I wonder what the allure of binatog is!

At this point, I am honestly pondering on the seemingly trivialities that I write about . . . from pan de sal to this. . .??? What am I getting at . . .??? There must be something to all that I'm trying to put together. . . What it is, I might find out in the end. . .

Remember I said that I wanted to look at stuff that is exclusively sold in Baguio brought about by its cool clime vis a vis distinct consumer needs.

ANyway, this is one of the delectable comfort food. It's warm, it's sweet, it's creamy and you can find this along Baguio's main streets-- Harrison Road, Burnham Park main streets, and Session Road (Upper, near BPI)

Hehehehe! Enjoy!

the ultimate pan de sal experience

There is nothing more romantic than having your pan de sal baked the pugon style. Much more so having your warm pan de sal and affording the crisp, early morning or the equally nifty-cold night partnered with a fifteen-peso fresh brew of coffee at the Shell station in Marcos Highway. While it does seem quite a drive all the way there, to be greeted with the waft of freshly baked pan de sal-- pugon style (in a native-brick furnace, firewood-fueled baking)-- it becomes all worth it. It has actually gotten quite a reputation for itself. One afternoon, while I took the chance for a quick indulgent drive for my favorite pan de sal, a group of what would be Manila dwellers stopped by and even literally waited for the bread to bake . . . (since I had apparently consumed 15+2 of it already -- booty for the home, you know.) Each pan de sal costs 3.50, is sized almost more than 2x our normal one-peso pan de sal. Oh, did I say that for every fifteen pieces, you get 2 free pieces? There are brightly colored orange heavy monobloc chairs and tables and an array of "palaman" to choose from-- from non-veg Reno meat spreads to the very veggie strawberry jam. If you're lucky, like when I got there, the main chef or chefs-in-training such as this one in the photo would be so kind as to open that very curious baking trap door-- as I would call it, since I have no other name for it. Then, you can ask questions about how it's done-- what makes pan de pugon so extra special--- soft, sweet, chewy--- all the qualities of comfort food to the max. . . (At this moment, it's almost 12 midnight and I have to control myself from driving outside and getting myself a bag) Pan de Pugon is open, 24 hours. Due to such demand for the bread there are times when you might have to wait or simply lament, for there isn't any left. . . A franchise for this bread outfit will cost close to a million-- according to Manong Benjie, chief chef of Pan de PUgon. hmmmm hmmm hmm!

Let me just share this bit by Ms. Julie Fianza about the upcoming events for the Baguio Flower Festival Panagbenga Parades on Feb. 24-25 By: Julie Fianza Email: news@baguiocity.com Posted: February 16, 2007 09:54:36 PM GMT(+8) BAGUIO CITY-The city’s main roads, parks and tourist spots are expected to be crowded with local and foreign visitors as the Panagbenga’s popular and most awaited streetdancing, flower and float parade goes on this coming weekend, Feb. 24 and 25. Acting Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. thus asked for indulgence among the general public during this time, as since the city is considered as a premier tourist spot, crowding could not be avoided. The traffic number coding scheme has also been suspended, thus, more private vehicles are expected in the streets, the acting mayor added. The parades, expected to be participated in by the city’s barangays, elementary and high schools, business establishments, socio-civic groups, and flower growers, are scheduled to start both at 8 AM, on Saturday and Sunday from atop Session road and weave its way through Session road and Magsaysay avenue to Burnham Park. A variety of shapes, styles, forms and quaint designs of flower floats are also expected with the profusion of blooms, courtesy of green thumbs under shade of green houses, here and in the province of Benguet. Said floats are expected to elicit awe from plant enthusiasts among the locals and tourists alike. On-going activities for the festival are, the Barangay beautification in chosen barangay venues; school-based activities in city schools; Market encounter, International Trade Fair and Mindanao Bazaar, all at Burnham Park; the Baguio Art Galleria Painting Exhibit at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC); flower trading post at the Art Area Filling Station at Camp John Hay; and, the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) at the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS). A medical mission also goes on at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC) on Feb. 19, through the concerted efforts of local doctors and those from the US who deem it proper to share their expertise with Baguioites. On Feb. 20, 21 and 22, the doctors shall move to Dontogan barangay court, Irisan barangay court and City Camp Proper for more services to the needy. On February 20-21, Jazz Up your Jeans, a bleach art contest is open to those who would want to design their jeans, at SM City Atrium, while on Jan 23, several activities are scheduled: at 7 AM, the Mr. Panagbenga at the BCC; I FM Pop Fiesta 2 at the Baguio Athletic Bowl; 6 PM, Wedding Made in Heaven Fashion Show and Santacruzan at the Baguio Cathedral and Session road; 4 PM, Flower Princess coronation at the FB bldg, University of Baguio; 6PM, Flower Jam at SM/ Malcolm Square/People’s Park; and Weddings Made in Heaven-Bridal Fair at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Baguio Country Club. On Feb. 24, other activities lined-up before and after the street parade, are, 7 AM, Mr. and Ms. Fashionista at the BCC; 6 PM, Handog ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM, Melvin Jones Football field; San Miguel and Abanao Square Concert Street Party at Abanao street; 7 PM, K-lite in Bloom; and Spectacular Fireworks display, at SM City Central Park. Other activities after the float parade, are; First Panagbenga Cheer Dance Festival at the BCC, and International Plastic Moulders Society Exhibit at the Baguio Country Club. Session road in Bloom along Session road and the Flower Festivity Bazaar at Burnham Park, shall start on Feb. 26 after the two parades, and will last until March 4. The works of Dave Leprozo, a local multi-awarded photojournalist; and Harley Palangchao shall also be featured at the SM City Exhibit Center on Feb. 26-28. Other flower-motif activities are expected for the last week, and closing of the festival.**JGF