Philippines Expat and Travel Blog March Archive

A Journey To The Country's Summer Capital

By Jude Wallenberg at 03/28/08 17:49

Arriving at Baguio City, the first destination chosen by most of the visitors is Mines View Park. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most visited park in the city and even in the country.

On one part of the park, there is a viewing deck that offers great panoramic views of Benguet's Gold and Copper Mines alongside the mountains and other green surroundings of Baguio that will surely captivate your heart; the strawberry plantations, the line of pine trees, the bushes of green plants among others. Of course, the park is not complete without the souvenir shops! Here you can take home the lovely crafts and products you can find nowhere in the country except Baguio.

The next stop would The Mansion of the Wright Park. Both are very captivating, but visitors are attracted more to visit the The Mansion. It is simply because The Mansion is the president's official summer residence. It is said that the gate of The Mansion was a complete replica of that at Buckingham Palace in London. The Mansion's lawn is open for public but going inside the Mansion itself is not allowed. But before reaching the main house, you have to go in a circular path way before arriving at the center where the Mansion grande is located.

Aside from these, there are the Philippine Military Academy, the Burnham Park, Bell Church and other convents among others. But the trip is surely not complete without visiting Session Road and The City Public Market.

Session Road is the nightlife site of Baguio. Bars, major hotel chains,. restaurants and malls are located here. The Public Market, is very famous not only in Baguio but also in Manila. It is because they have a daily shipping of fresh vegetables from the mountain down to the metros.

A trip to Baguio will definitely one of the best decision you will ever make in your summer life!

The City Of Pines, Baguio City

Baguio City, known as the City Of Pines and the Philippine's Summer Capital, is the people's gateway and escape road from the high heat of the season.

Driving from Manila to Baguio will take you roughly 3-4 hrs. But the journey to Baguio is certainly worth it. The scenic views along the way are just as great as Baguio itself. The way up to Baguio City, or a mountain resort according to many tourist, will take an experienced driver 45 minutes before he reach the peak. You will know you are on the right way when are routing Kennon Road.

Kennon Road is one of the landmark for Baguio. It is a very dangerous road to go through though. It is a very stiff, zigzag road. The road can be very inviting to the eye because it offers great view of the whole Mt. Province and neighboring towns but utmost care is needed. There are also other Baguio landmarks that can be found along Kennon Road. The Colorado Falls, The Twin Peaks and the great Lion's Head are few of what I can remember.

Of the three, the Lion's Head is the most inviting. The 40-foot high limestone carved by a Cordillera local artist is said to be the welcoming portion of Baguio City. They said a trip to Baguio is not at its highest form if do not have a picture taken beside the Lion's Head. The lion, apparently made for by the city's Lion Club, was constructed 1969 and was unveiled to the public by 1971. Year by year this landmark gained popularity, a reason why souvenir shops, native craft stores and other stalls sprung rapidly beside the head.

There are more to discuss when it comes to Baguio. It is still the place where most of the people go aside from Boracay. Baguio is home to a lot of travelers and expatriates, local and foreign and of any age.

More of Baguio next time!