The Baguio stone façade, shingle roofing and tinted glass windows gives this plush hotel a warm and cozy look. Throw in a glam lobby with a homey fireplace and shimmering chandeliers, a lofty piano bar and a dazzling restaurant called Le Chef. The Manor serves appetizing Filipino and international cuisines and cocktails at Le Chef restaurant. But my favorite part is the daily buffet breakfast for its wide array of tempting dishes!

Beside the restaurant, guests can savor the aroma of freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries at Le Chef Delicatessen, a perfect place to buy delicious pasalubong. It is open daily, and also offers light snacks and variety of cheese and sausages.

Indulge your inner princes or princess with The Manor’s rooms that resonate with charm and elegance. These lofty rooms with contemporary touches are equipped with modern amenities such as cable TV, IDD/NDD phone system, a fully stocked refrigerator, hot/cold shower, electronic in-room safe coffee and tea making machine, the only thing that is missing is the free Wi-Fi internet access in the room (there’s a fee to avail of it in the privacy of your room) but there’s a complimentary Wi-Fi available at the lobby and The Piano Bar. Guests can also pamper themselves with a relaxing massage, Jacuzzi or Sauna at the Palm Garden Health Spa. Other facilities to enjoy at Camp John Hay include an 18-hole, par 69 golf course; picnic grounds, indoor recreation hall, business center, and a 2 kilometer eco-trail leading to a scenic picnic areas and a lush botanical preserve.

Superb service and romantic rooms all come at a price – but it doesn’t have to be a heavy one like what The Manor hotel has proven. It oozes with charm and character from every interiors and has an air of grandeur. The Manor is a perfect place to hide out for a few days, and we were sad to say goodbye to this seductive mecca of  tourists.

* During the Lakbay Norte 3, we have stayed at relaxing posh hotel.  Lakbay Norte 3 is an eight day media familiarization tour of Northern Luzon Philippines organized by North Philippine Visitors Bureau in cooperation with Manila North Tollways Corporation, Victory Liner, Mc Donalds, Petron and Universal Robina Corporation.

The Manor location:

Camp John Hay, Loakan Road

Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Telephone numbers: (637) 424-0931 to 47/50 to 53

Toll free numbers: (632) 845-0892 or 845-0911

Fax number: (637) 424-0960

Reservations: (637) 424-0961

Email address: reservations@campjohnhay.ph

The Manor website and for online reservations, visit: http://www.campjohnhay.ph

The Manor Hotel Rates

Garden View Rooms

Superior Room  (2-3 persons)  –> Php 5,500

Deluxe Room    (2-3 persons)  –> Php 5,700

1 Bedroom      (3-4 persons)   –> Php 8,000

2 Bedroom      (5-6 persons)   –> Php 12,600

Honeymoon cottage (2 persons) –> Php 10,000

 Forest View Rooms

Superior Room           (2-3 persons)   –> Php 5,200

Superior (with balcony) (2-3 persons)   –> Php 5,500

1 Bedroom                (3-4 persons)   –> Php 7,700

2 Bedroom                (5-6 persons)   –> Php 12,300

Rates are net, inclusive of all applicable taxes and charges

* Applicable to individual and group booking below 15 rooms.

* Over and above minimum capacity, additional charge of Php 1,250 net per extra bed/extra person

*Children 12 years old or younger sharing room and bed with parents are free of charge.

*Check-in time is 2:00pm / check out time is 12:00 noon

*Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

* All major credit cards accepted.

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Here’s the Panagbenga 2012 Calendar of Activities for your disposal.

Major Highlights of Panagbenga 2012:

February 1 – March 4, 2012 

–> Market Encounter

February 11, 2012 – Saturday

–> Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom

February 12, 2012 – Sunday

–> Handog ng Panagbenga sa Baguio

February 12, 2012 – Sunday

–> Fluvial Float  Parade

February 19-26, 2012 

–>Iptik Festival

February 25, 2012 – Saturday

–> Grand Street Dancing Parade

February 26, 2012 – Sunday

–> Grand Float Parade

February 27 – March 4, 2012 

–> Session Road in Bloom

March 2, 2012 -Friday

–> Pony Boy’s Day

March 4, 2012 – Sunday

–>Panagbenga Closing Ceremony and Grand Fireworks Display

Community Led Events

February 2, 2012 – Thursday @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

–> Kid’s Stage Performance   @ Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 2-4,2012

