It's Me, Gracee: Where to stay in Baguio

Freedom to unwind this February at Holiday Inn Baguio

Holiday Inn Baguio Friday, February 22, 2019

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Hackett Hall of The Residences at Brent Launch: Come Home to Baguio

Baguio Wednesday, December 03, 2014

One of the premium residential and vacation home development up north, The Residences at Brent is motivated to continue sharing the Baguio lifestyle to a wider market as it announces the soon-to-rise second installment of the 7-building plan that makes up the whole project.

“We cannot be more grateful to the warm reception of the market with the first building,” shared Ulysses Gaerlan Willowtree Development Corporation Vice-President for Marketing and Sales. “And it inspired us to create an even better version for the second building.”

Entitled “Come Home to Baguio”, the launch of the Hackett Hall of The Residences at Brent teased the selected invited guests to experience a gist of the total Baguio experience. From the sumptuous healthy banquet by The Sexy Chef, Cordillera music played on the background with flowers and pine cones which titivated Nuvo Gallery where the launch was held, it almost felt like Baguio was brought to the Metropolis last December 2, 2014.

The highlight of the event was the traditional Tapuy Wine Toasting patterned from Ipitik Festival wherein the first few drops of the wine were spilled on the ground as an to Kabunian, the highest of deities to exhibit gratitude over the success of the first building and the continuous blessings felt for the launch of the second. The momentous wine toasting was lead by Mr. Dick B. Robbins, President of Willowtree Development Corporation.

The Hamilton Hall, the first of seven buildings houses 16 units in total that are either 2-bedroom units or 3-bedroom Penthouse units. All units come with an electric fireplace and maid’s quarters.

Mr. Gaerlan explained that the second building Hackett Hall mirrors Hamilton Hall basic features and style but with a bigger gross floor area, more units to choose from and the introduction of one-bedroom units which was previously unavailable in the first building. The added features preserve the rustic appeal that The Residences at Brent is known for. “Our aim to provide our patrons with a better experience but we want to remain true to what we originally intended our clients to feel – which is the old-fashion Baguio experience,” added Mr. Gaerlan.

The Residences at Brent is a project by Willowtree Development Corporation in partnership with Brent International School – Baguio and the Episcopal Church of the Philippines.For inquiries on The Residences at Brent call/text 0999-8853715 or 0927-4664442, e-mail at info@theresidencesatbrent.com, or visit the website www.theresidencesatbrent.com.

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The Residences at Brent: A Perfect Residence in Baguio

Baguio Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Baguio has been a top tourist destination since the 1900’s. Originally the American’s playground, the remnants of its culture and heritage have remained in the many pine trees and beautiful landscapes. Unlike other places in the Philippines, Baguio’s western vibe has remained – from the city’s planning to the recreational activities one can enjoy.

We cannot deny that many still flock to Baguio because of its cool weather, which averages around 8 degrees lower than most parts of the country. It is the best place to sit back and read a book or you can simply catch up on rest and relaxation. For those who are up for an adventure, there are many activities for all ages like biking or the good ‘ol horseback riding.

A visit to Burnham Park is always a fun experience. There are many things to see and do. One can watch or even join football games and Zumba sessions, go biking, rowing in the lake or have a picnic. Going for a walk is another pleasurable experience in Baguio. There is less pollution as there are many gardens and landscaped areas spread around the city.

However, not everyone is a fan of crowds which is quite common because many Baguio locals indulge in the simple and healthy lifestyle. The park for example is situated at the heart of the city which makes it accessible for all. In fact, most public transportation terminals surround it. It serves as a melting pot for those who want to enjoy the outdoors especially during weekends.

The Residences at Brent by Willowtree Development Corporationsituated along Brent Road located strategically close to the heart of the city but far enough to breathe the freshness of Baguio. This secured community offers a unique experience with access to landscaped gardens, pocket parks and even bike trails. There’s no need to ride a car to go to the park. All you have to do is step out of your home and you have the beauty of nature right at your doorstep.

“We have here something here that captures everything that Filipinos and tourists alike love about Baguio: the cool weather, the serene ambiance, the thrills and the rustic atmosphere,” said Mr. Ulysses Gaerlan, Willowtree Development Corporation Vice-President for Marketing and Sales. “As a Baguio local myself, this premium residence brings back sweet memories of the “old” Baguio intertwined with the contemporary.”

With all the advancement of today’s society, Baguio along with The Residences at Brent was able to preserve the past’s loved memories.

And with the soon-to-rise second building, which is aligned with the7-building Master Development Plan that makes up The Residences at Brent, it only proves that Baguio is an enduring destination that even time cannot break.

