The surrounding terrain around Baguio is rugged and sloping, dotted with hot springs and cut by rivers that drain into many valleys. The city possesses a pleasantly cool climate. Just like the western half of the island of Luzon, Baguio and the rest of the province of Benguet has wet and dry seasons of equal duration, but experiences heavy rainfall because of its high elevation.
Access to Baguio City
From Manila, the City of Baguio can be accessed either by land or air transportation. Prior to the big earthquake of 1990 and the destruction of roads & railroads due to floods and the uncontrollable flow of "lahar" from Mt. Pinatubo, it was also possible to travel to Baguio by a combination of rail and land transportation.
The City can be reached through three main access roads emanating from three towns in the province of La Union, namely:
- Kennon Road from Rosario
- Marcos Highway from Agoo
- Naguilian Road from Bauang
Following are the different modes of transportation which are (or used to be) available to visitors and residents travelling to or from Baguio:
Air Transportation
For those intending to avail of air transportation in coming up to the Baguio City, check with the different domestic airlines in Manila for available flight schedules. If coming from abroad, check with your travel agent before departing for the Philippines. Commercial jet aircraft are not able to land at the Loakan Airport since it has a runway which is of limited length. The airport can only be accessed by propeller-driven aircraft.
Currently, a local airline, Asian Spirit, flies daily from Manila to Baguio. It is a 50-minute flight. The plane leaves the domestic airport in Manila at 9:00 am and arrives at the Loakan Airport at 9:50 am. It then flies back to Manila at 10:05 am. As you come in to land at Loakan you will notice that very deep ravines are found at both ends of the runway, the airport having been constructed right on top of a mountain. Flights to Baguio are scheduled only in the morning as visibility approaches zero in the afternoon when the fog starts to move in and cover most of the area surrounding the airport.
Loakan Airport in Baguio is about 20 minutes by car south of the city and just close to Fort Del Pilar where the Philippine Military Academy is located. From downtown Baguio you can take either Loakan Road or Kennon Road in going to the airport. In Metro Manila the domestic airport terminal is located in Pasay City and is just close to the international airport.
Land Transportation By bus it takes an average of five hours to travel the 250-km distance between Manila and Baguio by way of Kennon Road. It is about two hours longer through Marcos Highway and could take three more hours when going through Naguilian Road. Kennon Road is occasionally blocked by landslides during the rainy season and the same problem also occur at the other two access roads. The route to Baguio through Kennon Road is as scenic as it is dangerous. The Department of Public Works and Highways warns motorists to drive carefully when cruising along Kennon Road since it has not been fully rehabilitated since the 1990 killer quake. There is another access to Baguio from Aritao in the province of Nueva Vizcaya but this is less traveled, the road is not well maintained, and public transportation through this route is not as regular.
There are several bus lines linking Baguio with Metro Manila and Central Luzon, and provinces such as Pangasinan, La Union, and those in the Ilocos region. Departures of regular buses from Manila and Baguio are quite frequent starting from 5:00 a.m. Most transportation companies also offer express and air-conditioned buses at a much higher fare. Different departure schedules are available during the day and some of these buses leave Manila or Baguio at 10:00 p.m. and midnight and they usually arrive at their destination early at dawn just before breakfast time.
Note that there is no central bus station in Metro Manila and in Baguio City and the different bus companies maintain their respective terminals at different locations in both cities.
Rail Transportation During the early 50's and late 60's, first class rail transportation was another popular option taken by tourists and other travellers in going to and out of Baguio. It was the Philippine National Railways (PNR) then that provided this type of service.
Travelling by train was more relaxed and enjoyable as it allowed passengers to stretch out, walk around, or sleep in the spacious cushioned seats provided. There was also a dining car where you could eat or have a drink. Unluckily this comfortable mode of transportation has not been available for about four decades now.
In those days, first class passengers coming from Manila get off at the railroad station in the town of Damortis, La Union early in the evening and were transported up to Baguio by chauffeur driven black limousines which were also owned by PNR. Passengers leaving Baguio for Manila were picked up from their respective homes or hotels late in the evening by the limousines and transported down to Damortis by way of Kennon Road. The passengers then board the train at about 11:30 p.m. and arrive at the Tutuban Station in Manila just before five o'clock in the morning.
