1. Ukay-ukay is great not on session road, but at the area behind Burnham Park (it’s the road where Hotel Veniz is – not abanao..I’m still looking for the st name..). The building though can be a bit freaky(especially the flooring! it’s made of wood and looks pretty worn). Haggle if you can, but know when you need to back off.  If you’re into Spanish brands, there’s a lot of Zara & Mango clothing available – you just have to look. closer. dig. deeper.

2. The Fog will come to your place of destination at unexpected times. We were on our way back to the city from Lexber Condotel (that’s around 9 kms from the city) and voila, fog on the road. Take it slow. Fog lamps won’t work during daytime.

3. The Best Ube is from the Pink Sisters of Good Shepherd (near Mines View Park). Brand is Mountain Maid. It’s a bit expensive than the stuff they sell on the streets or the souvenir shops, but I assure you it’s da best!!! Most Ube Jams have too much flour in it, except this one – you just have to pay more. You can also buy Peanut Butter, Cashew Brittle, Peanut Brittle & Lengua from this place. Swear. You will not regret it and if you feel guilty for spending so much money on food, think about this: everytime you buy from them, you’re helping send kids (who help make them) to college.  Helping + food = I feel good!

4. Insects are huge!!!! Depends where you’re staying. We stayed far from the city noise and lights so we were able to encounter black ants the size of 25c coins, and grasshoppers that were literally half my foot. And cute little moths in different colors.

5. Do not wear the bonnet with the baguio sign. Especially if you’re going to the Ukays. It’s a dead give away that you’re a tourist – and it’s so not fasyon!!! gaad!!

6. Wear Comfortable Shoes. You have to do a lot of walking in Baguio so give your feet a chance to survive your vacation.

7. There had been a few re-routings in the city so be prepared to read the signs (and probably get lost!) because some roads are one-way, while some are closed. There’s also Number Coding in the city (get your pass from the city government to be exempted). Also, Kennon road is shorter, has a Lion’s head along the way for photo op, but has steeper zig zags, while Marcos Highway is longer, but has more buses.

8. Looking for wood carvings? Drop by the Wood Carver’s area (near Naguilian Area, specifically Asin Road) where you can get wood carvings at a ridiculously low price compared to the ones selling in Mines View or any other souvenir shop in the city. They’re really friendly there too:)

9. The best time to go: February (flower festival), but also the worst time to book since most hotels are fully booked (so book in advance…like waaay in advance). Clarification: I haven’t been to the flower festival but the information stated is from a baguio native who happens to be my boyprens.

10. If you were here 5-10 years ago…I’m sorry to burst your bubble but it’s not the same sadly, I felt like I was in Manila – only cooler. The city was bustling with life, everyone was on the streets, it felt so overpopulated(perhaps the influx of tourists contributed), traffic was crazy, prices have become high, and… SM is the place to be. We go to Baguio not to experience the city, but to see the mountains, and tragically, a lot of the mountains in Baguio are already occupied by humans. This place needs Urban Planning ora mismo!

Last weekend, we passed by Mines View and saw Venetian Masks for sale in one of the stalls selling for P1,500. Couldn’t take pictures (the ale said so), but they were gorgeous!!!! Export Quality. Was thinking of buying one to put in my room but postponed the purchase for my next trip, and economic recession, hello.

I won’t pretend to be an authority on Baguio, but I hope you pick up a few tips from the list. If you don’t agree on any item, please, voice it out. If you’ve been to Baguio, what other things do people need to know about the place before going there? Any Suggestions? Leave your comments:)