We took a long cab ride (compared to the others we had) to Botanical Garden which cost PHP89. In Baguio, if you don't know how to commute, you can always take the cab. It's more expensive than taking the jeep but cheaper compared to taking the cab in Manila because 1. their flag down is PHP35 compared to Manila's P40 because they don't need A/C 2. Cab drivers will give you your change regardless if it's only PHP1. :)
Some Igorots will welcome you and will gladly take a photo with you for a little donation but we didn't have a photo op with them because we were busy lining up to get our corn sold by the entrance of the garden. It was tourist priced at PHP30 so we shared one but it was worth it. It was yummy! :)
Botanical Garden was different than how it looked like when I was there last 2008. Last 2008, all we saw were the pasalubong stores inside, giant Igorot statues and 2 Nipa huts. Now, the path walk to the giant statues is cemented, a few sheds erected (I don't know what to call them) and there were flowers in bloom already. It's just sad because the Nipa huts are gone and the Igorot statues a little ruined.
With the pasalubong stores are the carinderias where I ate the tastiest longanisa ever with my parents back in 2008. I urged H to try it and he liked it too. Yey! Unfortunately, we can't bring a pack home because we think it needs to be frozen for it to still be good after a 6 hour bus ride back to Manila. While we were waiting for our longanisa to be fully grilled, a few kapwa turista were picking which ihaw ihaw to have. Had I not been shy, I would have blurted "Yung longanisa po, masarap, pramis!" Hehe. Nothing much to see as some parts of the garden are still under construction. Before it gets too dark, we headed out to Wright Park as we were told it's walking distance from the garden. Outside, we were greeted by a strawberry taho vendor and of course H had to try it. We're in Baguio, we need to have our strawberry fix!
Wright Park is a 10-15 minute walk from the Botanical Garden. It was already dark when we arrived at the spot where you can get a horseback ride for PHP300. We skipped that and climbed our way up to what I remember was the way to The Mansion. Boy were we panting when we reached the top. So unhealthy haha. We passed by a long pool before getting to The Mansion. It was too dark to take pictures so H didn't have his souvenir photo. Maybe next time. :)
We decided to have dinner at Session Road where you have plenty of choices on where to eat. Since I remembered that Volante was featured in "Ang Pinaka", we decided to dine there. It was actually my second time eating at Volante's. The first was with the parents but since their pasta is Italian tasting, the parent didn't like it. We ordered meatball pasta and pizza. H ordered strawberry shake, I had a sip and it was that good that I had to order mine too. What we liked most of what we had was the dessert. It was a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream on top. We loved the contrast of the warm cake with the cold ice cream. The dinner cost a little over PHP700 but it was good.
It wasn't that cold inside so I had to put my jacket back on when we were about to leave. H had to use the CR so I went outside already. Wow, having an unzipped jacket on was not enough. I had to zip it all the way up and put my scarf too. That night, it was 18deg celcius. Brrrr. :)
Next Stop: Good Shepherd and Mines View
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