–> IPMS-Baguio Scale Model Exhibit and Competition @ MPH,BCC

February 12, 2012 – Sunday

–> The Power Plus Race @ Burnham Park Lake Drive

February 17-19, 2012

 –> Panagbenga Media Shootfest 2012 @ primehills Firing Range in Tuba, Benguet

February 18,2012 Saturday @ 8:00 PM

–> Colt 45 URCC IV-Battlegrounds Mix Martial Arts @Baguio Convention Center

February 18-19, 2012

–> Airsoft Challenge @Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 19,2012 Sunday @ 7:00 AM -5:00 PM

–> Dog Show and Rabies Awareness Program @People’s Park

February 24-26,2012

–> Panagbenga 2012 Flower Fest Inviational Darts Fest 100K Guaranteed

      @ The Ian Bolinget Billiard and Eatery

February 25, 2012 Saturday @ 6:00 PM

–> Mr.Panagbenga 2012 Muscle Showdown @Baguio Convention Center

March 2, 2012 Friday 5:00 PM onwards

–> 1st Ramp Model Competition @Baguio Covention Center

March 3, 2012 Saturday @ 8:00 AM -5:00 PM

–> Swimathon Big Splash : Great :Lengths for a Great Cause

       @ Athletic Bowl Swimming Pool Complex

March 3, 2012 Saturday @ 5:00 PM-12:00 Midnight

–> Handog Pasasalamat ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM: Free Concert & T-shirt

      @ Melvin Jones Grandstand

March 3, 2012 Saturday  @ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

–> Sail on Caravan Tour II @ Baguio Convention Center

March 4, 2012 Sunday @ 6:00 PM – 12:00 PM 

–> Tambalang Saya sa Panagbenga 2012 @ Melvin Jones Grandstand

 If you're looking for a hotel, check out my 2 recommended hotels in Baguio ---> The Manor at Camp John Hay and Mines View Park Hotel. 

To get to Baguio, you can ride a Victory Liner Bus direct to Baguio:

Victory Liner website:

http://www.victoryliner.com/schedules/

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Around 6am, I met up with fellow bloggers at Half  Moon Restaurant in Tomas Morato, QC where we had our breakfast before we head to Baguio. 
The trip on a private car took around 5hours only because we took the short cut,  I enjoyed the ride with Ms. Judy of  JMaret Publicity, Audrey, Mee-i, Arvin, and Melody

fellow bloggers at Half Moon Cafe in T. Morato

Although I’ve been to Baguio for the nth time, I haven’t passed by Kennon Road yet since buses to Baguio ply the route of  McKinley road. So when we stopped at the famed Lion’s head, like the rest of the bloggers, I was excited for the photo op.

After a few minutes, along the quiet stretch of road surrounded by  towering pine trees and a majestic view of the  mines and the Cordillera mountains, the car stopped at a Mediterranean inspired-villa.

Mines View Park Hotel

The lobby, the dine area, the and the function hall is separated from the villa where the rooms are located.  I like the cozy ambience of the receiving area, some influence of a usual Baguio country house is highly evident.  I shared the room with 2 fab mommies, Iris and Jen.

After checking in our luggage, we went to the function hall for lunch and mini press con. Sumptuous foods were served courtesy of  the fine dining outlet Zenz Restaurant, which offers Western, Asian and Continental entrees that makes use of  Baguio’s fresh produce such as crisp vegetables, newly-picked fruits and one of the chef’s own gastronomic innovation: the strawberry sinigang which was served to us on our last day in at the hotel.

strawberry sinigang

Mines View Park Hotel’s function hall offers a spacious venue that can accommodate 100-150 guests for both personal or business conventions. It is equipped with a white screen and projector for audiovisual presentations, a sound and PA system, and basic lighting equipment.

After our hefty lunch, we then toured the hotel.  The hotel offers utmost comfort and luxury inside it’s well-appointed rooms. The 29 rooms take from the coziness of an Alpine chalet outfitted with the most modern amenities.

I like it that most of the rooms open to private balconies that offer a view of the Cordillera Mountain and pine forests. Indeed, the refreshing stillness and relaxing atmosphere are the main attractions of the Mines View  Park Hotel. The rooms are also equipped with flat-screen TV with cable and the hotel is conveniently Wi-Fi connected.

The hotel has a gym where one can work out while enjoying a panoramic view of mountain and forest.    They also partnered with Asian Spa, to provide such therapies as the Cordillera massage, which is a tribal technique practiced by Igorot healers for centuries.

Too bad we didn’t get to try it but after the quick tour of the hotel, we headed back to the lobby for Fortune telling, I didn’t try it since the Yoga session is about to begin.  It’s my 1st time to try out yoga and I really enjoyed it, it was led by Elmer of the fitness center at the 3rd floor of SM Baguio.

