The Lures of Baguio

CEBU, Philippines - Sweet scent of pine trees and flowers, blue morning skies, foggy afternoons, and cold evenings. A city with various cultural and historical accents – and a never-ending string of scenic attractions. Baguio City!

It’s a place where, probably, everybody dreams to be. The city, as we know, is nestled in the mountainous region of Cordillera, which one of the few places in the Philippines blessed with a cool climate. Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the surrounding lowlands.

The city has earned the title as the “Summer Capital” of the country, since it is where tourists flock to during the hot summer months. The most number of tourists come in early March when ambient temperatures rise. But they come not only to escape the summer heat but also to relax, unwind, recharge their worn spirits.

Baguio is only a few hours away from Manila, very convenient for urbanites in need of a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. And Baguio has more to offer that its cool climate, the city also prides of its food treats! There’s a long line of restaurants along Session Road that serves various cuisines: Chinese, American, Italian, Mongolian, Japanese, and of course, Filipino. No doubt every visitor has fond memories of gastronomic adventures in the mountain city.

A tour of Baguio City usually starts with a walk down Session Road, the city’s commercial strip. Aside from the different shops and fashion boutiques and restaurants, there’s also an interesting array of sweet delights and delicacies by the roadsides. And the prices aren’t really that expensive.

There many other things to enjoy in Baguio: horseback riding at the city’s Wright Park; a climb 252 steps to the Lourdes Grotto; a game of golf at Camp John Hay; and a visit to Burnham Park, the venue of colorful festivities. Burnham Park is named after Daniel Burnham, the original master planner of the city. It has a man-made lagoon where tourists may go boating. Visitors may also go biking around the park. A walk in the park’s rose garden is a favorite among lovers.

Tourists also don’t miss to visit The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine president. Some love to hike to discover more of Baguio, to enjoy more of the cool air that suffuses the city. Others opt instead to go to the city’s public market for fresh vegetables to make into a tasty salad or chopsuey. The lazy ones choose to remain in their rooms, tucked under the blanket.

When night falls, Baguio comes alive with pulsating music and body-warming drinks. A good number of bars and discos welcome fun-seekers until the early hours of the morning. At daybreak, as one has had his fill and begins to zigzag on his way back to the hotel, the morning fog rises.

   Just in time, the “taho” peddler barks. The strawberry “taho” is irresistible. Owing to the cold climate of the place, strawberries are abundant in Baguio.

Somewhere, near Burnham Park, a long line of “ukay-ukay” stalls takes over the street at night. Shoppers get dazzled by a wide display of surplus or slightly used clothing and other usable items – at an incredibly cheap price. And there’s no need to hurry, one may take his time checking on his spotted items; the stalls are open until dawn. 

As one’s visit to Baguio ends, it’s time to think of “pasalubong” for family and friends back home. A lot are found at the Mine Views Park, from where one has a breathtaking view of the hills and valleys of Cordillera and gold mines of Benguet. There’s ube jam, strawberry jam, peanut brittle and other preserved delicacies, as well as key chains, bracelets, and hand-made knickknacks.

For the visitors’ own keepsake, the common favorites to take home are pictures of their time in Baguio. Well, their best memories are the ones they keep in their hearts.