#chenfito

Baguio. One of the places I’ve heard so much about, yet have not had the chance myself to visit. Well, finally, I can say that I have.

As soon as we got down from the van, I knew right away we were nowhere near the Metro. Heck, it almost felt like we weren’t even in the Philippines anymore. As I looked around, all I could see was pine trees, horses, and I felt the cool, not-Manila-like humid air. 

My awesome and beautiful co-hosts, another obvious reason why I love this job so much.

Speaking of horses, which i’m slightly terrified of, was the first item on our itinerary: horseback riding. Greaaaaat. #sarcasm

Don't let these pictures fool you. The horse looks cute, but he then decided to run at the speed of light the one moment his trainer turned the other way.

Me trying to make a deal with Mr. Horse. He doesn't kill me and I give him exposure on the blog...sucker.

One of the cooler places we got to visit was a bed and breakfast by the name of Arca’s Yard. The owner of the house, Miss Ninj, converted her guesthouse a few years back into what it is now: a cozy and beautiful reservation-only bed & breakfast.

Here is Ninj preparing one of their house specialties, a garden salad with fresh Baguio strawberries and a homemade sesame dressing. One thing Ninj explained to us is that all the ingredients they use in the restaurant are organic, local, and seasonal. 

Some of Ninj's bubbly staff that helped prepare our dishes for the night.

One of the more simpler dishes served but probably my favorite and I think everyone else's: Pork Steak with Calamansi.

Our main course for the night: Roasted Chicken with Wild Rice Stuffing.

I also had the privilege of trying and learning how to make their famous homemade Camote Pie. A simple, yet very delicious recipe that reminded me of heavenly sweet potato pie back in the U.S.

Another highlight of the trip, Taste Buddies just celebrated taping its 100th episode! Even though I’m only a few months removed from joining the show as a host, it feels amazing to be part of this show which has now been around for more than 2 years now. 

One of the many reasons why I love being part of the show Taste Buddies (airing every Saturday on GMA News TV at 8:45PM) is that it’s not just work, it’s like being part of a family. Just look at a few of these pictures here on set: anytime anyone attempts a selfie on set, it will always become a groupie by the second shot.

When the staff found out that I had never been to Baguio they actually took interest and made an effort to make this trip come to fruition. And I am very thankful for that and already planning on when I can come back to visit again. From my Taste Buddies family to yours, cheers!