The Geography Of Baguio
Baguio City, the only city in the Province of Benguet, is 250 kilometers north of Metro Manila. It is located in the south central part of Benguet and nestled on a 1,500-meter high plateau in the Cordillera mountain range of northern Luzon. The city, which has an area of 49 square kilometers of prime property, is highly urbanized. It has a rugged and sloping terrain dotted with pine trees.
Baguio's Cool Climate The climate of Baguio City is cool and crisp and offers a fine respite from the dust, heat and bustle of the nearby lowland areas. It has only two seasons of about equal duration throughout the year - the wet and dry seasons. The dry season begins in November and ends in April and the wet season extends from May to October.
The coldest months are felt by its residents from November up to February and during the wet season the rainfall is extra heavy. This varying climatic condition is attributed to its high elevation above sea level. It is in July and August when it gets to be very wet in Baguio. Records show that its rainfall is about twice as much as that ocurring in Metro Manila. In July, 1992 the rainfall in the city measured 772.4 millimeters and this is one of the heaviest on record in the Philippines.
Baguio is about 10 degress cooler on the average on any month than any place in the lowlands. The average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. It seldom exceeds 26 degrees Celcius at its warmest, and drops to as low as 15 degees Celsius in the colder months. Lately, however, with recent residential, commercial and industrial developments, many pine trees have been cut down that the City of Baguio is no longer as cool as it used to be.
A warm sweater is necessary during the cold months. During summer, light casual clothing is recommended, with a jacket or sweater for late afternoons and evenings when the air gets a little nippy. To keep cozy in the colder months light woolen or warm clothing should be worn. During the rainy season, raincoats, rubber boots, and sturdy umbrellas are important and necessary items.
KENNON ROAD
Kennon Road connects Baguio City with the town of Rosario, La Union. It was originally called the Benguet Road and was later named in honor of its builder, Col. Lyman Kennon of the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Coming from Manila or the provinces in the central plains of Luzon, it is the shortest route up to Baguio. Although Kennon is the shortest of the three major access roads, travel time is just as long as through
the other two because of poor road conditions. It usually takes an experienced commuter from 50 minutes to an hour to negotiate the 41.2-kilometer steep and winding climb by car. The upward climb reveals a picturesque view of the mountains, lush vegetation, and pine trees as you get closer to Baguio. A mountain river flows along a rocky canyon from the lofty heights, and following this course the road was cut above the river bed.
Kennon is a toll road and the tollgate is located about 2.5 kilometers from the junction at Rosario. The original road was a macadam telford-type road which was in the following years constructed into an all-weather asphalt roadway. Lately, some portions of Kennon Road have been replaced with concrete pavements. There are small settlements along the road, known as Camp 1 to 6 which were originally established by the original builders of the road.
Unknown to many is the fact that its initial construction way back in 1903 was cutting across the mountains of Benguet with the combined efforts of Filipinos, Americans and Japanese nationals. Aside from Filipino engineers and U.S. Army Engineers headed by Col. Lyman Kennon, one thousand five hundred Japanese immigrant workers persevered to accomplish the difficult road project. The Japanese workers contributed substantially in the construction effort until its completion in 1905. To carve out the road against river canyon walls, five hundred Japanese workers died while engaged in the project. By ratio, the toll of one Japanese life was sacrificed for every ninety meters of the road length.
Zentoku Nakahara, a Japanese who visited Kennon Road in 1936 and 1937, wrote: "As you look up from the road, it were as though a solid stone mountain above would fall on you, and as you look down, still a rocky cliffside plunges below. A fearful feeling chill you as you contemplate the sight." Nakahara further mentioned that, "To curve out the road, massive rocks had to be blasted with dynamite and in the process accidents would happen so that human bodies would be blown to pieces and the scattered bits of flesh would disappear in the lush growth and rocky crevices around."
