Baguio City – Jellybeans in the City

Mirador Heritage and Eco Park: A Tranquil Gem in Baguio City

Nestled atop Mirador Hill in Baguio City, Mirador Heritage and Eco Park offers a serene escape into nature, history, and spirituality. From the moment you step into this five-hectare park, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of Baguio City and a blend of lush landscapes, historical sites, and cultural treasures. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

A Storied Past

Mirador Heritage and Eco Park has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Originally, the site was home to the Manila Observatory, established in 1901. Over the decades, it transformed into a retreat house for Jesuits, a sanctuary during World War II, and later a house of studies. By 1967, it began serving as a venue for retreats and church gatherings. Today, it stands as a testament to both its historical significance and its dedication to preserving Baguio City’s natural beauty and heritage.

Must-See Attractions

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
A visit to Mirador Heritage and Eco Park wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Constructed in 1913 from limestone, the grotto features a statue created by renowned artist Isabelo Tampingco. Reaching the grotto requires climbing 252 steps, a journey that offers both a physical challenge and spiritual reflection. Despite damage from a 1990 earthquake, the grotto was restored with improvements, including a handicap-friendly route. The view from the top is a rewarding sight, overlooking Baguio City and offering a moment of peace. Off to the side is the Kapilya nina Hesus at Maria, a small chapel that seamlessly blends into its surroundings thanks to its open layout and glass atrium behind the altar the lets in both light and the refreshing Baguio breeze.

Mirador Hill Peace Memorial
Another highlight of the park is the Mirador Hill Peace Memorial, inaugurated on December 14, 2020, marking the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The memorial features a Japanese Torii gate and bells made from neutralized bombs, serving as a poignant reminder of peace and reconciliation. The location offers a stunning view of the western parts of Baguio City and Lingayen Gulf, making it a popular spot for photographs.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Inspired by Kyoto’s famous bamboo groves, Mirador’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a peaceful retreat into nature. The grove features Phyllostachys edulis bamboo, known for its distinctive tortoise shell-like patterns. The sustainable practices employed in maintaining the grove include harvesting bamboo for souvenirs like walking sticks. Walking through this tranquil area provides a refreshing experience, reminiscent of Japan’s serene bamboo forests.

Other Notable Sections
The park is home to various other attractions worth exploring, including the Jesuit Villa and Retreat House, multiple rock gardens, and Café Iñigo. The Jesuit Villa offers a quiet place for reflection, while the rock gardens provide picturesque spots for relaxation and photography. Café Iñigo, perched at the park’s summit, serves delicious pastries and drinks with a view of the city.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Personal Experience
During my visit here with my Hubby, I found Mirador Heritage and Eco Park to be a perfect blend of nature and spirituality. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove transported us to Japan, while allowing us to take in the reinvigorating fresh air as we clocked our steps. The Manresa Rock Garden, on the other hand, offered breathtaking views as we rested after our trek. The Peace Memorial, with its striking Torii gate, was a highlight, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Opening Hours: The park is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Entrance Fee: The fee is PHP 100 per person. Children under 12 enter for free, and senior citizens receive a discount.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and water.
Best Time to Visit: For the best experience, visit during the dry season from late December to May when the weather is cooler and the views are unobstructed. Also, visiting early in the morning will help you avoid large crowds.
How to Get There: If commuting, take a jeepney from Kayang Street to the Dominican-Mirador Barangay Hall, then walk to the park. By private car, use Waze or Google Maps to navigate to Mirador Hill and park in the designated area.

Additional Reminders:

Follow park guidelines and stay on designated trails to ensure safety.
Pets are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited within the park.
Respect the sacredness of sites like the grotto by keeping the area clean and quiet.

Final Thoughts

Mirador Heritage and Eco Park presents its visitors a journey into history, nature, and spirituality. Its diverse attractions, from the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the moving Peace Memorial, make it a unique spot in Baguio City. Whether you’re seeking a moment of reflection, a picturesque spot for photos, or simply a break from the city’s hustle, Mirador Heritage and Eco Park offers a tranquil retreat. So, pack your comfortable shoes and camera, and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem.

The Mirador Heritage and Eco Park is located at Mirador Hill, 15 St. Theresa Extension, Baguio City, Benguet. Know more about the park by visiting its website or following it on Facebook.

#BaguioEats: Canto Bogchi Joint

Baguio City is known for its cool climate and vibrant food scene. One restaurant that stands out in this bustling city is Canto Bogchi Joint. Located on Kisad Road, just across from Burnham Park, Canto has become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

A Brief History

Canto Bogchi Joint first opened in 2008 at Engineer’s Hill with just three tables. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its American comfort food. After three years, it moved to the Ketchup Food Community, where it continued to attract a loyal following. When the Ketchup Food Community closed in 2017, Canto found a new home on Kisad Road. This location has been a hit, often with queues of people eager to try its food.

The Atmosphere

Canto’s current location is a standout with its clean, white exterior and large glass windows. The design creates a bright and inviting space that reflects the charm of Baguio. The interior is both comfortable and stylish, providing a pleasant dining experience.

The Menu

Canto Bogchi Joint offers a variety of dishes, blending American comfort food with local flavors, which my family and I were able to enjoy during our Baguio vacay:

Lomo Ribs (Php1399 for a family slab): Known for its tender, oven-baked pork ribs, this dish comes with a rich house-blend BBQ sauce and a choice of organic brown rice or mashed potatoes.

