Baguio: The City of Pines

By: R. R. Calandria

I was 18, young, idealistic and adventurous when I arrived in Baguio City, Philippines. I was there not on vacation, but, to get educated at Casiciaco Recoletos along Naguilian Road. Within the next three years, I will be there, not only to get educated, but, also to be formed into a future religious.
Baguio is not only the City of Pines, but, is a popular destination for summer vacation because the weather does not get too hot on daytime and the afternoons and evenings are perfect spring. It gets cold in December, but, not freezing.
Even after my formation years in 1991, I kept going back to Baguio not only because of its natural beauty, but, because the cool weather is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities such as soccer, biking and boating. It is quite a privilege to be able to study in Baguio because it gave me enough time to actually explore the place.
Whenever I am in Baguio during the summer, I usually spend most of the time at Burnham Park because I have always considered it as the mother of all parks. There is a man-made lake in the park where the family can rent rowboats, a soccer field good enough to unleash some calories, the bike and walking trails are shaded with trees which make them more attractive to bikers and joggers, a skating rink, a rose garden, an orchidarium, an Igorot garden, an athletic bowl and the Melvin Jones Grandstand, all of which contribute to the park’s natural panoramic beauty. Camp John Hay is one of Baguio’s popular destinations, named after the Secretary of State of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. The 690-hectare property has been under U.S. custody for a long time because it served as a recreational facility for the U.S. Military and Department of Defense in the Far East, but, when the U.S.-RP Agreement expired in 1991, it was turned over to the Philippine government which in turn has been leased for a long-term contract to a private developer. This former U.S. property has a golf course, redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, which hosts the annual Fil-Am Golf Tournament. The Camp John Hay Manor is known for its beautiful amenities and high end services, the Amphitheater is a favorite spot for film production, a shopping center called Mile-Hi Center, the Main Club, the Scout Hill Snack Bar and the Bakery, a newly-built convention center and other numerous stores and restaurants, all point to a sophisticated lifestyle inside the recreation center. The Philippine Military Academy is also a good place to visit especially those who are fascinated by military training and formation. The Academy is considered as the country’s elite training facility for military service and is located at Fort Gregorio del Pilar (named after General Gregorio de Pilar, a hero in the battle of Tirad Pass) on Loakan Road, just about 10 kilometers from downtown area. Mines View Park is an awesome tourist area more than 15 years ago because tourists are treated to a sensational view of the Cordillera mountains and Benguet’s gold and copper mines, but, recently more houses have been constructed on the former site, so, don’t expect to see the grandeur of the mountains. Another attraction and has been considered as older than the city itself is “The Mansion”, the official summer residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Directly across the street from the Mansion is the Wright Park where the so-called “Pool of Pines” is located. The park boasts of a gazebo and a long flight of stairs going down to what is popularly known as the “Pony Park” or the ‘”Riding Circle” where tourists are treated to a great ride with hundreds of ponies for hire. The Botanical Garden features different houses of the Cordillera tribes and a souvenir picture is usually done with the native Igorots in their traditional costumes. Kennon Road is the shortest access to the City of Pines because it cuts through the Bued River Canyon and one is treated to the winding and zigzag roads that can only be seen on the way to Baguio. The Lourdes Grotto is a famous pilgrimage site among Catholics whose access could either be by climbing through more than 300 steps or by driving up the hill. The Baguio Cathedral located at the very heart of the city is one of the landmarks and popular icons of the place. The church, which stands on Mount Mary Hill, has a magnificent architectural design and is uniquely identified by its twin spires. Mount Santo Tomas prides itself with a 360 degree panoramic view of the City of Baguio and the La Union province. It is a perfect place for picnic and solitude. Sometimes neglected, but, worth an adventure is Asin Hot Spring and Wood Carver’s Village in Asin Road. The village is dear to me because it is where I did my Sunday apostolate during my formation years at Casiciaco. The indigenous people in the area are hard-working and their talents and skills in wood-carving which range from small figurines to huge statues personally impressed me. Other interesting places in Baguio are the bust of the late President Ferdinand Marcos along Marcos Hwy., the Crystal Cave near San Pablo Seminary and during Advent – the “Simbang Gabi” Holy Mass at Recoletos Seminary along Naguilian Road is something that should not be missed. The Good Shepherd Convent is a good place to shop for goodies and delicacies such as jams and peanut brittle. While the Baguio Market has a variety of souvenir shops, the Asin Village wood-carvers can offer discounted handicraft and artifacts.

Baguio City is not just another piece of destination; it is and will always be my second home because I was educated and the full potentials of my being were discovered and developed at the very heart of the city. I will never get tired and will continue to come back because that’s where my heart finds solace and comfort.

Rene Calandria, is the editor in chief of Pinoy Herald, a Bi-monthly newspaper in the Metro Washington DC and Mid-Atlantic area.

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