Inspite of numerous accidents along Kennon Road, many visitors and tourists still pass through it to see the breathtaking scenery that unfolds at each bend of the road. There are beautiful and scenic sites along Kennon Road such as the Bridal Veil Falls, Bued River gorge, Twin Peaks, Colorado Falls, a pedestrian suspension bridge, the sculptured limestone lion's head, and the spectacular view from the observation deck at the upper end of Kennon Road. These are portrayed in the 18 digital photographs shown above which I took during my visit to Baguio City in October of 2003. There are also some small stores along the road where you can buy an assortment of native handicraft, vegetables, brooms, and locally made delicacies.
NAGUILIAN ROAD
From San Fernando, La Union and the other provinces in Northern Luzon, Naguilian Road serves as the shortest access to Baguio City. It is the most northern of the three access roads. The 46-kilometer stretch from Bauang to Baguio can be negotiated by car in about 55 minutes.
Being in the center of the town of Bauang, the turnoff from the National Highway is clearly marked and impossible to miss. Travel within this town is usually slowed down by tricycles and passenger jeepneys, however driving conditions get better outside the town's boundary. The road passes through the towns of Naguilian and Burgos. It then climbs steeply up the Cordillera mountain range in the vicinity of Burgos, Sablan, and Irisan.
The road's surface varies from asphalt to concrete. During inclement weather conditions, it will be touch and go as you climb in the thickness of the fog that would envelop the mountain. At its higher elevation, vehicles crawl at a snail's pace usually in the afternoon when the fog moves in. However, the road is less affected by landslides than Kennon Road.
From the town of Burgos to Irisan, Maguilian Road follows mountain ridges and the ascent is quite sharp. There are a number of sharp hairpin turns and blind curves.
ASPIRAS HIGHWAY 
During inclement weather conditions when Kennon Road is closed to vehicular traffic due to landslides, travellers from Manila and the provinces in Central Luzon take the Aspiras Highway (formerly called Marcos Highway) in going up to Baguio. By car, it takes about an hour to negotiate the 49.2-kilometer stretch from Agoo to Baguio.
The Aspiras Highway was originally designed to be the premier route to the City of Baguio. This access road is between Kennon Road and Naguilian Road passing through Rosario or Agoo, La Union. It cuts through the slopes of Mt. Sto Tomas. A more direct route along this road is by way of Rosario going to San Luis and then to Pugo, La Union. Most busses usually go from Rosario to Agoo, La Union, and then go on a gradual climb to Pugo, La Union.
The turnoff at Agoo is clearly marked with a sign. A few meters past the junction is a large concrete statue of an eagle. There are a number of roadside stalls selling fruits and vegetables, woodcarvings, and furniture. When rice is harvested you will find farmers using the road shoulders to dry their rice. As you go further up in Taloy, a sitio of Sto. Tomas, you would see the what is left of the bust of Ferdinand Marcos which has been carved out of the mountain. It was constructed just before the people's revolution which took him out of power. The bust overlooks a DOT aborted project, the Marcos Park consisting of a golf course, conference buildings and tennis courts are now badly deteriorated.
It would be a steep climb after passing through the Marcos bust. At various vantage points, view decks have been constructed where one can gaze over the wide span of green vegetation below contrasting with the view of the coastline and the South China Sea in the horizon. About 10 kilometers before Baguio is a concrete tunnel which was constructed along a landslide-prone stretch of the highway. And just like the two other access roads, the Aspiras Highway also gets blanketed by a thick fog in the afternoon.
