Tam-awan Village

The most underrated tourist spot in Baguio City (in my opinion), Tam-awan Village was made open to public in 1998 by the Chanum Foundation. It showcases local artists and their works of art and an Ifugao village with Kalinga huts which you can rent for a day to experience what it feels like to live in one.

Tam-awan Village is quite difficult to find if you're going there on your own even with a map in hand. So after making a few wrong turns, we finally made it to our destination. I've been here twice in the past but  this is one place I would never get tired of visiting over and over again.

Unfortunately, it rained hard that day, we did not made it to the top.

The path back to the coffee shop was too slippery, we had to wait in one of the huts until the rain stopped.

Works of art can be found all over the place

After the rain, the fog started to set in.

One of the things that I love about Tam-awan are the in-house artists that will sketch you for a donation only.

Just strike a pose and leave it to them for you to have a gallery-worthy portrait of yourself.

Try to be as steady as possible so they won't have a hard time sketching you.

They're really good, aren't they?

Minimum donation is Php100 for the single portrait and Php300 if you're a couple. Additional Php300 if you want to have it framed, which what we did. It was the best souvenir!

After going to the souvenir shop (the black Tam-awan shirt was really nice but unavailable), it was time to go back to the city. I was a scared to drive at this foggy road, but we were too hungry and it was also getting late. Good thing I traveled with a very good and safe driver or I would be spending the night at one of the huts in Tam-awan.

On the other hand, that sounds interesting right?

Little John's at CJH

After a full day of touring around Baguio City, we decided to drop by the Mile-Hi Center before heading back to our hotel to look for some good finds at the outlet stores. Well, I wasn't able to buy anything, but I sure did found a great restaurant named Little John's.

I've been seeing Little John's before but never had a chance to try it out until this trip.

It started to rain outside so we decided to just take out our orders and have dinner at the hotel. Besides, the restaurant is closing in 10 minutes and we don't want the staff to wait for us to finish.

Its nice that they have microwavable containers but for an additional fee.

Potato Salad

Chicken Tikka

Fall-off the bone Baby Back Ribs

The meals were so good that I can't help it and ate with my hands, and its very affordable also (ranges between Php150-Php250 only). Great meal while watching Avatar on Starworld with the best person in the whole wide world, who needs a candle-lit dinner in an expensive restaurant anyway?

Another restaurant added to my list of must-visits in Baguio City.

~o~o~o~

Little John's

Mile-Hi Center
Sheridan Drive, Camp John Hay
Baguio City, Philippines

Le Chef at The Manor Baguio

Weeks before our Baguio trip, I was already craving for fresh strawberries and walnut bread from Camp John Hay. When in vacation, it had been an agreement that we can wake up anytime we want, even if its past breakfast, so we hardly pay for it in advance upon booking. This time though, I made sure that everything was settled beforehand.

Buffet breakfast is Php550 per person. By far the breakfast buffet I've ever had.

Fresh strawberries are not in season, a kilo at the market cost Php300 (some even more) so I just settled for the strawberry yogurt and strawberry jam for the walnut bread.

Plain Yogurt, Strawberry Yogurt and Muesli

Cereals

Salad and Cold Cuts

Filipino breakfast favorites like Garlic Rice with Vigan Longganisa, Sauteed Vegetables, Daing na Bangus, Corned Beef, Crispy Bacon a lot more. Pancakes and eggs are on per order basis cooked by the chef standing on the right.

Chicken Adobo

Freshly Baked Breads and Danish Pastries

Fruits for Dessert

Whats on our table (or what was left to take photos of)

Bittersweet Hot Chocolate -- Just the way I like it!

Any Filipino breakfast would not be complete if there's no salted egg on the menu.

Dagupan's tastiest Bangus is still the best!

Lightly toasted Walnut Bread with Butter and Strawberry Jam

Too bad it was out of stock so no take home for me

Who wouldn't want to have breakfast with this view?

~o~o~o~

Le Chef at The Manor
Camp John Hay, Loakan Road

Baguio City, Philippines

Tel.: (6374) 424-0931 to 43
Website: http://www.campjohnhay.ph

Cafe by the Ruins

Considered an institution in Baguio City, Cafe by the Ruins used to be a part of an old government building turned garden theater turned residence. The extensive menu features organic and local ingredients from Cordillera region.

Rustic and old setting

The place was packed with tourists and locals alike so our orders began arriving 30 minutes after. I should have asked for my favorite Camote Bread for appetizer but I was afraid I will be full enough to eat my order.

Finally, the waiter placed our orders on the table and they are just too pretty to eat!

Fish with Mountain Rice was the Meal of the Day

Only the freshest ingredients!

Meatball Spaghetti -- I was so happy with my order because the serving was huge, the sauce
was perfect and had generous amount of yummy meatballs underneath the fresh tomatoes.

People may say that the meals here are a bit overpriced but I think its all worth it. The ambiance is so romantic (reminds me of Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay City) and our meals were very good, healthy and delicious. Besides, its not like we're going here on a regular basis.

But wait, that seems to be a great idea, right?

~o~o~o~

Cafe by the Ruins

23 Chuntug Street
Baguio City, Philippines
Tel.: (074) 442-4010

Sizzling Plate Baguio

Are you ready to sizzle?

I initially planned to have my first meal at Cathy's (at the back of Mc Donald's) but we got there late so it was already closed, well, almost all the restaurants were. Choices were either fast food, Pizza Volante and Sizzling Plate. If you know me quite well, you'll know that I'm a certified meat lover so its really a no-brainer.

The place was half-full, mostly locals who wants to have affordable steak

No service charge

Maggi Savor on hot rice is heaven!

On the table

Fresh Calamansi Juice -- Sugar please!

Australian T-Bone Steak

Fillet Mignon

Sizzling Boneless Chicken Steak

Delicious and tender steak at very affordable prices. Nothing really beats the old sizzle but with new and much better company.

~o~o~o~

Sizzling Plate Baguio

136 Session Road
Baguio City, Philippines
Tel.: (074) 442-4219