Sexual Harassment on the Road: Here's What You Need To Know and To Do

Sexual Harassment in  Public transportation

I've heard the DJ talk about this over the radio and I agree with what she said, although I'd sure want to elaborate more.

Not that I've experienced extreme harassment before.  The ones I've had though are those that made me feel a bit uncomfortable, examples are malicious stares at the legs and chest area, maximizing unnecessary body contacts when guy opens his legs wider so as to touch mine, or he rests his elbow on the window bars so his hand touches my back or side.  Thankfully I haven't experienced groping and I wish that wouldn't happen to me or to anyone.

This is really unfortunate.  It doesn't matter whether they're girls, women, guys, men, gays, some of us have experienced such thing.  I am just more aware and confident on dealing with it now that I am older.

Here are some reminders to people on what to do:

1.  Avoid being a victim.  Some victims become one because they're showing a bit more skin.  If you happen to be wearing short shorts, try to cover your legs anyway you can: Put your bag on your lap, spread out your bandana on your legs.

2.  Budge.  The one mistake victims do is that they are too scared to react.  This paralysis is a treat for the maniac.  They enjoy it.  For them, it is a go signal that they can advance on whatever malicious moves they're planning to do on you.  When you budge, it is a sign that you are aware and are irritated of the situation.  This makes the maniac second guess if he's going to continue.

3.  Stare at them.  This works every time. When you feel like they're looking at you maliciously, look at their face and stare at them.  The longer the better.  This could get awkward but it's a powerful move that says that you sense what they're doing and you are not having any of it.  This will eventually put them to shame.

4.  Speak up. When all of the above don't work, it's time to release the kraken and snap back at the maniac.  This ought to get attention of the other passengers and will put him on the spot.

Publisher: Shy - Thursday, August 11, 2016

How to Avoid Traffic in Manila.

Source

Traffic in Manila is the worst!  Just a couple of days ago, I made an awful mistake of starting to travel to Silang Cavite at noon, on a Friday which fell on a pay-day.  Awful! I was able to reach the gallery at 4:30pm and came back home at Cubao around 9:30pm.

Looking back I wouldn't want to go through it again.  Now the thought of doing a 9-5 job left a bitter taste in my mouth.  If this is something that I would have to go through 5 days a week, I should be feeling lucky with my current freelance job.

Here are the things that would have saved me a lot of time.

5 Ways to Avoid Traffic in Manila

1.  Leave early and avoid rush hour

I fell for the same mistake I did during the Pahiyas trip in May.  I left later than planned, so I had to start my day in traffic as opposed to a smooth and sailing trip with fresh and cool morning breeze.

2. You don't have to go to the bus terminal to get on a bus

Instead, get one that's running on the road.  Chances are there are still available seats, if not, there will be some soon.  It's better that way than to go farther distance to go to the terminal, knowing that you'll have to go back to the same route you've been before.

3. Take the MRT

The line may look intimidatingly long, but once they're accepting passengers, you'll notice that you'll get closer quickly.  You'll just have to wait for minutes.  Better that than waiting for hours in a bus.  I noticed that it has been running a lot faster than usual.  Fast enough that it made me feel scared for those people in it, at the same time, happy that at least they're moving fast unlike the bus that I was in.

4.  Try taking tricycle

Tricycles could go to streets that's not so traffic and make its way in between cars or along sidewalks.  The point is, it's moving.  The only con is that you'll inhale more smoke from exhaust and it's more expensive.

5.Traffic is worst in roads entering Alabang but it gets better through Guadalupe

Stops at ortigas and continuous well through Santolan.   When there's traffic, there's really no choice but to exercise patience. But hopefully with stricter road law implementation, and improved MRT system, it will get better.   As for now, we just have to roll with the punches. 

Publisher: Shy - Saturday, July 30, 2016

8 Life Lessons I Learned from Traveling Solo

Traveling solo doesn't really grow old on me.  Every journey is different.  But despite this, I noticed that every time I go out the door, I always have that flight or fight response wrestling within me , and more so when I am already out and about, enticing myself that I could still change my mind and  I could easily turn the other way.  But God knows how many times I have thanked myself every time I decided to just go ahead and  push through.