Umalis kami ng manila ng 12:00 am we were actualy late sa bus station ng victory liner sa cubao pero inabot parin namin ang 12:00 bus..jhac was actualy mad at me kasi papaalis na ang bus pinigil ko pa kasi ihing ihi na ko i told thebus driver to give me a minute kasi talagang ihing ihi na ko pumayag naman sya then tinakbo ko kagad ang restroom. pag sampa ko sa bus umalis na kagad ang bus namin going to baguio bumili ako ng ticket mismo sa kundoktor na kasi habol lang naman kami eh kaya di ako nakabili mismo sa ticket both nila the far was 380 pesos each medyo mahal sya compare sa ibang bus company pero mas may tiwala ako sa mga bus ng victory liner after an hour sa byahe nakatulog ako pag gising ko nasa tarlac na kami sa totoo lang gusto ko sana bumaba bg bus nun to stretch my legs pero antok talaga ako eh kaya i went back to sleep pag gising ko nasa zigzag na ang bus so i decided to wake up jhac was still sleeping so i woke her up at around 4:30 am dumating na kami sa bus station ng victory liner sa baguio it was so fucking cold nanginig ako from head to toe it felt like my balls was on ice sobrang lamig kasi kakatapos lang umulan ng dumating kami kaya sobrang lamig pag baba namain sa bus my mga nakaabang na na mga tao na nag aalok ng accommodation's that are for rent so i decided to check them out so sinakay kami nung guy sa car nya and dinala nya kami sa isang hotel near burnham park the hotel was nice pero puno sila kaya nag pa reserve kami para pag may mag check out may room kami kagad i paid 1200 pesos for the room medyo mahal kasi summer pero ok lang naman kasi malapit sya baguio market sa burnhampark sa s.m sa mismomg heart ng city pwede mo lang lakarin. so after namin mag pa reserved iniwan naminbag namin and we decided to go to burnham park take note mga 5:15 palang nun kaya ang lamig and madilim pa nag lakad kami it took as about 5 mins to reach the park nakakagulat kasi ang dami ng tao karamihan ay locals my nag jojogging aerobics may mga lasing may nag titinda may nag hahanda para mag tinda ang daming tao ang saya nilang pag masdan.gutom na ko at that time kaya ng may nakita akong nag titinda ng taho agad akong bumili pero as usual pinag bawalan ako ni jhac kasi nga naman bawal nga naman sakin hehehehehe sayang ang sarap pa naman after namin ikutin ang buong park nag pasya kami n pumunta na kami kagad sa mines view park to look around so we hailed a cab going to mines view pag dating namin douon some of the stall were open na kaya nataranta na kagad si jhac sa pamimile nakabili sya ng bag kumot keychain at kung anu anu pa ako naman on the other hand wala paring nabibile wala pa kasi ako sa mood nun kasi gutom na ko after mines view we decided to go back sa hotel so we took the cab ulit kasi 25 pesos lang ang flag rate sa baguio and the best thing is ang babait ng driver at nag susukli kahit piso pa grabe sobrang nakakapanibago, pag dating sa hotel ay may room na kami it was room 201 the room was good may malaking tv na may cable may hot shower na importante para kay jhac kasi ginawin sya may maliit na closet may table and 2 chair they got clean sheets sa bed one thing na di ko gusto ay 2 lang ang pillow pero bottom line ok naman sya, i decided to sleep muna hangang 10 am kasi ang aga pa masyado isa nakakapagod din yung byahe, pag gising ko lalo akong nagutom sa we decided na bumalik sa burnham para mag lunch pag dating dun i ordered bulalo soup and jhac naman inihaw na pusit with enseladang mangga the food was nice pero pag nga natuto ka mag luto medyo magiging maselan ang dila mo pakiramdam mo palagi may kulang sa lasa hehehehe chef na chef..moving on the food cost us around 400 pesos i was shock to be honest kasi ang mahal pero di ko na inintindi kasi ang point ko masisisra lang araw ko pero jhac was furious about it so i calm her down kasi kung hindi buong araw maiinis yun..after calming her down nag simula na kami mamasyal here are the places na pwedeng puntahan sa baguioBAGUIO PUBLIC MARKET
It always seems to be a must for visitors from the lowland areas to visit the Baguio Public Market before leaving the city. The market is located right at the lower end of Session Road and behind the Maharlika Livelihood Center. It is here where different souvenirs typical of Baguio are found. There are also numerous other products and handicrafts sold at the Baguio public market which are brought in from other nearby provinces.
A wide variety of items are available such as fresh vegetables, strawberry jam, peanut brittle, dried tobacco, an assortment of fresh flowers, meat, Baguio sausages, fish, poultry, fruits, clothes and clothing material. You will also find native products and handicraft such as baskets, brooms, bags, brass, blankets & sweaters, woodcarving, and locally made jewelry. Fresh and sweet strawberries from nearby La Trinidad are sold at the market but these are available only on certain months of the year. From the province of Pangasinan, "bucayo" (coconut candy) and "bagoong" (salted fish or shrimp) may also be purchased.
