Souvenirs and Doglas @ Mines View Park

     Located beside Good Shepherd is Mines View Park, the best place to shop for souvenirs. Available souvenir items are T-shirts, key chains, walis tambo (they say Baguio has the best walis tambo because it lasts forever), silver works, bags, wooden handicraft, etc. You may bargain too, especially if you're buying in bulk. Another tourist activity is having a picture with Doglas (this isn't a typo), the Saint Bernard. I asked around where I could find him and was told he was further down, near the view. I was very careful going down the rocky steps because my shoes were slippery and finally saw him. ;) 

Doglas

     

     I was happy to have a picture with most handsome one of Mines View Park (Sorry I got shy with my picture). A picture with him is around P25+. He's such a sweetheart! Thank you to my friend, Ruby for introducing my new crush. ^_^

Mines View Park

Gibraltar Road

Baguio City

Walis tambo -soft broom

Baguio's Strawberry Taho

     Another thing you shouldn't miss out in Baguio is the strawberry taho.* Being a Baguio and strawberry lover, it was love at first sight. ^_^ These come in small (P15) and big (P20). This is only available in Baguio. There's usually a vendor in Mines View Park and Burnham park. 

Taho -A popular Filipino street food usually for snack or dessert. This is made of soft tofu, brown syrup and sago (tapioca). 

Sweet treats @ Good Shepherd

     A trip to Baguio won't be complete without going to Good Shepherd. This is one of Baguio's immortal establishments known for their jams, peanut brittle, cookies and more. One of their best sellers is the ube jam... the best one in the country.* Every item is posted for your preference. Paper and pens are provided to place your orders. 

What we bought for pasalubong and for us.* :D

We got a sample of their coffee. The flavor was strong... which is good!

L-R: Torta Del Rey, Choco Chips Oatmeal Monster Cookies

     I got curious seeing both of these. It was my first time to encounter the former. I would describe it like a more dense version of mamon.* The latter was chewy. I enjoyed both. I just wish I had coffee and it would have been nice to dunk these in.. :))

They have one of the loveliest gardens! They have a chapel too.

Love their mountain view!

     Just a reminder... if you bring home the ube jam, make sure to refrigerate it right away since it's perishable. The strawberry jam, angel cookies and peanut butter are yummy too!

Good Shepherd Compound
15 Gibraltar Road
Mines View
Baguio City
(074) 424-2496 / 424-2610

Ube -purple yam
Pasalubong -souvenir gifts from a distant place given to family and friends
Mamon -sponge cake

Hanging out @ Cafe Picarre

     One of my favorite coffee hangouts in Baguio is Cafe Picarre. My friend, Willy was the one who recommended this place. I've eaten here a couple of times already, but the funny thing was, I forgot the name for some reason and was debating if it was Micarre, Vicarre, Bicarre, etc.  Although, I knew it was by the veranda of SM Baguio. We even went to all the floors looking for the place just to find out we missed it already. Good thing we found it! ^_^

I get overwhelmed with their menu because there's a lot to choose. ^_^

Carrot walnut loaf and Cappuccino

     The carrot walnut loaf was light and yummy! The Cappuccino has a mild flavor, perhaps because I requested decaf. 

     I love that it's by the view and you can feel the cool air coming in. As much as possible, I go to places I can't find in Manila while I'm there. I have always been curious with their pasta and crepe... hope I get to try those next time. :D

Cafe Picarre

Ground Floor by the Veranda

SM Baguio

*Beside The Face Shop

Visit their website for other details

Comfort food @ Rose Bowl

     This is my Dad's favorite restaurant in Baguio. It was first located in Harrison road then recently transferred to General Luna road. They're known for their simple Chinese food, but American and Filipino food are also available (I hope I'll get to try these next time). Prices are reasonable too. This adds to our comfort food list.

Impressed with the brighter and bigger ambience... and better location too.

Hototai soup

Crab Fo Yong

Camaron con hamon

Left: Chinese style fried chicken

Right: Shanghai rolls

Yang chow fried rice

This is their view.

     I have only started eating here since 2009 (if I'm not mistaken) and I always enjoyed, never a bad moment. According to Dad, many don't leave Baguio without eating here... and I have to agree.

Rose Bowl Steakhouse and Restaurant

88 Upper General Luna Road

Baguio City 2600

(074) 888-7830

rosebowlrestaurant@gmail.com

Nostalgic Baguio

     Baguio, the summer capital is a favorite getaway for many, including Dad and I (the Baguio lovers in the family). We just love the cool climate, the scent and view of pine trees and delicious food! Any way to escape the heat is a major privilege. We have spent many summers here when we were kids. In all our trips before, Mom always encouraged us to play a game to make the long ride more fun. This game was the Carabao game. The object was the first one to see a carabao will get a prize. The prize was either free hamburger or ice cream... which we all get. Also, we used to have dinner in my Lolo's house with the whole clan. After dinner, we would roast marshmallows by the fire place and play card games, the one I remember were Pekwa (not sure if I spelled this right) and Monkey, monkey. 

     We usually pass Marcos highway, but due to some damages (so I heard), so we passed Kennon road this time.

Is it me or do these trees look like broccoli? :D

When you see the pine trees, you know you're almost there. ;)

     It was nice to see the famous lion after several years (last time was either elementary or high school). :D

     On your way up, you'll see the poem, Trees of Joyce Kilmer and the 10 Commandments on the road. We've been hesitant to pass here for the longest time, but thank goodness, but we were impressed to see the roads were wider and smoother. In case you have motion sickness, I suggest to take Bonamine and have hard candy, old plastic bag and menthol or Vicks in handy (these work based on experience). For more details about Baguio, please see Go Baguio and City of Pines. 

Japanese feast @ Izakaya Kikufuji

     Based on my previous posts, Japanese food is a common favorite of the family, whether outside or food from home. Izakaya Kikufuji is part of our comfort food list. I would say it's one of the most popular and authentic Japanese restaurants in town. It's hardly quiet, always full house. They have the largest variety of both cold and hot items. My brother, Dax says you won't leave there hungry... and it's true. :D

Kani salad

Left to right: some kind of appetizer (sorry don't know what it is), salad, spicy tuna sashimi

-These are included in their lunch set.

Top to bottom: Ebi ten maki (aka Tempura maki), Hamachi sushi, Unagi sushi

Tempura

Mutsu Misozuke (Sea bass)

Tori (chicken) liver and Uinner (Japanese hotdog) kushu yaki

-Not sure if the latter is a typo but that was the spelling from the menu.

Beef kushu yaki

-Sorry don't remember the exact name. This one is juicy and tasty... in other words, yummy!

Iced Coffee

This is the best iced coffee ever! I love Japanese coffee because of the strong and creamy flavor.

Other recommended items:

Tonkatsu

Katsudon

Hamburg steak

Potato salad

California maki

     In our experience, everything we ordered was delicious. There is complimentary iced coffee or Yakult for lunch. I suggest to make an early reservation because the place gets full, especially on Sundays. 

Izakaya Kikufuji
2277 Pasong Tamo
Makati City
*By Little Tokyo
893-7319/893-6131