1. Show up.  When I know that I'll be travelling alone, I sometimes would dread that my trip might be dangerous, and boring.  But I go anyway because the desire of exploration and adventure is greater than my fears.  I remember the owner of Spanx, Sara Blakely once said that she did not let her fears get in the way of her dreams, and I always go back to that especially in my moments of indecision.  Travelling solo hasn't always been fun.  Sometimes I'd even regret why I even attempted, but regardless of the outcome, I was always glad that I showed up because then, I have juicy stories to tell and I have broken the monotony of my life, which are everything to me.

2.  Trust the journey.  Anxiety is ever present especially when travelling to unknown and uncharted places.  Even when I've researched hard and wide, and I know exactly which jeep or bus to take, uncertainty wouldn't leave me because I don't want to go pass the place that I should've gone down to.  I keep my eyes wide open reading billboard ads, carenderia signs for the address just to make sure I know which town I am in.  My eyes bulging like a deer in the headlights, afraid on missing out on that sign, moving my head in all possible directions. Imagine me doing these all throughout the trip. So now I try to learn how to relax.  Read the signs, enjoy the scenery and if there's the houses or stores, I go peep again.

3. Learn how to Ask.  There were countless of times that I felt stressed because I was too prideful and shy to ask for direction and had to rely on my scouring eyes instead.  I would have saved myself the time and the stress had I asked someone about the place or where to go down.  Conductors could be a treasure, and when I'm lucky fellow passenger, could guide me as well.

4. Trust People who Seem Trustworthy.  My experiences on solo traveling  gave me a discernment as to whom to ask for directions.  People I approached are usually policemen, guards, traffic enforcers, tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, bus drivers, conductors, women with children, women, vendors.  It's the same in life.  I trust people whom I feel are deserving of my trust.

5. But be Cautious.  As someone who travels alone, it's imperative that I take extra measures to be safe.  I don't go out when it's evening, and if I do it's usually in a very safe city.  I double check in locking my room; I choose the people I go out with.  I learned how to make calculated risks, and make sure I could handle what I am getting into.

6. Connect with People.  In all my travels, I'd have to say that my connections and interactions with people surpassed the experience of exploring the place.  When I look back, it's the friends I met along the way, and the stories I got out of them are the ones that I have treasured more.  There's something sacred about getting stories from strangers.  I would always feel humbled and honored to be in their personal space. It's a higher level of acceptance, making me feel validated of my presence and confident of my being, and that meant the world to me.

7. Trusting Myself.  There were countless of times that I thought that I wouldn't be able to do what I have done.  Sure I was afraid, but with tickets booked and with an already set mind, there was really no option but to prepare enough prior the trip, and to make the most of it during the trip.  I got lost but I figured it out soon.  Instincts got me there; my senses showed me the way.  And sometimes I wouldn't get to know whether to turn left or right when I was a kilometer away from my destination, but somehow knew what to do when I am a few meters away.  So I learned to be patient and to be attentive of the signs along the way.

8. Enjoy the Moment.  What exactly does that mean?  It means to be in touch with me and the surroundings. I noticed that fear takes me out of myself.  Anxiety makes me want to jump off my own body.  My thoughts take me out of my awareness of self, thus I was never present.  Now I have come to realize that I am in the moment, when I start appreciating the details.  and when I walk a bit slower, not too eager to go to the next place, but to treat each step as a destination in itself.

9. Creating my Own Reality.  Travelling alone made me feel self assured.  After having welcomed by a different culture, accepted and trusted by strangers, treated well and made to feel acknowledged, traveling by myself made me like me more.  And it's sad that I sometimes need others to see me as special before finding what's special in me.  Slowly I have learned how to look into me first, see what's unique and appreciate myself for what I have and I have discovered that I, right here right now, am enough.

Publisher: Shy - Tuesday, June 28, 2016

3 Things that I Would Have Done Differently in my Pahiyas Festival Trip

No Selfie for me, just footsie.                      

Humans as we are, it's natural for us to look back and reflect on recent experiences in the search of lessons,or entertainment.  And my recent trip is not an exception.  What had happened was I started my travel a bit late than I've wanted to, stuck in the road a bit more than expected, stayed at the destination a bit shorter than planned, and arrived home earlier than I have thought I would be. 

