The Mountain Resort: Baguio City

The Mountain Resort: Baguio City Known as one of the industrialized cities in the Northern part of the Philippines, Baguio is hailed as the summer capital of the Philippines. Many people visit this city every summer because of its cold weather and attractive tourist spots. It still remains as one of the top favorite destinations among foreign and local tourists in the Philippines. The cool, refreshing, and cozy weather presents a different face of the Philippines to its visitors. Those who are nostalgic of cool weather or those who would just love to get away from the tropical summer heat will usually opt to stay in here.

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.

Baguio Sightseeing: What to See and What to Do? Sightseeing in Baguio is never a bore. There's always some place and something you might want to see or do here in the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Since the city brings in lots of tourists every year you should expect the place to be prepped for any visitor. Aside from the annual festivities, there places in Baguio that deserve your visit. What to see in Baguio City? There are parks, historic sites, and other places to get that unique Baguio feel. There are enough things to put on your what do to list to keep you busy in your Baguio adventure. The popular stuff on a typical Baguio what to do schedule includes horseback riding, boating, biking, picnics, picture taking, partying during fiestas, camping, picking strawberries, golf, and simply enjoying the nice scenery.

Here are some of the beautiful spots that Baguio may show you:

*The Strawberry Fields On top of our list of what to see in Baguio are the strawberry fields. A trip to Baguio will always include a lovely stroll along the strawberry fields just outside the city proper. You go ask anyone who's ever been to Baguio and most likely they've been here. It is only a jeepney ride away and you get to pick the strawberries you want to eat.

*Burnham Park Next in our list of what to see in Baguio is Burnham Park, named after the city's designer. Burnham Park is a nice place for a stroll just to enjoy the peculiar Baguio scenery. There is also a small man-made lake where visitors can pick up the oars and go rowing for a small fee of around P100. You can also try biking and if that isn't enough for an entire day's escapade then you may even enjoy an outdoor concert.

*Mines View Park Mines View Park is the undisputed most popular sightseeing attractions in the city. Once you get past the stalls where you can shop for souvenirs or take a break in any of the small canteens, you climb up to the observation deck. The panoramic view of the Benguet mountain range is a welcome treat. Mines View Park is usually anyone's next sightseeing destination after visiting either Wright Park or the Mansion.

*Session Road Session Road may not exactly being your scenic epitome of what to see or what to do in Baguio but it sure spices up any sightseeing trip. This is the busiest section in town where you'll find malls, banks, bakeries, hotels, bookstores, restaurants, newspaper stands, boutiques, studios, and cafes. Anything a modern tourists might need you're sure to find here.

*The Mansion This place is used by Philippine presidents whenever they make official visits to Baguio City. The garden area here is a favorite for picture taking and sightseeing. Filipino servicemen maintain the security in the Mansion's compounds since the place also serves as the official residence of the current Philippine president.

*Baguio Public Market Thinking of what to do in Baguio? Then the public market will be enough to fill your itinerary for the last day. Local tourists usually go here for souvenirs before heading on home. If you're looking a memento of your visit for a great deal then this is the perfect place. However, you should learn how to haggle for a better price. Sure, the prices are already great but anyone can still make a better deal if you know how to haggle for it.Some of the popular stuff to take home are strawberry jams, peanut brittle, dried tobacco, fresh flowers, meat, Baguio sausages, clothes, native products and handicraft like baskets, brass, hand woven blankets, woodcarving, bags, and jewelry. The public market is right behind the Maharlika Center at the lower end of Session Road.

*Baguio Camp John Hay

It has been renovated by the Nicholaus Group for better golf games, greenery, overall ambiance, and international appeal. Rows of towering pine trees in some areas make Camp John Hay not only a refreshing site for a golf course but a charming spot for Baguio sightseeing. Baguio Country Club, on the other hand, is an 18-hole golf course with moderate rolling hills. Both golf courses have been sites of international golf competitions like the World Cup and Asian PGA.

