50's Diner (Baguio)

50's Diner-- another resto in Baguio that you shouldn't miss.

It was (literally) a stone's throw away from PNKY.

We went there early, around 6:30PM as I've read in the reviews that the place is always full.

And it was! Even at 6:30PM. We were 5th on the waiting list when we got there.

From the name itself, the whole ambience of the resto was inspired by the 50s.

There were vintage music dics and a gallery of photos of 50s music legends.

According to our trusty guide and dear friend, a few years back, their food servers were on roller skates living up to the full 50s vibe. But I think with the increasing patronage, it would be difficult, more so dangerous, to carry the food on skates and wade their way though the hungry crowd.

That's me and my mickey mouse (the drink). Don't ask me why they name it as such. Lol.

I forgot what we ordered. Bad cheetah, I know! Hehe. Actually, I wasn't paying that much attention because I was so damn hungry that time. After our excruciating 30-minute horseback riding (more like praying for me than riding, as my horse was so playful and wanted to gallop), I can't wait to devour the food we ordered.

Cafe by the Ruins (Baguio)

We had dinner here on our first night in Baguio.

Cafe by the Ruins is one of the must-visit dining places in Baguio. It sits right across the City Hall.

Here's what we ordered:

When in Baguio, don't miss to try their fresh strawberry shake.

During our visit, there was a group of locals sitting around what seemed like a bonfire, minus the bonfire (you get it? Hehe). Actually, it was a place to set-up a bonfire, but on that night, there was none. Some of the locals were playing instruments, some were chanting. Others were dancing to the enchanting music that was produced.

I was curious on why it was named as Cafe by the Ruins. After googling, I found out that the 'ruins' they are referring to are the remains of this garden theater.

Cafe by the Ruins

Chuntug Street,

Baguio City

Philippines

info@cafebytheruins.com



Vigan (October 2008)

Where we stayed: 

Grandpa's Inn

1 Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd, Vigan

Must do:

Calesa ride to different tourists spots around Vigan

Monetary Damage:

I guess less than Php 2,000/pax.

When in Vigan, a must-try is their longganisa. We had our breakfast @ Grandpa's Inn.

Cool artwork of Calle Crisologo @ Grandpa's Inn lobby

More antique stuff at the 2nd floor of the inn.

Meet Cristala-- the horse.

St. Augustine Church

Bantay Belfry-- where the famous Panday (FPJ's version) movie was shot.
The grounds surrounding the belfry was where Diego Silang was said to have fought the Spaniards.

Syquia Mansion of President Elpidio Quirino

Vintage horse carriage at Syquia Mansion

Receiving area for the visitors (Syquia Mansion)

Grand Living Room (Syquia Mansion)

Patio where dances were being held (Syquia Mansion)

Burnay pottery

And of course, one must not definitely miss Calle Crisologo-- the major attraction of Vigan.

Long stretch of Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo at night

It felt like we were taken back to the Spanish era.

Swear, I can hear Sisa shouting and looking for Basilio and Crispin. Lol.

Must complete the whole Vigan feel with an al fresco dining.

Travel Bucket List

I am no seasoned traveler. I have been to 5 countries only and all are in the Asian region. I have not toured the the entire Philippines.

I must admit, I still get traumatized by the car accident my friends and I encountered in one road trip. If given a choice, I will not travel by car or by bus for over six hours in the evening or dawn.

Accident or no accident, I do love to travel. There is so much in the world to see. So here's my travel bucket list:

• Visit as many municipalities/towns in Cebu. (As what Rizal said, "Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan." And why not start in my own province, right?) 

• Explore other provinces as well. Eye-ing on:

Boracay

Camiguin

Bellaroca Resort (Marinduque)

Batanes

Coron Palawan

Puerto Princesa Palawan

Hundred Islands Pangasinan

Albay
(I just want to see Mt. Mayon.)

•    Of course, I also want to visit as many countries as I can (God- and wallet-willing):

Santorini, Greece

Machu Picchu, Peru

Seychelles

Great Wall of China

The list is never-ending. For now, I'll have to settle with pictures, documentaries and of course, with my dreams. Last time I check, dreaming is for FREE! Lol.

There are also things that I want to do, which can be done while traveling:

• Climb a mountain. (Be it Mt. Apo or Mt. Everest, doesn't matter. I can even settle for Mt. Manunggal.)
• Go skydiving. (Oh this I have to while my body can still take it.)
• Bungee jumping. 
• Visit any Disneyland theme park. (I will never get tired of theme parks.)
• Go on a cruise. (To the Caribbeans! Haha. Dream on.)
• Parasailing. 
• Ride on a hot-air balloon. 
• Ride on an elephant. (Thailand is the next best option.)
• Attend a red-carpet event. (Again, dream on! Lol)
• Get married in Las Vegas. (To jerome of course!)

Notice I did not list down scuba diving or any water-related sports or activities? That is precisely because I am not a water person. I do not know how to swim. I can only swim in kiddie pools. Haha. Seriously. But I do love the beach.

So there, can I start dreaming now?