During a recent visit to Baguio City, I spent a late afternoon going through the different sections of the public market ... looking around, observing the vendors and also the people who came to do their marketing. I just wanted to see what the market was like since my last visit over a year ago.
It always seems to be a must for visitors from the lowland areas to visit the Baguio Public Market before leaving the city. The market is located right at the lower end of Session Road and behind the Maharlika Livelihood Center. It is here where different souvenirs typical of Baguio are found. There are also numerous other products and handicrafts sold at the Baguio public market which are brought in from other nearby provinces. The market has always been a fascinating sight with a beehive of activities going on and a place to just observe people as they go about their daily lives. Nothing much has really changed within the market. It still looked the same to me. And knowing that I would chance upon some familiar and interesting scenes at the market
SESSION ROAD
If you were a former resident of Baguio or just had a chance to visit the city, you must have walked up and down Session Road. And it is very unlikely that you didn't get a chance to do this ... and when was the last time you had a chance to do it anyway? If it was more than three or five years ago, probably you will notice that although Session Road still has the same number of traffic lanes and its sidewalks are still of the same width and length, a number of new stores and other business establishments are now found along this road. Unlike the busy streets in the Kowloon side of Hong Kong and in other big cities in America or Europe, there are no billboards found around Baguio. You will however find many residents and visitors still enjoying their climb up and down Session Road.
Session Road is not only the main thoroughfare of the city but it is also the center of Baguio's commercial district. This is where you will find department stores, banks, a movie house, and bazaars. There are also some hotels, bakeries, restaurants, newspaper stands, bookstores, boutiques, cafes, and studios along Session Road. And just like the City of Manila and the other cities in the country, there are also sidewalk vendors and in some corners, blind beggars, including pickpockets and cellphone snatchers which you have to look out for.
Local residents, students in the different schools and universities in the city and visitors alike spend most of their free time just going up and down Session Road. Session Road is a place to go window shopping, looking at people, or just taking a leisurely walk during a cool and quite afternoon or evening. And now that the SM Megamall has just opened at the upper end of Session Road where Pines Hotel used to be located, people will surely be walking up and down the entire length of this road.
BURNHAM PARKBurnham Park is centered around a man-made lake located at the heart of the city. It was named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. The park is a favorite place of local residents and visitors alike. There are different facilities for recreation and relaxation that are available in the park. You can row a boat, have a picnic, attend an outdoor concert, watch a football game, go biking, or just take a leisurely stroll around the park.
Within the park are tennis and basketball courts, a few restaurants, outdoor kiosks, a children's playground, and an orchidarium where various kinds of plants, trees and flowers are sold. Chairs and benches are distributed around the park for those who just want to sit down and relax. The football field at the eastern side of the park is sometimes used for parades, carnivals, concerts, political rallys, and for display booths during special events and activities. On certain Sundays and some special occasions, cadets of the Philippine Military Academy perform a parade and review or a silent drill exhibition at the field. Just after the big earthquake that hit the city in 1990, many of its residents fled their homes for fear of aftershocks and temporarily set camp in this field.
Burnham Park is an ideal place for taking photographs and a visitor should bring along a camera when going to the park. If in case you forget to bring a camera during your visit, there are commercial photographers in the park who can take your pictures. Pictures are usually delivered to you within just a few hours. It is best to determine and agree on the fee for the services of the photographer and the cost of the photographs before committing yourself to one.
MINES VIEW PARKThere is no doubt that the Mines View Park is one of the most popular and most visited park in the city. From the observation deck of the park a breathtaking panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the surrounding mountains unfolds before you. It is a spectacular sight to behold and should not be missed when visiting Baguio.
The park is usually the next stop taken by most visitors after seeing the Mansion or Wright Park. To reach the observation deck, you need to go down a winding stone-covered stairway which is just close to the parking area. One should be careful when ascending or descending the stairway just after a rain as the steps can be very slippery.
