Baguio Shopping Adventure in Baguio City - Philippines

Theres always something different about a shopping experience in Baguio. Aside from getting exotic items straight from the native Igorots and getting them at really bargain prices, the scent of pines and the fresh mountain air add to the shopping pleasure and romance.

When hearing of Baguio shopping we at once conjure images of sweet Baguio delicacies in jars and native handcrafted brooms, flutes, and souvenir items sold in the city market corridors. Red strawberries in weaved baskets, silver crafts, and fresh veggies also come to mind. These are what make up a typical Baguio shopping.

In fact, more than vacationing, Baguio is almost always synonymous with shopping. A stay at the city without shopping is like a stay in France without seeing the Eiffel Tower. And going home from Baguio without shopped items and souvenirs to dole out to family and friends often earns their disappointment with us. So Baguio shopping is also an exercise of wisdom in human relations.

The usual strategy is sight-see while shopping. Hence, almost all tourist sites in Baguio have shopping concessions of some kind. There are tents and makeshift huts that pass off for shopping cubicles inside Teachers Camp where souvenir items are often cheaper. Often called tiangge these clustered shelters often give more shopping satisfaction.

The key to Baguio shopping is the farther away from the city proper we shop the more likely we can bargain at low prices. There are a few exceptions though, like shopping for souvenir items in Mines View and the Philippine Military Academy. If we have the chance to drop by a small cluster of huts near the Lions head at Kenon Road, wed find bargaining for cheaper prices easier.

Of course, Baguio shopping is not just about native crafts and souvenir items in makeshift cubicles. There are also malls, like the SM Baguio, Baguio Central Mall, and Maharlika Livelihhood Complex. Then there are the numerous shops lined up along Session Road. Incidentally, we might want to check out the ukay-ukay shops on this road for cheaper clothes and wears.

Then, whatever we do, never neglect shopping spree for fresh strawberries, fruit wines, and veggies at the Trinidad Valley in Benguet. Just look for the vegetable terminal there. And do drop by The Good Shepherd in Mines View for the finest in ube jam and other Baguio sweet delicacies.

Whats Baguio shopping really all about? Well, its really a spiritual pilgrimage. Our souls get more contemplative and free as we survey tourist sights and shop a little.