Baguio Accommodation: Hotel 45

Hotel 45 became my unofficial accommodation whenever I visit Baguio because I stayed here for my last 3 visit to Baguio starting from 2013 to 2015. My first visit was in February 2013 where I travelled with friends. I have known about this hotel thru my friend I travelled with on my first stay here for he has stayed here before. What I like about Hotel 45 was its proximity to all establishments. It is just 10 minutes away from Victory Liner Baguio Terminal. It is just behind SM Baguio – actually walking distance and just across the main road. It also on an accessible highway where I you can catch taxis and jeepney that will take you other places in Baguio. It is also near Baguio Cathedral (5 minute walk) and the famed commercial street of Session Road (10 minute walk). Having mentioned this, Hotel 45 is an ideal accommodation to stay in Baguio.

The hotel building from Hotel 45 website. Front is the annex building while the back building is the main building.

Hotel 45 is a 3 star hotel so don’t expect much on its amenities, building and other services. It is very much catered to budget travelers to Baguio. Their amenities works in favor of my travel plans because I am mostly into budget travel. Hotel 45 has free breakfast packages on all their room rates. But don’t expect much on the free breakfast meal. It is just a freebie from the room packages which consists of a choice of one breakfast viand, egg, rice and a 3-in-one coffee. But that breakfast package is so helpful already for budget travelers who don’t want to skip breakfast in their travel trips.

I find Hotel 45’s cheaper rates very suitable for budget travelers to Baguio. Whether travelling with friends or family, you’ll find their room rates very affordable. During my December 2014 and March 2015 visit, I was able to stay there with work colleagues and friends. And our share was quite budgeted enough for our room accommodation in Hotel 45. On those two occasions, we stayed at the annex building of Hotel 45 which is just in front of the original hotel building. The annex building was newer thus; rooms and other amenities are newer as well.

Triple sharing room during my February 2013 visit.

Triple sharing accommodation of Hotel 45.

Staffs are generally friendly but needs more training or seminar in customer services as they could have been more accommodating than what they are. But most of them are helpful to guests especially when asking for directions going in and out of the city. Doing walk-in to the hotel is fine as long as it is not fully booked. They accommodate guests right away as long as there's a vacant room which happened twice on my visit there last December 2014 and March 2015. I haven't tried booking thru their website or email but if you want to make an advance reservation better call them once you arrive in the city as it tends to get fully book during peak season period.

Amenities are just basic mid-range 2 to 3 star accommodation. Rooms are clean and well-maintained. No air-conditioned in rooms and no needed – you’re Baguio, remember.  But if you insists, they have airconditioned rooms to offer. 
 

Our family room accommodation during my March 2015 visit.

Hotel 45 is recommended for those who are on a budget trip to Baguio. The hotel has cheaper room rates and very much near to important establishments in the city – SM Baguio across the annex building is a major plus. If you are after a budget-friendly accommodation and don’t expect much in amenities for a short time stay in Baguio, I highly recommend Hotel 45. But if you value much the accommodation and wanting to experience high-end hotel amenities then I suggest you to skip to this accommodation in Baguio. 

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Hotel 45

Bagong Bayan St., Brgy. Salud Mitra, Baguio City
Main Hotel -Landline: 446-6306 or 422-3821. Cell Phone: 0917-700-8805 

Extension Hotel -Lanline: 442-3460. Cell Phone: 0917-588-2759
Email: hotel45new@gmail.com  

Website: Hotel 45

Baguio: In fresh start and new beginning

Everyday is an opportunity to have a fresh start. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday. All that counts is today. When you wake up in the morning, know that today is full of opportunities waiting to be grabbed. It is a new day, a new start, the beginning of a new life awaits you.

We cannot start over again, but we can begin now and make a new ending.

Today is Easter Sunday.

Chasing the sun at Mines View Park, Baguio.

My morning visit to Mines View Park of Baguio City last October 2012 let chase the sun for a postcard-perfect photo set against the shadow of the ever popular pine trees of the city. Yet, whether chasing the sun or sunrise, morning is always an opportunity to make a fresh start and new beginning. This photo of Baguio reminds me that each day is a new beginning.

