First week of February, we thought we wanted to spend a family weekend in Baguio. So we browsed the net for hotel reviews, and promotions. A good friend suggested Azalea since we wanted a room that can fit 6 adults and 2 kids. We found a two-bedroom suite that has 2 rooms, and a sofa bed, and a 20% discount at that. They’re actually giving 30% discount on weekends, but since it was a CNY weekend, they only gave us 20% discount.

Before heading to Azalea, we went to Mines View Park, and Good Shepherd. We arrived at the hotel around 10am so our rooms weren’t ready yet. But we were given drinks while waiting. Good service, I say. The kids enjoyed playing in the playground but had to stop after about 15 minutes, as it was getting hot.

Around 11am, we went to have lunch first at the nearby 50′s diner. We asked the front desk to get us FX taxi cab thinking it would accommodate us all. (I really like that the hotel staff are friendly.) Only then that we realized that in Baguio, only 4 pax are allowed in 1 FX taxi cab.

When we got back at 12:30pm, our room was ready. It has 2 rooms and a sofa bed, as expected. No aircon, just ceiling fans, but air is coming in from the balcony window.

After our afternoon nap, we went out to visit Burnham Park, had dinner, and went back to our room. Husband and my SIL ordered some drinks to our hotel room (while I slept inside our room with the kids.)

We had complimentary breakfast for 6 adults, while the kids’ breakfasts were free. Don’t expect bacon as the menu is mostly local food. (My kids had pancakes though.) You’ll surely enjoy danggit, espada, and Baguio longganisa. Well, I did.

We decided to check out before heading to the Strawberry Farms. (We wanted to take our time picking strawberries without worrying about the 12nn check out time.)

I say, our Baguio trip was a fun experience. I loved that this hotel gave us the comfort that we wanted to rest after a long drive/walk.

Baguio is such a nice place to go to for a summer vacation. Honestly, the pine trees make me feel like I’m in the States. Vacation would mean riding an RV with the entire family. And like a friend of mine, I’d look for the most affordable motor home repair just before summertime to ensure a smooth ride.

Inside Camp John Hay, beside the historical core, there is one good adventure spot called the Tree Top Adventure.

There are just 5 simple steps:
1. Briefing. Choose your activity.
2. Pay at the cashier.
3. Claim your tickets and sign the waiver.
4. Wait for your number to be called.
5. Gear up and enjoy the ride.

Disclaimer: she didn’t ride. She just put on the helmet to pose for mommy.

Since we were situated at the end of the canopy ride, others ended up riding the canopy ride from that point back to the other end of the ride, then trekking uphill. So a little advice, observe where you are situated (at the start or end of the canopy ride?), then decide. If you are at the end, then start with the trekking first (assuming you are getting the basic package: Package A) so you’ll do it downhill, and start the canopy ride on the other side uphill.

It was double celebration for us last Sunday. It was mother’s day and my parents’ anniversary. My parents treated the entire family to buffet lunch at the Manor inside Camp John Hay. It was my first time there and my impression of it was the place was so nice that it seemed like those lavish dual diagnosis treatment centers for Hollywood celebrities.

Since it was a weekend and mother’s day, we had to wait for 40 minutes to be seated. We didn’t mind because we had a blast taking photos inside and outside. Hahaha.

The food was worth waiting for too.