Baguio City
Tagged
as the Philippines’ summer capital, Baguio City is the favorite destination of
locals, tourists and holidaymakers anytime of the year. Because of its altitude
the cool weather has remained a perfectly good reason for people to troop to
the cool mountains of the Cordillera.
Baguio
City serves as the gateway to the many wonders of Northern Luzon – the
magnificent beaches of La Union, the famous Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, the
acclaimed World Heritage Site Banaue Rice Terraces and the culture-rich Vigan,
Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
With
a year-round cool climate, a variety of cultural, historical and fantastic
sceneries, Baguio never fails to delight visitors and tourists as they
experience an entirely different taste of the Philippines. Visitors usually
troop to the highlands during the hot summer months of March, April and May
especially during the Lenten Season. Baguio is teeming with people from all
over, savouring the cool climate which is only felt in this place.
Baguio’s
famous flower festival or locally known as Panagbenga in February of every year
sees thousands upon thousands of tourists timing their vacation or holidays
with the month-long festivities. This is more likened to the Parade of Roses in
the United States.
Baguio
is home to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the country’s premier
military and training school of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In the
same month of the Panagbenga, PMA opens its doors for the annual alumni
homecoming.
Other
than being dubbed as the summer capital, Baguio is also famous to honeymooners
during the months of January, June, July and August. These are the times of the
year when the climate is perfect for newlyweds.
Some
famous landmarks and places of interest are:
Burnham Park
– the city’s
commercial center (Session Road), Baguio Cathedral, City hall and the Baguio
City market are all designed around Burnham Park, giving access to a variety of
activities : from shopping to visiting the church to a long walk along the busy
Session Road.
Baguio Cathedral
– located on top
of a hill in the heart of the city is this majestic church, architecturally
distinguished from the other churches in the country by its twin spires. The
church’s location gives a perfect view of the city’s beautiful landscape.
Session Road
– this is the
highly urbanized and commercialized area in Baguio City. This is where you will
find commercial establishments, department stores, banks and the Baguio City
market famous for its fresh produce and strawberries. Adjacent to Session Road
are schools and universities beautifully situated uphill or downhill. A stroll
through this commercial strip will give tourists a taste of Baguio at its best.
Camp John Hay
– this is a
former rest and recreation facility for the American soldiers and in recent
years converted into a beautiful resort in the mountains. Despite the physical
changes, Camp John Hay’s charm remains the same with its pine trees lined up on
both sides of the roads, breathtaking landscape and old-fashioned cottages.
Mines View Park
- a great park
located within the city limits of Baguio City, Benguet, is a popular tourist
attraction where tourists can shop, explore and view the scenery. An abandoned
mine, used by early Ibaloi/Igorot peoples, is viewed from the said tourist
spot.
Philippine Military Academy
- PMA, is the Philippine military school of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). PMA was established on December 21, 1936
by the virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 (commonly known as the National Defense
Act). PMA is located in Baguio, Benguet province. It is the training school for
future officers of the AFP.
Baguio
City offers a variety of activities for the whole family: horseback riding for
the kids and the adults alike; nightlife for the young, romantic getaways for
couples; golf for business dads at Camp John Hay; shopping for moms. The rich
cultural heritage of this city has endeared the place to many tourists and
travellers who rave about the unique experience they have in Baguio City.
No comments:
Post a Comment