WRIGHT PARK
Wright Park, which is located at the eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion, is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City. Its main features are a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines" and the park circle which is on one end of the park. Postcard-type photographs are usually taken at both ends of Wright Park and when going there it is best to bring along a camera.
Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool. There are times that you will find at the park some Igorots dressed in their native attire and regalia who are willing to pose for a photograph provided they are going to be paid for it. Native handicrafts are also sold at the Mansion end of the park by a few Igorot peddlers.
From the park circle is a walkway which leads to a wide stairway made of stones that descend to an area where ponies are rented out. Riding a pony is a favorite among children as well as adults. The place is usually crowded with people during sunny weekends and on holidays. With an accompanying guide, there are some ponies that may be rented and taken farther out along South Drive, the Mines View Park area or to Outlook Drive. For those who intend to take out a pony, it is advisable to first agree on the hourly cost to be charged.
LION'S HEAD PARKThe Lion's Head Park along Kennon Road is the undisputed landmark that is synonymous to Baguio City. It is commonly said that a trip to Baguio City would not be complete without taking home a souvenir photograph with the famous lion head which serves as the backdrop on Kennon Road.
Local and foreign tourists make it a point to stop in Camp 6 and have their photographs taken at the base of the lion head. The 40-foot high lion head, located a few kilometers from the Kennon Road view deck, was carved by a Cordillera artist from a limestone boulder. Lions Club members of Baguio City thought of creating a symbol that would proclaim the presence of the group in this mountain resort city.
Just beside the lion head are a few small stalls that sell woodcarving and other native handicraft. Softdrinks and light snacks are also sold to visitors who take time to stop and take a break after the 45-minute drive up Kennon Road. The vendors have enjoyed high sales since this popular landmark was constructed.
It was during the term of Baguio Mayor Luis Lardizabal, who was also Lions Club governor in 1969 to 1970, when the club conceptualized the creation of the lion head. Actual work started in 1971 and took a year before this now-famous landmark of Baguio was unveiled to the public by Lions Club International in 1972. The club tapped donations from Lion members and businessmen in the city and pooled proceeds from a state convention to fund the construction of the lion head.
RIZAL PARKBetween Burnham Park and the City Hall of Baguio is a rectangular piece of city property known as Rizal Park. The park was erected in honor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines and is similar to numerous other parks that are found in towns and cities all over the Philippines which are also named in his honor. It is on this site that the annual celebration honoring Rizal every 30th of December is held.
Rizal is said to be one of the greatest Filipinos who ever lived. At a time when the Philippines was under the oppressive rule of the Spaniards who came to colonize the country, Rizal's brilliance and dedication to his country served as inspiration for the Filipinos to fight for their independence. Rizal was a believer in the potential of the Filipino to seek the greatest heights amid adversity, and he lived a life that proved this.
Rizal was an academician, a linguist, historian, writer, a scientist, and a medical doctor. He wrote a book titled "Noli Me Tangere" where he depicted the condition Filipinos were living in under the hostile and oppressive rule of the Spanish friars. His books were banned by the Spanish friars in the country at that time since it sought to expose their corruption and greed. Rizal’s second novel was the "El Filibusterismo" which was the sequel to his first book and where he clarified his political ideas.
Dr. Rizal had thoughts of eventual independence for his country. He was a believer in non-violent resistance even before India’s Mahatma Gandhi made it fashionable. He refused to endorse an armed uprising against Spain, fearing that the poorly equipped Filipino revolutionaries would be slaughtered. Instead he believed that quality education held the key to the liberation of his beloved land.
It does sound ironic that the revolution which started in his lifetime was attributed by the Spaniards to Rizal although he never had a hand in it. He was falsely accused as the supreme leader of the "Katipunan" which was looked upon by the Spaniards as an illegal and subversive organization at that time. The Spanish military court found Rizal guilty of rebellion and sedition and was executed by a firing squad in Bagungbayan Field (Luneta Park) on December 30, 1896. Rizal's execution served as an inspiration to his compatriots and fueled the Philippine revolution, telling the world that here was a people yearning to be free.
