Baguio Beens

I've lost count the number of times I've been to the City of Pines a.k.a. the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Prior to this trip, the last time I was here was in Y2007. This is certainly not my last visit to this place.

Purely Business.
Last August 10, I left Manila at 115am to make it just in time for the 8am training in Albergo Hotel. The bus arrived a little past 6am. I decided to take the 10 minute walk from the bus station to El Cielito Inn in North Road.

Next time, ride a bus.
I rode a Victory liner deluxe bus instead of bringing my own vehicle. The latter would have been a killer option. As an effect, training would have probably suffered.

El Cielito Inn.
I am still in search of my fave hotel in Baguio City. For now, the top of mind is El Cielito Inn due to its proximity to SM and Session Road. This is my 3rd time in this hotel, twice for a business and once for a vacation with my family.

A trip to Baguio City will not be complete without the usual pasalubong - fresh Strawberries and yummy Ube jam.

Winner ang Winner

Speaking of turning 18 years old, when I was in college, 4 of my dormmates received a 6th generation Toyota Corolla. Itago na lang natin sa initials na BN, CB, TG and MU. When I reached that age, I received a unique gift from my parents - a white Winner personal ref. I think I was the only one who received such a gift in college. There were about 120 students in that dormitory when I was there; 4 received brand new toyota sedans and 1 received a personal ref ergo I still count myself as being blessed.

The RAV4 Kid

Two years ago during phase 2 of my civ sound project, I met this college kid at a local car shop. He was 18 y.o. then and was already driving a souped up 2002 Toyota RAV4. Lucky guy. He was there because like me, he was having his auto sounds upgraded. But unlike me, his budget was like close to unlimited. The kid said he was studying at some obscure university. Let me correct that, he is enrolled, sometimes goes to school, most of the time goes drinking with friends. Sounds cool, huh? Now here's the kicker, he claims that his 42 year old Dad is too old that he doesn't understand him.

Lessons learned during my encounter:
(1) That fathers should highlight the value of education to their children.
(2) That the children should learn to count his blessings. How many teenagers go to school in the Ph? And how many drive an SUV in the Ph when going to school?