The Wandering Soul Travels : December 2015

Monday, December 28, 2015

The beautiful Botanical Garden

After we visited the Laperal White House, we went to take a stroll at the beautiful Botanical Garden. This garden is as big as the Burnham park located at the east of Baguio's downtown area. The main entrance is located along Leonard Woord Road.

When we entered the Garden, a beautiful landscape of numerous eye-catching plants and trees filled our sight.There were Nipa huts around and as we strolled inside the garden, there were different life-sized statues of Igorots and also, upon entering, you will feel the ethnic spirit and the Igorot legacy.

At the main entrance of the garden, you will find a group of Igorots wearing their native attire. everyone is allowed to take photos with them with a fee.

There were also souvenir items sold inside the garden at a reasonable price. Plants are also available but before buying some of them, take into consideration the plants you will buy. it might not grow

Visiting the Laperal White House in Baguio City

I've heard different stories about ghosts, apparitions, and quests for paranormal haunts. One of the stories I recently heard was the story of the Laperal White House in Baguio City.

The haunted house is located at #14 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City. According to the care taker, there were many stories that were untold from this haunted house. Some people are afraid to pass by this house along the road with the fear that they might see something unusual. Even taxi drivers are hesitant to pass by while some drivers beep their horns out loud to excuse themselves to the restless spirits roaming around and within the house.

Some were saying that there were apparitions in front of the entrance of the house and most of the time at the window in front of the house. While some reported that spirits inside the house followed them after visiting the place.

The house was built in 1920 by the Laperals, one of Baguio's oldest clans. Don Roberto and Doña victorina laperal were said to be the owner of the house the ones who were occupying the house.

Whent the Japanese war broke out, it became a temporary garrison and the house witnessed different kinds of brutality, tortures, and killings. When Don Roberto and Doña Victorina died, the ownership of the house was transferred.

In 2007, tycoon Lucio Tan bought the property and since then it was maintained and restored. In 2013, the Laperal House was transformed into a gallery of bamboo and woods. It was a project of the Tan Yankee Foundation.

There is an entrance fee of P50.00 and visitors are welcome to explore the haunted white house.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! at the Christmas Village

After we visited the Burnham Park, we took our dinner and afterwards visited the CHRISTMAS VILLAGE, one of the most visited spots in Baguio. It is located at the Baguio Country Club Road.

The entrance fee for adult is P 80.00, P 40.00 for children and a discount for senior citizens.

It took us quite some time before we could enter because of the huge number of people waiting for their turn to enter. And when we we're inside, there were many Christmas lights decorated in every corner of the village. There were Christmas trees in all kinds, forms and shapes. It is best to visit the place in the evening so you can fully appreciate the effects of the lights and the snow. Yes! There was an artificial snow that added to the spirit of Christmas and the feeling of being in another place.

There was a playground for children and there was a stage where characters from different movies performed their talents through singing and dancing.

You cannot enter the village if you are wearing slippers, so, we advice that you to wear a pair of shoes. Pets and foods are also not allowed inside the village.

Strolling around Burnham Park

January 27, 2015 is our first day of exploring Baguio City. The first place that we visited was the BURNHAM PARK located at the heart of Baguio City.

At that time, the Burnham Park was a little crowded. Many families were around the park taking time to bond with one another while some were taking a stroll around the park. There were many attractions inside the park like biking. You can rent different kinds of bicycles for children and adults as well.

Other attractions inside the park are: Burnham Lake, Children's Playground, Skating Rink, Rose Garden, Orchidarium, Igorot Garden, Melvin Jones Grandstand, Atheltic Bowl, Picnic Grove, Japanese Peace Tower, Pine Trees of the World and Sunshine Garden.

We weren't able to visit all but we were able to ride a boat at the Burnham Lake situtated at the center of the park. You can rent the boat for 30 minutes for P50.00. We hired somebody that will paddle the boat for us since we want to be sitting comfortably in the boat.

Baguio City in Full Bloom

Everybody wants to be in Baguio City.

During summer, people go there to cast away themselves from the tremendous heat embodying the city of Manila and savour the coldness of the wind in Baguio.

At Christmas season, people also go there to spend the most joyous time of the year as they feel the wind embracing their whole body.

More and more tourists are visiting Baguio City not only because of the cold weather but because of the different beautiful places that serve as tourist attraction.

Last Christmas Season, my family and I went on a very enjoyable and memorable Christmas vacation in Baguio City. We were lucky to stay at the house of Auntie Linda, the Aunt of my husband. She generously offered to us her house that served as our home during our vacation while we explore the City of Baguio. The house is located at Barangay Ambiong in La Trinidad, Benguet. We have to climb up and down the mountain to go to and from all the places we visited.

The place is a bit far from the city and at times the travel is tiring but it's all worth it. We were given the chance to bond and appreciate more the beauty of nature.

Although Baguio is a beautiful place, it became too crowded with people (tourists) visiting the place and with many cars, jeeps, etc., that caused traffic. We were advised not to bring a car but instead hire a Taxi for saving time. At times, we have to walk, but it is not too much because the weather is cold and we rarely perspire.