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We went to Baguio last June 2016 and went back last August for my birthday and loved every minute we spent there. I gotta admit, Baguio never seems to get boring.

Just look at https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotels-g298445-Baguio_Benguet_Province_Cordillera_Region_Luzon-Hotels.html if you’re not on a tight budget or if you prefer to stay in hotels.

BUT, if you’re like us who wants to make every cent count, there are many inns and transient house around town as cheap as 500php/person a night.

Last June, we stayed at my aunt’s Inn in Sunnyside Suites located at Sunnyside Fairview, Quezon Hill, Baguio City. Its a quiet and private inn 15 minutes away from the town proper. Its a 5 minute or less walk to the jeepney “terminal” going to town so you dont have to worry about that plus, taxis in Baguio are as frequent as jeepneys in Manila around the area. It costed as 1000php for a night (500/person/night) and includes the following:

* Private CR with Hot Shower

* Dining table for 2

* Kitchenette with sink and basic plates and glasses

* Double Bed

* Cabinet

* Mini Refrigerator

The kitchenette and ref is a big plus for us. Though it lacks a stove, if you’re a camper like us, you can bring your stove and cookset and cook your own food if you’re on a tight budget or if you’re planning to stay long.

Unfortunately, (as we never thought we will be creating our own blog) we did not take pictures of the room but if you’re going to take my word for it, I can assure you that the place is secured and clean.

When we went back last August though, due to short notice, we were not able to stay at the same place so Jessa suggested we stay at a transient house near town since we will only be staying for a night and we want to explore the town proper this time around so we called up Sta. Catalina Spirituality Center. Okay. I know what you’re thinking but trust me, it’s not what it seems. Actually this place is being offered as a place for retreat but on regular days, they offer their rooms for transient for 500/person/24hours.

The room was very basic. It has a double-deck, a cabinet and a private bathroom with hot water. Though the room is very basic, the church, which is situated across the place of stay and is connected by a private bridge, offers serenity with a garden and an overlooking view. It is a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute ride to SM Baguio and Session Road. What I loved about this place is that the people managing it are very easy to deal with. Given the short notice, they still accommodated us with no hassle and even though we over stayed for at least 2 hours, they did not charge us extra. The place is also secured and is very serene. Perfect for a cheap and short getaway from reality.

If you want to try other cheap accommodations, I can suggest the following:

* Baguio Village Inn – Best for Solo Travellers

* Upstairs Bed and Bath – Best for Groups since they offer a dorm-type room

For those of you who has a big appetite and loves ice cream milkshakes, I would definitely urge you guys to try 50’s Diner. It has a vintage vibe and they serve food that is worth every cent.

If you’re more of a person who loves the artistic vibe and an overlooking view like Jess, try Arca’s Garden. We recommend their lechon kawali and lemon chicken. Worth every cent. I swear. and the place? Wew. It has an overview of the town, perfect chill yet local art vibe. You wont regret finding this place.

Pasta and Pizza lover? Try Vizco’s. We actually just stumbled upon this place out of hunger and impatience of deciding where to eat and we never regretted it since. I urge you to try their cheesecakes and Beef Stroganoff. For their pizza, I don’t think you can ever go wrong with Protein Supreme and Bacon Cheeseburger. This is located along Session Road so its easy to find.

Craving for beer? Try the local draft in Craft. The place is usually packed at night and it’s not exactly budget friendly but hey, its beer. It’s okay to spend on beer. Though if you’re looking for a cheaper place to have drinks, Session Road offers a variety of places that offers the usual 250/bucket of beers and cheaper menu for pulutan.

Cant take the chill? Steam your day up with a hot chocolate drink in Chocolate Batirol situated at the foot of Camp John Hay. They have special blends that spices up their original chocolate drink.

For pictures and more details regarding these places, please visit the gallery.

Okay. I know for some of you, Burnham Park is already boring and  cliché when going to Baguio. Believe me, I thought of that myself. But for couples who are just starting to know each other, or friends who just want to bond and catch up or families who have kids that wants to experience the boat ride, this is a great and cheap place to hang out.

