Biking Down Memory Lane: The Burnham Boy Returns to Lake Drive Where He Worked as Bike Attendant in the 80s

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In 1982, an eighteen- year-old man from the island town of Anda, Pangasinan bravely went to Baguio City and tested his luck for his dream of sending himself to college. He worked as a bike attendant in a concession located along Lake Drive, part of Burnham Park for almost a year. Their employers call him and his fellows Burnham Boys–an obvious moniker.  The young man dealt with different types of tourists and recreational vehicles daily to move the wheel of his life. His working experience in the City of Pines helped him to be a high school teacher in his town. This industrious and courageous person is my father.  Whenever his previous students complimented him, I often hear that they remember my father’s diligence. They share sir Dops’ tales of working in the sea of Tondol and in various cities and provinces to save money for the pursuit of being the first degree holder of his family. They often tell me about my father's seashells picking in our barangay, construction works i...
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The Sheer Bliss of Going to Mt. Olis Viewpoint

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Atok, Benguet has been a tourism magnet over the years because of the scenic mountainside, idyllic farm life, and blooming flower farms. Mt. Olis Viewpoint, a tourist destination situated in Barangay Paoay, is attracting thousands of visitors because of the breathtaking vista it offers.

Based on their official Facebook page, Mt. Olis Viewpoint is a privately owned tourist site nestled at 7,956 feet above sea level. Because of its elevation, it gives a vantage point to witness majestic sunrises and sunsets, and sea of clouds that are best subjects for social media photos and video contents.

Because it is trending online, my family opted to visit it first before the NorthernBlossom Flower Farm. We rented a van going to Atok. It took us six hours to reach the place. Going there is a little bit challenging as Google Maps cannot be used continuously because of intermittent Internet connection.

For those who are chronically online, Internet connection can be a small issue. But, I can say that it could be a good thing to dissociate from the virtual world and enjoy what Mt. Olis Viewpoint and Atok offer. But (another but), I do not condone the quality of service the Internet service providers give us.



Anyways, as we were few meters away from the destination, we were approached by someone who is stationed at a command post. We were asked if we have paid environmental fees. We said no. For adults, we paid Php 50 each while the two senior citizens in our group paid Php 40 each. Meanwhile, the children of my sister’s co- teacher were exempted. The staff advised us that we must pay at the town’s tourism office next time for less hassle trip.

For those who have cars, there is a parking lot available. Drivers are given free entrance to the place. Upon entering, a staff member will collect an entrance fee of Php 100 for adults and 80 Php for senior citizens. Children below five are exempted from paying.

Colorful flowers welcomed us in the trail going to the viewpoint which the plantitas in our group love to see. Actually, they captured those flowers with their cameras that made them walk slowly as they stopped to appreciate the plants they were beholding. Well, I planned this trip as Mothers’ Day gift for my mother as I know she loves flowers. I was successful as I saw her loading her phone gallery with flowers.



A gate with two cement statues depicting Igorot men serving like ushers. Of course, we had our group photo with it as our background.

Few steps and we were at the viewpoint. As we arrived there at 8 AM, we missed the sunrise. We were not sad about not having the daybreak moment as we had 360 degrees panoramic view of Atok. We love the scenery of mountains and farmland from our vantage point. The greenery is calming as well as the cold breeze.

My mother and my sister at the viewpoint




We left the area at 8:30 in the morning as the plantitas are excited to be at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm. I promised that I would go back there to witness the sunrise and sea of clouds.

If you are looking for a place to savor high altitude, Mt. Olis Viewpoint is the perfect place to have it. Your eyes are blessed and your heart feels bliss.


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