Baguio: In fresh start and new beginning is part of my Going Lenten series. It started from my Instragram account where I share travel inspiration thoughts and quotes with travel photos that can be reflected upon and ponder about in this special season of Holy Week. Today's last share for Lent season is about fresh start and new beginning. Happy Easter everyone!

Baguio: Blooming Odyssey of Summer

When Summer starts to fill the air, I always feel longing to travel someplace as they say Summer is the best time to travel. As the heat of weather comes with the season, some feel like going to cooler places where there is enough warm to console one’s adventurous spirit. This is just what I feel when I think of spending my first trip of Summer this year. And what could be any ideal place to spend my Summer than to spend it to the “Summer Capital” of the country – Baguio! It’s the place to be when it’s Summer as Baguio will always be not just a perfect place for a cool weather and relaxation but enough for exploring new things while enriching oneself’s thirst for adventure.

City of Pines in Tam-awan Village's viewpoint.

Arriving early in the morning in the City of Pines, the cool weather yearns for a long sleep but if you’re hungry, it’s interesting to try food and exotic cuisines at Balajadia's Kitchenette (Slaughter House Compound, Balajadia St., Barangay Sto. Nino, 2600 Baguio City) in Slaughter House Compound. Slaughter House is a cluster of restaurant that serves home-style cooked and roasted cuisines that are mostly meat. One of the exotic cuisine that I tried is Papaitan (Goat Bile Stew) but I highly recommend their Bulalo (Beef shank and bone marrow soup) which is a perfect comfort food for the cool weather of Baguio.

Baguio, here I come!

Sunrise welcoming me as I arrived at the borders of Baguio...

My summer visit to Baguio is just timely for the Panagbenga Festival period which runs from late February up to early March. This is a period of time in the city where most of the flowers are in full bloom, hence the celebration of the festival. Although, I did not arrive during the main parade event of the flowers, I enjoyed the blooming sceneries of Baguio flowers. It is no wonder that visitors and tourists flocks the city during this period. It’s not just about the cool temperature of the weather but also because the surroundings of the city are enticing to roam and stroll at with the lovely blooms of the flowers in every corner. I enjoyed walking around the streets with these beautiful sceneries of Baguio especially at morning time.

Bulalo for a cool weather.

Late but sumptuous lunch at Balajadia's Kitchenette.

Located in Pinsao Proper, is the art and cultural venue named Tam-awan Village. “Tam-awan” means vantage point in local dialect because of its location where scenic views of La Union and Baguio can be seen in its view decks.What you’ll see in the village are Ifugao huts and Kalinga houses made of original materials and lay out in the village resembling the design of a traditional Cordillera Village. Some of these houses and huts can also be rented for an overnight accommodation stay too. You can also trek inside the village trails to see its scenic view decks and other indigenous houses which I did with my travel mates. I enjoyed and amused by the sceneries of pine trees amidst at times covered by a thick haze of mist. The place is also a showcase of indigenous craftsmanship especially of Ifugao people where there are art galleries and craft shop for its appreciation. Tam-awan Village also provides art workshops for drawing, painting and solar drawing in keeping its tradition of promoting, sustain and preserve art particularly of Cordillera. My visit to Tam-awan Village made me appreciate Cordillera life, culture and history.

One of the preserve Cordillera house inside Tam-awan Village.

Trailing the view points of Tam-awan Village.

Beautiful small white flowers along the trail...

Luccong - one of the traditional Cordillera houses on exhibit at Tam-awan Village. 

Tam-awan Village - Garden in the Sky.

Art galleries on display...

Panagbenga Festival in Tam-awan Village!

By afternoon, it is an ideal time to stroll around Session Road - the main thoroughfare of Baguio City and is the main hub of what is called the Baguio Central Business District. It is located in the city center that’s why it is also the center of Panagbenga Festival activities where lots of locals and visitors flock through. It is divided into two parts - Lower and Upper Session Road.

Comfort food at Oh My Gulay! - Hot chocolate at Mango Crepe.