The 2 things (eat pancit habhab and to go around the streets while taking pictures) that I planned to do were already checked that was why it didn't take me too long to accomplished those.  So shortly after, I felt that my job was over and I didn't feel the need to do more.  I was already eager to say goodbye, which is something that I felt like not doing again.  I mean, traveling 8 hours all in all doesn't really justify the 1 and a half stay in the place.  So for those people who plan to visit a far destination, please try to make the most of the stay.  Pack it with activities and make your to-do list more than 2.

Green, orange, red, yellow and violet are the predominant colors you'll be seeing there.

When you get there you'll already feel a bit tired, so try to freshen yourself up by wiping your face with wet wipes or wet face towel, or dab some powder at your back, anything to make you feel a bit more refreshed and a bit more human again.  When I got there, I already felt like a hog, a disgustingly sticky one.  So you could imagine how I felt walking along the streets.  Yes like a hog on a parade. No wonder I didn't feel like taking any selfies.  When you go there, you would want to feel like a model tourist just wondering around the streets like it was your runway.  I know this is a bit narcissistic but believe me, you'll enjoy the experience even more or at least you would want to make yourself selfie-ready because you'll be taking selfies anyway or at the very least, you would want to make yourself feel like a presentable human being.

A good amount of pancit habhab for a good amount of P10.

It will get hot eventually so better try to bring a hat, and buy a cold drink.  This would combat the heat that could be a factor for you not enjoying the place.  And if you're tired, sit down.  This isn't a race, the place wouldn't pack up and close down any sooner.  Pushing yourself to walk would just dampen your excitement.  You can't really appreciate fully the place if you're too tired.  So sit down, talk with a local, eat pancit habhab, stay at a local store for a drink and do people watching.  When you're feeling restored, then go ahead and enjoy the scenery.  When I got there, I was already feeling tired, and disgusting, and the pollution from the tricycles and the heat of the sun just worsen the experience.  But I pushed myself to go around as my way of claiming my price for undergoing through all the hassles that I had gone through for the past few hours.  If I had sit down just for a bit, refreshed myself, I would have had the energy to explore the place even more.

So there I said it so you wouldn't be making the same mistakes I did.

Enjoy your trip people. :)

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, June 01, 2016

My Solo Trip to Pahiyas Festival, Lucban

For years now I've been wanting to go to Lucban to see the Pahiyas festival ever since it was featured in a travel show way back when I was still a kid.  I was supposed to go there last year however I got sick, and so I had to push through with it this year.

After doing a bit of research I knew, that I should take the backdoor route which is Manila-Pagsanjan, Sta. Cruz-Lucban than the usual Manila-Lucena-Lucban.  Well an blogpost of some blogger he said that it only took him around 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there, but for me it took me 4 hours.  Now here's the deal, his bus took off at 5am, mine took off at 6am.  And maybe due to traffic and all I got to the place at almost 10am.  You can see here the importance of getting to the bus terminal earlier.

Before even this trip, I've already resolved to do 2 things.  Doing more than that would be a bonus.  First, is just stroll around and seeing houses studded with decors.  Second, eat pancit habhab.  After doing those 2, my trip would be an overall success, which it was.

Going there was just as painful as my last trip to Nagsasa Cove.  Travel time is too long.  So when I reach the place, I had to make the most of it. Seeing too many cons than pros would just make me a fool, so see the pros I did.  It was a challenge because of the festering heat of the sun, the traffic, the pollution.  But when you get there, it's as if a chip has been taken off my shoulder.  

Just look at these pictures.

This trip isn't hard on the wallet.  Overall I spent around P500, however it is time consuming.  Will I recommend this to someone?  Well honestly, yes if they just want to fulfill their curiosity and see something unique about our country.

Publisher: Shy - Sunday, May 15, 2016

Sh*t People Say or do to Solo Female Travelers

1.  "Oh So why are you alone?" and then give you the pity face.

2. Don't you have a boyfriend or a friend to go with you?

3.  Oh so you have traveled for more than a week now.  What do you do? Do you even have a job?

4.  Okay a table.  For 1 person, right?

5. Eating alone at Mcdonalds.  People stare at you like.

6. You're sitting or standing alone at a foreign country and people be like...

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, April 27, 2016

10 Ways to Enjoy Boracay for Free

When you're doing Boracay alone, sometimes you find ways to enjoy it for free.  Most rides you need to be in a group which I obviously wasn't but Boracay offers plenty for solo travelers like you if you just take time to discover it for yourself.

