For our third time in Baguio, we will visit again famous places in the city with a highlight to Strawberry Farm which we never chance to visit because of limited time. We left Manila by 2:00 pm but were caught in a traffic jam on our way to North Edsa. We passed by at Sta. Rita, Bulacan for a snack and had a coffee break in Petron Gas Station along Marcos Highway.

We arrived in Burnham Park around 9:00 pm. My brother-in-law Noel was waiting just across the entrance. He boarded the van and graciously accommodated us in his house in La Trinidad, Benguet.

We had dinner while exchanging stories, watched tv, and later stayed on the balcony to feel the chilly atmosphere. It was so delightful to savor the evening breeze. Hope we could spend a one-week vacation when we get back.  Like our first stay in his house, we immediately felt “at home” as we stepped inside.

After breakfast and kulitan the next morning, we head off to Strawberry Farm, the most anticipated part of our third Baguio tour.

The Strawberry Farm

The road going to the farm was well-paved but treacherous. We were greeted by zig zag trails. It’s good that my hubby was a keen driver so there’s nothing to be afraid of. The parking space was so wide but it was grimy. It was flickering hot as we headed to the main farm. We chose to pick strawberry fruits with our bare hands. We paid PHP300 for two boxes. Every one of us was so excited about this activity. It was so nice seeing strawberry fruits sprawling in the garden.

We also bought cauliflowers which were so affordable (Php35) and strawberry wines (Php26). There were strawberry ice cream vendors near the entrance but because we were so busy with picture taking we forgot to buy and taste this cold delight.

We headed to SM Baguio for a lunch. The mall was packed with people. Restaurants and food chains were full. We ended eating at Mang Inasal which was outside the mall.

Laperal White House. As we went along to our next destination, Noel gave us some creeps. He told us the story behind the Laperal White House at Leonard Wood Road which was noted as a haunted house. The house which was refurbished with white paint color was owned by the Laperal family. It was occupied by Japanese soldiers during World War II. What was so scary was the killing of the family members.

When we stopped in front of the white house, I was expecting that I would feel that hair-raising experience while looking at it intently. But nothing unusual happens. There was a boy busy cleaning the roof. He didn’t care what we were doing in front of the gate. Since visitors are not allowed to go inside, we spent our time taking pictures with funny scary shots.

The Mansion. We were so lucky because The Mansion is now open for visitors as President Noynoy Aquino mandated. Visitors can now take a closer view of it.

Mines View Park. As always, the park was jam-packed with people so we didn’t go to the gazebo anymore. We had a hard time looking for a parking space. We kept on moving until we reached the Good Shepherd Convent. I went to a souvenir store to buy display items for my Baguio collection.

 

Good Shepherd Convent. This store was located at 15 Gibraltar Road, a few distances away from the famous Mines View Park. Consumers flocked to buy delicious pasalubong like ube jam, mango jam, blueberry jams, surprisingly they had pili nut (famous from Bicol). What I love was ube jam (P140) which is not so sweet but delicious. It’s a bit pricey compared to other stores here in Baguio, but I assure you, their products are guaranteed more delicious. Do not go home without these yummy sweet delights for your loved ones back home.

 

Philippine Military Academy. We were so lucky that we were able to watch an actual military drill of the cadets while sitting at a picnic table. Not only that, but we also had photos with some of them roaming in the area, with the military tanks and warplanes. There were lots of beautiful flowers in the area.

Still full of energy, we ended our day at Burnham Park for biking and strolling around.

This is another wonderful moment for us in the City of Pines. Our next day’s activity is in Barrio Pagudpud in La Union for a refreshing swim.

On our fourth visit, we will indulge ourselves in a thrilling activity at Camp John Hay.

Good night Baguio, till we meet again.