January 28, 2010
A foggy morning greeted the Lakbay Norte Media participants after the press briefing at the Baguio Country Club. The cool weather made me want to sleep more. But sleep can be set aside since the Baguio Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB) with the 24-hour Outdoor Adventure prepared jampacked activities for us: rappelling, fishing, karting, kayaking and biking. Our destination: Ambuklao dam in Bokod, Benguet, which is about an hour and a half away from Baguio City.
Aboard the shuttle bus of the Baguio Country Club (BCC), we left the hotel and made our way to Bokod, Benguet. Before we reached our destination, the bus had to stop due to some engine malfunction. So we alighted the vehicle and just enjoyed the greens.
After waiting for about half an hour, Mr. Amboy Guevara of the BCVB gave us a ride in his vehicle. We, then, proceeded to Ambuklao dam. On our way up the dam, we couldn’t help but to stop for awhile as we were mesmerized by the majestic Ambuklao Dam.
Ambuklao Dam
We were fortunate enough to see the water being released to the spillway. It was so relaxing to see the strong current of water as it flows toward the Agno River, which is the longest waterway in Luzon.
The Ambuklao Dam, which serves as a hydroelectric power plant, generates 75 megawatts of energy.
When we reached the top of the dam, this view caught the lens of Rash, my canon 450d.
Aerial view
The dam does not only generate energy but also serves as a recreational facility. Paddlers can now kayak on the reservoir amidst the rocky mountains.
From waters sports to motorsports, we went down the rocky road along the Agno River and tried karting. Maneuvering was somehow a problem due to the large rocks. But if you’re looking for a bumpy ride, then you’ll surely enjoy karting in Benguet.
The hot and sunny weather drained my energy. Yes, this side of Benguet was somehow hot unlike the cool weather in Baguio. Thank God for the refreshing cocktail drinks. I so love Baguio Mint (green in color)! It’s a mix of Bubblegum flavor lambanog, pineapple juice and creme de menthe.
After karting, we craved for lunch but the second batch of the group had not arrived yet. So, we waited for them.
While waiting, the BCC staff showed us the “Adventure-in-Style” concept, where guests can experience fine dining together with a chef and a butler onsite. Yes, you read it right. Imagine eating steak with mashed potatoes and drinking wine by the river while enjoying the fresh breeze from the mountains.
“The idea here is after kayaking, fishing, or rappelling, the guests are treated with cocktail drinks and fine-dining accompanied with chefs and butlers who serve the food,” said Guevara.
Dining in Style
Our lunch was worth the wait. Boodle fight! Everyone was silently savoring pork and chicken adobo, ensaladang talong, rice mixed with itlog na maalat and kamatis (red egg and tomatoes). We can only hear the unanimous, “mmmmmmm…” of the group. BCC also offers boodlefight to their guests aside from the fine dining.
On our way back, we crossed the river with all-smiles on our faces. Our palates were satisfied and our stomachs were stuffed. What a trip! 
Contacts:
Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Contact Person: Amboy Guevarra-0920-978-0208
Email: baguio.cvb@gmail.com
24-Hour Adventure
Jason Ching
Marketing Manager
Area: Baguio City
Contact Info:
Mobile. +63 920 9636168
Baguio Country Club
email: info@bcc.com.ph
