Kids in the Philippines

Stacey and James
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In June 2002, Stacey and Jesse joined us to see the Philippines and experience the world that Jim and I had come to love. We all went to several places here is the story of our trip to Baggio and 100 Islands Pangsinan.

Traveling with us was our driver Noel Tonjee and our friends Reynold and CheChe. We set out with every intention of going to see the Rice Terraces. Ok that was my intention; no one else was very excited over a 12-hour car trip. However, the rains were not cooperative and made a trip to the north not only uncomfortable but also very unsafe. The roads up north are not paved and become very unstable during the rainy season, so we all opted to go to Baggio. Baggio is only about 5 hours and isknown as the summer capital of the Philippines, because of its higher altitude the climate is much cooler than the lower lands. Baggio is the one place where they have the cooler nights required to grow colder crops like strawberries. The strawberry season out of Baggio yields the biggest yummiest strawberries we have had just about anywhere. They try their hand at Cantaloupe, but there is just no comparison to the Jersey melons!

Riding up the winding mountain road was very unsettling for me...

Rey and CheChe
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Riding up the winding mountain road was very unsettling for me. I do not like the winding roads if anyone other than my father or myself is driving. Truth to tell I think Noel goes faster and more reckless on those roads because he knows it is upsetting to me.

Upon arrival we visited Camp John Hay where everyone said to go. There was a small little market that was selling blankets with snowflake designs and warm hats. With the mountain surroundings and the winter theme products my Colorado bred psyche kept trying to figure out why it was not COLD. I actually asked if they ever got snow up there, somewhere in my brain, it didnt make sense to have all these winter items if it NEVER got cold. What I was forgetting is what COLD is to the native Filipino. = - )

An interesting monument on the old road to Baggio
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We did not have reservations so we took out our friendly Lonely Planet guide and started looking for a place to stay. We visited several very scary places that while we cant say they didnt fit the description in the book, they just didnt live up to what we would be comfortable in. For example: A hunting lodge feel and dcor equaled an old dingy lobby with wood paneling that stunk of mildew, with some rifles mounted on the wall for effect.

We ended up at a very comfortable place downtown called the Hotel Veniz. It was very close to the famous markets AND the sound of the city waking up is sure to wake up everyone early so as not to miss the markets.

all of us (except Tonjee) in front of a monument to local tribes.
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Jim was so proud of himself and the great deal he got on a very unique shell sculpture. Even after he purchased it, he spent the day going to every vendor and asking the price of his or her version only to be become MORE proud of the deal he got.