*Baguio Cathedral The steep stairway leading up to Baguio Cathedral is located along Session Road. Built in 1936, the cathedral has been the center of Roman Catholic religious activities as well as a popular

Baguio sightseeing destination. From this hilltop church views of Session Road, the city proper, and nearby cloud-covered mountains are seen. People come to hear mass as early as dawn and the cathedral doors remain open until 7 in the evening.

*Wright Park When talking of horseback riding this spot is the right place. Often, Baguio sightseeing is never complete without at least taking one’s pictures while beside a horse; better yet, while mounted on one. The park is also famous for the rectangular “Pool by the Pines” located on a hill accessed through a series of steep steps. Near this pool is a small circular park where a friendly native Igorot warrior often pauses for pictures.

*Baguio

Botanical Garden

Along Leonard Wood Road, between Pacdal Circle and Teachers Camp, is the colorful Baguio Botanical Garden. It is a vast park with plenty of flowering plant species. Some hilly areas have terraced levels covered with different bright colored flower clusters--perfect for picture-taking when Baguio sightseeing. Formerly an actual Igorot village, some indigenous huts are still found there.

*Philippine Military Academy(PMA) PMA is among the country’s premier military schools where future military, police, and naval officers come from. Built in 1950 on a 373-hectare land of lush forest and rugged terrain, PMA houses the school, dorms, mess hall, souvenir shops, gym, and other school facilities. It also has a museum where uniform evolution, cadet life, PMA heroes, and PMA history are featured. It’s a good place to consider for Baguio sightseeing.

*Kennon Road Built in the early years of Baguio City by Igorots and Americans, Kennon Road is the oldest and most breath-taking route to Baguio from the lowlands. Along this route tourists see the Bridal Veil Waterfalls, Twin Peaks, Blue River Gorge, Colorado Falls, and the Lion’s Head.

*Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary This convent is a picturesque and charming place for sightseeing in Baguio in Camp Sioco, Baguio City. It used to be solely a convent for Maryknoll sisters but after the 1990 earthquake it started the so-called 14 stations to nature discovery featuring different phases of creation, a religious reminder, and a bio-shelter. Overall, the place is perfect for sightseeing in Baguio.

*Bell Church Bell church may sound Christian and may even conjure up images of a Catholic church and its bell tower. But it’s actually a Buddhist Temple with a Chinese pagoda, arches, and buildings with lots of intricate designs like dragons and Chinese characters and symbols. The temple is multi-leveled, being perched on hills. Bell church’s top level is reached through a series of steps.

*Mount Sto. Tomas For getting a good view of Baguio from the highest peak in the locality, Mount Sto. Tomas is it. It is excellent for rock climbing, hiking, and even for a family picnic. Or just to catch lovely views

of the sunrise and sunset. Considering Mount Sto. Tomas when sightseeing in Baguio means a worthwhile, unique, and panoramic view of the Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan.

*Lourdes Grotto Aside from the statue of Mary in the famous grotto atop the Lourdes Grotto Hill, this famous spot is popularly associated with its 252 steps up the spot that overlooks the city proper. SM Baguio can be seen from there, as well as the nearby Dominican Hill and Mount Sto. Tomas. Most people sightseeing in Baguio visit the place as a religious pilgrimage.

*Asin Hot Springs It is fascinating to see hot springs emanating from under the mountains of Baguio which is known for its cool climate. But there it is, the Asin Hot Springs, 16 kilometers from Baguio City proper. The phenomenon is made possible by the presence of sulfur in the water. The hot spring is now easily accessed through a posh resort with a vast swimming pool full of natural hot spring water. It is ideal to take a steamy dip here after a stay in Baguio during the cold months.

*Wood Carver’s Village This is a 3-kilometer long row of independent wood carving hut shops along Asin Road. This is the logical next stop after visiting Asin Hot Springs when sightseeing in Baguio. The place showcases a wide range of fine Itogon wood carving craftsmanship produced through manual chisel and hammer. Finished products and those currently being carved are displayed in the open along the road.