1.  Sun bathing

Best time to do it in the morning, or late in the afternoon because the sun would be very much unforgiving from 10 am to 2pm.  Do it under a classy reclined beach chair with umbrella.  Those ones you can use for free if you are checked in in classy hotels.  I tried using one for a few minutes and was loving it, however a hotel staff started to ask me what my room number was.  Oops! Off I went away doing my walk of shame.

2.  Walking along the shore

I recommend doing this sunset from station 3 to 1.  You'll see the transition of the sand from white sand to white sand with algae, the transition of the horizon with the sun just a beaming orange to just sky swirling in orange, and violet hues, you'll feel the cooling of your toes as the temperature goes down, and everything around you darkens as the sun gives way to the moon.

3. Exploring less touristy beach

If you just want to have a spiritual moment with you, the wind, the sky, the waves and the sand, go to those beaches not littered by people.  One of which is Tambisaan Beach where I had a random conversation with a buko seller. Of what I thought to be a random buyer-seller conversation, turned into somewhat inspiring.  Check out the story here.

4. Practice your photography skills

There's a lot of possible pics you can take from Boracay other than selfies with your friends,  you with your skimpy bikini or trunk shorts featuring your hard-earned beach body, you and drinks, you getting wasted, you partying, you and this new guy, or new chick.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  However, there are a lot out there that's also picture-worthy other than yourself.  Like the sunset, the people, the other side of Boracay other than the parties and drinks.  You'll appreciate it even more that way.  I believe.

5.  Get into a rave party

If that's your thing, I'm sure you will have fun.  If it's not, I'm sure you'll find it interesting, like I did (check here for more of my story).  You may leave anytime you want at least you've experienced something interesting.  Interesting and free goes a long way sometimes.

6.  Talk to locals

I have never really stressed this enough.  Other than enjoying the sunset, talking with locals or with a new acquaintance would have to be top of my favorites.  There's something special when 2 strangers commune and became less of a stranger because both have now something in common which is having the opportunity to experience nature at the same moment and time.  It makes the whole experience amplified, and validated.

7.  Enjoying the sun rise and the sunset

Boracay is best known for the sunset for obvious reasons, however let's not forget also the sunrise.  Both events bring in different crowd.  The former brings in the booze, the reggae music, the groupies or lovers who are planning to enjoy the night away early,  while the latter brings in the health freaks jogging to and from the beach, the families who are bringing their kids for an early bath time, and the wanderers and curious bunch like me who are just eager to see what it's like to see the sunrise and what it has to offer.

8.  Exploring Boracay stations and understand varying demographics

For the knowledge of many, there's a distinction between stations: 3 being the less posh and 1 as the most expensive among the others.  There's also this area, before station 3, which I call station 4, where you could find foreign backpackers who are budget freaks, enjoying boracay minus all the poshiness of it.  They seem very well satisfied with their backs on the sand, hammock, or Indian scarves bought in their previous destinations or having friendly discussion with new acquaintance over beer or coffee.   Reaching station 3 you'll see a flock of korean tourists prepping for their turn on scuba diving or boat riding, station 2 you'll see more and more bars, at station 1 you'll see more and more 5 star beach resorts.

9. People watching

When you're in a paradise like Boracay, a place known for its luscious sunset, luscious what-happensin-bora-stays-in-bora stories, and luscious drinks, you'll come to see different people thirsting for some fun, redemption, or recreation.  I heard that it's a place for the broken-hearted seeking vegeance in many wrong forms such as one-night stands, drinking binge, party binge and the what nots; for the opportunistic maniacs who are in search for the latter crowd and that chance to get lucky for a night or two; for the lovers seeking for a honeymoon paradise; for the beach lovers and attention seekers, seeking most wanted attention after having toned up their body for months in the gym; for the corporate slaves who are just looking for a recluse and much needed R and R with a cold beer at hand, great sunset, and just being with nature after having a few tough weeks in the job. It's a place for everyone, and with varying people diverge, it's a feast for the eyes.