For inquiries on The Residences at Brent or Willowtree Development Corporation call/text 0999-8853715 or 0927-4664442, e-mail at info@theresidencesatbrent.com, or visit the website www.theresidencesatbrent.com. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheResidencesAtBrentOfficial

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Relieve the Historical Past at Tam-awan Village

How to get to Tam-awan Village Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Although it is not my first time in Baguio City, the city offers a lot more than just cold weather and pine trees. Baguio also has a rich history to tell and the kids of this generation would be the lovely audience of this wonderful culture we had way back then.

The Tam-Awan Village is located in the northwestern part of the city. To go to the village, proceed to Bokawkan Road which is behind Camp Allen, turn left at Ferguzon Road which leads to the Easter Weaving Room, and then right to Tacay Road which is an uphill climb. Upon reaching the top of the hill, take a right turn and this road will bring you to Tam-Awan Village. If you proceed further on, the road will take you to the town of La Trinidad.

Before we took a tour at the village, we were welcomed by the young Igorots who also performed ritual dances.

It was again, my first time to witness an Igorot dance. The culture and traditions of the Cordillerans are still practiced until now. Though modernization and technology changed the way we live, it is still very important for the Cordillerans to preserve these unique customs and pass it on to the next generations. They showed us some of this rituals through a wonderful dance.

1. The cañao – An Igorot ritual that features a traditional dance accompanied by music played by a group of tribesmen with a set of gongs that produce a unique rhythmic sound and tempo. Different tribes have their own unique dance and distinct sound of instruments.

2. Pinikpikan – It is a ritual in the Cordillera tribes for them to determine their fate and what appropriate course of action they shall take. The process of light beating or pikpik is where pinikpikan got its name. This traditional meal is composed of a chicken that is lightly beaten; sayote or papaya; and other ingredients. They say that when you are a true Cordilleran, you have to eat pinikpikan.

After their peroformance, we then toured the village. The village showcased Nipa Huts

which will really take you back in time. An Ifugao house is compact and though deceptively simple, its architecture is quite sophisticated. Built by clever mortise makers without nails or hardware, it exemplifies the exactness of Ifugao construction. With the heavy hand-hewn timber elevated to about shoulder height by four posts usually made of hard wood, the house, with periodic re-roofing, can last several generations.

The huts in Tam-awan Village are named after the areas where they come from. From Ifugao, we have the Bangaan Hut, Anaba Hut, Batad Hut, Dukligan Hut, Kinakin Hut, and Nagor Hut. Our Kalinga huts are from Luccong and Bugnay. Except for Bugnay Hut, which serves as one of the village’s galleries, lodgers are accepted in these huts.

Tam-awan Village also has a cafe inside. They have an art gallery inside the cafe which will make you appreciate art even more while divulging in their delectable dishes.

They sometimes hold art exhibits here or workshops. I can imagine myself reading a book in the corner while drinking their very relaxing tea and savoring the cold weather too.

We visited Tam-awan Village on our Day 1 at Baguio. We stayed at Azalea Residences who also prepared our memorable itinerary. Thank you so much!

If you're looking for an amazing place to stay in Baguio, head on to Azalea Residences.

http://itsmegracee.blogspot.com/2014/08/azalea-residences-baguio-holiday-haven.html

They can also prepare an itinerary for you :)

Baguio City is not only rich with these very unique and exciting customs and traditions and spectacular tourist landmarks, it is also a business center and a “Metropolis of the North.” Baguio is one of the cities that is developing and is well-governed. It is a place where one can experience a modern and traditional way of living at the same time.

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Azalea Residences Baguio: A Holiday Haven at its Finest

Azalea Saturday, August 23, 2014

Baguio has always been one of those premiere destination when we're talking about holiday vacations here in the Philippines. It is an ideal place for summer destination and even though it is not yet the peak season, Baguio will always be a city for family vacation or if you want to be with a large group of friends, acquaintance or even office mates who is out

for a long break.

Baguio will always be the summer capital of the Philippines and I have experienced how wonderful it is to be at Baguio come Summer days but this is my first time to visit Baguio during the rainy season and I truly enjoyed it. The cold weather, the fog, the jacket and everything that is associated with something COLD. Yes, I also recommend traveling to Baguio during these months so that you can experience the really cold weather.

But if you're heading to Baguio soon, let me recommend a really cozy and wonderful place to stay that will make you feel like your at home as well, this is based from experience because I just went here last August 16 till 18. Launched only last February 2011, Azalea Residences is gaining patronage from Baguio’s vacationers who not only come from Manila or any part of our country but also outside the Philippines.

