#LaborBaguio

It's Labor day weekend, we got the day off and a long weekend to spend. Von signed up for a fun ride up the mountains near Baguio, so we decided to tag along and take little boss up for a weekend road trip. We invited cousin big boy, Vien to join us for the trip. We don't usually take Vien with us without anyone else to look after him specially on out of trips and swimming outings since Bonchie was born, Von and I have got our hands full with Bonchie alone but we've figured since we're going up to Baguio, no dangerous waters involved, Vien is already old enough to take care of himself with minimum supervision and would be an extra hand to assist us with Bonchie. So off to a road trip the 4 of us go.

Vien and Vaughan entertaining themselves through the heavy traffice

Baguio would normally just take 4-5 hours max travel by car with all the new express ways (NLEX-SCTEX-TPLEX) created however if bad luck would have it, I think half of the metro's population decided to go up to Baguio that same weekend as well. Saying that it was TRAFFIC was an understatement. I was highly stressed on the way knowing that we've got 2 kids in the backseat, the toddler, notorious for being impatient. Thankfully though, the 2 was able to entertain themselves though it took us 8 hours to arrive to our destination.

if it's taking too long... sleep on it! wise kids!

we arrived Friday late afternoon despite leaving early in the morning. the kids were hungry and restless but still excited of the day ahead. We checked in at Baguio Burnham Suites and our first stop was to get the kids snacks. We dined at Cafe by the Ruins. We've read many good reviews about the place and it did not disappoint. I fell in love with their hot chocolate (Rizal's Tsokolat-e), it was too good for words to describe.

Cafe by the Ruins' rustic menu

Despite it being late in the day, we still took the kids to Wright Park and the Mansion for picture taking and horse back riding. Bonchie was in awe of the horses. Cousin big boy Vien got a chance to horse back.

@ the mansion

#vmanalacs @ wright park

majestic may be the word Bonchie is looking for

manalac brothers

we wanted to end the day and have dinner at 50's diner but if bad luck would have it, it was jam packed everywhere. Von's ride was scheduled early next morning so we decided to skip hunting for a kid friendly resto and just order room service in the hotel. 

Next morning, it was just me and the kids. Took them to Burnham park being that the hotel is just across the street from the park. One realization, it is hard being a mom of 2! Despite Vien being old enough, it was hard to ensure both kids were ok. We went bike riding and I took the kids to the playground. Had a scare when I lost sight of Vien for a long several minutes. I thought I lost him and my heart was literally pounding, scared. When I saw him, in another play area I wanted to strangle him for scaring me as much. We still had fun though despite of the incident.

biking in burnham

every mom and kid's time to go story
for some reason he knew we were about to leave and he just had to make a scene

Took the kids back to the hotel to nap and wait for Von to arrive after lunch. When he came back, the kids were re-energized from their nap and is again ready to go. Drove out and headed for Mines View Park.

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Mines View was overflowing with tourists. We left early to see if we can chance upon the early dinner volume in 50's diner. Luckily we were able to get seats and have dinner there. Unlucky, the food there has lost its roots. It has evolved to a very Filipino, lauriat looking and tasting meal.

by the vintage car in 50's diner

Next day was the Pacquio-Mayweather fight. Traumatized by the traffic and number of people in Baguio, we knew that leaving while the fight was ongoing would allow for a traffic free travel. And so we skipped the fight, took our chances to listen in on AM radio and leave Baguio early. Took only 3 hours from Baguio to Manila. Thanks Manny! 

It was a fun filled trip. Everyone enjoyed the time with each other, but given the chance, I don't think I'd ever go back to Baguio during this peak hours again. It was just so tiring, stressful and time consuming. Baguio's got a lot of work to do to bring back the fun and lessen the stress for visiting tourists.