10.  Enjoying Boracay's sunset

This never gets old and I think this would have to be the most overrated feature of Boracay.  It is overrated for the right reasons.  Reasons that you should experience and understand yourself.  This one really never fails to impress.  I turn into a trigger happy photographer wannabe every sunset, much like anybody there.  I think.  Click here for my pics.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, March 09, 2016

Quick Trip to the National Museum: Get Up Close and Personal with the Spolarium

Late post again.  But since I have some pics in my drive, I figured to share this with you so hopefully you can visit this place if and when you are here in Manila, and if you are in Manila and still haven't been here, I strongly recommend this place.

Here are the reasons why:

1, You witness the Spolarium first hand and be in awe as to how big it is.  I covers almost the entire side of the room and mind you, the room is really big.  So you can only imagine how big it is.  

2. The place itself is well maintained and grandiose.  The limestone flooring and intricately designed metal railings were gorgeous that I had to take a feetsie. (My own term for feet selfie. Hello! LOL)

 3. The structure outside was phenomenal, I couldn't help but be proud of it.  Philippines represent!

4.  Aside from the Original Juan Luna Spolarium, another original favorite work of his is also here: The Parisian Life.

5.  The chandeliers in this place are fantastic and beautiful, giving this place a more sophisticated vibe.

6.  The glass paintings were also magnificent.

These were just few of my fave.  Try to find out what yours are when you get there.  And oh, let me now!

Publisher: Shy - Saturday, January 24, 2015

Magic and Romance in Wisdom Path, Lantau Hongkong?

It was Dec. 6, 2014.  The day that I turned 29.  It was morning.  I was cold and tired after a long walk around the Giant Buddha, and even after that, I was still determined to power through to see the Wisdom Path.  My journey to the Wisdom path wasn't so enlightening.  It was just a very narrow path that's just formed by people waking on it for years. I'd say people lining up and walking along it, because that's how narrow it is, or at least that's how I perceived it too be.  My fear screwed up my reality that what I was seeing as a long, narrow brick road seemed to me like a scene in the Blair Witch project.

I'd second guessed myself a number of times if I was indeed walking on the right path.  I even went back as far as where the sign was and, even when there was a sign pointing on there implying that the path that I had been trudging is indeed the way,  I still asked some locals where the path is and with a reassuring nod I then head on once more.  It didn't took me long to have my doubts creep in again.  In my head I was thinking, what if there's some kind of puma hiding in the bushes, waiting for the perfect timing to pounce on me. What if there's some rapist around the corner seamlessly looking for a lone female travel a.k.a. me.  That freaked me out and turned away again.   

I'm not a psycho, but any woman with a sane mind would feel vulnerable walking down the path.  It was long and narrow and it's smack in the middle of a forest.  It would have been fine if I was with a crowd of people, but in this case, I was on it alone, and being a tourist spot I was expecting people if not going with me at least heading at the opposite direction, but while I was at it for what seemed like minutes, I didn't see anyone, which scared me.  So it could be a perfect place for a malicious person to drag me into the bushes without being seen by anyone.  And to remind you, I'm on this trip alone, so if I'll be missing, no one will notice.  So it was imperative to take extra, extra, caution.  So I had to dismissed it.

Listen, this Wisdom Path isn't worth my life!!! 

Good thing I saw an american family on their way to my supposed destination.  I asked the guy carrying a baby if I was in the right way to the Wisdom Path.  He confirmed what I already supposed to know, yet refused to accept.  Shamelessly I asked if I could go with them because I was too scared walking alone.

When we finally reached the site, he told me "See we're right all along.", in my mind he'd probably think I'm a weirdo.  And so you know how many times my mind had screwed up with me through my trip.  I said "Thank you." and walked my way up to the Wisdom Path, leaving them behind as they were sitting under a tree, resting.  

Images Source: ilovehongkong

There I saw another American travel talking to an asian traveler,  as the asian traveler left, we were the only ones there as I reached the middle part of the whole installation.  It wasn't long before we started a conversation.

His name was Frank, age 54.  Like how any conversation starts, we said our his and hellos, and then he pointed out that the writings etched on the wooden beams, explaining to me that those were Buddhist Sutras or prayers.  And like with any traveler meeting a new traveler, the "where are you from?" question was asked.  When I said Philippines, he then beamed and said

"Oh I've been to the Philippines before, I've volunteered at the peace corps...." hearing this I felt mesmerized and honored that he has been to my country, and felt deaf as I was thinking all these, and next thing I heard was...

