Current State of Mind

I'm not much of a writer (yet I have this blog).  All my thoughts are unfortunately locked up in my head and I find it quite difficult to express some thoughts that I do have especially when there are a lot.

• SONA 2012
• Sales quota
• Inconvenient weather
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (current read)
• One Day (Yes, I've watched the movie but I wanna read the book)
• Clothes and other things I'd like to buy (They keep piling up.  Must have eye covers such as those that horses wear when walking around the mall, or even logging in Facebook.)
• And other things that can't be publicized.

What I lack in writing prowess, I hope I make up in photographs, although this is just made up of 2 photos. LOL.  Well, that's me on the phone.  Believe me, I have tons of pictures with me on the phone with different facial expressions.  I might even make a collage of all my on-the-phone photos.  This was taken by one of my friends (I don't even remember who) during dinner and I didn't know which post processed one to upload so I uploaded all.  LOL.

Yay, 2 posts in a row!  Let's hope for a third one tomorrow. =)

Baguio Orchidarium

Hi!

Last Sunday (Yes, my posts are quite delayed by a week.), when there still wasn't a storm or a typhoon and the rain was tolerable, my family and I went to the orchidarium after lunch.  My mom has been filling up all our side tables with plants, especially orchids since they're really pretty and last longer.  She and my dad have a thing for plants and flowers they even have books on them.

We went in the afternoon and it wasn't as sunny already.  When you're from Baguio or somewhere where plants and flowers are more abundant, the site of all the plants and flowers together won't be as overwhelming unlike if you were a tourist from other cities I think.  I chose to take closer shots on some plants and flowers I found interesting.  Of course, there'll be portraits too. =)

Ella and an Orchid

Lady in Blue

The Furry Plant. (I forgot to get the names.)

  

The only withered flower I saw.

Barrel Man's brother

Some spiky plant.

The enormous lemon.

I don't know how long the Orchidarium's been around but they're divided into stalls too and some of them sell in Session Road during Panagbenga's Session in Bloom.  They're located near Burnham.  I actually think the place could be a good spot for shoots during the summer.  It might draw more tourists if there would be a quaint cafe of some sort. 

Go visit! =)

Photo Walk: Baguio Market

A week ago I was invited by Ma'am Eliza Consul and Sir Ompong Tan to a photo walk, an activity where you simply walk around and shoot whatever you want to shoot (camera/photo speaking).  This photo walk though had a purpose, which I will be discussing some time soon.  The pictures posted aren't that processed.  I just tweaked the contrast a bit for some of them. 

We met up, along with Ma'am Marissa of The Makeup Central, at the side of Abanao Square at a time too early for the both of us, 6 AM.  I just couldn't resist not going since I haven't really participated in similar activities recently.  Because it was such an early time to go about the market, some stalls were still about to open.  Though, it was a nice experience to actually see the market without too much people.  It was even my first time to go to some parts of the market.

Ricarda Luvfunan

Plastic wares.

Pilar Ramos and her infamous chickens.

Eye of the Tiger

Sir Ompong

I hope the brooms won't reach a hundred anytime soon.

Typical Baguio pasalubong.

And that ends our Market photos.  On to some random photos on the way up to Session Road for breakfast.  It was nice to see this old man just reading the paper early in the morning in one of Baguio's parks. 

DBP guard.

Easy to spot Yellow Cab bikes.

The elderly in McDonalds, Session for breakfast.

 Finally, we headed on to Easter Weaving Room to take more photos!

Julia Chumacog of Easter Weaving

8.

I really enjoyed my first photo walk!  If only time and energy would permit, I'd probably do more. I got to spend my morning differently considering I'd probably still be in bed by the time we met up.  I felt productive and I'm happy to have learned a bit more about Baguio since my usual day would go from house to SM and then back.

Hopefully, I could do more.  It doesn't necessarily have to be during the mornings anyway. 

I hope you liked the photos! 

FTW Goes to Forest House

Hi!  Happy Sunday!

My family and I most of the time dine out for Sunday lunch.  This week our choice of restaurant was Forest House, a quaint restaurant that has been recognized by Philippine Tatler as one of Philippines' best restaurants of 2011.  And this time I think I have good photos.   

My dad bought the book, and here's what they had to say about Forest House Bistro & Cafe:

Forest House is the quintessential restaurant in Baguio, blessed with beautiful mountain views.  It has long been one of the favourites to go to in the summer capital - 10 years and going strong among locals, Manila denizens and foreigners alike.

But, lets get on with the food. LOL.   Their signature dish is Forest House Homemade Bagnet, which was actually a starter dish, which I had as my main course with a side order of rice. Very Filipino, am I not.  LOL.  It was good!  I think I'm even craving now as I'm typing.  Hoped for it to be a little bit more crispy but it was fine considering the thickness was just right.  Serving size was not that great too, but I'm not a heavy eater (at least this time I wasn't) so I wasn't too disappointed. 

Dad got the Bagnet with Chicken Adobo.  He said it wasn't anything special and I quite agree with him when I had a taste of it.

Mom's usual order, the safest thing to order actually, is their Lengua con Setas, which I believe is also one of their specialties.

Brother got a chicken dish.  Chicken with peanut garlic sauce of some sort.  I'm sorry I wasn't able to get the exact name but I didn't get a taste of it.  But according to him it was good enough. 

My brother was the only one who ordered a different drink - Chocolate with Amaretto.  He liked it.

While resting before having dessert, I took some shots of the interiors to prove the homeyness.  I get why Philippine Tatler calls it the quintessential "Baguio" restaurant.  The restaurant is made of wood, chairs and tables are wood, and the table setting is sort of country.

 

To cap of our visit, we had Tiramisu and Blueberry cheesecake which were all good, but I've tasted better cheesecake.  But props to their "plate art".  LOL.

So, that was all for this weeks lunch with the family.  I hope this was helpful to those looking for places to visit here in Baguio or at least visually attractive to those who enjoy looking at photos of food.