"Baguio City" Baguio City by iclee

We booked 3D 2N in Pines View Hotel along Legarda Road. The rates were PHP3600+ @ night for a Twin Double beds that includes breakfast. Breakfast consisted of a set of Tocino (cured pork) with eggs and a choice of juice or coffee or a set of bacon, egg and a few slices of bread. Number to call is 074-4469287. Their website remains down.

A caveat though, do not expect 5star service since it takes a bit of patience to exact service from this hotel. Housekeeping is superb but other perks like in-house massage, restaurant service, porters are truly slow and lack luster. Hot shower and toiletries were ample. Look for waiters JR or Dante to get satisfactory service since others act like zombies waiting for daylight.

Delicioso

Burnham Park grill section. Grilled squid costs average of PHP120. Look at the size as compared to an average BBQ stick.

Relaxing among trees

Tables with benches can be rented for PHP100. You can bring in food and drinks as long as you clean up afterwards by segregating your garbage. The place is packed during weekends so come early. A paintball area lies nearby. The place is serene and serves as a peaceful break from the city's hussle. The scent of pine trees fill the air while crows circle scavaging food droppings.

For those unable and unwilling to bring food, you can buy from Figaro coffee shop, Shakey's pizza, Hotshots burgers and ice cream in a street away from the benches.

A butterfly farm rests to the east of the burger shops costing PHP40 per entry. Bring your videocams with you.

• Pros:Cheap transpo and no-fuss unlike Manila cabs, Tasty food and very affordable, hotels abound.
• Cons:Beware of peddlers with exorbitant prices and dishonest scales.
• In a nutshell:Baguio still a whiff of fresh air