I just graduated last March 2010. Together with my 2 friends we decided to have our vacation trip as a bonus for our graduation in Baguio City. We are all excited for it because it would be a great experience for sure. As we arrived in Manila at around 11:30PM, we directly head our way to the Victory liner terminal for our bus ride going to Baguio. As we arrived in the terminal, a large crowd welcomed us. Shoot! We were stranded and have to wait until 5:00 AM. As we start our journey going to Baguio, we were very excited and can’t wait to arrive in the place. Out of exhaustion, I fell asleep and as I woke up we are still in the middle of the road and same phase goes, every time I woke up we are still in the road, it is a pretty long bus ride. We arrived around 3:00 PM, and at last I can now smell the scent of pine trees and feel the cold breeze of the place.
Photo: Marcos Highway to Baguio City
Photo: Marcos Highway
Photo: Pine Trees in the City of Pines
Tourism is one of Baguio's main industries. During the year-end holidays some people from the lowlands would prefer spending their vacation in the city. This is for them to experience the cold temperature they seldom get from their home provinces. Also, during the summer season especially during the Holy Week, tourists from all over the country would flight to the city. During this time, the total number of people in the city would double and still increasing. To accommodate all these people, there are more than 80 hotels and inns available for them to check in at an affordable price. Local festivities such as the Panagbenga Festival also attracts both local and foreign tourists.
Photo: Lion's Head
Lion's Head, located in Camp 6 Kennon Road, this popular landmark was constructed in 1972 with the contributions of the Lions Club International members in Baguio. This 40-foot head of a lion was carved in a limestone by a local artist. Visitors passing by usually stop for a while to have a break and to take photographs as souvenir.
Photo: Philippine Military Academy
Philippine Military Academy is situated in the southern part of the city within Fort Del Pilar, Loakan, this military academy was created to train future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Photo: The Mansion
Mansion House is an official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, entry to the compound is prohibited unless you have a letter signed by RP President allowing to enter the house. The public can view the Mansion through its gate that is patterned after that of London's Buckingham Palace.
Photo: Camp John Hay
Camp John Hay is former American leisure facility, and now it was changed into a world-class resort. It features a golf course, a skating rink, picnic area, a zipline, a butterfly sanctuary and a mini golf course at the Scout Hill area. Several cottages and hotels were also built to accommodate visitors.
Photo: Teachers Camp
Teachers Camp is a facility presently run by the Department of Education. It features several function halls, a museum, cottages, and a racetrack.
Photo: Wright Park
Wright Park, some tourists that identify this pine tree park reserve for horse rides sometimes mistakenly call it “Ride Park”. A long stairway leads to the "Pool of the Pines", a 100 meter long pool of water lined on both sides by the famous Baguio towering pine.
Photo: Mines View Park
Mines View Park, named for its view of Benguet's mountain ranges where gold, silver and other ores were once quarried.
Photo: Baguio Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden, it is also called the Igorot village, which features native huts typical of the Cordillera architecture. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.
Photo: Burnham Park
Burnham Park, the oldest of all Baguio parks, it provides facilities for sporting activities such as biking, skating and basketball, as well as picnics and concerts. They also have the famous boat riding.
Photo: Lourdes Grotto
Lourdes Grotto, this is a religious shrine housing the image of the Lady of Lourdes. About 252 steps lead to this shrine where pilgrims brave the steep climb to offer sacrifices, devotion and prayers.
Our stay in Baguio City was really great and an unforgettable one. As our stay in the place is about to end we always wish that every place in the Philippines would be as cool as Baguio City. And once you're here please don't forget to have a photo taken in Session Road the famous street in the city. It is the main thoroughfare of Baguio City and is the main hub of what is called the Baguio Central Business District, located at the city center.
Photo: Session Road
The city is home to many immigrants from other parts of the country. A significant population of foreigners such as Chinese and Americans, and now Koreans; also contributed to the diversity of the city's colorful culture. If you are planning to have summer vacation, Baguio is the right place for you and it offers a lot world of experiences for you.
