SUMMER is here. Graduation and moving up ceremonies are being conducted, which, of course, suggests that vacation is next. And what a better way to spend the vacation is planning for the Holy Week ahead.
Holy week is the perfect time for the whole family to go into a vacation for four days. It begins on a Maundy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday, where some go for the swim, others go for travel.
Baguio City Parks and La Trinidad Strawberry Farm are among the traveler’s options to visit during the Holy Week while swimmers opt for the rivers, seaside, and resorts. But wherever you would want to go, always think of your safety first.
When going for a swim, always consider that the temperature is hot there. When you are not feeling well, better stay at home. There’s another day to swim when you are okay. This would also avoid the situation where instead of everyone enjoying the swim, you are spoiling it, because all of your company’s attention will be focused on you. But when you are good to go, make sure to always bring your drinking water with you. Swimming dehydrates the swimmer quickly, that’s why you need to drink water regularly.
The moment you arrive in the swimming area, check locations of lifeguards, evacuation areas, medical personnel, or emergency kits before plunging into the water. Knowledge of the locations of these emergency resources could save lives. And, please, never leave children on the pools without adult supervision. Let them use a floating device too. It’s always better to prevent than be sorry.
For those who would want to go to Baguio City and La Trinidad, please be advised that bringing your car will not help you. It will rather cause you headaches and wasted time due to traffic and lack of parking spaces. The streets are really narrow, you would understand, since this place was designed 100 years ago, and spaces are limited due to the mountainous terrain. There’s a lot of jeepneys and taxi that you could ride on when you are here. And walking will be fun, so you would enjoy the Baguio air.
But if you travel, with your car or not, to the resorts, parks, or mountains, don’t forget to check the vehicle you will use. Check its BLOWBAGETS (Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tools, Self). Is your Self okay to travel or drive? If you’re not familiar with the roads of the Cordilleras, please ask someone to drive for you.
Based on previous experiences, Baguio City and La Trinidad Roads will be congested during the holy week. If you are decided to bring your car along, expect some inconveniences along the way. Your traffic enforcers, MDRRMCs, Police, EMS and Volunteers will be there to help you with all their might, but may not totally eliminate the traffic problems.
Of course you have other options. There are some other places that you might consider visiting too. Check out Municipality of Tublay, featured in ABS-CBN, where you can swim, hike, and get fresh vegetables; Municipality of Atok with their flowers and scenic views; or Municipality of Bokod at their Mt Purgatory hike, and many more.
It is always important to have a plan. Choose the best place for you, check your vehicle, make sure you are okay, and be ready for some inconveniences along the way.