*Easter Weaving Room Baguio native weaving at its best since 1908—Easter Weaving Room or EWR offers this to tourists. Located along Easter Road in Bokawkan, customers are treated to personally seeing how cloths and fabrics of native make and designs come out from various colorful threads woven through wooden loom equipments. A good educational sightseeing in Baguio at EWR would include examining the age old weaving process that has been producing some of the most interesting native Baguio place mats, tablemates, ikat textiles, bags, and others.

*Tam-awan Village Exercise, breath-taking views, and a unique sightseeing in Baguio are what await tourists who’d go up the slopes where Tam-Awan Village is located along Tacay Road near La Trinidad. On different hills authentic Igorot huts on stilts are perched. So guests who want to enjoy the huts have no option but to climb each hill, aside from climbing the narrow ladders to the elevated huts. Steps of these ladders are carved from a single tree trunk. A main hut serves as information center and souvenir shop. Native Igorot coffee is also available.

*Teacher’s Camp A good place for lodging, especially for licensed teachers who are given special discounts on cottages rented out at Teachers Camp. Located along Leonard Wood Road, it’s been serving as lodge and camp site since 1908. The place is heavily forested, hilly, with tall pines standing close together so that some areas are quite shady even at noon when the sun shines brightest. Not just an exciting spot when sightseeing in Baguio, it is also a favorite camp site for Boys and Girls Scouts outdoor activities and has served several times as an international jamboree site.

*Lion’s Head This is among interesting sites seen when taking the Kennon Road to or from Baguio City. Just wait to get to Camp 6 and one would surely view the Lion’s Head to the right when going up Baguio. Buses do not stop-over this site so tourists should take a car when making this spot a part of their sightseeing in Baguio. Carved from a huge limestone in 1972 and built with a nearby view deck, a souvenir vendor in a stall near it has since been experiencing sales perks.

*Balatoc Mines and Crosby Park This place is excellent for camping. It’s far from the city, plenty of tall pines, very quiet except for bird chirps and singing, thick mists idling by most of the day, and strong cell phone signal. Sightseeing in Baguio should definitely include Balatoc Mines and Crosby Park.

Baguio Shopping Highlights Your bargaining skills will be put to the test when you shop in Baguio City. The city locals are naturally frugal and they do expect the same from their visitors and guests. The prices of different commodities in Baguio are pretty much standard since business owners understand that anyone can easily ask and compare prices. The prices of commodities here are already reasonable, however, with some haggling; you can even bring the price even lower. Those who are into bargain hunting will find the shopping action in the city a treat. The idea is to always be prepared and watch out for a good bargain. One good tip is to always ask around before buying anything and bargain for a better price.

Here are some of the products that Baguio City may offer to its visitor’s:

*Peanut brittle Peanut brittle pieces are flat rectangular caramel candy pieces with lots of ground nuts in them. When heated corn and caramel syrups melt, ground Baguio-grown pili nut or peanut pieces are mixed with it and then poured on a flat metal surface, spread thinly and left for a while to cool down. These are cut into rectangular pieces and placed in jars. Tourists will never miss bottled peanut brittle when shopping in Baguio.

*Choco Flakes These are tasty and frozen-looking muffins made of Baguio-grown cocoa. The muffins are about 2 inches in diameter, dark brown in color accentuated by white powdery flakes sprinkled all over them. Choco flakes stimulate the taste buds with its rich yet elusive milk-chocolate flavor and soft brownie muffin so that people crave for more. When shopping in Baguio, just look for choco flakes in bottle jars.

*Ube Jams Baguio ube jams are the latest delicacy craze in the city. Baguio, being a mountainous region, grows one of the best and sweetest ube tubers in the country. Ube tubers are boiled with skin still on them and then peeled after they are cooked. They are then ground and mixed with sweetened milk and butter fat, heated on low fire until they reach a thick consistency. Newly cooked, they are immediately placed in bottle jars to be sold while hot.

