VIII: Summer Capital of the Philippines

Baguio Cathedral 

Baguio City is a highly urbanized city located in the Northern part of the Philippines.
It is the center of commerce and industry in the Northern part of the Luzon island.It is the Americans who first recognized the beauty and allure of Baguio and made it a city in 1909. During the American rule, it is an alternative seat of government wherein the Americans rulers transfer their offices to Baguio to escape Manila's heat during the summer months. It is also during the American rule when Baguio was named as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. 

A view at Mines View Park

Baguio City came from the Ibaloi, a local dialect, word "bagiw" which means "moss" because during those days, moss and mossy plants would be abundant in Baguio because of it relatively lower temperature which is conducive for their growth.

Climate

Baguio City is located in the mountainous region called the Cordillera Administrative Region. It is situated at approximately 1,500 meter (4,500 feet) above sea level. Because of this, Baguio City is known for its relatively lower temperature (8 degrees lower) than the rest of the country. The usual temperature ranges from 15-23 degrees Celsius but temperature can dip as low as 6.3 degrees (1961) to 8 degrees (2009). Most of the cold climate can be enjoyed during the months of December to February. 

Going to Baguio

A view of Session Road with the Baguio Cathedral

Baguio can be accessed either by land or air. Loakan Airport located to the south of the city is the only airport located in the area and cater to domestic flights going to the city. 

For those who want to travel by land and enjoy breathtaking sceneries, Baguio City can be accessed through three main access roads namely Kennon Road, Aspiras Highway and Naguilian Road. Travel time can range from 6-9 hours from Manila depending on what road you'll take. Kennon Road is the shortest and has less travel time. It is also in Kennon Road where the famous Baguio icon called Lion's Head is located. the Lion's Head is an impression of a lion's head on a big rock located at the side of the cliff. You can easily spot it when travelling through Kennon Road. 

Accomodation

Baguio City has numerous accomodations through its hotels, retreat/boarding and transient houses. Most of the hotels are located in the city center in close proximity or within the vicinity of major tourist sites such as Burnham Park and Session Road. There are also hotels areas located in areas leading to Baguio or in areas south of the City. 

If you want some cheaper accomodations, then there are retreat houses or transient houses located within or outside the city center. 

Education

Baguio City is a major education center, north of Manila with its offerings of numerous universities and colleges. There are 8 major institutions including the campus of the University of the Philippines; Saint Louis University and Easter Colleges as the two oldest and the premier military training school, Philippine Military Academy. There are other higher education institutions and several schools both international and local for primary and secondary educations such as Brent International School and University of Baguio Laboratory Schools to name a few. 

Burnham Park

What to see in Baguio

Tourism is one of Baguio's biggest industry primarily due to its cool climate and several tourist destination and its famous festival, Panagbenga. It is during the months of February (Panagbenga Festival), March-April for the Lenten Season and the warm months between March to Early June where most tourists both local and foreign flock the city. 

Here are some of the tourist sites in the City:

1. Burnham Park and the Athletic Bowl - a famous site in the city where you enjoy: a wide field of beautiful flowers and greeneries; a man made lake where you can rent boats of different sizes and shapes; an area where you cant rent bicycles to navigate around the park and a sports complex
2. Wright Park - a stretch of pine tree covered park where you can rent horses to ride
3. Baguio Cathedral - a famous landmark of Baguio city located atop Session Road known for its beautiful and pink colored exterior
4. Session Road - a kilometer length of road of specialty stores, restaurants and other businesses
5. Mines View Park - a deck that offers a view of the mining areas of Benguet Province and  the Cordillera Mountain ranges 
6. Camp John Hay  - a former American military station, now a pine-tree covered area that includes parks, a hotel, a convention center, picnic areas and amenities for recreational activities such as rapelling, wall climbing, ecotrail hiking and paintball
7. The Baguio Botanical Garden -a place where one can learn the Igorot culture and traditions.
8. The Mansion - a beautiful architectural landmark built by the Americans to house the then Governor General, now is the official Summer residence of the President of the Philippines. 
9. Tam- Awan Village - a artist paradise. Here you can see collections of local artists works and replicas of Local Cordilleran native houses. You can have yourself  sketched by local artist for a minimum fee. 
10. Lion's Head -an impression of a lions head on a rock at the side of the cliff

Lion's Head

Wright Park with a view of The Mansion