Our family’s recent trip to Baguio was unplanned—but deeply meaningful.
It had been decades since my mom and ninang last set foot in the City of Pines, and for my two 10-year-old pamangkins, it was their first-ever Baguio experience.
This Father’s Day, we decided to make memories together—and thankfully, Bristle Ridge by DMCI Homes welcomed us with open arms.
We left Cubao just after lunch and arrived in Baguio around 6 PM. Although our check-in was originally scheduled for 2 PM, the team at Bristle Ridge was fully prepared for our late arrival. I had booked two units, and despite the last-minute nature of the trip, everything was smooth—from communication to check-in.
Bristle Ridge exceeded expectations: Safe and ideal for families, quiet and spacious units, complete kitchen essentials (though cooking was not allowed in our unit) and comfortable beds that truly lived up to DMCI’s quality reputation.
There were no electric fans, but honestly, the cool Baguio air was more than enough. The property’s proximity to key tourist sites was a huge plus, and there were convenient stores nearby for quick errands.
DAY 1: Burnham Park Biking + Night Market Food Trip
We kicked off our first night by hailing a cab and heading straight to Burnham Park. The kids loved the Burnham Biking area, enjoying the excitement of biking alongside other children. Meanwhile, my mom and ninang enjoyed fresh mangoes from nearby vendors while we watched the kids have fun.
After biking, we walked to the Night Market. It was packed—as expected—but the energy was lively. We found a spot to eat at the food section, enjoying our quick dinner even while standing. It’s part of the Baguio night market experience, after all!
Back at Bristle Ridge, we all had a deep, restful sleep. No air-conditioning needed—just the cool Baguio breeze and cozy beds. We woke up late the next day, skipping our Botanical Garden walk and heading straight to SM Baguio for lunch.
DAY 2: Rainy Days, Culture Stops & Family Bonding
It was raining heavily, so we chose to visit Tam-Awan Village instead of braving outdoor destinations. The cultural experience here was incredibly enriching—from seeing reconstructed Ifugao and Kalinga huts, to admiring Cordilleran artworks, and watching traditional performances.
My mom and ninang were sketched by a local artist—a touching and memorable souvenir from the trip.
We initially planned to visit the Igorot Stone Kingdom earlier, but saved it for later. The kids requested a return trip to Burnham Park for boating—and we gave in. The swan boats, animal-shaped boats, and the laughter from the kids made it worthwhile, even in the drizzle.
Back at Bristle Ridge, we ended the evening with a warm dinner and a movie marathon. It was a cozy, laughter-filled night—perfect for bonding.
DAY 3: Strawberry Picking & Sightseeing
We were up by 8 AM for our final full day, starting with strawberry picking in La Trinidad. Although not peak season (typically November to May), a kind local helped us locate a few ripe strawberries to pick—just enough to give the kids and elders a real experience. We also bought strawberry ice cream, jam, and fresh fruit as pasalubong.
Next stop: Igorot Stone Kingdom. While still under development, the site remains a crowd favorite with Instagram-worthy spots and a cultural show. The hike was a bit challenging for the elders, but they happily waited at the lower areas while watching the kids explore.
We proceeded to Mines View Park where we enjoyed the mountain view, looked around souvenir stalls, and dined nearby on comfort food like sinigang na baka sa strawberry.
We capped the day at Wright Park and The Mansion, where the kids ran freely and our elders enjoyed dressing up in Igorot attire for photos. We went home early due to rain and enjoyed another peaceful evening at Bristle Ridge.
Final Thoughts: Why Bristle Ridge Made All the Difference
Despite the rain, the unpredictable weather, and the last-minute nature of our trip, our Baguio weekend was absolutely worth it. Staying at Bristle Ridge was the best decision we made—it provided the comfort, safety, and accessibility we needed for both the young and elderly members of our family.
Baguio never fails to deliver memories, and for our family, this trip was a much-needed pause to reconnect. For first-timers, elders, and young kids, Baguio still holds the magic of simple joys—biking, boating, culture, and cool breezes.
We’ll definitely be back. And next time, we’ll be ready for more stops, more strawberries, and more stories.
