Panagbenga 2013 and the ‘warm’ spots in the City of Pines

MANILA, Philippines - Tis’ the season once again when Baguio City, dubbed the summer capital of the country, blooms in celebration of the annual Panagbenga Flower Festival this month.

Panagbenga is an event where the people of Baguio depict the diverse character and resiliency of their city through grand flower float parades and non-stop street entertainment. With a spike in the number of tourist arrivals expected, hotels and other establishments are gearing up to embrace Panagbenga revelers while they are in the City of Pines.

The Manor at Camp John Hay

It’s one of the hotels situated at Camp John Hay. Its guests are freed from the pressures of the city, thus making it a perfect place to relax in Baguio. It’s one of the few places where you can get in touch with nature. Aside from the flower festival this month, The Manor also offers a 20 percent room discount as it welcomes the Year of the Snake.

Le Monet

To kick off the Panagbenga season, the hotel has unveiled the only steakhouse at Camp John Hay, offering prime beverages to complement its unmatched dishes. “We want to bring back the culture during the old days when Camp John Hay was the hub of prime steaks in Baguio City, and we want to start it here in Le Monet,” says general manager Dante Cruz. Truly, the taste and texture of their wagyu steak is worth the money.

Microtel Baguio

Forget about feeling homesick, Microtel Baguio is truly one of the “warm” spots in Baguio. Its cozy design and the hospitality of its staff gives every guest the warmth that they need. Beside the hotel is the Te Quiero Tapas Bar and Restaurant, a Spanish-inspired restaurant that serves a wide variety of Western and Asian dishes. Also, the nearby Victory Liner bus terminal offers a convenient and comfortable way for Microtel guests to travel to the city.

Hotel Elizabeth

The only Mediterranean inspired hotel in Baguio, Hotel Elizabeth offers everyone a fine serving of European ambiance and Filipino hospitality. For Panagbenga, hotel guests can enjoy activities such as face painting, cupcake making, and photo ops with local tribal folk. Also, resident manager Mary Grace Banabana adds that on their eighth anniversary next month, guests can avail themselves of the second night of their stay for only P8.

Azalea Residences

Azalea’s large apartment suites are the perfect choice for families or extended families traveling together. Azalea’s suites let big groups of people stay together in one area for easy coordination and family bonding. It currently offers the “Best Baguio Holiday Break” deal and its goal is to allow families to have fun indoors as much as outdoors.

Hotel Veniz

For non-stop shopping and dining, the hotel’s strategic location at the center of the city is truly an advantage for shopaholics and foodies alike. Just a few steps away is the well-known “Wag-Wagan Core” Session Road where shops and dining spots can be found. At night, the long stretch of Harrison Boulevard transforms into a street market. It’s also a good vantage point where you can witness the grand parades during the festival.

Forest Lodge

It’s a first-class experience at an affordable price. The hotel’s location at Camp John Hay offers you a 360-degree view of the mountains and lush forest of pine trees. The well-appointed hotel is still improving its facilities to further step up its service for its guests.

Burnham Suites

Be in one of the central locations of the Baguio Flower Festival as guests are mere steps away from Burnham Park, Session Road, and the Athletic Bowl — the center of all the festivities. Also, it offers guests complimentary parking spaces at its vicinity, saving them from the surely festive jam-packed streets.

Summer Place Hotel

The hotel is conveniently located along the cliff of Marcos Highway that offers a wide view of the Cordillera mountains. The large, art gallery-like lobby, mostly decorated with woodcarvings, gives everyone an impression of how rooms look like in this hotel which are larger and have higher ceilings compared to other hotels in the city.

Starwood Hotel

In downtown Baguio, the hotel keeps everyone’s need just around his vicinity. Situated beside the lobby are a restaurant and a convenience store where you may find some basic needs

Chalet Baguio

The proximity of public terminals is an advantage for travelers. At the same time, the Chalet Baguio’s location is far from the rush of downtown Baguio which is a convenience for guests who want to enjoy the serenity of their vacation. For Panagbenga, the hotel will give limited edition Chalet Baguio Panagbenga 2013 mugs for its guests this season.

Casa Vallejo

The century-old hotel will surely take you back in time and give you an experience of hospitality the Casa Vallejo way. Talking about Panagbenga, the hotel is one of the best spots to witness the grand parades. Open your room window and sip hot coffee from its café while watching the street dancers pass by in front of the hotel.

The Golden Pine Hotel & Restaurant

Expect a warm welcome from the front desk of Golden Pine Hotel, one of the strategically located establishments in downtown Baguio. It’s one of the hotels just a few steps to the parades and the street dancing during the festival, so you will never miss an event.

Eurotel Baguio

The hotel is just a minute walking distance from Burnham Park and other landmarks in Baguio. During the Panagbenga, guests may enjoy its food promos and night entertainment at its Euroblend Café and Bar.

City Travel Hotel

Also near where the festivities will happen, City Travel Hotel is right across Burnham Park and boasts of amenities for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel believes that high-quality service can be inexpensive and be afforded by everyone.

Mile Hi-Inn

It’s a Camp John Hay hotel experience at a cheaper price. Suggest this hotel for people who are traveling on a budget yet wanting a relaxing John Hay experience. It is also part of the Mile-Hi Center where clothing apparel from well-known international brands and Baguio woodcraft and trinkets can be found.

Café by the Ruins

All geared up for Panagbenga, the well-known Café by the Ruins will soon be celebrating its 25th anniversary with different food workshops for foodies and people who have not tried its unique ambiance and distinct dishes. “For the past 20 years, we have still provided the original Baguio experience. We want to provide the rustic, native Cordilleran feel that should be Baguio City,” says Celestina Arvisu, Cafe by the Ruins president. It’s a haven for those who want to “taste” Baguio’s character. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Star Café

Nestled along Session Road, Star Café is an old bakeshop and a Chinese restaurant that has welcomed different people from different walks of life. It’s a witness to changes in Baguio City, and today it stands as one of the classic restaurants that you should not miss when you visit the city. Aside from pastries, diners can also try its well-known version of lugaw, Chicken Mami, egg pie, and the famous Star rice. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mario’s

Everyone can look forward to great food and service when they dine at this restaurant. Now 41 years in service, Mario’s has established its name among Manileños and the locals. For Panagbenga, there will be promos such as a “power lunch” for P295+, among others. It is also offering catering services for special events. It is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mountain Maid Training Center (Good Shepherd)

Famous for its ube halaya, strawberry jam and other pasalubong, the MMTC, also known as Good Shepherd, will give away free eco-bags during the Panagbenga season once you purchase its tasty pasalubong items for a set amount on a single-receipt purchase.

Those bringing their cars need not worry about an empty tank as they tour the city. There are Shell and Caltex stations, so no one will miss an event. And for your dose of souvenirs, drop by Island Souvenirs at Mines View Park.

For more information on the listed hotels, check The Philippine STAR’s Hotel Guide published every Wednesday and Friday. Photos by Fernan Nebres