Nino and I were recently gifted with a little time away and tools to strengthen our relationship.
We decided to take part in the 2be1 Couple’s Retreat with CCF when our friend Betty Sy asked to us if we were interested in joining earlier this year. Betty is not only a good friend, she is a coparent in DSAPI. She is an inspiration to me, and she and her husband Wisdom have provided support for Nino and me, in the past year by inviting us to worship regularly at CCF Main, and by being our loyal friends.
Because we knew we would be up in Baguio for the weekend, I was also able to schedule an Open House for Best Buddies with one of our partner organizations in Baguio to make the most of our visit.
A Child’s D.R.E.A.M. is the foundation of Dr. Dimalanta and his sister Anne Marie. Together they serve the special needs community and provide comfort for parents while offering Early Intervention for their clients and students.
So, knowing that Nino and I were going to be spending some time in Baguio, I asked my Facebook friends for suggestions of different places to eat. You see, when Nino and I are gifted with the ability to travel, we like to experience new things, and explore new places together. Perhaps we do this so we also, have places to bring the kids back to when we visit the area as a family.
Nonetheless, we know that food is a big part of any trip that we take. Local faire, parks, and experiences rate high for us in terms of travel that is good for the soul. Exploring these kinds of places with a little help from our friends was a great start to a wonderful weekend that we spent enriching our marriage.
Here are some of the “food finds” we indulged in while we were in Baguio.
A lot of our friends mentioned Ozark Diner. Ozark is an American style diner run by Kevin and his partner Albert. Kevin grew up all over the United States, but when asked shares that he is from Arkansas. Nino and I were immediately amused at the fact that he had the Best Buddies logo hanging in the restaurant which is a painting by Keith Haring. It’s widely recognized and has more than one meaning for many who enjoy this contemporary artist’s work.
I just thought it was a sign that we were on the right path for that day.
I love it when it happens like that, don’t you?
Our retreat was in Baguio Country Club.
BCC is an institution. In fact, Nino has many childhood memories traveling to Baguio on the weekends with his family when he was growing up.
Buffet Breakfast is a no brainer, right? From salads, to the omelet station, and of course the famed Raisin Bread, everyone knows that you will walk away from the table with a full tummy, and a happy heart. It’s even better when you get to lounge around a little and breakfast becomes brunch. Agree?
If you do have time to visit BCC, you also have to try their native hot chocolate. It’s a super thick and rich cup full of chocolate goodness that is the perfect way to warm up on the veranda that is overlooking the golf course.
Everyone also knows that La Trinidad is just a stone’s throw from Baguio proper.
La Trinidad is the strawberry capital of the country. You can have strawberry taho in most places in and around town, and the McDonald’s in La Trinidad is the only one in the country where you can order a Strawberry Sundae instead of the normal hot fudge or caramel sundae that is offered everywhere else.
I love Thai food. Chef’s Home is a simple Thai restaurant not only had some of the items that they serve or garnish their dishes with, available for sale, they also had great service. Everyone was super attentive and pleasant. Nino and I were even amused that there was piped in Christian music while we were dining.
We took this as another sign that we were again, where we were supposed to be. Our entire weekend away was supposed to be a time where we could focus on strengthening our marriage, and the only fail proof way to do that was to make sure we put Jesus in the center of everything we do.
Even while we were enjoying our Thai food, we were reminded that we just need to put our faith in Him too.
In between the workshops, Nino and I were given time to reflect on what Pastor Peter and the speakers who were sharing discussed. This is when Nino and I would map out our routes (taking into consideration Baguio traffic, where we would grab a quick bite.)
Bistro by Hill Station is located in a strip mall not far from BCC. This is why we were able to sneak away for a coffee break and a healthy snack for me. Even if I shouldn’t indulge in dairy as much as I would like to, this yogurt with Hill Station’s Homemade Granola (which they also sell) was a quick and healthy snack that I enjoyed in the cool air with my love.
There were other places that we enjoyed together. But, I’d like to save those for another post. Perhaps, Nino and I can visit Baguio again soon with the kids so that we can take them to the parks, sit, maybe even have a picnic, and enjoy bonding with the family in the crisp cool mountain air.
What are you favorite places to visit in Baguio?
OZARK
https://www.facebook.com/ozarkbaguiocity/
BAGUIO COUNTRY CLUB
https://www.facebook.com/baguiocountryclubph/
LE VAIN BAKERY
https://www.facebook.com/levainbreadcafe/
CHEF’S HOME
https://www.facebook.com/ChefsHomeBaguio/
BISTRO by Hill Station
https://www.facebook.com/BistroByHillStation/