The Baguio bloggers tour was full of activities, tiring yet fun. I like best the Bibincrepe Making, which is the exclusive offering of the Half Moon Restaurant.  Bibingcrepe is a fluffy bibingka rolled out into a crepe with a slight flavor of caramel. I don’t cook, so it’s an achievement for me to make one. 

After a quick rest, we had our dinner in the diner at the patio entrance. The food was great plus the guest band performer, who are actually students from Baguio wearing Igorot customes performing Igorot dance.  I was too tired and immediately fell asleep after, while some bloggers enjoyed the videoke session. Zenz Bar actually opens from 6pm-12midnight to offer a relaxing hub for cocktails or after-dinner drinks.

The next day, I woke up to a cold, fog-filled morning. It would’ve been best to enjoy coffee or a superb meal at the Garden Veranda but too bad it’s drizzling. The setting under the shade of the overgrown eucalyptus and pine trees is an idyllic venue for a hearty breakfast. 

As much as I wanna stay in our room though, we also have to explore Baguio, and that is one of the advantage of  staying at Mines View Park is it’s proximity to some of the city’s attractions like Mines View  park and Good Shepherd which is just a walking distance from the hotel. But if you really want to take a stroll down at Session Road,  visit the Baguio Cathedral, OMG cafe, shop for ukay-ukay, savor the relaxing view of the city at one of the verandas in SM Baguio, or visit the  Strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet or ask the driver to drop you off at the Bell church, the huge Taoist temple sitting on the hill at the boundary of  Baguio and La Trinidad,  you can avail of the hotel’s shuttle service which drops and picks up guests at strategic locations within the city limits.  Or if you want to commute, just walk down the gate and hail a cab on the road.

Quoting the hotel president Mr. Dick Balajadia, “ Mines  View Park Hotel has the advantage of being situated in a quiet part of  Baguio.  It’s tranquility, it’s proximity to nature, and the beautiful view of the mountain set it apart from other hotels in the city, which are built close to the commercial centers.”

True enough, before, whenever I want to escape from the madding  crowd  and bustles of  Baguio, I go to Benguet.  Now,  I’ve discovered a haven where I can come home-to where  nature’s beauty and serenity work together to renew the spirit, refresh the mind and energize the body to rediscover the pleasures of  Baguio City.

*This is a sponsored trip.

Thank you Azrael and fellow bloggers!  Thank you for the memories!

Thank you:

Mines View Park Hotel

1Apostol St. corner Outlook Dr

Mines View Park, Baguio City

Baguio office:

telefax: (6374) 442-1559

tel. # : (6374) 424-1088

cell#:+63922 888 6392

email: infor@minesviewparkhotel.com

website: www.minesviewparkhotel.com

Manila office:

telefax: (632) 372 3984 to 89 loc. 133

some excerpts from Jmaret Publicity

#57-A Mayor Gil Fernando Ave

Brgy. san Roque, Marikina City

telefax:933-8107 or 996-0533

email: jmaret_publicty@yahoo.com

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Gael Hilotin

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I can’t recount how many times Ive been to Baguio and Benguet last year, my colleague even said, ” Aakyat ka na naman?  Parang mall mu lng ang Baguio ah! Pack and go, and the next day ur back”.  haha  Of course, my heart was captured by the Cordilleras!  Maybe for some it’s “just Baguio” but for me.. Baguio is timeless..It’s voted as one of  top choices of photographers as their favorite destinations for photography in the country as per one famous TV show last year.

So after my hiatus..and crying over this website because I can’t access it..I’m now back… and I decided to start it with the  Baguio series..

Tam-awan Village is  located in Pinsao Road owned by  artist Ben Cabrera along with other friends and cared for by the Chanum Foundation.  With the aim of providing access to indigenous culture to those who have not had the chance to explore the Cordilleran interior,  Chanum Foundation, Inc. started this artists’ village in 1998 with three salvaged authentic huts from Bangaan, Ifugao Province. Some of these huts can be rented out (Php500 per person per night). Now, it is home to Bugnay Gallery, Village Gallery, Dap-ay Luggong Hut, View Deck 1 & 2 , Alang hut, Kinakin hut, Dukligan hut, Fertility hut, Batad Hut, Anaba Hut, Art installation under the Ugnayan Bridge, and  Gazebo Cafe. Upon entering the living museum, I was greeted by the Alang hut on the left side, just one of the Ifugao huts on display. Climbing up the stairs, my attention was caught by a bamboo bridge with hanging installation and a man-made pond turned wishing-pond.

