Filipino Sojourner: February 2018

One of the perks of traveling with the Boss is that I got the chance to sleep in a decent hotel. It is natural that bosses do not want to sleep in any cheap hotel like the one I considered as the worst Cebu hotel that I slept in years ago.

I am lucky during my latest travel to Cebu City because the Boss chose to stay in Bayfront Hotel Cebu.

A step into the hotel lobby and I can confidently say Bayfront Hotel Cebu is the best hotel that I ever entered in the Province of Cebu.

I was given Bayfront Hotel Cebu’s Superior Room that has two beds because I will be staying with another co-worker.

Our room had a flat screen TV, hot and cold shower, and other common amenities that can be found in similar hotels. WiFi connection is also available but the signal in our room is poor so I was not able to use it that much.

I like the subdued colors and earth tone of our room. It gives our place a down-to-earth and relaxing atmosphere.

Good thing that Bayfront Hotel Cebu provided an electric kettle, which we used for making coffee before we go to the workshop/seminar held in the hotel’s function room.

The doughnuts in the ceiling always catch my attention whenever I waited for the elevator.

One of the advantages of sleeping in Bayfront Hotel Cebu is it is conveniently located near SM City Cebu. I only spent a short time walking to SM to buy groceries and other things that I need. The hotel is also conveniently located near jeepney terminals going to popular spots in Cebu City like the Magellan’s Cross and the Minor Basilica of the Sto. Niño.

SM City Cebu as viewed from our room in Bayfront Hotel Cebu

All in all, I had a good stay in Bayfront Hotel Cebu. The hotel staff are courteous and attentive to our needs, especially during our workshop/seminar. They even helped us find a van-for-hire that will take us to the Temple of Leah.

I do hope that I will another chance to stay in this hotel in my future travel to Cebu.

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Read more of my latest adventure in the island of Cebu!

Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 19): Temple of Leah - The House of Vanity
Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 17): A Great View of Cebu City from Tops Busay
Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 16): A Taste of Mandarin in Cebu City
Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 15): Taboan the Pasalubong Center of Cebu City
Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 14): My Accidental Visit to Mt. Carmel Church

Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 3): Feasting on Consolacion’s Fresh Talaba
Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 2): Finding Consolation in Consolacion Church

Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 1): My Boat Ride Under the Bridges of Mactan Channel

A Foretaste of Cebu in Mactan Cebu International Airport

The month of February is already here and I bet that many of you are thinking of going up to Baguio City to experience the Panagbenga Flower Festival. The Panagbenga, which is a Kankanaey word that means “a season of blooming, a time for flowering”, is the one of a kind festival that features the beautiful flowers from the Cordilleras.

My family and I went up to Baguio last week for a two-day vacation with the kids. We were a week too early for the opening of the Panagbenga Festival 2018. However, we still enjoyed these 5 Top Baguio getaway spots, which I think that you will enjoy too when you go to Baguio City for the Panagbenga:

1. Burnham Park

Named after the Baguio city planner, Daniel Burnham, the Burnham Park is at the center of the city. This is the place that we visited first during our vacation in Baguio. Recommended activity is riding the bicycle or quadcycle and a boat ride on the park’s man-made lake. You can also bring your kids to the playground where they will surely enjoy the many swings and slides. My kids really liked this park and they didn’t want to leave the playground.

2. Baguio Botanical Garden

Baguio Getaway Spot: Baguio Botanical Garden

This is the best place to enjoy the pine trees and flowers that Baguio City has to offer. This is the best place to rent Igorot costumes because you can wear it anywhere in the park. The highlight of the Baguio Botanical Garden are the life-size elephants that are very Instagrammable.

3. Strawberry Farm

This Baguio getaway spot is actually located in the town of La Trinidad, which is just a jeepney ride away from Baguio City. My kids enjoyed picking strawberries in their Strawberry Farm. This also a good place to buy veggies, strawberry wines, and other pasalubong from Baguio. You should go to this farm because might find the "kambal na strawberries" that will point you to the ONE.

4. Wright Park and the Mansion

I listed Wright Park and the Mansion together since they are very located near to each other. Wright Park is a nice place to take breather after a long day of touring Baguio City. The Mansion, which is the official residence of the president in Baguio City, is a good place for selfie and groufie.

5. Mines View Park

I listed Mine’s View last because I think that this Baguio getaway spot is overrated. This place has a good view of the mountains of Benguet. However, this Baguio getaway spot can become really crowded and you will have a hard time getting a good selfie at the Lookout Point. This Baguio getaway spot is nice place to buy some beautiful flowering plants.

Bonus Baguio Getaway Spot: Baguio Cathedral

The Baguio Cathedral is one of the beautiful churches in the Philippines. We stopped by this church to rest and then say a short prayer. It is must see spot for all Catholics and, of course, interested tourists. Aside from its religious significance, the cathedral is also a good place for a bird's eye view of the city because the the church is located on the top of a hill.

There you have it! My top 5 plus a bonus Baguio Getaway Spots that you can visit during the Panagbenga Flower Festival.

Pages

Laag-Laag sa Cebu (Part 18): A Better Stay in Bayfront Hotel in Cebu

5 Baguio Getaway Spots during the Panagbenga Festival