All About Baguio City

             Known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City lives by its name.  Having a cool weather all year round - this place is the best spot to get away from the sizzling hot weather of Manila. Its only Six (6) hours drive from Manila.  Those who have cars can either choose to take Kennon road that start from La Union.  This is the old and favorite road Baguio

locals and old people from Manila used to take.  Marcos highway is also available, you can enter this road via Agoo or Rosario, La Union.  This is the favorite route  of buses and big cars because of its wider lanes. Another route is in Naguilan road (also known as Quirino highway).  The entry point is in Bauang, La Union and this is famous for visitors from Northern Luzon area.  And Baguio-Nueva Viscaya road that connects Benguet, Nueva Viscaya, Sagada, Ifugao and other provinces nearby.

The "City of Pines" boost of different activities famous for locals and international tourist.  If you are not afraid of water, you may rent a boat in their city lagoon located at the center of Burnham Park.  You get to enjoy the privacy talking to your friends without anyone hearing it (Hahaha!) and get the glimpse of SM Baguio right nearby.  Visit the place during weekends and you'll see the big area crowded with families and friends 

hiring rowboats, children laughing and playing in the children's playground, rose/orchids fanatics in Rose Garden and Orchidarium, having fun in the skating rink, taking a curios look at the Igorot garden, resting and posing in Melvin Jones grandstand, roaming around Sunshine park, picnic grove, Japanese Peace Tower, Athletic bowl and of course, the Pine Trees of the World.  

This park was originally designed by an American architect Daniel Hudson Burnham to provide Baguio a green and wide spaces for city people's resting place.  It was named after him.  Now that its under Filipino administration, its still provides the main purpose except that on top of just a green and environment friendly resting place, it became a famous eatery area, an amusement park and game/event venue.   

Well, not really bad right?  Having a private car will help you explore the city comfortably but hiring a cab is not a bad choice.  Cab fare in Baguio City is the most inexpensive fare I ever paid for - talking about transportation.  Despite the fact that the tourist destinations in the city is not really beside each other.  You may also buy a map and ride a jeep, anyway, the city's town proper is not really big as what we picture it out.   

Here are the list of the destination that make this small but beautiful city famous: Burnham Park, The Mansion - where the first family spend their vacation during summer, Baguio Botanical Garden - where you will find different types of flowers, herbs and trees, Camp John Hay - experience the world-class hotel within the vicinity, Philippine Military Academy - who wants to see how the future solders are shape-up,  Tam-awan Village - for historians who love the dig the culture and history of this tribe, 

old Dominican Hill - this if for those who love the feel of unwanted souls and ghost around the scary structure, Mines View Park - take a look at the surrounding mountains and valleys, Wright Park - go horseback riding, Baguio Cathedral, Session Road - eat and be merry, Mount Santo Tomas - where you can see both Baguio City's skyline and La Trinidad and where you can shout:"I am the queen of the world" (He-he!), 

 Lourdes Grotto, Bell Church, Asin Hot Springs, Wood Carver's Village,. Maryknoll Ecological Santuary, Balatoc Mines and Crosby Park, Teacher's Camp, Lion's Head, Baguio City Market and Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad Valley.  Baguio is not just park and flowers, they also have their famous Session Road for bars and restaurants.  Its is also popular for travelers for its where you will find business establishments and offices.  

This is where you will find most of the accommodations most tourist would prefer for its within the town proper and its accessible to almost all of the cities tourist spots. Here are the list of hotels and Inns in the area: 

• La Brea Inn
• Casa Vallejo Hotel
• Microtel Inn and Suites Baguio

The following are located along LeonardWood Road:

• Mountain Lodge Hotel and Restaurant
•  PNKY Home Bed and Breakfast
• Safari Lodge
• Bloomfield Hotel Baguio City

Here are the list of those located in Abanao Street:

• Eurotel Hotel Baguio City
• Hotel Veniz Baguio City
• Paladin Hotel
• Heritage Mansion Hotel
• Holiday Park Hotel
• Some are located along Kisad Road:
• City Travel Hotel
• Burnham Suites
• Inn Rocio

Among others:

• El Cieleto Inn
• Golden Pine Hotel
• Hotel Elizabeth
• Egi Albergo Di Ferroca Hotel
• Baguio Vacation Apartment
• Tiptop Vacation Homes
• Green valley Hotel
• Prince Plaza Hotel
• Igorot Lodge

• Baguio Holiday Villa Court
• Highland Villa
• Pines View Hotel
• Citylight Hotel
• Elizabeth's Fantasy Resort
• Hollywood Drive Inn
• Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza
• Ridgewood Residence
• Camp John Hay Manor Hotel
• Concorde Hotel
• Villa La Maja Hotel and Restaurant
• Baguio Country Club Hotel
• Baguio Highlands Hotel and Spa
• Lourdes Villa
• Skyrise Hotel

If your group is big enough for the hotel accommodation, you may try to inquire in Teacher's Camp for they provide a big room for a big group or may get-in-touch with a city local for they provide transient houses in different area of the city.  Food are abundant and cheap, especially their fruits and vegetables.  It's definitely the weather why Baguio is bless of fresh and cheap vegetables and fruits that they sell to tourist and even deliver to different markets in different provinces.  

The famous is strawberry.  Strawberry in La Trinidad is crowd by both locals and tourist to buy tons of this fruits and strawberry jams before they go back to Manila.  Pasalubongs will not be an issue for there's a lot that you can bring back to friends and relatives. Strawberry jams are one of those.  You can also buy the famous 'walis-tambo' (which to my surprise are now in different shapes and sizes.He-he!).  Beautiful flowers and cute bonsai are also available especially in Mines Views Park where you can buy in different pots and still cheaper than what you expected.  Nice, right? You will still have extra money left for your favorites such as: strawberry taho, sundot kulangot, cashew and peanut brittle, choco flakes, lengua de gato (this is my personal favorite.he-he!), Benguet coffee and longganisa.  Worry no more on where to get these stuff, in Baguio City, you can buy it anywhere. I mean, anywhere: at the market, souvenir stores, parks and bus terminals.

The coolest ever? The 'ukay-ukay' of imported goods and stuff.  These are 'segunda-mano' (second-hand) clothes, bags, shoes, toys, comforters, jackets, office equipments, etc.  Some call it 'wagwagan' because you will need to shake the clothes for dust and other stuff (insects, maybe?) before getting it.  Travelers even go to Baguio because of this and only this reason.  They wanted to grab those designer brands clothes, bags and other goods for only 50Php-500Php.  Shall I ask for more?

The city if also infamous when it comes to horror stories and ghost hunting.  A lot of para-normal experts and psychic would visit the place to hunt those disturb souls and check out those old and scary structures.

The nights in the city are not always scary as what others may say.  For example, take a look at the sunset on the left picture - beautiful, isn't?  I don't think such beauty is considered as scary.  So what are you waiting for, explore Baguio now and don't forget my lengua de gato.He-he!