BAGUIO BOTANICAL GARDENThe Baguio Botanical Garden is located east of Baguio's downtown area. You will find it between Teacher's Camp and the Pacdal Circle. Its main entrance is along Leonard Wood Road and just across the street from Gilberto's Hotel and Baguio Vacation Hotel. It is quite a large park and about the same size as Burnham Park.
Also known as the Igorot Village, the Botanical Garden features native huts typical of the type of Igorot dwellings found in the Cordilleras. The village is said to capture the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorots and being tranquil and quiet, it is a nice place to just sit down and relax, take a leisurely stroll along its narrow and winding pathways and also enjoy the landscape where you will find numerous plants and trees.
Some years back Igorot dances and rituals were held in an improvised outdoor stage within the village. Local students go to the Botanical Garden for a day of retreat or just enjoy the outdoor environment. When visiting the Botanical Garden, you will usually find a group of Igorots at the main entrance who are dressed in their authentic native attire and regalia. They will be more than happy to pose with visitors for a souvenir picture ... of course, for a fee.
THE LOURDES GROTTO
The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of the city where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be made by climbing the 252 steps or by driving a light vehicle through a winding, narrow and steep asphalt-paved road. Devotees who go up to the grotto to pray usually light up a candle at an altar below the image. There are also vendors at the shrine who are willing to light up a candle for you and say a prayer for whatever personal intentions you might have.
As it is in many other similar shrines, the grotto was constructed to commemorate the numerous visions of the Virgin Mary by a 14-year old French girl named Bernadette Soubirous. This happened in 1858 from February 11 to July 16 in the town of Lourdes which is in southwestern France. The visions were declared authentic by the Pope in 1862 and this also led to the authorization of the cult of Our Lady of Lourdes.
By following the road a little further up and behind the Grotto you will see a strip of Naguilian Road and a beautiful panoramic view of a part of the province of La Union. When the sky is clear Lingayen Gulf and portions of the province of Pangasinan are also visible. Since the fog usually comes in by about mid-afternoon, it is best to visit the place early in the morning especially if you want to take photographs.
CAMP JOHN HAY
Camp John Hay used to be the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States. This 690-hectare property was turned over to the Philippine government in July 1, 1991 and was initially administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority and then turned over to the Bases Conversion Development.
The facility, which was named after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's secretary of war, was used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American and British soldiers during the war. Its name was changed to Club John Hay after it was turned over to the Philippine government, however, it has since been called Camp John Hay once again. For the first time in its history the facility was open to the public in 1991 and converted into a recreational complex. It used to be off-limits to Filipinos, except for the privileged few who could get entry passes from its former American administrators.
Prior to its turnover to the Philippine government, there were 290 fully-furnished rooms in the different cottages, duplexes, apartments, and lodges which are distributed in different locations around the complex. It even had a "Honeymoon Cottage" which was rented out to newlyweds who come up to Baguio for their honeymoon. Some of these billeting units were equipped with color television sets, refrigerators, and cooking facilities. Each unit has a fireplace to keep you warm during the months of December, January and February when the weather in Baguio is quite chilly and cold.
For those interested in playing golf, Camp John Hay has a 5,330-yard, 18-hole, par-68 golf course which is one of the best in the country. There is a new golf clubhouse which has a restaurant and function rooms that cater to golfers, visitors, and also the local residents of Baguio. The Manor Hotel, constructed on the old site of the Main Club, is one of the newest additions. Around the complex there are beautiful gardens, picnic areas, parks, an ampitheater, and hiking trails that wind through the rolling hills and pine trees within the former military reservation.
THE MANSION
The Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along the Leonard Wood Road and right across from Wright Park. It was built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines.
The Philippine government later rebuilt and improved the structure in 1947 and since then it has been used by various Philippine presidents whenever they come up to Baguio for their official visits and engagements. The Mansion served as the seat of the Second Session of Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East in 1947. It has also been the site of first meeting of the South East Asia Union which was popularly known as the Baguio Conference of 1950 which was conceived and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.