*Handicrafts Handicrafts in Baguio are mostly natural materials endemic to Baguio with souvenir prints on them. Some are woven or carved products. They range from desk decors, kitchen or dining utensils, home adornments, and key chains. Common handicraft materials are pine cones, crystallized stones, and wood or pine tree branches. These are made into souvenir items manually or put together to make crafts like dining place mats and curtains--perfect when shopping in Baguio.

*Woven Articles Baguio woven articles are mostly colorful ponchos, wrap-around clothing, curtains, pillow covers, and carpets manually made by Igorot women using wooden weaving machines. Cloth designs vary from stripes, zigzags, diagonal lines, and criss-crossing lines. These are excellent when gift shopping in Baguio.

*Wood Carvings Wood carvings are mostly human figures and faces, wooden chairs and tables, or weapons. They range from big statues to small desk decors to swords and daggers and stick-weapons. An alltime favorite is a small wooden figure of a naked Igorot inside a barrel. When the barrel is lifted the Igorot figure does something mischievous. It’s among best sellers with people shopping in Baguio.

Baguio Restaurants A trip to Baguio is an adventure in itself for anyone's palette. There are many restaurants, diners, cafes, and bars where you can try the different flavors of Baguio City. Baguio is distinguished for its produce of fresh vegetables. It is interesting that the city, along with the entire Cordillera region, supplies the country's vegetable needs. However, this does not go on to mean that the people in Baguio are all vegetarians. To the contrary, a lot of the locals love to eat meat cooked in any way they can. Here are some of the restaurants that may offer you delicious meals in Baguio: *Mandarin Restaurant For scrumptious crab meat, shark’s fin, noodles, and roasted duck tourists can’t go wrong with Mandarin Restaurant in Baguio at the corner of Session and Assumption Roads. Either dine there alone or in groups and enjoy delectable traditional Chinese food. Mandarin has been among pioneer eateries in the city along Session Road. A solo meal costs about Php 45 and a group meal of 5 or more persons costs at least Php 500. And don’t forget their rice toppings.

*Muang Thai Restaurant For appetizing and spicy Thai dishes with lots of authentic and curious-tasting Thai herbs, try Muang Thai Restaurant in Baguio. The shrimp salad coupled with steamed rice topped with a super tasty shrimp paste is sure to be an unforgettable dinner combination. Wansoy rich herbs, Tom Yum tasty soups, and Pad Thai noodles are excellent, so is the satay chicken grilled pieces on sticks with matching nutty sauce. Visit this restaurant in Baguio along Kisad Road.

*Tien-Tien Hotpot and Restaurant This restaurant in Baguio is located along Leonard Wood Road. It serves Chinese-Singaporean soup cuisines in hotpot style with lots of veggies, mushrooms, and bean and soy curd ingredients. Fish and beef may also be included in a viand, according to one’s preference.

*Chowking For really good chow in Baguio, with all the varieties of Chinese cooking, most people go to Chowking on Session Road. In these times, few people in the country do not know Chowking and the food served there. This fast-food restaurant in Baguio offers tasty meals at very reasonable prices. The noodles are great and rich in meat, veggies and spices. Fried chicken, steamed rice, topped rice soups (congies), and fried rolls and tofu are available here, among others. Different “halo-halo” flavors topped with ice cream is among excellent desserts here.

*Ganza Restaurant For many people, lunch time at Burnham Park means a quick, simple, but tasty meal at Ganza Restaurant in Baguio. Folks who grew up in Baguio and regular visitors from early times will remember the predecessor of the new Ganza Restaurant.

*Giligans Restaurant and Bar This bar and restaurant in Baguio is located along Legarda Street near Burnham Park. Aside from good food the place is also suitable for social drinking in the evening. It is popular among young professionals as among good places for a Friday evening hangout.

*Barrio Fiesta At the balcony of Barrio Fiesta in Baguio City tourists will always find President Gloria Macapagal waving her hands at them—or more precisely, her statue, that is. Statues of prominent figures are found in the place. This intriguing restaurant in Baguio is known for superbly cooked chicken, beef, and pork native dishes. Aside from the usual beef and pata kare-kare, beef bulalo, and roast chicken, Barrio Fiesta also serves seafood galore.

