I still can’t believe we finally made it to Baguio everyone calls it the Philippines Summer Capital and our first stop was the famous Mines View Park. I had dreamed for ages of bringing my kids there and when we found out we were actually going they were so excited they started packing their things a whole week before the trip. We traveled all the way from Davao City the drive was long but seeing their happy faces made every minute worth it.
As soon as we got to Baguio we felt the weather change right away that cool nice breeze was nothing like the hot temperatures back home. My kids eyes were wide with wonder at all the tall pine trees lining the streets and they would not stop asking questions about everything they saw. When we pulled up to the park we were amazed by what greeted us.
The path leading to the park was full of shoppers and vendors selling all kinds of Baguio products from pasalubong like strawberry jam ube halaya and dried mangoes to handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs made from wood and metal. The kids loved seeing the little huts where sellers were set up looked like we had stepped into a countryside community.
We walked around the stalls first and picked out small things they could show off to their friends. We also bought fresh strawberries from local sellers so sweet and juicy nothing like what we get at the supermarket. The kids kept popping them into their mouths grinning every time they bit into one.
But the real star of our visit was the view from the top of the park. When we reached the viewing deck we stopped in our tracks could not believe how beautiful it was. Stretching out as far as we could see were the Cordillera mountains covered in thick green plants and trees like a giant green carpet.
Clouds felt so close you could almost touch them and the cool breeze got even stronger as we stood there. The kids were running around pointing at different peaks asking if we could climb one of the mountains someday. We sat on a bench just watching the landscape change as clouds drifted by.
We watched other families taking photos some even renting traditional Igorot costumes to wear for their pictures. My youngest asked if we could get one too so we did and watching them pose in those outfits was hilarious. They looked like little mountain warriors ready for an adventure.
We also checked out the stalls selling handmade items wooden carvings metal keychains and woven bags. The kids picked out tiny wooden cars and colorful bracelets for their friends. One vendor even let them try carving a small piece of wood they were so proud of their little creations.
The cool air was perfect for walking around no need to worry about getting sweaty or tired from the heat. We kept our jackets on but still felt that nice chill on our skin. My oldest said it felt like being in a dream where everything was calm and peaceful.
We stayed for hours just taking in everything the way the sunlight hit the mountains making them glow green and gold the different flowers dotted across the hillsides in reds yellows and purples. The kids collected small fallen leaves and petals to press into their notebooks later.
Before we left we grabbed some hot chocolate from a nearby stall to warm up a bit more. The kids said it was the best drink they had ever had especially since we were sitting outside watching the sun start to set over the mountains. Everything felt so perfect in that moment.
We are already planning to come back next year the kids won’t stop talking about when we can visit again. They want to see more of Baguio next time but Mines View Park will always be special to us as our first taste of this amazing city. Every time we talk about it at home we still smile thinking about that cool breeze and beautiful view.