The art space and chic Oh My Gulay! interiors.

Along Session Road, there is an interesting café and restaurant because of its artistic touches and designs that is worth spending an afternoon with is interestingly named Oh My Gulay! (Rooftop floor, La Azotea Building, Session Road, Baguio). The restaurant with its name mainly serves vegetarian dishes but it happens to be a big space of art galleries showcase as well! Every corner of the place has aesthetically considered art. Once you pass the cave-like entrance, you’ll be greeted with a fish pond, a theatre stage and a large wooden boat with various art pieces of sculptures and paintings. After I took a sip of their hot chocolate and munch on their sweet mango crepe with ice cream, I took time to explore the art galleries of Oh My Gulay. There’s a room space of paintings and indigenous sculptures which I try to mimic. Even their restroom amused me with its colorful laid out of crystal-like tiles designed in its walls. A visit to Oh My Gulay is not just for satisfying my tummy but also pleasing sensors for art appreciation.

Early evening I visited one of the famous park in the city, Burnham Park. Even though its evening, visitors still flocks the park for an evening stroll and tries to do paddling in its man-made lake. What made my night time visit to Burnham Park dramatic and memorable was the full lit of the surrounding lights with the full moon light on the sky reflects on the lake water. It was a perfect night time shot of Burnham Park though I still wishes to see this park in the morning. My visit to the park marks my return here after 15 years since my first visit on Burnham Park way back in 1997. Isn’t it a feat?

Night time at Burnham Park.

Hungry for dinner? Then, it’s not a problem when you’re looking big dinner servings at Glenn 50’s Diner (92 Upper General Luna Road, Corner Brent Road, Baguio City). I had their Guys on the Hood servings which compose of spaghetti pasta, fried chicken, pizza, slice pork chop with fries and garlic bread. What a meal! I highly recommend it! The meal has big servings that satisfied my hungry stomach. All other meals too in Glenn 50’s Diner had big servings too like The Famous 50’s Burger which my friend tried. No wonder it’s always crowded with patrons and visitors especially at dinner time. We had a hard time finding seat space before we finally settled for our dinner. Inside the restaurant, it has a 50’s look – it has jukebox, posters of celebrities who dominated the decade, and of course, 50s music all day and night.

Guys on the Hood serving at Glenn 50's dinner and Penetration Point at Concoctions Bar and Resto.

Night life is definitely one of the hit activities that shouldn’t be miss when in Baguio. So right after dinner we went to Concoctions Bar and Resto (Upper General Luna Road Extension, Baguio) to sample Baguio’s night life, bar lounging and have a good drink, of course! What I like about in Concoctions Bar and Resto is that they small stage for live music performances of their bands where guests with singings talents can also perform if they want to. The music that night was relaxing bossa nova tunes from two female singer of the band who did stir the crowd with their beautiful and sultry voices.  Our drinks started with a glass pail of hard liquor called Penetration Point – true to its name, it seems to have penetrating effect! My musically gifted colleagues then volunteered to perform on stage when the band invited anyone in the audience to sing. Singing Howie Day’s Collide, my colleagues delighted the whole crowd. I enjoyed our night in Baguio and finished off with a few more beer until we get drunk but still manage to get home to Hotel 45 (Bagong Bayan St., Brgy. Salud Mitra, Baguio City).

A trip to the “City of Pines” is not complete without visiting Baguio’s fame Mines View Park. The park has always been a popular tourist attraction where tourists can shop, explore and view the scenery. An abandoned mine, used by early Ibaloi/Igorot peoples, is viewed from the viewing deck of the park. The park is also popular for shopping souvenir items from Baguio as there are numerous stalls of souvenir shop in and out around the park. One of the best activities in Mines View Park is to snack on the uniquely sweet Strawberry Taho – a strawberry syrup flavoured soybean curd pudding. You can also have souvenir photographs with a pink-haired horse or with a big Saint Bernard breed dog but the best Baguio souvenir photograph activity is dressing on the native Igorot costumes while doing sorts of funny poses for the camera.  

