For my birthday week, I decided to take a spontaneous trip out of town to unwind and relax. I didn’t make any itineraries or plans—just went with the flow and embraced the freedom of exploration. To make the experience even better, I invited my friend King to join me, hoping to enjoy some quality time together, free from any expectations or schedules.
After finishing my shift at work, I met up with King at McDonald’s for a quick bite before heading to Victory Liner in Cubao to catch a bus to Baguio. Unfortunately, when we reached the ticketing booth, we were told that all buses for our preferred departure time were already fully booked. The counter staff informed us that the next available trip was at 6:00 PM. She also mentioned the option of waiting in line as “chance passengers,” but that wasn’t feasible for me since I hadn’t had any rest and had been awake the entire night due to my work shift. I needed to sleep soon to recharge.
So, we decided to explore other bus terminals. Luckily, we found a Genesis/Joy bus that was about to depart. We quickly bought our tickets and waited for a few minutes before the bus finally left at 9:00 AM. The journey took longer than expected, as it was a day trip, and we ran into heavy traffic, especially along Mindanao Avenue leading to NLEX.
We finally arrived at SM Baguio around 5:00 PM, just as rush hour hit. The skies darkened, and the rain began to pour. There was a long queue at the taxi lane, making it difficult to get a ride. Thankfully, King spotted a taxi dropping off a passenger on the opposite side, and he managed to persuade the driver to give us a lift to our inn, allowing us to finally settle in after a long, tiring journey.
Originally, I had planned to head straight to La Union after work. However, I realized that since we hadn’t reserved any accommodation yet, finding a place to stay late at night would be a challenge. After considering this, I decided to stay in Baguio for the night and then continue on to La Union the following day. The day before our trip, I managed to book a place to stay through Booking.com.
Even though this was a spontaneous trip, I made sure to secure accommodations in advance, especially since it was the Panagbenga Festival season. Baguio is always packed with visitors, particularly during weekends, and finding a room without a reservation can be difficult. This was one of the reasons why I usually avoid traveling to Baguio during my birthday month—it’s always so crowded. Booking ahead gave me peace of mind, knowing that we would have a comfortable place to stay amidst the busy festival season. It also allowed us to enjoy the trip without the stress of last-minute accommodation hunting. The decision to spend the night in Baguio turned out to be a good one, giving us the opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant energy before heading down to La Union the next day.
The cab driver dropped us off at Sisko Inn, a cozy establishment nestled in Brentwood Village, just a stone’s throw away from Teacher’s Camp. The room was simple, but it provided everything we needed for a restful night. Although it didn’t offer luxurious amenities, its cleanliness was impressive, and the staff were incredibly friendly, ensuring we felt welcome and comfortable throughout our stay.
Once we settled in and unpacked, we decided to stretch our legs with a short walk around the area. We ended up at a nearby restaurant, where we ordered two servings of pork sisig and a bowl of beef mami. To our surprise, the portions were quite generous—more than enough for two people. The flavors were delicious, and we found ourselves feeling more than full. The food was satisfying, but we hadn’t anticipated such large servings, which made the meal even more enjoyable.
Despite the chilly and rainy weather, we decided to walk back to the Inn. It was a perfect way to digest the heavy meal before heading to bed. The cool air and the peaceful surroundings made for a pleasant stroll, allowing us to unwind and enjoy the quiet evening before calling it a night. The simple yet fulfilling experience was just what we needed to recharge for the next part of our trip.
In the morning, we decided to have brunch at Ganza Restaurant, a beloved dining spot located in the picturesque Burnham Park. Ganza offers a delightful experience with its highland Filipino cuisine, which features a delicious variety of grilled meats, fresh fish, and flavorful vegetables from the region. The restaurant is a favorite among both locals and tourists, making it an ideal spot for a satisfying breakfast or lunch. Whether you’re dining alone or with a small group of up to five, Ganza provides a menu that caters to all tastes. The dishes are rich in flavor, evoking the comfort and authenticity of home-cooked Filipino meals. I always make it a point to visit Ganza whenever I’m in Baguio, as the food consistently brings a sense of warmth and familiarity, making it a must-visit destination for anyone craving genuine Filipino flavors in a cozy setting.
After the satisfying coffee and the meal, we took a cab straight to Igorot Stone Kingdom. The Igorot Stone Kingdom, one of Baguio’s newest attractions, is a fascinating man-made park constructed entirely from stone. It beautifully highlights the Igorot culture through its impressive stone structures and sculptures. The park’s design draws inspiration from the legend of a lost Igorot Stone Kingdom, adding an element of mystery.
Going back to town proper will be a bit of challenge if you don’t have your own vehicle. There is long queue for people waiting for taxi. We took a jeepney instead. When we get to the town proper, we went to the bus terminal going to La Union. Instead taking a but, someone invited us to take UV express. We took the van instead since they about to leave so we can get to La Union early.
Arrival in La Union is around 4:00 PM. We stayed in Boondocks Cabins Resort located in San Fernando La Union and only 10 mins walk to Urbiztondo beach San Juan. The staff at the accommodation are friendly and accommodating, ensuring a pleasant stay. While the amenities are basic, the space is clean and comfortable, providing a restful environment. The air conditioning works well, keeping the room cool even during the hottest parts of the day. During off-peak seasons, it’s an ideal retreat for those seeking peace and solitude, as its location, away from the main road, offers a quiet and serene atmosphere. We stayed there for 2 nights. They have pool wide enough for groups. We even invited another friend that we met there in ELYU with no extra cost.
The accommodation is simple yet clean and cozy, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The efficient air conditioning ensures a comfortable temperature throughout the day. Situated away from the main road, it offers tranquility and seclusion, perfect for those seeking peace. We spent two nights there and appreciated the spacious pool, ideal for group gatherings at no extra charge. ELYU’s warm climate often leads us to rest during the day, venturing out in the morning to the beach before returning to unwind in our room. Evenings are spent leisurely at local bars, enjoying drinks and the laid-back ambiance, embracing the freedom to simply relax and unwind without any set schedules.
