April 10, 2013
Today’s Aileen’s birthday. Our driver brought them around Baguio starting at 7 am. They covered practically all places suggested by the hotel including the Philippine Military Academy. Daig pa nga nila kami, we haven’t been to PMA. My colonel friend who teaches there had been inviting me.
I have only worn this Aerosole slippers twice. For some reason, the white leather is disintegrating. I bought these 2 or 3 years ago from their shop in Galleria. I also bought a pair for Aileen.
The Manor now has a complimentary juice station at the lobby beside the fireplace. It wasn’t there last December.
Masarap pala ang pinaghalong malunggay and kalamansi juice.
On our second day in Baguio, we met Heinrich Maulbecker, the very affable managing director of The Manor. I asked him how he ended up replacing his birthplace Germany with Baguio. He was surprised that I knew where Heidelberg was. He told me about his journey to the Philippines and how he hated the place at first, but after 15 years, he declared he would spend the rest of his life in Baguio.
He brought us to a cluster of big log cabins some 2 kilometers from Camp John Hay. Most of the houses remain unoccupied. Some have been probably forgotten by the owners. They’re empty, decaying and termite infested. Nakakahinayang.
We met an Italian who lives in one of the houses. He’s been busy renovating his huge villa. There were some parts of his house that have been eaten by termites. He’s replacing practically all the cedar logs which came from the US.
Unless you would live in Baguio, or would visit more often, say every few months, I find it impractical to maintain a huge log cabin like those. If it would only be for a few days vacation in a year, I’d rather stay at the Manor. No need for housekeeper, gardener, lavandera, security guard, association dues, repairs and maintenance costs. No matter how much you take care of that house, even if no one lives there, it would still deteriorate. When there are repairs needed, it could be stressful too.
UNLESS, money is no object and your family enjoys staying there together, with all the children. It’s a very serene and lovely place for family bonding. Quiet, secluded, very private. I can fall asleep on the deck or lower balcony. It’s also a great place for gatherings. I could imagine myself hosting breakfast, lunch, merienda and dinner for family and friends. The place is surrounded by pine tress and is on top of a hill so you get nothing but pure air. Live there with your loved one and it’s going to be pure bliss.
Bilhin ko yan pag tama ko sa lotto. Masarap mag retire sa Baguio. Preskong-presko. Bibili ako ng ticket bukas.
