Is Coming Up

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My birthday, that is.

Hubby asks what I want for my birthday. I want his gift to be a surprise but he insists on letting him know what I want so I won't be disappointed. We will be going to the mall and I would show him the things that I like to receive. Right now, I want an office bag (since I only have one) and the What to Expect when You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. Although I'm hesitant about it. I feel we should be 100% sure that I'm positive.

Maybe I should ask for What to Expect Before You're Expecting, instead.

He's not gonna tell what he'll buy. Is that "surprise" enough for me? Yes, it is good enough.

Baguio Orchidarium

The gate is open.

The sign says it's an orchidarium.

I've never read about this in my research for Baguio tourist spots. We still had time to spare so we entered the gate and see what lies inside the orchidarium.

Inside is an area filled with plants in pots, a gazeebo (which looks unused) and...plants. There were a few men (gardeners?) who came by and left. We looked around, sat on a bench to smell the clean air. There's a path which I imagine would lead you to a secret cove...

We saw seedlings of a pine tree. I wished I could bring it home but I know that it would not thrive here.

Burnham Park

To spend our time wisely (since our check-in is 2pm), we went to Burnham Park after our breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins.

The weather was cool with not much sun. Just perfect for strolling around. We rented a pedicab (bicycle with sidecar) for P40/hour. We rode around the park among children and other tourists. It was a holiday, being President Noynoy Aquino's Inauguration.

This kid looks like he's stuck in a mud.

There were many vendows around selling strawberry taho (which I totally forgot to buy during our 3-day stay), green mangoes, lanzones, rambutans and steamed corn on the cob.

Bad News, Good News

Yesterday, there was rain. As Hubby and I hurried to get off the bus, open our gigantic umbrella and cross the street to the mall, a pick pocket opened the pockets of our backpacks. We never realized it until we were inside the mall when the mall guard pointed out that the our bags were open. I dismissed it, saying that we forgot to close our bags since during our trip, we were getting things in and out our bags. Hubby was insistent that he didn’t forget.

As I was preparing my office bag at our apartment, that’s when I realized that my fish coin purse and strawberry-scented hand sanitizer are nowhere in sight. I checked and double-checked Hubby’s bag. Nada. The pickpocket got them! I was saddened that I was living in the city for years and still a thief stole my things. Hubby consoled me that good thing my wallet and cellphone was inside my bag where the thief would not be able to get them. Shame on you, thief!

All night I cannot let go of the thought that I was victimized. It felt that I was duped or something.

The next day, getting a ride to the office was kinda difficult. When an FX came, I immediately grab a seat and opened my wallet to pay for my fare. Imagine my shock. I totally forgot that I have no small bills to pay for my ride! I have P500 which the driver did not accept since he has no change for it. I thought of things on what I would do to pay even though I know that I have no P20 in my bag. I searched and searched but I know it is futile. I asked my fellow passengers if they could possibly break down my money. Futile.

My FX seatmate got his wallet and gave P20 to me saying I should pay it for my ride. I don't know what to say at first. I'm ashamed that a stranger would pay for me and grateful at the same time. I tried to get his name but he seems shy and was nonchalant by his kind act. I checked again my bag for loose coins so as to compensate his goodness (I was thinking what if that P20 was his fare later and he has no more money in his wallet?) and I got a P15 which I gave him. He was surprised with that, I can tell.

Before getting off the FX, I said "Thank you po uli, Sir. God bless po." Hopefully he has a good day ahead of him.

Now, I am thinking how to pay this forward.

Café by the Ruins

We arrived in Baguio at around 10am. Since the check-in time in Hotel Veniz is 2pm, we decided to eat breakfast first and see some sights.

I could tell that The Cook will be enjoying our vacation since he likes cold weathers and delicious food.

Our first stop, Café by the Ruins.

According to its website,

“The ruins we lay claim to are the remains of a garden theater which was later converted into the gracious home of Phelps Whitmarsh, the first civil governor of Benguet.”

We are so enthralled with the beauty of the place that we kept taking photos of every plant, décor, furniture, walls and signs at the café. Yes, we are obvious tourists in Baguio. The Cook plans to make our own house as relaxing as Café by the Ruins.

For breakfast, I ordered Champorado and Tapsilog for the Cook.

My Champorado was chocolatey, with fresh cow’s milk and some fried salted fish (small biya). Sadly, I wasn’t able to finish my food. My stomach had its usual “travel jitters”.

The Tapsilog has a cup of colorful mountain rice, fried adobo chunks (I think they served the wrong dish) and fried egg. The meal also includes brewed Benguet coffee and a small bowl of fresh fruits.

Whenever we eat out, I always check on the restaurant’s comfort room. I don’t know why, but I have this fixation to take photos of comfort rooms. Only the clean and photogenic comfort rooms, that is. Maybe I am saving photos of comfort rooms to serve as inspiration to our own comfort rooms in our future home.


I love the comfort room at Café by the Ruins. It’s clean, has big mirrors, tissue paper, water (of course), and as deodorizer, they have fresh sampaguita garlands and rosals. Isn’t it a great idea to bring in fresh flowers rather than use a toilet deodorizer to keep the comfort room smell good? That’s what I call an eco-friendly toilet.

Outside the café is a small area selling organic produce every Wednesday.


Café by the Ruins
23 Chuntug, Baguio City
Tel.: (74) 442-4010 or 446-4010
Fax: 442-5272
E-mail: feedback@cafebytheruins.com.ph
http://www.cafebytheruins.com/