Tag Archives: baguio city

ozark diner baguio

Posted by rob on

well if you’re in baguio city and suddenly crave for american food, i’d suggest you to try visiting ozark diner.  it took me a few minutes of taxi ride from camp john hay where i was staying then at forest lodge hotel.

though the cabbie didn’t know where the diners’ location was, i have jot down the address on a piece of paper and showed it to him.  we did found the place.

as you go along through bareng drive and when you see a white small building (to the left side) with a red door, you’re there!  the restaurant is down to the right – well i was excitedly knocking on the door before i realized that.

The American South is filled with food that comes from a cross between old world dishes and new world ingredients, flavoured by cooks from Africa and the Caribbean. At Ozark, we present our own take on the classic dishes from diners, soul food and family potlucks. We stay true to the flavor and feel of the original, but may update the technique or bring in a twist on the ingredients.  It is important to be informed by tradition, but not be a slave to it. The rich past is our inspiration but our goal is to constantly improve and move forward.

orange steel bar stools creates a pop of color in the restaurant interior.

an open kitchen where you can actually view your food while being prepared.

i ordered a chicken salad on freshly made toasted sandwich bread served with french fries. for sides, some mac and cheese (it’s a bit dry though!) and for drinks, freshly brewed sweet iced tea.  the salad was creamy and delectable!

and for a delightful dessert, who can’t resist their dark beer cheesecake?! personally, i loved it (nom nom nom!) and if you’re a fan of cerveza negra, this one is a must-try.

cookies and more cookies!  you can never have enough of this thing in baguio!

that’s me and one of the restaurant owners, chef kevin mize.  i had a small talk with him and he mentioned that ozark will have a bed & breakfast inn and construction is soon to start – i’ll look forward to that!

Ozark Diner+Bed+Breakfast
2 Bear’s Trail corner Bareng Drive
Baguio City

this is NOT a sponsored post.

the manor at camp john hay

Posted by rob on

it was the second time for me to visit the city of pines this year.  i have been curious about “the manor” and have always wanted to experience a stay in this hotel.

for me baguio city seems to be the best readily accessible place for a quick escape to the chaos of manila. i found myself again boarding a deluxe bus in quezon city.  after merely four hours, i made it to my booked hotel – the manor in camp john hay.

The Manor is not only distinguished by its impressive architecture and cozy interiors, but also blessed with an environment that truly sets it apart from other hotels in Baguio City. This four-storey structure, designed to blend neatly with towering pine trees, provides a magnificent view of the Cordillera mountain range.

i arrived early and was informed by reception to wait for a few hours before i can check-in because there are no rooms available.  i then decided to have something to eat in the hotel’s restaurant, le chef.  after almost an hour i returned to the front desk to check if there was an available room for me and luckily there was!  i was accommodated at 10:00 am.

like their neighboring hotel, the forest lodge where i stayed last june, the interiors also show a filipino-colonial feel.

a huge stone fireplace adorns the lounge area.

elevators to the left-wing.

the hallway to my room. i got the room first door to the left.

my room, 201.

two queen sized beds welcomed me as i entered the room.

a work desk.

television with cable channels.  most of the furniture was made of wood and the floor was carpeted.

a small sink.  complimentary bottled water, sachet of ground coffee and some bags of black tea.

there are instructions to brew fresh coffee.  i actually tried this.

a full length mirror near the main door.

emergency procedures.  know your fire exit!

the dresser and a big closet.

the toilet and bath are clean.

these are the toiletries.  water pressure from the shower was fine but the tiled floor inside the stall can be slippery.

they also offer massage and spa treatments.

stationery is available (not pictured).

these garlic peanuts and cashew brittle are available for purchase from the mini bar.  i bought them and they do taste good.

a view from my window.

the next morning, i went back to le chef restaurant to have brunch.

they offer buffet breakfast and it was really busy on a sunday morning (notice my apparition in the glass door? lol!).

this was my breakfast . . and lunch!  i went back for more.

after being gastronomically satisfied, i walked around the distinguished four-storey hotel.

beautifully manicured lawn adorned the property.  there was an ongoing prenuptial photo shoot and the garden is a good venue for one.

it looks nice even from afar.

how do you describe the scent of pine trees?

the manor at camp john hay is one hotel in baguio city incomparable to others.  impressive architecture, cozy interiors and an exceptional ambience of the “real baguio” makes it one of the best of the best.

the forest lodge at camp john hay

Posted by rob on

sometimes a change of environment can make de-stress one’s mind and body.  weeks ago,  i planned a trip to the city of pines for a lazy weekend – meaning, doing nothing.

1

my last visit to baguio was ages ago.  the SM city mall wasn’t even existing yet during that time.  i have always wanted to stay at camp john hay and the first hotel that was on my mind was the manor.  i checked the website and the price was a little steep for my budget so i searched for other hotels within the vicinity and found out the forest lodge.  i checked their website and was excited to know that they have special off-peak rates for P2600.00 a night.  for me that was a steal and booked online.

2

the deluxe bus i took from quezon city only took 4 hours to reach baguio city.  the coolness of the weather was so relaxing i knew i was going to have a good time.

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Located inside Camp John Hay, The Forest Lodge offers the best of both worlds: living spaces that are big on comfort and an outdoor environment that offers numerous fun activities. The Forest Lodge gives guests a choice of accommodations: the Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms and One-Bedroom Suites. Spacious rooms with windows open to more views of the surrounding pine forests and gardens. Free Wi-Fi services are available in all guestrooms and at the lobby for those who still want to get in touch with family, friends and business associates while on a holiday. The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay offers 24-hour Front Desk services, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Security.

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i arrived too early for check-in but was accommodated by 12pm upon availability of a room.

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took pictures of their beautiful lobby.

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the design were a mix of furnitures but it blended well.

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rustic chandelier and an odd-looking wall decor (if you know what it is, tell me!).

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there wooden rocking chairs on display and i think they are for sale.

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the music lounge were they provide live music on weekend nights.

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elevators to access the floors.

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the hallway to my room.

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my room was at the second floor.

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two queen sized beds was too much for me, haha!

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this is their superior room which was very spacious.

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you can actually open the window with a separate screen guard.

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the uber-relaxing view from my window of pine trees.

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there is a small sink and refrigerator.

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the dresser and there is also a safe and iron/board.

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there is a toilet bidet installed and water from the sink is not potable and smells disagreeable at times (somewhat metallic and rancid).  i used bottled water to brush my teeth.

20

just observed that the toiletries were not replenished on my second day.  i always bring my own anyway so i did not further bothered.

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shower stall, with hot and cold and good water pressure.

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i had breakfast at their all dining restaurant, the twist.  they serve asian fusion culinary delights.

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their breakfast menu is limited, but basic enough to have a good one to start your morning.

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i ordered chicken sausage (its the usual one you get from the deli section of supermarkets) which included two sunny side eggs, garlic rice and brewed coffee.

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if you want to stay in a part of baguio city where it is more private, quiet and opt for a very relaxed ambience, forest lodge will be a very good choice.