Baguio City, popularly known as the summer capital of the Philippines, rests on a plateau in the Mountain province, about five hours by land from Metro Manila. There are local flights too.
First established for the R&R of American soldiers during the colonial period, the Philippine government has reclaimed control over Camp John Hay several years ago. While many say that John Hay lost its splendour after the turnover, that’s only one way of looking at it. Yes, Baguio City is now highly populated but that would have happened with or without the turnover.
The following photos were taken a couple of years ago when we spent a few days there with friends.
Camp John Hay
The first time I saw this structure back in 2001, it was a clubhouse. I was attending a corporate planning seminar at the nearby Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Conference Center and over lunch at this architecturally-impressive clubhouse, I asked the manager if it was made from local pine trees cut from Camp John Hay itself. “No, ma’am,” he said, “they’re Canadian pine trees.” It’s now a hotel and conference center.
My daughter Sam took this photo of me. It was around 6.00 o’clock in the morning at Camp John Hay.
Wright Park
Popular for its child-friendly horsetrail (which smelled so bad), shopping in the adjacent flea market is still an adventure. A friend who owns a restaurant in Baguio City, and who has been residing there for several years, told me once that brand-name garments (Laura Ashley and Mark’s and Spencer’s, among others) are manufactured in the suburbs of Baguio City. The overruns and b-grade garments (a missing button or labeled with the incorrect size) are sold cheaply at the Wright Park flea market.
Horseback riding at Camp John Hay
Having outgrown the ponies at Wright Park, my kids now prefer horseback-riding at Camp John Hay. The trails are better. Downhill to a wide clearing then uphill back to the horses station. PhP 250.00 for 30 minutes last time we were there.
Shopping at Mines View Park
They are called aliens. I discovered this set of hand-carved wooden decorative items at the Mines View Park flea market.
An ethnic chess set fashioned from Igorot tribe warriors.
They are coin purses made from preserved frog skins. Heads and feet intact. A real conversation piece, I’m sure, but I didn’t want one inside my hand bag. At the Mines View Park flea market.
In Baguio City, silver jewelry are sold at around 40-50% less than Metro Manila prices. This shot taken at the Mines View Park flea market.
Kennon Road
When the rainy season arrives, landslides at Kennon road are common. The denudation of the mountainsides tells us why.
You came to Baguio “a couple of years ago” and didn’t tell me?!
The site on which this building stands used to the Main Club, a beautiful historical structure (2nd WWII Japan Surrender Documents were signed there), that was “characteristically” torn down by the private “developer.”
In its place, they have built a huge and heavy structure that blocks a majestic view of the Cordillera mountains that could be seen from where you stood to take the photo.
Sigh.
But, hey, nothing beats our “naturally airconditioned” city. With clear blue morning skies, foggy afternoons, tree-lined walks, it can still be as romantic as you want it to be.
heyyyy, look who dropped by. We went to Alfredo’s on the way home but you were still asleep hahahaha
It’s because I work on the websites all night at the office — you so inspire me, girlfriend.
Keep up the good work!
Still an owl, huh? LOL