A Chilly Christmas

happened on Dec. 23-26, 2014...



the Christmas getaway cast



When my sister went home for a visit and a much needed break from their Canadian life last Christmas season, I immediately felt excited to see her and my nephew.  My excitement grew when she said she wanted our family to spend the holidays outside our home.  This would be a first for the family as we always observe the traditional Christmas celebration. 

With limited budget and time, any location needing a plane or boat ride is already out of the options.  Another criteria is that it should be in a cold place so it's either Tagaytay or Baguio only but we've been to Tagaytay for numerous times already so Baguio it is.

I suggested that we add Sagada since most of them have not yet seen this place.  The truth of the matter is, I just wanted to return to this unexploited place (after 4 years) and see if I'll fall in love (with it) again.  I also wanted the family to see how beautiful, simple and serene this place is.

As usual, I was tasked to scout for the place and prepare our itinerary thinking of our limited budget as a great factor.  Who can say "No" when she'll cover most of our expenses.  Everything was already finalized four months in advance including accommodations (booked thru Agoda), vehicle and the itineraries.

Just a shy away from Christmas day, we traveled to Baguio with Mines View as our first stop.  Of course, these are a must here (1) eat our ever favorite strawberry taho; (2) eat grilled squid and corn; (3) photo ops with the St. Bernard dog; (4) photo ops with Mines View as back drop and (5) visit Good Shepherd for some "pasalubongs".  We were only able to buy ube jam since most of the saleable items were already out of stock.
 

the most photographed area

strawberry taho is #1 on the list

we also tried purple yam taho

It was nice to see that there's an on-going renovations and some improvements on this famous tourist spot.  It was crowded at that time since it's a holiday. Getting a good shot is a big challenge.

 

another must... the dog looks tired already.. tsk tsk tsk

 

TG! no more kids trying to get some coins

 

I booked again in Brentwood Apartelle for our accommodations since it's has the most reasonable price for our group at P4500 per night with 3 bedrooms, dining and kitchen with unlimited number of guests.  If you will book here, please choose the annex side as this is the newer building.

 

After resting for a while, we headed to SM for groceries and dinner.  We ate at Volante Pizzeria.  I also bought purple yam cake from one of the most recommended bakery here - Vizco's.

 

looks yummy right?



the Session Road branch



I'll try this next time, also one of their best sellers

really yummy

 

Next day, we headed to the market for our Noche Buena, then afterwards to Camp John Hay for horseback riding.  Unexpectedly, I enjoyed this activity with quite challenging trails.  A 30 minute ride is so worth it.  Too bad, I didn't bring my camera. 

 

they opted to sit and wait

and we're done



we should've lighted those logs... temperature is getting lower



 

We checked the Christmas celebration in Camp Manor.  There's a Christmas buffet being offered with lots of sweets.  We should have our dinner here but it's fully booked.  We just let the kids enjoy the carnival that is open even for non-guests.

 

the elaborately decorated entrance

ginger bread house

 

The carnival set-up is just small and for kids.  There's an entrance fee of P100.00 so we just let the kids enter.  They met Olaf and Elsa inside.  We have witnessed also the fireworks and some shows.  It would be lovely to spend Christmas in this hotel.

 

with Olaf and Elsa

 

We heard the Chrismas Mass in the Cathedral.  Though it is so crowded, I still experienced the solemnity of the mass.  It's a nice feeling hearing the mass fully geared up for the cold weather.  We had our Noche Buena and the kids opened their gifts.  They enjoyed assembling my nephew's new toy.

our sweet spread... 

priceless smile

hubby trying to figure out how to maneuver the RC

our simple Noche Buena spread

 On our third day, I wasn't able to join them (since I'm sick) in Burnham Park for the boat ride.  It was a good decision to stay home since it was so jam packed at that time. With the newly opened TPLEX road, Baguio is now the most visited place in the North.

On our way to Sagada, we passed by La Trinidad for strawberry picking but the crowd is just over whelming so we just have some photo ops and ate strawberry taho.
 

crowd building up

So this is how we have observed Christmas - intimate and with an adventure. 

It doesn't matter where a certain occasion is being celebrated, as long as it is with the whole family.  I'm sure, this will be a start of our non-traditional Christmas celebration. 

Thank you so much to my sweet sister for this trip.

I just realized that it's our second visit for 2014 here.  We just love Baguio so much I guess ; ).