Victimized in Baguio!

Indeed, that was us, careless us, who literally got pickpocketed in the once glorious Pines City. It was a sentimental journey, a trip we have not done in decades because of a past (medical) experience. The trauma lingered for years and years and when this one opportunity presented itself we thought "why not find out if we were forever going to be prevented from visiting Baguio". The drive was pleasant, we had a very skillful driver and the very long clothesline (extending from the bottom of the zigzag road to the rotunda of the city proper) of white school shirts proclaiming a detergent sort of gave a festive air along the way. Disappointingly, the marketing geniuses behind the product did not think of having a grand palabas at the end of the line. We also wondered if at the end of the day they made good use of the shirts (must be in the thousands) and distributed them to less privileged kids.

Anyway, after attending the official function, we hied off to the market, very crowded at a late afternoon hour. The floor was wet and we got hounded by tens of buhat boys and girls who must still be in their teens. They must be regulars at the market, offering to carry the heavy bags full of vegetables, fruits, etc. They are an irritating lot, following you all the way, egging you to hire them. Some are street-smart like this Frieda who did not look over 12 years of age. She was selling sako at P10 per. We tried to bargain and offered her P5. She agreed and as we handed her the P5 coin, reaching out for the bag with our left hand, the cheeky little creature with a wry smile said, "At P5 pa". Starting early, we thought, and gave her a lecture on being straight and honest.

Done with shopping, we counted our change of P240, preparing to give our buhat boy his P50. We then put the money back into the pocket of our jacket. A few steps later, we heard a cry "Pera!" Diversionary tactic no doubt, because when we dug into our pocket the grim reality was the bills were gone! The culprit was faster than Houdini in his disappearing act!

Vegetables and fruits are still the best buys in Baguio. Vendors were selling everything at P20 a kilo with some exceptions like iceberg lettuce at P50 a kilo, cauliflower and broccoli at P50 a pack of more than a kilo each. If one is patient enough to walk the long aisle, more bargains are to be had–prices can go down by P5. We encountered Manuela Cruz, who sells home-made Baguio longaniza (P175 a kilo), and who supplies various restaurants and hotels in Manila. The Vigan sausages are tagged at P90 a kilo.

The following morning found us in the market again. This time our friend got very good buys from the flower and plant vendors, who are spread out under the overpass. Rose buds, so beautiful in peach and yellow, plus the vibrant red and dainty white, go for P20 a dozen. And of course who goes up to Baguio without having at least breakfast at the more than 60-year-old Star Café, managed now by the son of the founding owner? We savored the longaniza, fried rice and eggs with good coffee for P95. Plus we brought home their raisin bread and Spanish rolls.

Baguio was a disappointment. Our memories of majestic and glistening pine trees looking up to the sky have been marred by a city in disrepair, pines that look dry and are no longer cone-shaped, and buildings that are old. The glory of Baguio is definitely gone.

Cake and dessert lovers will be happy to know that there is this lady who does some fantastic concoctions in her house in Alabang Hills. From the Kitchen of Peachy G. Young (tel. 842-8985 and 566-7016) comes the most temptingly delicious selection that includes Profiteroles, cream puffs with vanilla cream, topped with chocolate sauce and slivers of almonds, at P220 a box of 16; Fudgy Brownies (so soft and chewy) with walnuts at P235 for 24 pieces; our favorite, the yummy Oreo Cheesecake for P475 and the Triple Chocolate Torte. Peachy calls them "Sweet Treats", so treat yourself to some or give them as presents. They deliver in the Alabang and Parañaque areas. Once in a while, indulge!

* * *

Lydia D. Castillo’s e-mail address: [email protected]