Ugnayan bridge

an art installation

about the art installation: the poor condition of the working class of Xerox Paper

I wandered around the upper part of the village to find the Ifugao huts tucked in lush greenery.

the sign at the lady's cr meaning "babae"

Then headed towards the center of the village where one can see more artworks  by Cordillera artists… You may  purchase artworks on display  by one of the many well-known artists  or simply have your sketch for Php 100 by some artists there, I highly encourage you to donate as well. I was only able to take home the cheapest masterpiece  (2 sketches worth Php100) by 2 artists.  One can sit and have your sketches done by the artists (# of sketches depends on the availability of the artists). Photographing the artworks is prohibited by the way.

solar paintings

I can’t afford the artworks but knowing that it’ll help the foundation will surely be worth it, it’s cheaper than those artworks sold at art galleries in the malls.  The solar drawings are really impressive, it’s an artwork where artist uses the rays of the sun to burn patterns on wood.

I also tried  the Tam-awan salad at the cafe for Php95.  The art cafe also offers  Cordillera art pieces,  souvenirs  and wines made from the Mountain Province.

inside the art cafe

Tam-awan salad

proudly Philippine-made

I initially planned on staying at one of the huts for Php500 overnight but I had to see the rest of Baguio which is quite far from the  village.  The rain poured exactly as I exit the village.  I run towards Arko ni Apo, owned by world-renowned artist Ben Hur Villanueva, which is just a few meters away…

via  ride a jeep —> Ride a Quezon Hill-Tam-Awan jeep

via  taxi  —>  give directions for Tam-Awan Village,  Pinsao Proper .or Long-long via Tam-Awan from Kayang Street, Baguio City Market.

Chanum Foundation Inc.
Tam-awan Village, Pinaso Proper, 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Phone: +6374 446 2949

Entrance fee :

Student : Php 20

Children and Senior : Php 30

Adult : Php 50

THEpinaysolobackpacker normally stays at:
Bayden Powell in Baguio, they have cheap dormitory style rooms for Php300.
website: http://badenpowellinn.i.ph/

Located at #26 Gov. Pack Rd., Baguio City 2600, Philippines. (just below SM Baguio along Andoks , entrance to Ayuyang Bar).

Telefax: (074) 442 5836

Phone: (074) 442 8177

Manila Numbers: (02) 721 7818 and (02) 250 6018

Email: badenpowellinn@gmail.com

  Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Gael Hilotin

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Panagbenga 2009

Schedule of activities for 2010 :

November 16 – Launch of Panagbenga 2010
February 1 – Opening Parade
February 13 – Chinese New Year
February 12-14 – Legarda Rocks
February 14 – Fluvial Parade
February 14 – Camelot on the Lake
February 20 – Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom
February 20-22 – PMA Homecoming 2010
February 27 – Grand Panagbenga Street Parade
February 28 – Grand Float Parade
February 26-28 – Abanao Nights
Feb 1 – Mar 7 – Market Encounter
March 1-7 – Session Road in Bloom
March 6 – Pony Boys Day

Panagbenga 2009 float parade

Too bad I can’t attend this year due to my work schedule.  Last year I attended the float parade. It’s my shortest stay in Baguio. 2 hours! I left around midnight of Saturday then arrived around 7am Sunday (it’s roughly 7 hours to Baguio from Manila).  Had to walk a few meters as  some roads  are close.  Burnham Park and Session Road is crowded.  I don’t have any hotel reservation so right after the float parade I hurried to Dagupan bus station (right below SM Baguio the bus station there look for the white bus w/ strokes of green). They have air-conditioned buses  that leaves every hour to Pasay and Cubao. Buy a ticket asap to avoid waiting for the next trip that’s not full.  They have good service and cheaper fare than Victory Liner but the latter has better buses.  I always ride on Dagupan bus lines whenever I go back to Manila from Baguio so I won’t have to take a cab to  Victory Liner’s air-conditioned bus station. The non-ac bus of Victory Liner is also stationed below SM but they’re almost always full too.  If you don’t have any hotel reservations though I suggest you don’t stay overnight as most hotels are fully-booked for sure. I would recommend a backpacker’s budget hotel in Baguio that’s close to SM Baguio.–> Baydenn Powell Inn. It’s located below SM Baguio along Andoks. If you see a wide opening w/ the bar’s name “Ayuyang” just go inside. They have dormitory rooms (could accommodate up to 6 people)  for Php 3oo per pax during off-peak and because its peak season this February I think it’s around Php400 per head.  They have more expensive rooms too (rate is 1,500-3,000k) but I haven’t tried them, I always stay at the dormitory room whenever I’m in Baguio.  Luckily I am always alone in the room as I go there whenever it’s off-peak so I haven’t experienced sharing a room with a stranger. Anyway, I hope this schedule will help, sorry for the late post.  Enjoy Panagbenga!

Session Road, Baguio City

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