Flash Back: Philippines Trip 2006 part 2
By KK on Apr 27, 2007 in Dental Tourism, Baguio, Philippines, Traveler, Thinker
Background music: Country Road, Take me home to the place I belong…
On the way up to Baguio, I had to re-acclimate myself with Philippine highway setting. I was holding on to my seat for dear life because my cousin who is an expert Manila-Baguio driver had to pass trucks, cars, jeepneys, tricycles and people while on the highway. It was PMA graduation week and the Philippine president was in Baguio and there were check points everywhere. The traffic volume was high and my husband with his knuckles turning white from his grip on the back rest of the seat in-front of him was commenting that it’s the most time he had been on the left side of the road in his entire life. I have been up and down Baguio countless times during my 3 year stint in Cavite but I only experienced the road that crowded during the Holy Week mad rush. It’s quite a nerve wracking experience for my husband who has been only used to wide multiple lane Interstates and local highways. He was looking for speed limit signs and I said, you can go as fast as the highway allows you. There are no speeding tickets, they rely on driver’s will to preserve their lives. He was also baffled by the houses right up on the highways, it’s a safety issue but that’s just the way it is in this part of the world. The highway en-route to Northern Luzon hasn’t really been widened and improved despite the need. As we ascended the mountainous terrain of Zigzag Kennon Road, I felt the real homecoming. By the time we arrived my neck was stiff from the long and stressful ride. I was only too happy to be back and ready to kiss familiar grounds. It was around 10 pm when we arrived.
I laid awake as I watched my husband and daughter sleep soundly that night. I was so tired but can’t get myself to sleep for yet another night. I was ready to get out of bed by 5:30am and too excited to re-aquaint myself with the sight, smell and feel of the home place of my childhood. I watched the sunrise for the first time in years. After my morning green tea and I told my husband that I was going to the market at 6:30 in the morning! I asked my younger brother to come with me.
So off to the market we went, it was an exhilarating experience to be back shopping at the Baguio City market. I have missed it. The market felt real, unlike the overly sterile vacuumed sealed supermarket shopping back in the States. I knew the market place like the back of my hand from my time shopping with my mom, I always liked tagging along with her. It was a welcome experience to see and smell the variety of fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, meats,fish and other Filipino delicacies. I was giddy just being in the Baguio city market, these no market like it. I had a great time going to familiar stands and bonding with my younger brother who seemed to be amused with my antics in trying to bargain with the vendors. But even as dressed down as I was in my old tattered jeans and stained worn out sweat shirt, no one seems to give me a good discount. My brother said that bargaining has gone out of style.
I was so happy to see real bananas. It has been so long since I saw Lakatan and saging na Saba. I always complained to my husband that the oversized Dole bananas tasted so bland and I wanted him to taste Philippine bananas. We bought as much as my brother and I could carry. Then bought some fresh cut flowers at Hangar. After one last stop at Master’s Hopia for fresh hot pandesal, we took a taxi home. I peeked in the brown paper bag and I was shocked to see the size of the pandesal, they were so tiny. On the ride back, I was thinking about how the prices of commodities have risen so much in 3 years since the last time I was in Baguio. I could only think of the people whose salaries have stayed the same, the struggle they had to go through to make ends meet. I looked out the window and saw unfamiliar sight of so many buildings, ah, the price of progress.
When we got back, it was time for breakfast and I was happy to see everyone awake. It was great to enjoy breakfast together with the family. I was also staring at the tiny longanizas(sausages), I wondered out aloud: “since when have they made them so small or is it my eyes playing tricks on me?” My daughter and 2 year old niece have made themselves inseparable and created quite a ruckus which jolted me out of my thoughts of itsy-bitsy longanizas.
That afternoon, I visited my dentist- one of the main itineraries of the Philippine trip. One of my bridgework was giving me problems, if I had it done in the States it would have cost us $5,000 even with insurance. That’s the cost of the whole trip- airfare, pocket money and vacation to Boracay. It’s really a no brainer, if dental work costs as much as over-seas vacations, I’d rather have the work done in the Philippines, visit family and have a grand vacation. I would really recommend dental tourism to anyone who wants more out of their money.
betty t. lopez | Apr 27, 2007 | Reply
Its always nice to be back on familiar grounds. Sabi nga sa commercial”babalik ka rin”.
I havent been back to Baguio for ages but I heard that now Baguio is too commercialized. Have a nice vacation
Rach | Apr 28, 2007 | Reply
Hi Tina. Thanks for sharing more about your vacation in the Philippines. I miss going to Baguio. It has been several years since my last visit. I remember going there with a group of friends. I was the only girl and I felt like a princess because all the guys were there to take care of me. Many of us are married now and we rarely see each other anymore but I will always cherish those moments.
