MILLIE: When I was a child, we would spend long summers in Baguio with my grandparents, the late Justice Alex. Reyes and my Lola Asiang. My grandpa was a Justice of the Supreme Court and we had the privilege of using a cottage on Justice Hill. To my recollection, it had many rooms and was big enough to accommodate so many cousins to bond with. My grandma would plan picnics at Camp John Hay, Burnham Park or even right behind our summer cottage. I remember sitting at the top of the steps above Wright Park for a picnic, eating my Lola’s special picnic food of fried chicken wings, served hot and still crispy! My cousins and I were busy with all our activities like horseback-riding, driving kiddie cars or riding bikes and walking down Session Road or exploring the Crystal Cave. I enjoyed trips to the famous Baguio market with my Lola as she went about buying fresh vegetables and whatever delightful yummies she could find. The sight of the longganisa curtains and the plump and juicy fresh strawberries brought back sweet memories as we revisited the summer capital last week. We didn’t get to revisit the places we used to frequent in my youth this time, like t
he Star Café, Rose Bowl or that small bakery on Assumption Road for the delicious freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
KARLA: Baguio always reminds me of my grandparents and family time. When I was a kid, we would go up there as a whole family with all my cousins. If we just sit down and reminisce, I’m sure all my titas and titos would remember seeing me rolling down a hill during one of our family picnics, or the time my head got stuck between the stairway grills of a house just because I wanted to say good morning to lolo, or the time my lola sat on the floor and played jackstones and beat all of us. I remember going horseback riding, always insisting to ride on my white horse named Sugar, every time. Little did I know that whichever park we went to, there was always a white horse named Sugar.
MILLIE: It was good be back at the Baguio Country Club, it felt like home. It’s been three years since our last visit. Although most of the staff were new, there were old familiar faces and a few surprises here and there. The excellent butler service on the room floors and the delightful food at the lovely veranda overlooking the fairway were special features. The discovery of the week was the yummy BCC cheeseburger and fries and the Caesar salad with fresh, crisp Baguio lettuce! The buffet spread was always sumptuous, but I tried to keep my food intake to a minimum. However, I could not resist the signature BCC raisin bread and banana bread, and even ordered half a dozen each to take home as pasalubong. We met the pastry chef Art Nucaza who was responsible for all the fabulously baked goodies in the pastry shop.
KARLA: Every time we would go to Baguio, we would end up with the same routine: Hang out at Baguio Country Club for tennis, swimming or bowling, or go to the driving range at John Hay or play a round of mini golf. Then rollerskating at the rink and meeting up at the ice cream parlor. Strangely enough, I recall visits to the animal cemetery to look at the figurines. We enjoyed the summer picnics on the grassy lawn. We’ve been doing this routine since I was a kid, but lately, or as of the last time we visited Baguio, which was three years ago, my lolo just preferred to stay at Baguio Country Club since he was comfortable there. He would find his own little corner in the veranda, bring out his laptop bag containing a portable DVD player, and just play the concerts of Andrea Boccelli, Andre Rieu, or Celine Dion, while admiring the beautiful view of the golf course, eating his bag of chips, and sipping his San Mig Lite. This trip was different with Lolo gone. This time, we actually had time to go out into the city and explore more places. My Tita Dorcie and Tito Benjie brought us to this place for Mongolian grill and hot pot called O’Mai Khan. Just like any other Mongolian bbq restaurant, they have all the ingredients out there for you to mix yourself. I like mine spicy and flavorful and it came out just the way I wanted it even if I had no idea what I was adding into my bowl. But for some unlucky people who didn’t like their food, they had no one to blame but themselves. It’s such a small place that we actually had to wait for a large table good for 7.5 (7 + a baby). At P 210 for adults and P150 for kids below four feet, you’ll be able to go back as many times as you wish, as long as you finish the food on your previous bowl. Not bad at all. The place is more of casual dining and the turnover is fast, plus if you can season your food well, then you’ll be satisfied and go home with a full tummy.
MILLIE: We were enjoying the clean, fresh air and the cool weather that we decided to extend our stay. Then typhoon Bebeng came and we were stranded. We toured the city and noticed the congestion, with traffic moving slow. We came across Casa Vallejo on Upper Session Road and was curious to see what was inside the Hill Station — a tapas bar and restaurant. We were in for a pleasant surprise as we were welcomed by a rather homey ambiance. The waiters were accommodating and very pleasant, well-trained, and polite. Everything on the menu looked good. Vegetable pahora with creamy fresh mint. Spanish callos, Moroccan spiced baby back ribs, Ceylon shrimp curry, lamb stew. Whew! We would have tried the paella, but it was almost 2 p.m. and we were hungry so we could not afford the long wait. Instead, we ordered chorizo bilbao with garlic bread as pica-pica. I settled for German crispy pork knuckles with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, chives, and gravy. Karla had the spinach & mushroom ravioli and my niece Vada had maccheroni with a little pesto on top.
KARLA: The Caesar salad was excellent and prepared at tableside. For dessert, I actually wanted to order the Crepes Samurai so badly as I saw them making it when I took a peek into the kitchen. The chef showed me the technique of using the bottom of the pan for making the crepe. He mentions that it’s easier because the crepe will just fall off when it’s done as long as you brush the bottom of the pan with a little bit of oil just so it won’t stick. But apparently, the Crepe Samurai they were making was for a function that evening and to make one just for me would take a while. So I never got my Crepe Samurai. Instead, we ordered Death by Chocolate, lemon meringue, and the chocolate Ice cream sprinkled with cayenne. We learned the place was owned by Mitos Benitez Yniguez and were lucky to have met her as we were about to leave. She showed us around and into the quaint little bookshop within the complex. I guess we will have to come back to try her other food specialties which look very promising.
For all the baked goodies, especially the raisin bread and banana bread, you may get them at Baguio Country Club located at Baguio Country Club Road, Baguio City. Call (74)6192050 to 64. For Mongolian Grill & Hot Pot, check out O’Mai Khan at 12 Otek St. corner Jose Rizal Park, Baguio City. Call (74)4425885. For some tapas and international food, try Hill Station on Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City. Call (74) 4242734.
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