As expected, SM was overflowing with people. I got almost worried that I would be stuck in Baguio for days since I passed by some bus terminals and there was just too much people. Anyway, I didn’t trouble myself much with the thought and just decided to enjoy myself. The city looked so beautiful from up there! It was just unfortunate that I didn’t have any batt for my camera already.
As I made my way back, I noticed that a lot were already setting up their booths at the session road for the opening of the exhibit the next day. I just made note of the pasalubongs that I would be buying but decided to buy them the next day already. I had fun the whole day, but was too tired from all the walking already.
There was this enclosed area which has an exhibit inside. One part is full of stall selling different kinds of things, from food, souvenirs, handicrafts, etc. And then the skating rink was transformed into an exhibit hall for plants and flowers. I’m sure my mom would have loved being there since there were a lot of orchids! I would’ve bought her some but it would be quite a challenge to bring them home.
It was more than a 3-hour worth of walking and exploring. Too bad my camera had empty battery already (note to self: always bring a charger). I went back to my room to get a short nap and rest my tired legs. After a few hours, I was back on my feet to do some more walking and exploring. I wanted to go to SM Baguio, not to do some shopping, but to get a nice view of the city at night. I took a long cut to avoid the crowd and to enjoy the coolness of the pine city.
After the parade, the crowd dispersed and the streets was full of people. Even if it was drizzling, it didn’t keep them from exploring the city. I decided to have a walk myself and didn’t mind the slightly muddy streets. I had lunch at one of those ihaw-ihaw stalls near Burnham Park. It would have been fun to have someone around to share the food since they had big servings. Even if I ended up smelling like inihaw, it was still worth eating there.
After the sumptuous lunch, I knew I had to walk off the extra calories. I walked to the Burnham Park and practically was just shooting at anything that caught my fancy. There were really a lot of peoples and I’m sure vendors were really happy with that. Some people were boating, and some families were having a picnic. I was quite surprised that there were a lot of tents pitched despite the muddy park. As expected, there were also a lot of photographers around.
tents all set up
boat traffic
family picnic
It may have been drizzling at that time but it didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came to celebrate the Panagbenga. Although it irked some who got stuck amidst the watching crowd. The sidewalk was almost impassable and there were some pushing since the people weren’t moving and some really just needed to pass by.
I had a good vantage point by the doorstep of the 7-evelen store. It was just unfortunate that my favorite camera wasn’t in its mood to work properly so I just used my other camera. It was just too bad that it was drizzling the whole time so I would often get shots with umbrellas blocking part of my view. Anyway, I really enjoyed watching the floral floats! I even saw some celebrities.
almost a stampede
drizzling Panagbenga Festival
Here are more pictures from my recent baguio trip.
I really enjoy traveling alone since I can just do anything without minding another person. I wouldn’t want to travel with someone who complains about the walking, or the jampacked streets, or the drizzling rain. I can do my walking tour at my own pace, stop at whatever catches my attention, buy whatever I want, and eat wherever I want.
above the clouds
packed session road
happy vendors
ihaw-ihaw
Baguio Country Club goodies
pasalubong
Before going to Baguio for the Panagbenga, I decided to pass by Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan first. Read about my Manaoag side trip HERE.
I boarded the van going to Baguio from Manaoag at around 6:00 am. The ride costs Php70.00. There was no aircon but one wouldn’t mind since the open windows enable you to breathe some fresh air. One would know when they’re near Baguio already since you would really feel the difference in the coolness of the air. Well, it was just too bad since by the time when we got to the town proper it was already drizzling.
We arrived at around 8:00 am. There were a lot of people already waiting for the parade which was to start any moment then. I first wanted to find the 7-eleven where I can leave my things (I was lucky enough to be given privilege to use one of the rooms for employees even if I have already resigned almost a year ago.) Anyway, it was quite a challenge finding the store since there was just too many people. Luckily, I was able to make my way to the store which was right smack by the Session Road where the parade would be passing by.
Here are some of the photos I took during the floral float parade during the Panagbenga in Baguio last weekend. I really had fun viewing the parade since the floats were really nice! You can just imagine just how much flowers were used in those floats!
It was actually drizzling at that time and there were so many people, thus it was really hard taking nicer pictures without any obstruction of umbrella or other hands taking pictures as well. These ones are taken using my Olympus 770SW. Too bad my C760 is not working probably. I miss using it already.
