Baguio City

Attractions

Baguio City is home to many tourist spots and is a weekend getaway of those living in Metro Manila. It also boasts a rather large expatriot community composed of Americans, Germans, Koreans, and many other nationalities.

The primary economy of Baguio City, though, is its educational centers of which it has in excess of seven colleges and/or universities as well as a plethora of trade and technical schools. Estimates are that these schools compose in excess of one hundred thousand students.

Burnham Park, located at the center of the city, is named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham, It features a man-made lagoon where people can hire a banca (rowboat). The park also has a skating rink and bicycle areas. At the northeast portion is a soccer field with a huge a stage at one end where many concerts are performed.

Baguio Cathedral is a majestic church built on top of a hill, and is seen from many parts of the city.

Session Road is the main avenue of the city and is its commercial center. Along the main street and sidestreets are numerous shops, restaurants, and billiard and duckpin bowling alleys. Session Road is also the place visited by foreign tourists who wish to enjoy the city's nightlife.

Camp John Hay, once a military recreational camp of the Americans during the World War II, it is now a popular destination for people who wish to see the pine forests in the city. It also boasts of a sprawling country club with a full 18-hole golf course as well as many trendy restaurants and a rather nice hotel called The Manor.

Mines View Park, located at the extreme northeast of the city, boasts a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines.

Loakan Airport is the only airfield within the vicinity of the city. It serves small domestic flights to different points in Luzon.

The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines.

Baguio Botanical Garden, also known as the Igorot Village contains many Igorot[?] houses amidst various flora and fauna that grows in the cool climate of the city. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional costume.

The Orchidarium is a showcase for the various breeds of flowers and plants that are grown in the region around Baguio.

Mary Knoll Ecological Sanctuary is a haven for free minds and bodies. The Eco-tour refreshes the eyes with nature's feast of flowers. The gallery inspires one's creativity.

King Louie's Farm is a ranch for the growth of cut flowers. Tours are available.

Tam-Awan Village is a reconstructed native village which also has an art gallery and attracts many indigenous artists.

Itogon Wood Carver's Village fills three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers. The works of these carvers range from very small figurines to huge statues.

Asin Hot Springs, which is actually located in Benguet[?] but is considered a City resource, contains a natural hotspring. The City and other private concerns have built swimming pools for tourists. The area is very under -developed but is still a place that tourists should visit.

Wright Park, named after the architect who designed the city, features a a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines." At one end, there is a circle where visitors can go horseback-riding.

Some other frequently-visited spots in the city include the Lourdes Grotto, Teacher's Camp, the Bell Church, Lion's Head, and the public market, a favorite place for tourists looking for souvenirs.

History

The region around Baguio was first settled by the Igorot and Ifugao tribes, but the city itself was a creation primarily of the Americans who occupied the Philippines. The creation of Camp John Hay actually gave birth to Baguio City.

External Links

• http://www.baguio.gov.ph/ -- official website
• http://www.baguiocityonline.com/ -- a business directory with a little news.
• http://www.bagiw.com -- a comprehensive source of information and news about Baguio City and the Cordilleras of Northern Luzon