Almost every Filipino is complaining about the extreme hot weather during summer season. So, what's the best thing to do? Simple, if you are a traveler, then, go to Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. But of course, Baguio is not the only place to visit during extreme hot summer. Sagada, Banaue, Bontoc are some of the places in Mt. Province that is worth visiting during hot season. (you may see my Sagada-Bontoc-Banaue blog). And take note, kahit masiraan kayo ng sasakyan, ok lang sa kalsada muna dahil malamig naman...hehe.
So, what are the places to see in Baguio? Well, there are numerous parks in Baguio like Botanical Garden...
From the Wright Park, you may proceed, by taking the long stairway, to "The Mansion," the official summer residence of the Philippine President.
The wright park pool of pines... pag narating nyo na 'to, it means malapit na kayo sa "The Mansion."
According to history, "The Mansion" was built in 1908to serve as the official summer residence of the U.S. Governor-Generals. With the inauguration of the Philippine Commonwealth, the Mansion was turned over to the Philippine president. During the World War II, the mansion was damaged. It was rebuilt in 1947. Since then, it has served as the holiday home and working office (kuno..hehe) for each President of the Philippines during his/her visits to Baguio.
Another beloved Baguio spot to visit is the Burnham Park... In this park, you will see species of plants and flowers, a man-made lagoon where you can enjoy boating, an amusement park, and a biking area.
Another place to see in Baguio is the Philippine Military Academy in Fort Del Pilar . PMA is the Philippine military school of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was established on December 21, 1936 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act.
Inside the PMA compound is the PMA Museum. At syempre masaya ako because one of the highlights of the museum is the bravery of the youngest general in Philippine revolution, my favorite hero-- General Gregorio Del Pilar.
You may also buy some souvenir items at the PMA store. Kaya naman naka PMA cap kami, para feel talaga ang paglilibot sa PMA haha.. with Gatorade pa.
Your Baguio tour will not be completed without walking around Camp John Hay while enjoying the cool climate...
Within the vicinity of Camp John Hay is the Butterfly Sanctuary. It was designed around the Little Mermaid Garden
that was built by American soldiers decades ago
when this premier Baguio attraction was still a U.S. Armed Forces recreational
facility in the Philippines. The bronze mermaid statue amid a topiary garden is
now surrounded by hundreds of lovely butterflies fluttering around the flowers
and plants.
Another part of the Camp John Hay is the Cemetery of
Negativity. The cemetery offers a rather
unique experience. The entrance to the cemetery reads, "No more for here
is buried the world’s negativism for all time. Those who rest here have died
not in vain – but for you a stern reminder. As you leave this hill remember
that the rest of your life. Be More Positive.”
Aside from visiting numerous parks in Baguio, another thing to do in this place is to pick strawberries..... alam na kung saan, syempre sa Strawberry Farm...
Dahil mahilig ang pinoy sa pasalubong, don't forget to drop
by Good Shepherd Convent and buy ube jam, cashew, peanut brittle, strawberry jam etc.
and of course the Panagbenga Festival...
