Alone in Baguio

My first travel adventure was when I traveled alone to Baguio. Like some of the first time travelers, I felt scared at the beginning. However, since this was what I wanted to do in life, I had successfully overcome my anxiety.

I went at the Victory Liner Bus Station in Kamuning, Quezon City. The bus to Baguio would leave at 12 midnight and it would reach the place at 6 in the morning. I could not remember anymore the bus fare, but maybe, it was not lower than 500 pesos.

I arrived at the Summer Capital of the Philippines at six in the morning of April 2007. When I arrived in Baguio City, I felt really scared and worried. Only then I realized that it was Friday the 13th plus I was a graduating college student. According to some superstitious beliefs, something bad would happen on Friday the 13th. On the other hand, a graduating student would be prone to accident that might cause injury or death. This thinking scared me most. I even tried to ride in a bus again and went back to Manila. But then, there should be no back-outs. I should overcome my fear.

I stepped out from the bus and started my journey. As I walked outside the bus station, I could feel the cold wind. I bought “taho” so I would feel warm. I looked for Baguio Resident’s Hall (BREHA), a dormitory in UP Baguio (UP students usually have discount here once they show their UP ID). I paid for one night stay in this dormitory. I was alone in the room. Again, I was scared because Baguio had been known as a home for ghosts and other spirits. But then again, I should overcome my fear because this was what I wanted to do in my life (I keep on reiterating this to give me confidence).

I left my baggage in the dormitory and began my exploration. I strolled around Baguio so I would be familiar of the place. These were the places I had seen:

1) UP Baguio Campus. As a UP student, I should not miss the chance of visiting the UP Baguio Campus and seeing its oblation. The UP Baguio Oblation is smaller than the oblation in UP Diliman. It is color black, and it stands on a structure surrounded by flowers and plants.


2) Sunshine Park. On the way to SM Baguio, one would passed by a small park called Sunshine Park. There are colorful flowers and lush plants here that make you feel relaxed.


3) SM Baguio. Baguio is also popular because of its ancient collections. During graduation in UP, we wear Filipiniana costume. I scouted for this Filipiniana costume in SM Baguio because I knew they had the nicest Filipinana. Yes, they had the most wonderful costume, but it was very expensive. I then texted my mom and informed her that we would just buy the Filipiniana costume in Manila.


Those are the places I have visited in Baguio City. I still plan to come back to see the other tourist destinations I have not visited before.

Baguio City, Philippines
April 2007
Alone