My parents who have settled in the States also have their dental procedures done here whenever they come home because it is too expensive to have it done in the States.
julie | Apr 28, 2007 | Reply
Tina, I think that is one of the government’s or maybe the private practitioners’ goals: promote tourism along with aesthetic surgery. This is currently being done in Thailand where a lot or cosmetic surgeries are being done. One of the ongoing projects too is to lure back the balikbayans to live here in the Philippines. But it is a very tedious task and would probably turn off those who are not used to so much red tape. Some even pay hundred of thousand of Php under the table just so they could expedite the process. Not exactly encouraging.
Hope you can come back here for a visit.
sassy mom | Apr 28, 2007 | Reply
Hi, thanks for sharing this trip back to the Phils. I can just imagine how you have felt when you saw the changes, esp. the prices.
It’s been almost 3 yrs., since I’ve been to Baguio but my sis goes there every month– work related– so I always ask her to buy me vegetables there, the Good Shephered “Ube”, and the cashew brittle.
sexy mom | Apr 28, 2007 | Reply
hi, tina! i have not been to baguio for many years now, but we are planning to go one of these days.
as to the roads to baguio, nothing would beat the roads on bhutan (in the himalayas), i have been there a number of times–imagine, the place is much much higher than baguio, most of the roads had no side railings. yes, one mistake and the car would fall in the ravine, and maybe, no one will even know for days.
that is why, drivers there take 1-2 years in driving school. one bhutanese was so fascinated when he visited manila, to find out that we could be issued a driving license even without formal driving lessons.
Mary | Apr 28, 2007 | Reply
Hi Tina,
I agree with dental tourism. Dental work was one of the things we had done when we visited the Philippines too. Of course the food, sights and familiar faces were a big bonus too
rhodora | Apr 29, 2007 | Reply
Hi, Tina! I think if you took the Marcos route, it would be much better as the roads are wider and safer. However, it can be quite steep (more steep than Kennon) as you approach the summit. It’s a longer route too. But I promise you, if you happen to pass there at sundown, the sunset view is breathtaking!
Belle | Apr 29, 2007 | Reply
Tina, i google searched the elevation in Baguio and i found out that the town i live in AZ has the same elevation. now, i kind of know how it feels like living in Baguio. it can be nice and sunny during the day and cold during night.
when i came back home after 8 years, everything looked different to me. it seemed everything had gotten smaller, and crowded, and the heat was unbearable that i had to go back prematurely to Manila as my baby (s) was having trouble coping with the heat. i was scared for her. now, am acclimated once again.
i wish someone could recommend me of a quality dentist in the Phil as i just spent $3,000 on dental, after insurance.
Belle | Apr 29, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Tina for the nice email. Will email you back.
Tina | Apr 29, 2007 | Reply
Hi Betty,
I took the trip last year, how I wish I was there this year though. Like most tourist places, Baguio has become more commercialized however there are still alot of places to enjoy the city. Check out: www.gobaguio.com for tips.
Hi Rach,
You, your husband and Yohan can always go to see Baguio :), make new memories. It’s really alot cheaper to have dental procedures done in the Phils, another excuse to visit family and friends ;).
Hi Julie,
Redtape is really a big turn-off. I’m convincing my neighbors to see the Philippines. They have toured Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam already. It’s kinda difficult to convince them after so many negative publicity in International news. How can Philippines compete with Thailand when it comes to medical and dental tourism? It’s a tough competition. I have spoken to other Balikbayan-wanna-bes and they are very concerned about the political stability of the country. After being used to the system here, retirees don’t really want to fool around with red-tape.
Hi Sassymom,
The prices were quite a shocker to me. In highschool I used to pay Php1.50 for a jeepney ride for a minimum ride(4km), last year it was Php7.50! That’s why alot of Filipinos are getting out to be OFWs just to cope with the rising cost of living. It’s really very alarming to me, I was just thinking what if I just stayed in my first job barely making enough money for a month food supply.
Hi Sexymom,
The Zigzag didn’t bother me as much as the highways in Tarlac to Pangasinan. I just read that there was an accident that killed 7 people in Villasis. At least in Bhutan, I believe there isn’t much traffic of people, trucks, buses, tricycles, tractors, etc. Wow, 1-2 years driving school in Bhutan. In the Phils. someone can get a license even if they don’t know how to drive(you just need to know someone or slip something under the table)- a practice that doesn’t do any good to anyone.
Hi Mary,
Super mahal talaga kasi ang dental dito. Highway robbery.