It is a four star hotel which has full services and amenities of a serviced apartment and the luxury of a hotel with atmosphere and comforts of a home. Azalea's name came from the flowering shrubs "Azalea" which is also known in China as "thinking of home bush".

The contemporary design of Azalea Residences will awe you, making you appreciate it eye-catching facade especially at night.

Located along Leonard Wood Road, five minutes away from Session Road, in a secluded hill that promises both peace and quiet of country living and the proximity to the city's main attractions and happenings.

Check out our room where I stayed for 3 days and 2 nights.

It has 2 bedrooms

2 bathrooms as well

and a kitchen with everything you need, I love the style of the bar type of dining table

The Presidential Room

I was really impressed with the Presidential Room that made my mouth seem to be hanging open while I check out the virtual fire place. It seems to good to be true! This room is perfect for a big family who wants to have a splendid vacation at its finest here at Azalea Residences.

I love the Fireplace here at the Presidential Room, it is really cozy

Check out the Dining area

The Presidential Room is very spacious, with two rooms that offers relaxation

for the whole family

Other than the captivating Presidential Room, Azalea Residences Baguio has 99 modern luxury suites, Guest can choose from any of its 46 deluxe hotel rooms, 17 one-bedroom suites, 33 two-bedroom suites, and three three-bedroom suites. There is enough room for everybody that the hotel is undaunted by large numbers of guests.

Azalea has provided almost anything a guest can ask for to the level of coziness and comfort that each room can offer with its sofa bed and flat-screen TV with cable; toilet and bath with hot and cold water; a bath tub (for two and three-bedroom’s master toilet); queen-sized beds with imported bed linens; and a balcony in chosen rooms.

Whenever I get the chance to travel and check in at a hotel, I have this pet peeve when it comes to comfort rooms. I would always go straight to the comfort room and check out because it is one of my most favorite part of the house, and in this case a room. Azalea Residences offers the best comfort Room and you got all toiletries that you might need in the future.

Amenities like dining table and chairs, crockery, kitchen appliances and utensils, coffee and tea making facilities among others. Even while on vacation, get-togethers can’t do without home-cooked meals. Azalea guests can cook up dishes in the room’s kitchen with the freshest vegetables from the Baguio market.

While staying at Azalea Residences, be sure to check out the other facilities spread throughout its premises. At the lobby lounge, you can find the souvenir shop, business center, Tradisyon Comfort Food Cafe, 8 degrees lounge, and a playground. You can make the most out of these, while staying connected through its strong Wi-Fi connection.

Good food at Tradisyon

On our first night at Azalea Residences, we tried their Hot Pot which is perfect for the cold weather. Your mornings will always be a bright start because they offer buffet breakfast which is what I always look for when I stay in a hotel.

This is what I ate for breakfast because they serve buffet breakfast and everything that you can ever think of is there. From pancakes to fried rice and fresh fruits, they have it.

This is what we have for lunch which also tasted really delicious even the dessert and my strawberry mango shake is really perfect. I'm craving for it now.

Dinner is just as perfect, no one will leave the dinner table in an empty stomach because Tradisyon Cafe offers the best Filipino dishes as well! You might also want to try their mouth watering fruit shakes fresh from the Baguio market!

Come "merienda" you might want to try their delectable sweet pastries and croissants plus you can even throw a tea party with your friends because these pastries are perfect while catching up with your love ones! They offer different kinds of Latte and Tea will surely make your day!

All these wonderful and memorable experience awaits tourists which totally make sense for vacationers seeking value for their money. Instead of paying the price of a hotel that limits the enjoyment, you can consider a vacation home that’s equipped with the services and amenities of a luxury hotel and what's more, you can actually enjoy it with a big group of people which consists of your love ones.

Frequent holiday goers can avail of Azalea Resorts and Residences Timeshare Vacation Club Membership. Members get to have access to a number of usage benefits that will guarantee a holiday unlike any other.

Avail yourself of Azalea's Baguio Family Fun package for as low as P2,949 per adult per night with kids free on tours and meals. The package includes three-day, two-night hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast, choice of two complimentary lunch or dinner, three-hour use of chauffeured van to tour around Baguio City, countryside tour, and treetop adventure activities for the family. Get added Value Vacation Vouchers when you book until May 31.

My experience at Azalea Hotels & Residences is truly memorable. I will definitely come back with my family so that they will experience the same wonderful experience I had with this beautiful & super nice people.

Thank you once again Azalea Hotels & Residences for accommodating us! :)