MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to revive public interest in Baguio as a place to heal, recuperate and reconnect with nature, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism-CAR partnered with John Hay Management Corp. in the first-ever Forest Bathing Trail at Camp John Hay. The forest trail allows visitors to absorb the energy of the trees, leaves, sky and the earth.
The idea of Baguio as a destination for relaxation and rejuvenation is actually the reason why it was discovered in the first place. Baguio City was first developed by the Americans and the Dominicans to provide rest, recreation and wellness for people from the lowlands. They built sanitariums and hospitals for the sick but believed that the natural healing powers of Baguio – its lush greeneries, pine trees and cool wind – helped cure the people.
“This is the first time that we have a forest bathing trail in the Philippines and we encourage people to come here to appreciate the weather, smell the pine-scented air, relax and stay longer,” said TPB COO Marie Venus Tan.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said residents and tourists should be aware of the rich culture and history of the city, considering that it was in Baguio City where World War II started with the bombing of the Camp John Hay gates on Dec. 8, 1941 by Japanese warplanes. It was also here where World War II ended when Japanese Imperial Army chief Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita signed his surrender documents inside the ambassador’s residence.
Rest at any of the eight stations along the trail (left) and pause to listen to the sound of bamboo wind chimes (right).
Forest bathing or shinrin-yoku is a Japanese practice of going to the forest to reconnect with nature and improve one’s health, well-being and happiness.
The Forest Bathing Trail spans four kilometers through a forest floor covered with thick and soft pine needles, pine tree canopies and rich foliage of different flora. There are eight stations for people to rest and meditate, each with its own massive bamboo wind chime installation by bamboo craftsman, composer and artist Edgar Banasan. The relaxing melodies produced by the chimes when caressed by the cool Baguio wind, combined with the scenic view of the mountains, create a soothing effect that calms the nerves.
Aside from reducing stress, forest bathing can also reduce blood pressure, increase ability to focus, improve mood, accelerate recovery from surgery or illness, increase energy level and improve sleep. Forest plants have phytoncides which are an active substance with antimicrobial properties that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, microscopic fungi and protozoa. A pine forest, particularly, is sterile and free of harmful microflora.
Those who wish to visit the new Forest Bathing Trail are encouraged to intermittently pause to touch and hug a tree, feel the earth beneath their bare feet, listen to the whispers of the wind, inhale the pine-scented air and see for themselves the beauty of nature.
Forest bathing was one of the activities lined up during the premier launch of “ENTAcool” Baguio Creative Arts Festival last month.
“We are elated over the resounding support our creative arts festival has been receiving from local, national and international artists, that is why we will continue to work out the appropriate innovations to sustain the development of the festival in the coming years,” Domogan said.
The ENTAcool creative arts festival is part of the lineup of activities to motivate stakeholders to support the designation of Baguio City as the first in the country and the fifth in Southeast Asia to be included in the elite list of the Creative Cities Network.