The elaborate main gate of the Mansion is said to be a replica of that at Buckingham Palace in London. Vehicles entering the compound pass through a great circular driveway and it is usually open only when the Mansion is used for an official function or activity. With its beautiful gardens and a well-manicured lawn, it is a favorite site for sightseeing and picture taking.
Inside the Mansion is a mini museum housing memorabilia and works of art collected over its years of occupancy by the former presidents. Within the compound and adjacent to the Mansion is a two-story building which serves as the official residence of the Philippine President in Baguio City and nearby is a small amphitheater. A contingent of Philippine marines maintains the security of this large compound and you will see a some of them manning the guardhouse at the vicinity of the entry gate.
BAGUIO CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL
The rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, is one of the more familiar and most visited landmarks of Baguio. This beautiful structure has twin spires and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. From Session Road it is accessible by pedestrians who ascend a long concrete stairway of more than a hundred steps. Visitors and churchgoers who would rather avoid the difficult climb drive vehicles through an access road which passes behind the nearby post office building.
The construction of the cathedral by phases was begun on a hill which was originally referred to as "Kampo" by the native Ibalois. It was later called Mount Mary by a Belgian Catholic Mission headed by Fr. Carlu, CICM, who was then the parish priest. The cathedral was finally consecrated in 1936 and dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement. During World War II it became an evacuation center and withstood the Japanese carpet bombing of the city in 1945, thereby saving thousands of lives.
The Baguio Cathedral is the biggest catholic church in Baguio and is the center of religious activities such as during the Holy Week when thousands of devotees from Metro Manila and the provinces come up to the city. During Sundays and other special holidays of the catholic church, you will find vendors along the stairway and also at the church's open patio selling flowers, balloons, newspapers, sweepstake tickets, candles, rosary beads, and other religious articles. Visitors desiring to visit Baguio on a tour should avoid coming up to the city during this religious week. Not only is the city crowded with people, it is difficult to find rooms in hotels and inns and the prices of native handicraft, souvenirs, vegetables, flowers, food, and other commodities & services are rather expensive. Its view deck at the cathedral is a favorite among visitors since it provides a panoramic view of the downtown commercial area, Burnham park, city hall, and Camp Allen.
PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the premier military institution of the country and is the training ground for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Phillippines. It's mission is: "To instruct, train, and develop the cadets so that they will possess the character, the broad and basic military skills, and the education essential to the pursuit of a progressive military career."
In 1950, the Academy was transferred from its old site at Teacher's Camp to a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan which is ten kilometers south of downtown Baguio City. Here it found its permanent home in a fort named after the young hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar.
The Academy site was developed into an ideal military training institution with facilities and infrastructure required of a growing military institution. It's rigid and unique 4-year curriculum has been designed to fit the specific needs of the major branches of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Just like military academies in the United States, female cadets have also been accepted by PMA since 1993.
Fort Del Pilar is one of the most visited and photographed places in Baguio City. Local and foreign tourists visiting the city always make the Academy an important part of their itinerary. It is one place one must not miss to see when visiting the summer capital. The fort is usually open to visitors during the daylight hours seven days a week. A camera is a must to have when visiting the Academy especially during most Saturday mornings when the Cadet Corps undergo their outdoor inspection in ranks. A parade and review at Borromeo Field follows the inspection. It is here where you will witness the marching precision of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of The Philippines.
THE BELL CHURCH
The Bell Church is located north of the downtown area of Baguio along the road leading to the town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda, and beautifully landscapped gardens. There are some artifacts about Buddhism that you will find at the Bell Church as well as some literature about the history of China.
It is during the Spring Festival or what is more commonly known in the West as the Chinese New Year that local and foreign Chinese tourists flock to the Bell Church. Like all Chinese festivals, the date of the new year is determined by the lunar/solar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. The observance of the holiday falls on a different date each year and it usually varies from late January to the middle of February. This Chinese public holiday is usually observed for 3 days although the festival traditionally starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.
It is on the sixth to the tenth day of the 15-day celebration of the Chinese New Year that the Chinese visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair and it is a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration is traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.
SOME OF OUR PICTURES (ME AND MY BETTER HALF JHAC)
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