Panagbenga 2010

On our first out of town vacation this year 2010, we went to the summer capital of the Philippines...Baguio City! We were lucky because it was the last few days of the Panagbenga Festival which features the Grand Street Parade and Grand Float Parade. This year, Panagbenga Festival 2010 will be celebrating her 15th year as a festival and its theme is “Celebrating 15 years of Festival Excellence”.

First of...it was a 6 hour bus drive from Manila to Baguio City. We were accompanied by Maylene and Lynon who were the ones invited us to this trip (thanks guys!) .

We were amazed at the overlooking view of the city of pines wherein we saw the lights coming from the city. We saw the beauty of the city during dusk. It was around 4:30am when we arrived at the bus terminal in Baguio, we had breakfast then checked the house where we stayed, then we're off very excited to see the parade! :D

All participants are great and these are our top 5 favorites on Grand Street Parade:

 And these are also our top 3 favorites for Grand Float Parade:

Too bad we were not able to see all the participants in the Grand Float Parade because there's really a lot of people on the streets watching the parade. But it's okay, we just enjoyed Baguio's famous tourist spots! :)

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Baguio Side Trip

During our 2-day stay in Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival we still managed to visit some of its popular spots. SM Baguio, Mines View Park, The Mansion, Wright Park, Botanical Garden, The Manor, PMA and Baguio Cathedral.

Mines View Park is one of the most popular and most visited park in the city.

Wish we could bring this dog at home. So cute!

Igorot Costumes

Mines View Overlooking

The Mansion (formerly Mansion House) is a popular Baguio attraction and the summer residence of the Philippine President.

Wright Park, which is located at the eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion, is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City.

Wright Park

Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool.

One of the Political Rest House in Wright Park

The Baguio Botanical Garden is located east of Baguio's downtown area. You will find it between Teacher's Camp and the Pacdal Circle.

Botanical Garden Entrance

Camp John Hay used to be the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States. But now it is a beautiful resort in the mountains it features a world class competition Jack Niclaus-designed golf course, as well as hotels, a shopping center and a convention center, among other attractions.

Camp John Hay

The Manor is one of the hotels in Camp John Hay. It is not only distinguished by its impressive architecture and cozy interiors, but also blessed with an environment that truly sets apart from other hotels in Baguio City. For a distinct touch, a Baguio stone exterior finis, shingled roofing and tinted glass windows add warm accents to Camp John Hay Manor's cozy, relaxed and luxurious ambiance. We also managed to see the garden at the back of the hotel, and the view was breath taking and very relaxing.

 

The Manor (Front View)

The Manor's Garden

The Manor's couple... ♥

The Manor's Guests

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the premier military institution of Philippines and is the training ground for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The cadets are instructed and trained to possess broad and basic military skills, and be educationally uplifted so as to pursue a progressive military career. We were very lucky to witness the actual presentation of the graduates.

Actual Air crafts of the military

Attention!

One of their formation

Tree House

The rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, is one of the more familiar and most visited landmarks of Baguio. This beautiful structure has twin spires and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city.

We also saw some political candidates like Manny Villar, Loren Legarda, Bongbong Marcos, Gilbert Remulla and Satur Ocampo who were taking advantage of the crowd after the festival.   
Until we return to the summer capital of the Philippines we will surely come back to its famous places, and visit the places we haven't been to. ♥

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Run for Your Heart

With national athletes leading the way, about 10,000 runners participated in the Run for your Heart Activity of Philippine Sports Commission, celebrating their 20th Anniversary as well as the celebration of Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day. 

It was our first time to join in a fun run activity together and we are accompanied by Gelo and Chesca. It was exhausting but worth it! We joined in the 3-km race and finished it on time! The race fired off in front of the Rizal Monument and ended at the Quirino Grandstand. It was also attended by lured participants from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, different running clubs, and members of civic organizations such as Jaycees, Lions, and Rotary clubs, enthusiasts, schools and the PSC family. This fun run is not only promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle but also camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.

After the fun run there is a musical treat from live bands and dragon dances at the Quirino Grand Stand. But we did not finish the program instead we went to the nearest restaurant and rewarded ourselves by eating a lot! :)

 

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