A panoramic shot of the view in front of Mines View Park viewing deck.
 

Flowers at Session Road.

It was afternoon already when the rain spoiled last day in Baguio. It made me realize that during summertime, we should visit places in the city starting early in the morning for us not to have spoiled rainy afternoon visits. Yet, me and my travel mates pursue on visiting Camp John Hay to discover other activities we can have while in Baguio. Since it was raining, we settled first in the camp’s Mile-Hi Center to eat at Mile-Hi Diner, a retro inspired restaurant serving American food fares like burgers, steaks and ribs. It occupies a 90 square meter space with al fresco dining area at Mile Hi Center of Camp John Hay. Mile-Hi Diner serves American/Mexican cuisine like Burger Steak, Tacos, Chili with Beans, Mexican Pizza, Buritos, Quesadillas, and Sizzling Fajitas. I tried their big serving of traditional American burger.  

Pine Trees at Camp John Hay grounds.

The first trip of Summer 2013 is no better than spend of the summer capital - Baguio!

I wish to explore more of Camp John Hay’s attraction and pine forest trails that afternoon but it was still raining that I ended up exploring the The Manor with my travel mates. The Manor is a luxury hotel located inside Camp John Hay with its famed Le Chef restaurant that serves good food by renowned chef Billy King. Though I’m disappointed for the bad weather as it was still raining, the Panagbenga Festival flower float on display at Le Monet Hotel quite makes up for the disappointing weather where lots of Camp John Hay’s visitors are flocking for souvenir photos. Well, I was fascinated by the beautifully designed flower float used in the festival as it was really attractive. And we also took souvenir shots as well to have at least we feel the spirit of Panagbenga Festival. 

The weather in Baguio is so good that we extend our stay from a few more hours to almost a day instead of leaving after an overnight stay. That’s how enthralling is Baguio for a summer vacation! My last few hours in Baguio are spend on watching a DVD movie marathon of local movies that I enjoyed with my travel mates. It was just perfect for enough relaxation and rest as we will embark on a long road trip again after. And when I was at the bus and it started moving, I went on pondering thoughts on how my first summer trip of the year was – lovely cool weather, ultimate adventure and superb bonding with best buddies! I think I need go back here again after this trip. My summertime visit here made me endear to Baguio once again.

Cool Escape to Baguio

The last time I went to Baguio, there are only two things I remembered the best about it – it’s cool weather and pine trees. I won’t forget the cool breeze of air that surrounds every sight of the city. Every minute of stay in Baguio, I breathe fresh air from the mountains. While, majority of the city’s landscape is covered with layers of layers of pine trees making every corner of it, a scenic sight with beautiful mountain or hill backdrops.  I was only 12 year-old then and it was one of my fondest memories of my first time trip to Baguio way back in Summer 1997.

Undoubtedly, the most popular sight in Baguio - Mines View Park.

Fast forward, October 2012. I embarked on a road trip to visit the Mountain Province. My back and butt is enduring the pain of sitting long inside the van service that I am riding for this long road trip. My eye is getting red from having lack of sleep as I couldn’t get one inside a moving vehicle. The road trip is taking long. Yet I still hold on my patience that this will be over. We did stopovers to stretch our muscles and freshen up. And we went up again to the road to travel to our intended destination. After a long drive up to the north, we reached the place at six in the morning.  It was just in time for a morning sunrise welcome in the place dubbed as the “Summer Capital” of the country – Baguio. As my foot sets on the ground after the long road trip, I knew it marked my return to Baguio after 15 years!

Baguio is a haven of chill spots, greenery parks and cool mountain weather that makes it as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." Summer might be the best time to visit it because its cooler climate and mountain fresh air serves as a Shangri-La for those vacationers who are dire heat of summer temperature from the metro. But whether it is summer or rainy season, Baguio is still an ideal place to chill and relax. It has always been popular because of its weather. Baguio’s cool weather climate is its main draw that keeps vacationers coming and keeps on returning to it. I think the sights and places of interests are just secondary but nonetheless worth a visit too. So while having a long stopover in Baguio while en route to Mountain Province, I tried to explore some of its popular and traditional place of interests that some I did not explore yet during my first time visit.