"You know it's weird because the reason why I'm here is because of the Philippines."

We then looked at each other and had a second to contemplate EVERYTHING.

Ok we're smacked at the center of  Wisdom Path with us being there alone. Alone, while we were surrounded with so much mist and mystery.  And here this man, is talking about how the Philippines is the reason why he is in HK, and I am a Filipina.  

"What does this supposed to mean?"

This seemed like the perfect set up for a romantic love story, then violins and orchestra started pouring in.  

But wait what is this. No. Is this the universe playing tricks on us?  What's with this coincidence and with the ambiance.  Ok sir, but no.  And universe, stop it, this isn't funny.  And he probably thinks the same thing too.  And for a brief moment right there, we were back to traveler meeting traveler mode.  And bid our goodbyes soon after.

Funny how things sometimes seem right even momentarily and and then seemed entirely wrong at the blink of an eye.  Sometimes things aren't meant to be thought of deeply.  Sometimes things are just what they really are and nothing more.

I went on back again to the path I was freaking about not too long ago.  This time with the smirk on my face..."What the hell was that?"  Oh well. Moving on.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Hidden Massage in Baguio

"Walang socket ano?" speaking to an Asian woman sitting by herself in the  lobby area.

 "Ugh socket? there's one right there." pointing at a socket just under the table.  And immediately I thought, ah ok, but got bothered a bit by her response.  Inglisera si ate lol.

After our few chances of chit chatting did I only discover that she really couldn't speak nor understand Tagalog.  She's Chinese by race but grew up in Holland.  

Her name is So.  

It was only over breakfast when she spotted me sitting alone (as usual) in the Inn's kitchen did we had a chance for a longer than usual conversation.  

She was around the area trying to place an order of her own.  Shortly after my breakfast came in, she offered to join me.  Thank God I've got company!  So of course I said, sure!  

From our talk, I discovered that she had done research on sexual workers in China and told me that prostitution there is a taboo and had to hide it in establishments such as"videoke bar", "massage parlor" to name a few.   I was shock to hear this because for all I know, there are red light districts in China.  I mean, why would they hide such things?

So on my last day, as I was in a taxi on my way to the bus terminal I saw an ad that draw my attention:"Hidden Massage".  What an irony that is.  Surely it screams seedy.  I'm quite sure what kind of service it offers.  With a signage like that?  I couldn't be wrong.

Have you seen any dodgy massage parlors in your area too?  Please share in the comment box below. :)


Here are more stories about my experience in Baguio:
Where I Stayed in Baguio: Less than P500 for a Solo Female Traveler
Going Around Baguio for a Solo Female Traveler
Going Around Baguio in Half a Day
Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad Benguet: Strawberry is my New Kind of Drug

Publisher: Shy - Monday, January 12, 2015

Going Around Baguio in Half a Day

Since I can only check in at 2pm, I have all morning to go around Baguio.  So from Baguio Village Inn, I took a Trancoville jeepney and dropped at the corner of Session Road.  There isn't any jeepneys going in there.  My guess is to ease traffic congestion since there were already a lot of cars going to and fro the touristy road.  My plan was to wait until 9am whe the Department of Tourism opens so I can get a free copy of a Baguio tourist map.  When I got there it was just only 7am so I managed to go down session road to hang around Burnham Park.   I was really cold, which makes me remind of the coldness in HK when I was exactly the same time last last year.

Burnham Park

There were a number of people doing exercise.  I was just going around taking pictures and really not planning to stay longer.  Here I saw strawberry taho which was being sold in many parts of the park.  I thought I'd try to get it some other time since I already had my breakfast in the inn.

Then just at the corner, I saw bicycles and tricycles in every color and sizes.  Not sure of my biking skills, I tried out a pink one and went off gradually picking up my pace.  For just 40 pesos an hour, it was a perfect exercise.

