Manaoag to Baguio City

Went out yesterday for a quick road trip commute to Manaoag City with Roshie's friends. We left early morning from the bus terminal of Viron Transit in Blumentritt corner Dapitan in Sampaloc, Manila where we hailed a bus direct to Manaoag that took around 4 hours to travel more or less 200kms north of Manila. Our main destination is to go to Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario de Manaoag (Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag) and the good thing with the bus trips it is along the way on their routes so you can get off just across the street from the church.



A shrine containing a 17th century image of Virgin Mary is the main attraction for the devotees to come here.


People from all walks of life and from different parts of the country come here every day and most specially on the third Sunday after Easter when a feast is celebrated on her honor, as the patron of the sick, needy and helpless. It is a common belief among devotees that the image is miraculous and many devotees light candles as a symbol of their prayers.


melting candle


an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the candle area


After we heard mass, lighted candles and said our prayers, it was decided (impromptu) by the group that we go to Baguio for an overnight stay. 2 hours of sitting in a van (on reckless driving) and we were already on Baguio Ciy. We stayed at La Brea Inn located along Session road, which is a good jumping point for us to travel around the city since we don't have our own car.


We haggled and got our room for PHP1000 for 1 night stay. The room has 2 queen beds (since we were four), hot and cold shower, cable television but no aircon since it is not a necessity as Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines after all and is colder than Manila year-round.


We didn't do much since all of us have been to Baguio City before but just to rest in our room and stroll around the park. That night, we went to church to hear mass (anticipated) in Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral or fondly known locally as the Baguio Cathedral few steps away as we walk upward Session road.


inside the church during mass


The night was capped off by a dinner at the eateries at Burnham Park whom mostly offers freshly grilled meat and seafoods. Perfect for the cold weather!


Earlier today we went to the market to buy some stuffs to take home and left for Manila right after lunch time.