WAHMaholic

We only do our groceries at Tiong San Harrison here in Baguio. They have the cheapest grocery prices and the widest inventory of products in one stop. The check out process is fast because they use barcode scanners and their cashiers always have a smile in their faces. There is another branch of Tiong San near the public market, but we rarely go there because of its very narrow isles which make it difficult to maneuver the shopping cart. Plus we don’t really like the attitude of the employees there, especially some of the lady baggers who are busier flirting with their fellow employees than doing their task at hand. In fact, the only reason we shop there is for the Chocquick they have in stock (for some reason, Tiong San Harrison don’t have them. Oh Harrison management, this is a not-so silent plea to include Chocquick in your inventory!)

The business has been here for a long, long time. Even before SM, Tiong San was already here to serve the needs of Baguio residents. I hope the establishment will exist for as long as we live here. I don’t think Baguio will be Baguio without Tiong San stores.

Baguio’s Flower Festival officially opened more than a week ago, and tourists are still flocking to the city to enjoy the celebration, as well as the cool climate that Baguio is famous for. Aside from the parades (the Fluvial Parade will take place on Valentine’s Day), the other highlights of the festival are the Session Road in Bloom and the Market Encounter. I personally love the latter and vow to go there at least twice before it ends on March 7.

Last year was great, but I heard that they are limiting the stalls this year (only 290 stalls compared to last year’s 400+), and with stricter regulations, at that. Nonetheless, I think it will still be worth visiting, if only to feel the festive atmosphere. The fair will be like a trade show, minus the trade show flooring, as it will be held at Burnham Park. Anyway, I don’t think tourists will care for fancy trade show carpet much, what with the plethora of goodies that are available for sale at said week-long activity.

I think we can expect to see a lot of food stalls with logo canopy screaming delicious and diet-ruining treats, as well as local handmade products perfect for taking home as souvenirs. Of course, established businesses here will still get their fair share of tourist patronage, so their logo mats are far from accumulating dust with lack of customers. In fact, with the Panagbenga festival attracting more and more people from all parts of the country (and the world!), Baguio will be one busy city all February long.