*Forest House Bistro and Café Found in the Loakan area near John Hay, this pleasant restaurant in Baguio is of wood planks and bricks that create a cottage-on-the-mountain ambiance. Look at mouth-watering cuisines available here: Forest House Oxtail dipped in mustard, Osso Bucco (tender beef with red sauce and anchovies), grilled prawns, and seafood kare-kare. Everything’s perfect here to tickle the appetite and eat more to ward off cold. And do try the super soft Belgian waffle and Lamb tapa for breakfast. Furthermore there are other restaurants that can surely serve you mouth-watering delicacies.

Baguio City Hotels and Resorts The Philippines' summer capital is not without its ensemble of hotels and resorts. Private individuals and businesses capitalize on the influx of guests. Thus Baguio City has its fair share of hotels and resorts that you may choose from whenever you feel the urge to take a whiff of the cool refreshing air. What we have below are only a few of these businesses that cater to your lodging needs. *Hotel Legarda Located at 12 Legarda Road in Baguio City, Hotel Legarda is a very nice hotel that offers wonderful accommodations, excellent services, and great facilities to all its guests and visitors. Overall, it has somewhere around 35 clean and comfortable rooms to offer, each of which has basic amenities like super comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and television sets. In recent years, the facility underwent some crucial renovations, which ultimately helped the hotel management and staff to improve their services.

*Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza Situated at 113 Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio City, Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza is indeed one of the grandest and fascinating hospitality service providers in the area, which promises its guests topnotch services, first-class accommodations, and wonderful hotel facilities. From 2,500 pesos to 3,550 pesos, people can already enjoy world-class services at highly affordable room rates. Generally, basic room amenities include NDD/IDD telephone lines, cable television sets, and bathtubs. Aside from huge gatherings and special events, this place is great for holding business related purposes such as meetings, conferences, and seminars.

*Hotel Veniz Found at One Abanao Street in Baguio City, Hotel Veniz is a very nice hospitality service provider in the area that offers excellent facilities, outstanding services, and highly affordable room rates. From 1,095 pesos to 4,695 pesos, hotel guests can already enjoy a wonderful experience like no other in one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Philippines today. To make things ultra convenient for everyone, this hotel offers in-room amenities like telephones, cable television sets, and air-conditions. Additionally, it also provides other important functions like photocopy, laundry, and massage services. For those who want to explore the city, they can simply avail of its special touring services.

*Igorot Lodge Located within Club John Hay in Baguio City, Igorot Lodge is another topnotch hospitality service provider in the area that promises first-rate accommodations at super affordable rates. From 2,100 pesos to 2,700 pesos, people can already enjoy any of the available cottages and rooms, each of which is comprised of basic room facilities like refrigerators, cable television sets, and mini-bars. In addition, it also offers other important services and features including private bathrooms, telephone lines, as well as laundry.

Transportation within Baguio City Transportation within the city will be like anywhere in the Philippines. You'll still find the traditional jeepneys traveling around the streets. All you have to do to get a ride is to hail one and get on. Other than jeepneys, you also have the option to take taxi to your next destination. You can either pick up a cab while you're on your way or hire one for the whole day, which will cost you more but will be a bit more convenient if you really don't know how to get around in Baguio City.You will have many options and means of transportation to and around Baguio City. Take note of the precautions we have mentioned above and your travel to Baguio will end up as a scenic and memorable one.

Panagbenga Panagbenga is month-long annual flower festival occurring in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. The term is of Malayo-Polynesian origin, meaning "season of blooming". The festival, held during the month of February, was created as a tribute to the city's flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. The festival includes floats that are decorated with flowers unlike those used in Pasadena's Rose Parade. The festival also includes street dancing, presented by dancers clad in flower-inspired costumes, that is inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region. Aside from economic boosts from tourism, the festival also helped the younger generation of indigenous people to rediscover their culture's old traditions. The indigenous people was first wary with government-led tourism because of the threat that they will interfere or change their communities' rituals.