Baguio Museum

When 9am was drawing in, I paid for the rent and walked my way to the Department of Tourism.  All in all I think it was a 15min walk from Burnham Park.  There I got my map, and got another one for the Inn since the ran out of it.  Just beside the building is the Baguio Museum, since it was just nearby, I thought of visiting it.  I think I paid P40 for the entrance.  It is a 4 storey building.  Nothing really much can be seen in here.  Most of the artifacts are on the 2nd floor which is the receiving area, the level that you reach once you climbed up the stairs.  Outside there will be a notice that you're not allowed to take pics in 2nd and 4th floor.  Not knowing that I was on the 2nd, I took a few pics.  I wasn't really reprimanded, maybe they had a lot of tourists doing the same thing I did.

From there, I planned to go to Mines Park and the spots near it such as The Mansion, The Botanical Garden, Horse Farm, and Good Shepherd Convent.   I was told by the staff in the museum that I should head back to Session road because there's a street close to it where you can ride jeepney going to Mines Park.

Mines Park

Here people can enjoy having their pics taken with 2 big Saint Bernards, colorful horses, colorful flowers, them with traditional tribal costumes, and a scenery overlooking Baguio.

Good Sheperd Convent

Just 5 mins. away you can walk your way to The Good Shepherd Convent where tourists can buy souvenirs.  The convent sells different kinds of goods like cookies, jam and stuff all made by students whose education are financially supported by the convent.

Horse Farm

The next destination is a bit far so I had to take Baguio jeepney going to the Horse Farm.  You'll know that you are near the place when you can smell the funky smell of the horse' urine and waste.  The place isn't big.  You can just see horses lining and a bunch of men hollering at you to try horseback riding.  Since I've already experienced that, I didn't bother staying long and just went ahead climbing the stairs to reach The Mansion.

The Mansion

The climb up was really exhausting but I had to push myself to reach the Mansion.  There waiting were a number of souvenir sellers who are selling toys, big oranges, leather belts to name a few. It was said that the mansion is where the President reside when having a vacation in Baguio.

For lunch I went to Volante which was just across the street from the Horse Farm.  They serve Italian food, and I happened to get myself a 6 inch pizza.  So small for my liking but for P80 I think it was quite fair.

The Botanical Garden

It's just 2 minutes down the road. I didn't know this so I rode a jeepney.  Few seconds after, I went down to get into the Botanical Garden.  It is a work-in-progress park so it wan't as refined yet, but the concept that they have is quite impressive.  I didn't bother taking pictures since by this time I was already feeling tired, and I hadn't had much sleep while in the midnight bus from Cubao.  From here I went back to the Inn just in time for my room to be available for check in and got myself a well deserved rest.

All these places can be traveled for half a day.  If you wouldn't be staying so much time (meaning 1 hour per place) in a place, it is doable.  I just went around just enough for me to check the place and to take some pictures.  If you want to include Strawberry farm here, you can.  You just have to go there (preferably via taxi) right before going to places I've mentioned because it's always better going there first thing in the morning, that is if you plan to pick strawberries for yourself, but if not, then anytime is fine.

I understand that anyone with a sane mind would't like to travel for only half a day in Baguio.  I just indicated here that you can, to give people an idea that it's possible so you can spend some time chilling.  In my case, I did that because I never thought I could mark out all the go-to destinations in such a short time.  Like I had planned to go to certain places for a day, and I was just shocked that I had already marked all of it for just half a day of going around.

I stayed there for 3 days but went around for just 15% of the duration, mostly on the first day when I traveled half a day.  The following day, I went to Strawberry Farm.  I didn't bother going to the Buddhist temple.  It's just my preference since my main goal for going to Baguio really is to eat as many strawberries as I can.  Eat it with chocolate, and work on the long overdue ebook.  Eating was easy, but writing was hard.  I never anticipated that I couldn't work with a really cool weather.

The Main Star of the Show: Strawberries

This is what I've learned though.  You don't really have to see everything in Baguio.  You don't have to kick yourself for missing a landmark because at the end of the day what's more important is for you to enjoy the place, not race around in it just so you can "experience" it.  Chill, there's more to Baguio than these places.  There are a lot of great people that you can talk to and meet along the road.  Don't forget to start a conversation with them because mind you, these moments are far greater than just visiting some old landmark, the people for me is the landmark.

I think I've kinda grown as a traveler and I think I kinda want to keep it that way.

Publisher: Shy - Thursday, January 08, 2015