. Temperature. Okay, so this is quite obvious I know. But really, the temperature in the summer capital of the Philippines is one of my favorite things about this place (we all do I think.) Unlike tourists who only know Baguio during the Panagbenga (Flower Festival in the city) or during summer, I experienced Baguio's temperature all time of the year. It's the rainy season that I hate the most but after the rain comes sunshine and cold chilly nights you'll find it really hard to get up in the morning. During the night you won't know what sleeping position you have to do in order for you to feel warmer! My comforter and sweater always fail me during the cold season which is from November to February-January and February being the coldest months I think. Well you can disagree why not, anyway that's only my opinion based on my experience. :)
2. Taxi. If I am going to compare the taxi drivers in Baguio and in Metro Manila, well come on, really? Okay. If you take a cab and the meter reads let's say Php62.50 and you gave the driver Php65, you have all the right to ask for your change. They'll give you your change up to the last centavo. Except if manong ran out of 50 cents. While in Metro Manila, you don't have the right to ask for a change! haha
3. Food.
Vegetables.The expensive vegetables here are cheap there. You can prepare your favorite salad everyday without hurting your pocket.
Binatog. Boiled corn mixed with coconut, sugar and milk. There's one particular binatog in the public market that you should try. It's located beside the Maharlika building.The vendor puts a lot of milk into it that sets it apart from the other binatog that you can find in the city.
Taho. Soft, gelatin-like snack made from soy beans. They have 2 flavors of taho there-the original flavor, the one you know, and strawberry flavor.
Cinnamon Bread. You should taste the cinnamon bread at Danes Bakeshop and you'll never forget it.
4. People. Although the temperature is cold, the people are warm. It's easy to make friends because the people are more relaxed, unlike here in the Metro where people seem to be always catching a train..Well they are right? :)
5. Culture. Baguio belongs to the Cordillera Region. Living there will give you a taste of how our Igorot brothers live. You'll witness their great culture and heritage, unique from all the other minorities in our country.
I should also mention that Baguio has a culture of "walking". You should be good at this if you life to stay in Baguio for quite some time. You'll do a lot of climbing of stairs, walking and gasping for air.
6. Fog. I love it. When I was having my review in a review center near I noticed the reviewers were amazed and thrilled by the fog. They would sometimes open the window and smell the fresh air and all of us students would stare at him like we were saying. "Are you okay sir? Because you look weird." Now i know why they do that. When you're in Baguio you can smell the cool fresh air, especially if you're near some trees you can literally smell them. Sorry I cannot describe that refreshing feeling.
7. My Alma Mater. If not for Saint Louis University then I would not have the chance to love Baguio.
I can go on and on and write so much things about this tiny city but words will not be enough. Thanks to Baguio I learned to appreciate more of our nature and my country. Being there inspired me to explore more and know more about my culture.