We rented a boat that costs 150/hour. I think the price may vary depending on the capacity of each boat. At first, we were going in circles because we did not hire a boatman (that will cost us an additional of 100) and did not know how to properly paddle. After 15 mins of trying to figure it out and laughing at ourselves, I finally got the hang of it and it is actually fun and easy. I recommend for you guys NOT to hire boatmen as paddling is something that you can learn in 10 mins and it will give you a more private/intimate moment with your friends or loved ones.

There are also some bike rental shops nearby that, if I remember correctly, costs 50php/bike.

Jessa enjoyed this part but for me, the road that is enclosed for biking is too crowded and not big enough to actually enjoy the experience and there is a tendency for accidents because there are kids below 10 years old that roam around too so be wary of them.

Snacks such as corn, strawberry taho (which I enjoyed a lot as always), and some other tusok-tusok is available around the area so merienda is not a problem.

This place has an overlooking view so hurray for those of you who loves such but bear in mind that Baguio tends to be foggy so just pray for a clearing when you go here.

There are a lot of stores that sells affordable pasalubongs so I suggest you buy it here since they offer cheap deals like 5 snacks for 100php. Not bad right?  They have good shepherd products here too but I’m not sure if they have deals for those.

There are horses and St. Bernards here for some photo opportunity that might cost you around 50-150php.

Note: Be ready as you will be climbing a long plight of stairs.

Want to ride a horse? This is the place to be. Though we didn’t rent a horse, I think the price ranges from 200 – 400.

There are some Igorot costume rental around the area that will cost you 20.00php for unlimited photo opportunity. Which, of course, we took advantage of. (see gallery)

The best photo opportunity for me though is at the “Pool of Pines”. The pool has already been featured in a lot of postcards so get your camera ready.

The mansion is just fronting Wright Park. There are many native crafts being sold here but as far as I know, this is just a good photo-op place.

We just walked around the area taking in the view and ambiance. There are a lot of shops with “factory” price in the middle of the camp. If you go a little higher, there is actually a spot which offers some activities like paintball and more but unfortunately, when we went there, the Butterfly Garden has been closed (I don’t know if indefinitely or for good though).

All in all, it’s still an awesome experience to visit Baguio. When we go back, we will update this post for a better and more recent info regarding the Baguio experience.

We went to Cebu on September 2016 for a week and it was the best travel experience we had for 2016.

We explored the city and went to Bantayan Island which is famous for its “Camp Sawi” fad that was from a movie that was very much raved about that time.

I was kind of hesitant to go at first though because it would mean that I will be on leave at work for a whole week and that would include my weekend class in Arellano Law. But it seems that it was meant to be and I would like to thank Jessa for this wonderful experience. If not for her super kulit features and super pabebe tactics, I wouldnt have pushed through in the greatest adventure of our year.

Going to Cebu

We went there via Cebu Pacific. Jessa booked a roundtrip promo flight that only costed 1900.00PhP for the both of us. Cheap right? Its actually one of her specialties. Book the cheapest flight possible. So if you are planning to go there and you dont have much of a budget, then better start looking for promo fares now.

TRANSPORTATION

From the airport, there is a point to point bus that would get you to SM Cebu City for (if I remember correctly) 20php BUT expect that a lot of people or backpackers are opting for this so expect long lines and a standing ride on the bus. If you are not on a tight budget though or has a lot of baggage in tow, go get a taxi. There are plenty of taxis here and Cebu is actually a taxi friendly City. Grab car is also very useful as you wont need to explain to taxi drivers where you should go. It was actually our main mode of transportation across the cities.

We grabbed a cab to SM Cebu and it only costed us 180php. It took us almost an hour to get there.

SM CEBU

Its actually your typical SM. We didnt venture far in here. We just grabbed our necessities such as Butane and some ingredients and went on our way. BUT there is an”I LOVE SM CEBU” outside and its best for a photo opportunity.

Where to Stay

We stayed in a motel in Mandaue City. Dont judge us though, we just figured that it would be the cheapest and most strategic place to stay since we will only be needing 5 hours of rest before we can catch a bus ride to Hagnaya Port to Bantayan Island.

Why Mandaue City? because its the closest we can be to get to the North Bus Terminal at 5AM in the morning.

If you are not tight on a budget, there are several hotels nearby too so go for it.

There are also a lot of transient house in Cebu City and Mandaue City that ranges from 800php – 1800php.

We stayed in one when we got back from Bantayan and it only costed us 900/night.