Pine Trees everywhere. A sign we are in Baguio!

Good morning Baguio!

Welcome to the city of pines - Baguio City!

Baguio Sunrise in a scenic road...

The Mansion is one of the frequent sights to visit when in Baguio. Also known as the Mansion House, it is the official summer residence of Philippine presidents. According to information, it was built in 1908 to serve as the official summer residence of US Governor Generals during the American colonization of the country. From then on various conventions and political meetings were also held at The Mansion. The building stands out for its elegant design of Spanish colonial theme architecture on the main building. It ornate ironwork main gate is also one of its architectural wonder that’s why it is one of the most photograph part of the sight. Surrounding The Mansion were greenery landscapes of pine trees, vast grass field and blooming flowers of various types.

The Mansion - official summer residence of Philippine presidents.

Mansion House's historical marker.

The verdant grounds of The Mansion.

Just in front of The Mansion is Wright Park. This park is popular for morning joggers but it is also popular for midday walks and strolls. Its main feature is its long reflecting pool lined with pine trees known as “Pool of Pines” and the park circle which is located at one end of the park.  Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool. Wright Park is also popular for ponies that can be rented out for a ride in period of time. Children and kids will surely be delighted in this riding activity.

Wright Park marker.

Wright Park just in front of The Mansion.

I then, returned to Mines View Park for the second time. But this time, while sampling Strawberry Taho which makes my morning visit a sweeter threat. Basically Strawberry Taho is the same taho threat with strawberry syrup flavour instead of sweetened brown sugar.  Mines View Park is no doubt  the most popular sight in Baguio but not only because of its overlooking deck of mountain scenery and view but also for its numerous shops of “pasalubong” just right at the entrance of the park which you can bring home to your loved ones and friends.

Since its early morning, there were only few people roaming around. While I still enjoying my Strawberry Taho, one of the local park vendors asks me and my friend to try an Igorot costume photoshoot for a perfect Baguio souvenir. At first, I’m really hesitant to try it because I find it silly but my friend insists that it is a fun idea so I gave in. It was my first time to try wearing an Igorot costume complete with accessories of traditional wooden javelin and shield for a photo shoot. We pose and pose of all sorts like fighting, calm and wacky. In the end, it was all fun after all.
 

Baguio souvenirs!

Strawberry Taho in the morning!

Going wacky the Igorot way!

The scenic view deck of Mines View Park.

But the most important site not to miss in the park is the overlooking view deck of the park where a breath-taking panoramic view of Benguet’s gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains unfold before your eyes. This view also shows the mountainous and verdant landscape surrounding Baguio and Benguet. It is best viewed while enjoying the cool weather of Baguio which I delightedly experienced. The vast green color covering the mountain slopes and sky-blue painted sky was a Baguio view that I won’t forget. I got relaxed from the view that I’m seeing in my eyes.  This spectacular mountain scenery should not be missed when visiting Mines View Park. Baguio trip experience won’t be completed without visiting the park!

Mines View Park's scenic viewing deck.

City of Pines!

More and more souvenirs at the park.

Mines View Park marker.

Good Shepherd Convent is the next stop for most visitors coming from Mines View Park. This convent has a store populary known for the different products made by the Good Shepherd nuns and workers for visitors of Baguio City. Among the most sought items are fruit preserves, strawberry and ube jams, cashew and peanut brittle, and coco jam. Most of their products are also sold by different stalls in the Baguio Public Market and at various other outlets within the city. During my visit, I tried a sample of their home-made chicken empanada and it was unexpectedly delicious. My friend and travel mate for the trip was the one who insists to me try it since I’m hesitant that it might just taste the same empanada sold in the metro. But it was tasty and its crust was crispy - just perfect to satisfy a hunger morning snack. Later I also tried their Chocolate Chips Oatmeal cookies. I say it’s a healthy snack for health and diet conscious people.

