Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist
Some places quietly become part of a family’s story. For us, one of those places is Baguio City.
We first visited Baguio as a family back in 2015, and returned again during Christmas time in 2024. Each trip left the same impression on us: cool air, beautiful parks, good food, and a pace that feels very different from the rest of the Philippines. Last weekend, we found ourselves heading back once more, this time for two days and one night stay to celebrate my youngest son’s birthday.
Why Our Family Loves Baguio
Living in the Philippines means we’re used to warm, humid weather almost every day of the year. That’s why the cool mountain climate of Baguio feels like such a treat. The moment we arrive, the air feels lighter and walking around becomes something you actually look forward to instead of something you try to avoid during midday heat.
My kids and my mom (a certified “plantita” – which in my country means people who love collecting plants) especially enjoy the parks scattered throughout the city. Places like Burnham Park and the Baguio Botanical Garden are filled with flowering plants and towering trees, some of which you don’t often see in other parts of the archipelago. There’s something refreshing about being surrounded by greenery while breathing in cool mountain air.
We also love the cultural side of the city. Museums and heritage sites give visitors a glimpse of the traditions and history of Benguet, making every visit feel both relaxing and educational. For example, we have visited BenCab Museum and the Woodcarvers Village because of the vast selection of artworks and also because there was one time in my life when I collected wooden toys and knickknacks. We wanted to revisit the Baguio Museum as well but it was closed for the weekend.
And then, of course, there’s the food.
A City That Foodies Appreciate
One thing we’ve always noticed in Baguio is how fresh the vegetables and fruits are. It makes sense, considering many of them come from nearby highland farms. Whether it’s salads, soups, or simple vegetable dishes, everything tastes crisp and flavorful.
Over the years we’ve developed our own list of favorite places to eat in the city. Restaurants like O Mai Khan, Cafe by the Ruins, and Good Taste Restaurant are always on our radar whenever we visit.
We also enjoy strolling along Session Road, where cafes and restaurants line the street. A quick stop at Tea House Baguio which is famous for their pancit and empanadas or dessert at Vizco’s Restaurant and Cake Shop is practically part of the experience. My mom liked the strawberry cheesecake from Vizco’s because of the fresh strawberries in the cake – a rare treat since strawberries are in-season only from December to March, or so I’ve been told.
For a family that enjoys exploring food wherever we travel, Baguio never disappoints.
A Birthday Trip That Meant a Lot
This recent trip felt extra special because it was part of our family tradition: traveling together at least once a year. Two years ago we weren’t able to do that. At the time I was out of work, and travel simply wasn’t something we could afford. So being able to plan this small getaway again felt like a quiet milestone for our family.
Now that I’m back in the workforce, and can afford the trip, we decided to celebrate my youngest son’s birthday with a quick overnight escape to Baguio. The city has always been so accessible for us that we can manage to squeeze the trip into our busy schedule. We also made sure to indulge in the local cuisine, sampling the delectable strawberries and other treats that Baguio offers. It felt like the perfect way to make lasting memories together as a family while celebrating this special occasion. For his birthday, my youngest son had steak and strawberry shortcake for his dinner. 🙂
The Ride to the City of Pines
To get there, we took the Genesis JoyBus, which is the most comfortable but I’ve ever taken for long distance land trips. The trip took only about four hours because the bus runs non-stop and even has its own onboard comfort room. Each passenger received a blanket and snacks from the stewardess, which made the journey feel a little more like flying than riding a bus.
The seats were wide and well-cushioned, with adjustable leg rests and a reclining feature that you can activate with the push of a button. Each seat even had its own tablet where you can watch videos or play games. The bus also had Wi-Fi, which I was able to connect to during the ride.
Another thing I appreciated was how punctual the service was. Our bus actually left five minutes before the scheduled departure time once all passengers were seated—a small detail that shows how efficiently the trip is managed. I can’t recommend this bus enough for anyone out there looking to travel to Baguio.
Revisiting Familiar Places
Once we arrived, we spent our time revisiting some of our favorite spots in the city.
We walked around the beautiful grounds of the Philippine Military Academy, enjoyed the gardens, and spent time again at Burnham Park and the Baguio Botanical Garden. In the Instagram post (top) you will see the Botanical Garden’s collection of succulents and cacti. I’m so amazed by how humongous they could get! I have small ones at home but the ones in the Garden were just sooo huge and all blooming and healthy. As a plantita-wannabe, being in the Garden is heaven!
While the kids were asleep in the hotel, my husband and I dropped by the nearby Pilak Jewelry Store. Pilak is a Filipino term for silver which Baguio is also famous for as there are quite a number of mining areas outside of the city. My husband bought me two pairs of stud earrings, his advanced birthday gifts for me. He also bought me a string-of-heart succulent from the Botanical Garden because I’ve been wanting to get this plant since the pandemic but never got the chance to buy one .
No visit to Baguio is complete for us without a stop at Good Shepherd Convent Baguio, where we bought some of our favorite treats—ube jam, strawberry jelly, and lengua de gato cookies to bring home.
Getting around the city was part of the fun too. We rode jeepneys, took taxis, and walked as much as we could. Walking around Baguio is something we actually enjoy because the weather makes it pleasant rather than exhausting.
A Small Trip, Big Memories
Our visit lasted only two days and a night, but it reminded us why Baguio continues to be one of our favorite places in the country. Cool weather, beautiful parks, great food, and time spent together as a family—that combination is hard to beat. Sometimes all you need is a quick trip to the mountains to celebrate a birthday, recharge, and create another small chapter in your family’s travel story.
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