Tagged as the Philippines’ summer capital, Baguio City is the favourite destination of locals, tourists and holidaymakers anytime of the year. Because of its altitude the cool weather has remained a perfectly good reason for people to troop to the cool mountains of the Cordillera.
Baguio City serves as the gateway to the many wonders of Northern Luzon – the magnificent beaches of La Union, the famous Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, the acclaimed World Heritage Site Banaue Rice Terraces and the culture-rich Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
With a year-round cool climate, a variety of cultural, historical and fantastic sceneries, Baguio never fails to delight visitors and tourists as they experience an entirely different taste of the Philippines. Visitors usually troop to the highlands during the hot summer months of March, April and May especially during the Lenten Season. Baguio is teeming with people from all over, savouring the cool climate which is only felt in this place.
Baguio’s famous flower festival or locally known as Panagbenga in February of every year sees thousands upon thousands of tourists timing their vacation or holidays with the month-long festivities. This is more likened to the Parade of Roses in the United States.
Baguio is home to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the country’s premier military and training school of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In the same month of the Panagbenga, PMA opens its doors for the annual alumni homecoming.
Other than being dubbed as the summer capital, Baguio is also famous to honeymooners during the months of January, June, July and August. These are the times of the year when the climate is perfect for newlyweds.
Some famous landmarks and places of interest are:
Burnham Park – the city’s commercial center (Session Road), Baguio Cathedral, City hall and the Baguio City market are all designed around Burnham Park, giving access to a variety of activities : from shopping to visiting the church to a long walk along the busy Session Road.
- Baguio Cathedral – located on top of a hill in the heart of the city is this majestic church, architecturally distinguished from the other churches in the country by its twin spires. The church’s location gives a perfect view of the city’s beautiful landscape.
- Session Road – this is the highly urbanized and commercialized area in Baguio City. This is where you will find commercial establishments, department stores, banks and the Baguio City market famous for its fresh produce and strawberries. Adjacent to Session Road are schools and universities beautifully situated uphill or downhill. A stroll through this commercial strip will give tourists a taste of Baguio at its best.
- Camp John Hay – this is a former rest and recreation facility for the American soldiers and in recent years converted into a beautiful resort in the mountains. Despite the physical changes, Camp John Hay’s charm remains the same with its pine trees lined up on both sides of the roads, breathtaking landscape and old-fashioned cottages.
Baguio City offers a variety of activities for the whole family : horseback riding for the kids and the adults alike; nightlife for the young, romantic getaways for couples; golf for business dads at Camp John Hay; shopping for moms. The rich cultural heritage of this city has endeared the place to many tourists and travellers who rave about the unique experience they have in Baguio City.