It was in J L Suites and it was like a condotel type located in R.R Landon Street which is close to some gimikan and public transportation via multicabs is possible so its very strategic and budget friendly. Its quite small but its good enough for two persons who are actually spending more time outside than staying in. Its simple yet clean and has AC, TV and Cable, WIfi, Hot and Cold shower and room service.

If you are really a travel person and wants to get his cents’ worth, consider these kinds of places because you spend more of your time outside. One only needs a place to sleep comfortably and safely with all their valuables intact.

Where to Go

Lets start first in Cebu City, We toured it after Bantayan so that we can have plenty of rest and chill time before our flight back on a Saturday.

Plaza Independencia and Fort San Pedro

How to get there? From Sto Nino … go ask a guard. HAHAHAHA

What I remember is we went straight ahead from Magellan’s Cross to a Pasalubong Center then we got lost and ended up here. Well in our defense, part of exploring is getting lost so yeah.. judge all you want. HAHA

Plaza Independencia is fronting Fort San Pedro. Its a big park and has a good scenic vibe for photos.

In Fort San Pedro, there is a 50php fee for entrance. Its good to come here if you are for Filipino History. Actually, I urge you to come in and be enriched in our history.

Sto Nino, Cebu Cathedral and Magellan’s Cross

These places are situated near Colon. I dont know the street name because again, WE USED GRAB TO OUR ADVANTAGE.

These places are packed with locals selling candles and tourist taking in the beauty of the place.

I urge you guys to buy the candles and offer a prayer. BUT please be mindful of your belongings. No harm in staying sharp. Especially when the locals are forcing you to buy their products.

You cant miss these 3 landmarks as they are situated almost next to each other.

Island Souvenir/Local Souvenir Shops

Island Souvenirs are all over Cebu. I remember one near the Cathedral and Santo Nino Church. Of course, there is also a stall in the airport.

Okay. Here is a pro tip. Island Souvenir offers good products but for a higher price. On a budget? read the following instructions.

Cross the street from the entrance of Island Souvenirs at the side. walk towards the next street and before you cross the street again, turn left. then TADAAAAH. They have good bundle offers such as 1 tshirt/sando 1 free keychain. BOOM! Pasalubong Problems, SOLVED!

If you get lost, ask for directions from the locals that roam outside the shop selling keychains. They might actually bring you there themselves.

Note: I cant remember the exact directions anymore. it might be 2 buildings over instead of one. pero you cant miss it from island souvenirs. tawid lang kayo sa side. or tanong nyo sa mga naglalako ng keychains kung san yung murang bilihan ng pasalubong.

A lot of people expressed  their dismay when they found the place because they already bought souvenirs in Island Souvenirs not knowing there is a cheaper option.

Taoist Temple

From Magellan’s Cross, we hailed a cab to bring us here. Its almost an hour ride but maybe thats because of heavy traffic. Our ride costed us 180-200php.

This place is very serene and beautiful. Cameras are not allowed inside the temples where you can offer incense as a sign of respect or pray if you’re a Taoist I guess. There is also free tea near the first temple. Jessa tried it and well.. she is not a tea person so maybe for her its too strong but hey, its part of the experience. You can also buy souvenirs as well as charms in the same area.

Caution: This place is full of plight of stairs. but the view and ambiance are worth it.

Caution2: Cabs are very rare. My tip? Walk down the road. Its not that far. Once you reached the guard house, transportation wont be a problem anymore.

Tops Lookout

THIS IS THE BEST CHILL PLACE IN CEBU FOR ME.

We hailed a habal habal when we got down from Taoist Temple. We negotiated that he bring us to Temple of Leah and Tops for only 250PHP. I dont think he knew what he was in for because Jessa and I were also surprised that it was such a far away place from where we hailed him. In a nutshell, we felt like LUGI SI KUYA. HAHA

We did not stay long at the Temple of Leah. There is an entrance fee of 100php or less than (I think) but we did not go in as we thought it would be a typical museum and that its under construction so the serenity will be violated by the noises. Though I think we made a mistake not going in. Oh well, we’ll just visit it when we go back. So off we went to TOPS.

I highly urge you guys to do the same. Ride a habal habal, its cheaper, faster and MORE EXCITING because the scenery of the route going up is like in Baguio but more of Nature than residential. Trust me. Its the best option to go to TOPS.