The Lomo Ribs is also served with Canto’s much-celebrated Cascade Salad which features fresh Baguio greens, seasonal fruits like strawberries, and a homemade lemon-mustard vinaigrette, which all make for a a crisp and refreshing start to the meal.

BBQ Beef Ribs (Php650): These oven-baked beef ribs are served with red wine jus, roasted veggies, and organic brown rice. The meat is flavorful and tender which made the dish quite a hit with the fam.

Ceviche (Php280): Canto’s take on kinilaw features citrus-marinated blue marlin with a refreshing watermelon salsa and surrounded by crunchy savory chips, offering a fresh, zesty contrast to the heavier dishes.

Dynamite (Php175): Green chili peppers are stuffed with meat and cheese, served with tzatziki sauce.

Fresh Strawberry Juice (Php175): A refreshing beverage that pairs well with the rich flavors of the food, and something that is so quintessentially Baguio.

While the menu is limited to just a few dishes, these are expertly crafted and curated, showcasing the unique textures and flavors, as well as the versatility of local ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Canto Bogchi Joint offers a solid dining experience in Baguio with its range of hearty dishes and inviting atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy American comfort food with a distinctly Baguio twist, making it a worthwhile stop on any visit to the city.

Canto Bogchi Joint is located at 25 Kisad Road, Baguio City, Benguet. The restaurant is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach them at 0917-8999954.

Know more about Canto Bogchi Joint by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

#BaguioEats: A delicious Mediterranean feast at Lemon & Olives Greek Taverna

My fam and I continued our food-tripping around Baguio with a lunch at one of its celebrated culinary destinations: Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna. As the first and only authentic Greek restaurant in the area, Lemon and Olives lives up to its promise of providing a delightful journey through the flavors and aromas of Greece.

We approached Lemon and Olives along Outlook Drive, a mere ten minutes drive from where we were staying, with quite a bit of excitement. After all, thanks to Hubby’s pre-trip research (mostly made up of Youtube videos of travel bloggers who’ve tried the restaurant), we’ve been looking forward to sampling to the wonders of Greek cuisine.

Exploring the Ambiance

The interior of Lemon and Olives exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for an authentic Greek dining experience. The whitewashed walls, wooden floors, and elements like wrought-iron lamps that give off warm light and tchotchkes artfully placed on shelves transported us to a comfy Greek home.

However, the real treat for diners await outside on the veranda. Surrounded by lush greenery and with a breathtaking view of the forest and mountains, the veranda provides an enchanting backdrop to any meal.

Here’s a tip: To secure the best seats and enjoy the picturesque view, make sure to get there early. We visited for lunch as soon as the restaurant opened at 11 am, but the veranda dining area – the best seats in the house with the amazing views of the mountainside – were already filled up. We had to settle for a window-side table which still had a picturesque view of the nearby forest area.

Our Journey Through Delicious Greek Flavors

Greek food is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors, characterized by fresh and wholesome ingredients that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Greece. Known for its emphasis on olive oil, feta cheese, herbs like oregano and mint, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, Greek cuisine offers a harmonious balance of savory and tangy tastes.

Our culinary journey began with the classic Greek Salad (Php390). A delightful blend of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, feta cheese, imported olive oil, and Greek olives, this salad instantly refreshed our palates.

Next, we tried the Evia Salad (Php460), a unique and refreshing combination of dried Greek figs, fresh pomegranate pearls, candied walnuts, mixed greens, and a tangy balsamic reduction.

Our taste buds continued to dance as we indulged in the Poikilia (Php420), a mixed grill platter featuring Greek village sausage, spicy soutzouki sausage, saganaki cheese, tzatziki dip, and pita bread. This truly lived up to its moniker of Parthenon of Greek Appetizers!

The highlight of our feast was undoubtedly the succulent Special Lamb Chops (Php2,220 – good for four). Tender lamb chops infused with various Greek herbs then grilled to perfection and served with a tangy sauce and assorted grilled veggies, this dish was a true culinary masterpiece.

For burger enthusiasts, the Athens Burger (Php380) is a must-try. A juicy ground beef patty topped with tzatziki dressing and fresh veggies, served in a soft brioche bun alongside a generous side of potato wedges. It’s a heavenly combination that my son had no trouble wolfing down.

To satisfy our sweet tooth, we savored the traditional Greek dessert, Ekmek (Php150). Layers of shredded crispy phyllo pastry soaked in lemon honey syrup, topped with a luscious milk custard and cream – it was pure bliss in every spoonful.

We should also not forget the Classic Baklava (Php200), a delectable pastry featuring layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and a honey-lemon syrup. A sweet ending to an unforgettable feast!

Creating Cherished Memories

Beyond the delicious food and charming ambiance, what made our experience truly special was the time spent with my husband and son. It was heartwarming to see my boy enjoy new flavors and embrace the wonders of Greek cuisine. Lemon and Olives provided the perfect setting for us to create cherished memories together.

If you’re looking for a taste of Greece in the heart of Baguio, Lemon and Olives is the place to be. Don’t miss the chance to embark on your own gastronomic journey and experience its magic from the combination of warm hospitality and mouthwatering dishes

Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna is located at No. 26 Outlook Drive, Baguio City, Benguet Province, open daily from 11am to 9pm. For inquiries, call +63 0917 8906573. Seating remains on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stay updated on Lemon and Olives’ menu and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.