Hi Rhodora,
I actually like Zigzag. Although, I saw alot of work done in Marcos on the way back- I didn’t see the sunset but I know the scenic view you are talking about. I have spent many sunsets on top of a mountain enjoying it.
Hi Ate Belle,
It’s great that there is a similarity between where you are in AZ and Baguio. You have to go to Baguio to experience it too ;). There’s history and mystic in the place that I can’t describe. I’m not just saying it because I was born and bred there but it’s different. When you go to certain places like Camp John Hay you’d think you are in America.
I highly recommend my dentist but you’ll have to go to Baguio. Maybe someone can recommend a dentist in Manila.
Linnor | Apr 30, 2007 | Reply
…
..uh…
would you believe?
… i…
…
have never been to baguio…
Tina | Apr 30, 2007 | Reply
Hi Linnor,
There’s always a first time :).
You can go to Baguio for Summer trip #4.
Lisa | May 1, 2007 | Reply
Hi Tina,
Great to read about your Baguio trip. Been pretty much offline for the past few days because Baguio’s been pretty hectic (our high season, you know). Can’t complain about the volume of visitors though.
*The longganizas haven’t shrunk. You must’ve taken home the “Vigan “shortganizas!” There are regular-sized ones available still.
*For me, Kennon is safer because the Americans designed it way better than Aspiras and Vergara did Marcos Highway. The bends are gentle, and it never gets foggy, less vehicles too. But I can imagine your husband’s shock at the way we drive. Funny thing is, I believe we have less accidents though because it takes real skill to drive in the Philippines. We don’t have pile ups like you do in America. McArthur Highway is pretty dangerous though because the buses bully you when they overtake — sometimes they’re barreling towards you on your lane and you have to pull over to the shoulder just to avoid a collision.
*And yes, the fruits in the Philippines are like no other — small and oh so sweet! Just like the folks here. I love how the Baguio City Market is so democratic — rich and poor go to the same market.
*You know you’re getting old when you start remembering how much things used to cost during your time!
When will you come back for a visit?
Tina | May 1, 2007 | Reply
Hi Lisa,
Great to hear that business is really doing well.
I will go to SVD for the longanizas you recommended. Shortganizas? I never heard of them until now.
I like Kennon too because of the reason that the curves of the road hugs the mountains. The designer used the concept of Centripetal force.
It’s true that there are no pile ups there. Some people here interpret speed limit differently that’s why we get pile ups. 65 mph might mean 100mph for some people.
Hahaha, thanks for reminding me I’m getting old. Kidding aside, the prices were high.
I would love to come for a visit, as to when I don’t know yet. We will have to save up for fare.
Girlie | May 1, 2007 | Reply
you should have slept on your way up to Baguio para relaxed kayo, that’s what i do, nerbyosa din kasi ako eh.
i love the market in Baguio too…fresh lahat ng bilihin
Tina | May 2, 2007 | Reply
Ate Girlie,
Di ako makatulog. Eversince I learned how to drive, I am more awake when travelling. Noon, wala akong paki-alam. My colleagues used to tease me that I slept like a log.
Sarap mamili ano? Kaya inspired ako magluto kahit bakasyon dapat.
Francesca | May 3, 2007 | Reply
tin, korek ka sa dental checkup in phils. lahat kami, sa pinas din, kasi ok ang gawa at low prize, may pang boracay pa, lol
anyway, sarap mamalengke ano? Ntakaw ka rin ba sa mangga at buko, saka tilapia at bangus?
The flowers up are pretty. Spring time na nga!
________
Hi Ate Amy,
Ay oo, matakaw ako sa mangga, bulo, tilapia at bangus.(to name a few)
geri | May 8, 2007 | Reply
Tina, hay naku you are so right about the saging. The first time I tasted latundan on our vacation, I couldn’t believe how good it tasted. Ang tamis. I love Baguio been there 3 times. I would be happy to retire there somebody but I will have problem with the dialect though.
noemi | May 10, 2007 | Reply
You must miss the Philippines so much. I liked how you described Baguio market. I can just imagine how it is in your eyes as a child. My husband is from there too and I only go there for souvenir shopping.
Tina | May 10, 2007 | Reply
Hi Ate Noemi,
I definitely miss the family, food and places but not so much of the politics nor the corruption. Your husband has the same family name of a former Mayor, I’m sure they are related.
raqgold | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
we were also in baguio in 2006 — sarap balik-balikan. i esp love the baguio market. but it was only a day trip coz we were staying in la union for the beach.
KK | Aug 19, 2007 | Reply
Hi Raq,
Oo nga eh. It’s great that you visited Baguio last 2006. A day trip?!! Oh come on, next time you stay in Baguio. This reminds me I have to continue my flashback kwento.