Another option is to go to a place where you can ride a van for 90php going to TOPS. now I only know one drop point but I cant remember the fixed travel time. all I remember is that there is a 40 minute interval for the rides. The point to point bus is from J.Y Square in Lahug (in front of Dessert Factory) to Tops and vice versa.

TOPS has an entrance fee of 100php. A lot of people are dismayed because they think TOPS is just an overlooking place but for me, its much more than that. Activities includes:

* CAMPING

– you can camp here and avail of their grill and ingredients for smores for a fee of course. I think is 500php?

– Place is 2000masl so expect that its chilly at night.

– tables are free of use.

*Chill

– DRINK BEER!!

-PLAY SUNGKA or other board games available.

– Cafe fan? They also serve muffins and hot drinks while taking in the view

Food prices are reasonable.

* ENJOY THE VIEW

-C’mon guys. Dont get dismayed when you get here because what did you expect to find? Tops Lookout — from the name of the place itself, of course enjoying the view is and should be the main purpose right? pucha magulat kayo kung may beach club dito diba?

BANTAYAN ISLAND

see Bantayan Island Adventure

Where to Eat

Joed’s Lutong Hapon

Joed’s lutong hapon is in Mandaue City. its open until late at  night and it is one of what I consider hole in the walls in Cebu. I shit you not, they cook with authetincity. I loved it here but I also found their dish a bit sweet than usual but it did not ruin the flavors. The ambiance is also nice, They dont have AC so I think it will be a bit humid here in the afternoon but because we went there at around 10pm, it was nice and cozy.

Jessa lover her the Joed’s Special Crunchy Roll  and Okonomiyaki and I loved the Sukiyakidon that I ordered extra rice for HAHA.

Food here is also budget friendly ranging from 120php to below 500php. We actually stayed in Mandaue just  so that I can look for this local hidden jewel.

Note: Before we ate here, Jessa was not a fan of Japanese cuisine but now she misses this place badly. So take our word for it. Find this place and try their food.

For further reference: https://www.zomato.com/cebu/joeds-lutong-hapon-mabolo

Zubuchon

Zubuchon is famous for their Cebu Lechon. Duh.

You can opt to dine here or take home their frozen lechon to share with your loved ones.

They also have their spicy sisig cuapao. Its like a siopao type sandwich which costs about 99php with a side of chips.

TIP: There is a Zubuchon branch inside the airport but it costs more than in the actual branches you can find around the city.

AA’s BBQ

We did not eat here. HAHA

but I browsed around their menu and for me it looks like a turo-turo/Paluto setting with big portions of meat and anything that can be grilled actually.

It seems like its a local favorite. I’ll give it a try when we get back.

Note: It has a lot of branches in Cebu. Wont be hard to look for.

Casa Verde

Okay. so where do I start. Maybe by saying this is one of the best eats ive ever experienced?

So yeah. There is a Casa Verde here in Metro Manila BUT the branch in Cebu is the original branch.

They’re serving portions are BIG and we only spent less than 1K so yeah, its so awesome.

try their ribs and steaks.

CAUTION: DO NOT ORDER THEIR BIG ASS MILK SHAKE IF YOU ARE 3 pax below. ITS SO BIG. AS IN MASSIVE. but its so delicious. we ended up taking it out and giving it to kids asking for spare changes on the side of the road.

Dessert Factory

This dessert haven has a few branch around Cebu and only in Cebu. Such a shame because MY GAWD! It aint costly and everything is soooo delicious.

Of course Jessa ,who loves sweets, went gaga when she saw the place.

TIP: TRY EVERYTHING. Cakes here are less than a hundred pesos so go FTW!! and yes INCLUDING CHEESECAKES!

All in all, we spent a total of 16,000php for a 5 day trip in Cebu so lets say thats 8,000php per person including our stay in Bantayan. We over spent by 2,000php because pigging out is inevitable.

Sample budget and itinerary

BANTAYAN CEBU ITINERARY        BUDGET

NOTE: this is just a sample itinerary that might help you do your own. at least you have a clue as to the time and travel expenses.

special thanks to the one who shared her itinerary with us that helped us do our own. Hi Angge! HAHAHA