The transient house we stayed in at 18 Bayan Road sits in a quiet residential neighborhood north of the city center. Guests of this three-storey transient house can enjoy the cool breeze, the soothing sight of pine, and a small taste of Baguio at backpacking rates.

Getting There

Newcomers, be prepared for a get-lost experience. Maps are both reliable and informative, but will be needing some time to study. Bayan Park Road is on the north-eastern tip of the actual city hubbub; to get there, we needed to pass through Bonifacio Road (connected to Session Road via Magsaysay Ave. or General Luna Road), turn to Rimando Road, and then follow the route until you hit a police station at a fork. Take the left road and turn right at the end of the street.

At only 600 pesos per room per night, the place was more than affordable, and perfect for large groups. A fair warning for larger cars; the driveway is at an incline, with a makeshift metal ramp connecting the garage to the main road. Factor in the rainy season, and it took many tries before our normally trusty X-Trail’s wheels managed to get a good grip on the concrete.

Two german shepards guard the house and, more importantly, the beer; dozens and dozens of them encased stocked out front. Not only can the place be rented out, but it also manages the distribution of booze within the area. San Miguel beer can be bought for 200+ to 500+ pesos per dozen or case, depending on kind.

After passing through the garage, you’ll have to climb a stairwell to the house.

This is the main door to the house for rent itself.

Given the weather, the stairwell was damp, with only skylight and incandescent lighting for guidance. Generally, the house is able to accommodate as many as 30 people at a time.

The First Floor

The living room makes up the first floor, with a sofa set, mini-component and a tube TV complete with cable, all carefully watched by a small Santo Nino - a statue of Jesus Christ as a child. The dinner table can accommodate six persons at one time.The kitchen, also at the first floor, has an empty fridge that can be plugged into the wall socket any time, and a stove without available gas for cooking. The caretaker easily accommodates requests for items like cups of hot drinkable water and bug spray, and would probably accommodate requests to use the stove as well. Beside the kitchen is the bathroom for the first floor; behind the living room and underneath the stairway are two doors leading into two more guest rooms.

This is the first place that will greet guests. Also In this floor are two bedrooms and a bathroom along the kitchen and dining area.

The kitchen, dining room, fridge, and washing machine are all in this corner of the second floor. The care takers are baking some cookies, so we know the stove does work, it just did not have LPG at the time.

The Second (Third) Floor

The second floor has two other guest rooms, and a bathroom. Another door leads to the balcony, good for either a breath of fresh Baguio air, or for smoking.

The third floor isn’t as wide as the one below, but there’s a lot of empty space for random acrobatics. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and a door leading to the balcony are also in this floor.

The small balcony at the 2nd (3rd) floor.

The Attic

Roomy, seems to be the best description for it. The only main source for natural light comes through from the windows, and thanks to the varnished wooden finish on the floor and the ceiling, is amply lit during the day, though an incandescent lamp is also available.

Have a gang of thirty? This house can accommodate them all! The attic is very roomy and is just as empty as the third floor main hall.

The Bedroom

The sizes of each room and the quality of the mattresses in it differ slightly from one another, but fall on the small side. Basically, a wooden closet is available for each room, along with a queen-size mattress. A ceiling light bulb and cross ornament round up the rest of the furnishings.

The doors for each bedroom can be locked, but that may cause some claustrophobia; some of the rooms are as small as 1.5 meters long and 2 meters wide, with similarly tiny windows for company. The mattresses are soft and supported by springs, though plastic wrapped for easy cleaning – ample encouragement to head out and explore Baguio instead, and return only for some shut-eye.

The kitchen, dining room, fridge, and washing machine are all in this corner of the second floor. The care takers are baking some cookies, so we know the stove does work, it just did not have LPG at the time.

The Bathroom

The facilities in themselves are clean, but somewhat primitive. The lack of ample light, not-so-new walls, tiles and ceilings, toilets that may have to be flushed the old fashioned way – with a bucket and water – are some of the cons. Faulty faucets and cold water are other things to complain about, though a small heater can also be requested from the caretaker.

There are two bathrooms that have more or less the same layout as this. Expect freezing cold water to come out from the faucets and shower. The bucket of water is for showering, and don’t worry, the toilet flush work.

Insect Issues

Insects in a tropical country are a given; while there were a few here and there, there is no major cause for alarm, especially since bug sprays can be provided if asked.

Checking Out

The house is average and almost Spartan in terms of interior quality, but given the asking price, more than adequate. The statement “you get what you pay for” is true here, although the house did have several charming aspects to it, such as the living room. The house managers were also friendly and very helpful, which is a very good plus.

Overall

18th of Bayan Park Road is a good place to stay in if you want to experience simple living in Baguio away from the city. It’s not a high class hotel by a long shot, but it more than meets the simple traveler’s requirements.

Contact

For more information on the 18th of Bayan Park Road transient house, please contact Mr. Robert O. Guerrero, the proprietor of JRRRG Marketing, who also deals with San Miguel Brewery at +63 (074) 445-3135 or +63 920 09155610 through his mobile phone. You can also e-mail him at jrrrg_mktg_baguio@yahoo.com.