I grew up in Baguio. When my mother was assigned in NPC Baguio, my brothers and I had to go with her. I remember my childhood days having picnics every weekend in Camp John Hay, fighting with my brothers over who gets the most number of pine cones, biking in Burnham, eating the cheap fiesta pizzas, taking a bath with matching endless screaming of "Ang Lamig!", and waiting for the magtataho every morning that sells strawberry taho.
I also remember the time when the killer earthquake attacked the city. I was about 6 or 7 years old then. I remember my father carrying me and three of my brothers all at the same time while running outside the house. We had to sleep and build tents outside the house for about a month to be safe from the quake's aftershocks. Thank God our family survived that killer quake.
I had a lot of good and not-so-good memories in Baguio. So, when my mother died late last year. I thought of going to Baguio to reminisce my childhood days with her. It was a healing trip for me. Aside from reminiscing moments with her, I also got the chance to visit Baguio and the not-so-usual tour spots. I wanted to rediscover Baguio without the overpopulation, the disappearing smell of the pine trees, the disgusting smell of garbage in the some parts of Burnham, and the malls and hotels that crowd the place.
If you are tired of visiting Burnham, Camp John Hay and Mines View, I suggest you visit these places.
