The Air Up There

Impromptu trips always give me a sense of "Joie de Vivre." Last Saturday, it was to the Philippine summer capital- Baguio (pronounced as: Bay-gee-yo within ze gang). Trip-takers: 3. Namely: Epok the reluctant chauffeur, Lanie the "I'm-better-than-a-personal GPS" navigator, and yours truly the innocent (read: idiot) passenger. Yey, let the "vivre-ing" begin.

First Stop: Breakfast. Hill Station Tapas Bar and Restaurant (Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio) http://hillstationbaguio.com

Got the longganisa set breakfast, seems like it's their specialty. Question: How is longganisa different and better in Baguio? Answer (c/o Epok): Ganito din ang lasa ng longganisa sa Binalonan! (Apparently, it's not). Nevertheless, I thought it was sumptuous. Ambiance: John Mayer-y (He's ALL they play).

Second Stop: Shopping. SM Baguio (Luneta Hill Drive, Baguio City)

Immediately, I make a beeline towards the home furnishing department (my room re-do will be tackled in a separate, maybe longer, maybe shorter post). Buys: 1 Anti-slip bath mat, 1 pair of pale yellow pillowcases. Look on my face when I get the credit card bill: NOT priceless (in fact: affordable). After that, a number of forgettable beauty shops, clothing stores, tech sellers. Malls get old quick. Finally, we give up.

Ooh, funky glasses!

Third Stop: Sight Seeing (Session Road, Baguio City)

"heaven on earth"

We had a couple of goals in mind- find the new Starbucks, and get our (okay, MY) grubby hands on some Vizco's  strawberry shortcake. Goals obtained and then some! Check out those K-fashionistas! Better yet, those K-fashionvictims! Hilar. We head back giggling. Les Bon Temps.

Fourth Stop: Convergys/Technohub (Camp John Hay, Baguio City)

First reaction- WHOA! (In Epok tone: Bago to?!)

Second Reaction- WHAT! lalakarin natin YOOOON?! (probably a 300 meter walk) *grumble, grumble*

Third Reaction- Gutom na ako, ULIT. *rumble, rumble*

Tried the steak burrito at Army Navy Burger Burrito, dared epok to try the triple patty Bully Boy Burger but he was chicken (cue canned laughter). Overall Impact: meh.

should have been named "Epok Burger"

Fifth Stop: The Commissary/The Manor Hotel (Camp John Hay, Baguio City)

"sighT of relief"

As in most trips, my tummy starts acting up. Slight panic. To tell, or not to tell? Finally, Lanie suggests a quick detour to The Manor Hotel. Inside, I see signs regarding "proper attire." I wonder if these apply in the restrooms as well? I look down at my Tory Burch Revas- sigh of relief. Finally, feeling "pooped," we decided to head back home. 

Look on my dad's face after not seeing me all day: PRICELESS.