Gala: Baguio 2026 Travel Log

It’s the school break for universities so Mama had some free days and wanted to spend a weekend outside of Manila. Seeing as it’s been a while since we’ve been to Baguio as a family, we decided to spend the weekend there. 

Day 1

• From Cubao, we rode the Joybus to Baguio City. We pre-booked our tickets online and it was a smooth process of claiming them at the cashier and waiting for our bus. The actual trip was from 01:00 to 04:45 in the morning.

• We dropped our bags at our accommodation, G1 Lodge^maps, a very convenient hotel beside SM Baguio and at the upper end of Session Road. Our rooms were available but we’re only able to check in without additional payment by 7am.

• Had breakfast at Pizza Volante^maps at Session Road.

• We climbed up the stairs towards Baguio Cathedral and caught a mass that was just starting.

• Finally checked in at G1 Lodge. The room was good for 4 people and was spacious, cozy, and had complete amenities.

• Had lunch at our favorite spot, 50’s Diner^maps. As a family, a Baguio trip isn’t complete without a stop here. The prices may have increased, but the servings and the food are still worth it. The Kini-ing Carbonara I had is still making my mouth water whenever I think of it.

• We burned our calories by heading to Burnham Park. Mama and brother rode the bikes while I just walked back and forth while perusing the shops (P100 per bike for 1 hour). For some reason, the center lake was walled off (probably renovating). We also took some time to look at the rollerskating rink. Maybe next time.

• Headed to SM Baguio where there was some stalls set up. I was able to buy 2 bags of Arabica beans sourced from local farms. A bit pricey than usual, but when I got a whiff of them, I had to. Plus, it’s always good to #SupportLokal.

• Returned to G1 Lodge to drop off my loot and get a quick nap (still sleepy because the bus ride was faster than I thought)

• Walked to Ili-likha^maps and toured Mama around the impressive maze of stairs and walkways. She was impressed with all the local handicrafts.

• Headed to the original Good Taste^maps for dinner. We were seated right away but it took almost an hour for our order to be served because of the sheer amount of customers.

• Climbed Session Road back to the hotel, but had some cakes and ice cream for dessert at Vizco’s^maps, another Baguio classic.

Day 2

• Had breakfast at Luisa’s, a classic Baguio eatery. Ate two different kinds of Mami and had a cup of brewed coffee.

• Returned to Baguio Cathedral and perused the shops beside it while waiting for Mama to finish the mass.

• Checked out of the G1 Lodge.

• Crossed the road and had lunch at Sizzling Plate inside SM Baguio. I loved the gravy served with their tenderloin.

• Dessert was at Mary Grace overlooking the mountain-view of the city.

• Left SM Baguio and walked to the Victory Liner terminal for our 15:00 bus ride back to Metro Manila. Again, pre-booked online and we didn’t want the later trips as we wanted to get some rest before Monday. It was my first time on a “sleeper bus” and wow, it was eye-opening. It’s definitely not for wide and tall people. For most of the trip, my legs were folded just so I can fit. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but I wasn’t able to get any sleep.

• At 19:30, arrived at the Cubao terminal and took a Grab home.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

• I can see why people love going to Baguio. The streets are clean, a lot of the area is walkable (and if not, taxis are abundant), and the cool temperature is so comfortable. However, the influx of people lead to terrible traffic jams, especially during the weekend.

• Some transportation differences I immediately noticed: 

1. Pedestrians are almost always prioritized as long as they’re in the proper crossings.
2. People do not honk their cars like savages
3. Jeepneys have regular horns, not stupid laugh tracks or meme voice recordings like those found in Manila being used by jeepney drivers that have never felt anyone love them and have to inconvenience others with their *papansin* tactics.

• Aside from 50’s Diner, I was lowkey disappointed with the food I ate, considering we went to the classic pillars of Baguio gastronomy. Next time we return, I’ll have to take the family to the ones outside of the session road area, though that would require a taxi ride or our own car.

• There were so many cafes I saw that I wanted to try. But I was taking highly-acidic medication so they’ll have to wait until the next time. Baguio has lots of nooks and crannies with cafes and eateries popping up, and I love discovering hidden gems.

• I love Kiniing! I want to eat it always!!!

This was a short trip and I would love to spend more time in Baguio just walking around in the cool weather. I really should visit the place more frequently. Special thanks to my brother for booking everything. It was certainly a good vacation to lower my blood pressure.

Thanks for reading and keep cool.

-jgzn