Baguio City
Feel the Christmas Breeze
by: Eana Clariz Manalo
Baguio is a city and hill station located at an altitude of 1450 meters above sea level (4760 feet) on the Cordillera Administrative Region in the middle of the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. Due to its cool mountain weather, Baguio is considered the summer capital of the Philippines. Because of its many pine trees it is also called the City of Pines. In October 31, 2017, it became part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, the first city in the Philippines to join the list.
It is my second time going here in Baguio. I personally like to go to places I've already been to since I did not get the chance to go to places I want to see and explore last time. Before going here, my relatives planned to celebrate our Christmas in Baguio because it is our first time to celebrate to a place far from our homes. We agreed and make sure that all things are set so that we will not waste our time when we reached our destination.
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What's in Baguio City?
There are a lot of things and places that you can do while you are in Baguio. You’ll find historic buildings beautifully preserved right next to new buildings that ease the transition into modernity. All of which are tucked within green parks and rolling hills. It’s a scenic and practical use of space that clearly honors its history, roots, environment, and culture.
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Although Baguio is admittedly overcrowded today, this mountain city still gives plenty of reasons for visitors to keep coming.
And if you will celebrate Christmas holiday like I did, here are some suggestions for a great time in and around the city:
Day 1 - December 23, 2017
After reaching our destination, we drop by at Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Upon entering the PMA gates you need to proceed to the checkpoint officers who will be handing you down an Identification Card that you would have to wear while inside the Philippine Military Academy, in exchange you would have to surrender a valid, if possible government issued ID. Rules that you have to observe are written at the back of the ID that will be given to you.
Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, the PMA museum and walk around its manicured grounds to see vintage tanks and other historical military weapons. There are also drill exhibitions on weekends wherein you will see the cadets performing their drills.
We also went to The Mansion where it is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. It is located on the eastern part of the city along C.P. Romulo Drive and right across from Wright Park. Older than the city itself, the Mansion is easily one of the most visited and photographed landmarks of Baguio. Outside of it, there are lots of strawberry taho vendors and other simple souvenirs you can buy to your loved ones.
After taking some photos, we headed right away to Mines View Park. It is five kilometers away from the Heart of Baguio, passing through the Botanical Garden, the Mansion House, and the Pacdal Circle. There are plenty of stalls selling various pasalubongs and plants as well. There is also rental of Igorot attire and some horses to take pictures with but of course with fees. We want to feel what it looks like to be an igorot so we manage to take some pictures with it.
Before ending our day, we walked from our apartment going to Burnham Park. It is considered to be one of the most famous parks in the country. This place is often full-packed with people regardless if it is rainy or not. The most famous activity in the park is “biking”. There are lots of bicycles for rent at a very reasonable price. You can also try boating in a rowboats in the shape of a swan . It is a perfect activity for children and adults so we tried it to satisfy ourselves.