What I also like in Good Shepherd Convent is its surrounding garden. The garden is named after Ste. Marie Euphrasie Pelletier, the foundress of the Good Shepherd Sisters. This garden has a very relaxing view of the trees and flowering plants that were carefully planted and trimmed together to delight visitors who are looking for quietness and reflective thought. There are also secluded benches and nooks where you can sit, relax and admire the beauty of the garden flowers and trees – just ideal for reflective thought and pondering.

Products sold at Good Shepherd Convent.

Morning threats sold at Good Shepherd Convent.

The garden's marker.

Right at the entrance of the garden.

Lovely blooms.

The garden of Ste. Marie Euphrasie Pelletier.

 Our last musing in Baguio before we en-route to Sagada was to have a coffee at Starbucks inside Camp John Hay. Camp John Hay is a recreational resort and historical sight in Baguio City which visitors can take trails to explore it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fully explore the place since we are just on a sidetrip and we are heading for a long road trip again. So we just drop by to Starbucks which I think probably the most popular coffee shop in Baguio. Starbucks is uniquely located inside an old American house-style building. No wonder about it since Camp John Hay is made with a purpose to be a resort and leisure place of American soldiers. What makes this Starbucks branch in the country unique is that it has a fireplace and chimney which still can be used if you want to feel warm from the cold weather! Now, that’s American style of living trademark! Inside Starbucks, I wasn’t only able to sip their famous blend of coffee but also experience the old American ambiance of 19oos with its very historical and antique shop location.

Camp John Hay is a major attraction in Baguio City. The camp covers almost 250 acres. It is complete with sporting activities like golf course and treetop climbing, shops, restaurants, hotel (Camp John Hay Manor) and eco-tourists trail for visitors to try and enjoy the camp.

Starbucks Camp John Hay branch.

More coffee please!

Cozy frappe.

Nice ambiance of Starbucks outdoor facade.

 The next 7 hours was a long road trip to Mountain Province where we had to pass through the province of Benguet. While on the road in Benguet, I had a chance to view Mount Pulag from a distance. This mountain is Luzon’s highest peak and mountain. As pointed by the tour guide, I saw the peak of Mount Pulag covered with fog-like stream of clouds and surrounded by verdant trees while shadowed by a blue hue. The mountain is popular for hiking trail explorations for those who want to explore Benguet. After viewing Mount Pulag, we had a stopover to the Highest Point of Philippine Highway System landmark. Located in Atok, Benguet at 7,400 feet above sea level, the landmark site was on the edge of a view deck cliff where I chance upon to see the beautiful mountainous landscape of Benguet and its surrounding valleys. It’s a popular stopover too when visiting Benguet and while en route to Mountain Province since the landmark’s view deck provides a space to stretch muscles from the long drive and has a restroom nearby aside from enjoying the view of Cordillera mountains.

Mount Pulag - Luzon's highest peak.

Highest Point of Philippine Highway System marker.

Gorgeous mountain and valley scenery at the view deck of Highest Point of Philippine Highway System marker.

The beauty of Benguet.

Indeed, it was a worthy return after 15 years to Baguio. Yet I have to fully explore the city of pines. There is still so much more to explore and experience in the “Summer Capital” for me. I know the saga of Kafagway* continues.  But until that day comes, I have sit back again in the van, relax and enjoy the stunning views of Cordillera Mountains that we are passing through as we take a 7 hour long drive journey to Mountain Province while I still have a lingering memory of my cool escape return to Baguio. 

*Kafagway is Baguio's ancient name that means "a large open space". 


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Cool Escape to Baguio is part of my Cordillera Region Tour blog series where I join a road trip to visit the regions’ three main places of tourist destination - Baguio-Sagada-Banaue last October 5-8, 2012. The main destination of the tour is exploring Sagada, Mountain Province where I stayed the longest. Baguio and Banaue, Ifugao is part of the side trip of this Cordillera Region Tour.  

My Cordillera Region Tour is courtesy of Hannah Julianne Travel and Tours – 111 Fiesta Homes, San Jose, City of Dasmarinas, Cavite. For travel tour inquiries, contact 0916.6853413.
*This is not a paid article.