Shopping in Baguio

Wagwagan meaning "to shake" or Ukay ukay meaning "to dig" - This is what I consider the most cheapest and most exciting second hand shopping experience ever.

Imagine having an original Ralph Lauren jacket for only Php100 or a DKNY white shoulder bag for only Php80. Plus a pile of several other designer brands (Prada, Fendi, LV) for only Php200-500.

My last trip to Baguio was almost eight years ago and the ukay ukay strip has just grown bigger. And even with SM Baguio now, tourists still flock the ukay ukay stores. You can find good bargain from clothes to bags, shoes and now even home items and toys.

I was overwhelmed with my shopping that I forgot to take some pictures. But really, if you plan to go to Baguio and you love digging around clothes, make sure to add Ukay ukay shopping on your To Do list!

Not that bad after all...

We headed up north to Baguio at 10:00 a.m. yesterday. I asked my brother not to travel too early so I can have complete sleep and time to prepare myself.

The new SCTEX road was a big help in avoiding Bamban and Tarlac heavy traffic. I drank over the counter medicine (Bonamine) when we were in Pangasinan. I still felt a little woozy but I tried to enjoy the moment instead. We also took Marcos highway instead of Kennon Road. It was a longer route (extra 30 minutes travel time) but nonetheless, the road in Marcos Highway was bigger, smoother and with lesser potholes.

Surprisingly, the three and a half hour trip wasn't bad at all.
No throw up session for me.
I'm so proud of myself!

I feel sick already!

Last weekend, my dad announced at dinner, "Pack up your things kids! We'll go to Baguio!".

While the whole family is thrilled and excited for this trip, I don't feel a pressing desire to travel to the mountains again.

I mean, I love meeting new people and exploring our country but I guess I'm just naturally prone to motion sickness. Sea sickness. Car sickness. Air sickness. Elevator Sickness. Amusement Ride Sickness.

Sigh.

Whatever they call it, I have it and I hate it.

Just the mere thought of going to Baguio makes me dizzy and nauseous already. No kidding!

As a child, I couldn't remember any Baguio trip without me doing the technicolor yawn. My family tried a couple of things to help me ease the pain. Granny usually rub a drop of eucalyptus oil under my tiny nose. Mom suggested I look outside the window and breathe the fresh air. Dad preferred that I just sleep. All of which, I tried politely but still the inevitable for me happens. So after some time, they were all raising the white flag in my battle with motion sickness and decided to just bring plastic bags or brown bags for my "throw up time".

It starts with a headache, then a queasy stomach. Soon I'd turn green and clammy. The worst part is that even after vomiting, I still feel unwell and miserable.

My US trip in 2005 was around 20 hours. So yes, I was throwing up for the entire trip - 20 hours. Beat that! My bosses were taking me to the nearest hospital the moment they saw how terrible I look in Jacksonville airport. I assured them I just need a quiet, comfortable room where I can rest for a while.

I was reminiscing these horrible travel stories with Gilbert last night. He was laughing hysterically at first and later on, told me it's merely a childhood fear and that I have to overcome it.

I'm still undecided if I'll travel to Baguio with my family tomorrow. But what I'm sure is that I'll be missing out a lot of fun just because I worry about being sick.