It is a beautiful place to visit.Baguio is the midway to the wonders of Northern Luzon. The calm beaches of La Union; the fabled Hundred Islands of Pangasinan; the ancient churches, Spanish influenced houses, historical and cultural relics of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte and is also the gateway to the Cordilleras where you could find the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao; the Kabayan mummy caves of Benguet; and the distinct culture and colorful traditions of the tribes of Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao and Abra.The City’s main attraction is still its natural bounties of cool climate, panoramic vistas, its pine forests and generally clean environs. Today, it still boasts of 5 forest reserves with a total area of 434.77 hectares.Man Made AttractionsBotanical Gardens It is also called the Igorot village, which used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. This village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.Burnham Park It is the oldest of all Baguio parks. One can unwind from the tension of the day-to-day bustle by biking, skating or simply reflecting on the day's experiences amid a soothing backdrop of colorful flowers. It is wooded and is great place to have picnics and concerts. There are tennis and basketball courts, a football field, athletic oval and an orchidarium.It is also called the Igorot village, which used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. This village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.Camp Johnhay It is still the extraordinary beautiful base, which the American forces turned over last July 1, 1991 to the Philippine government. It is now open to the public. Its excellent cottages, golf courses, bowling lanes, dining places and natural ambience are all preserved and maintained.Mines View Appropriately named for its breathtaking views of mountain ranges and Baguio's"mineral bowl"where gold, silver and other ores were once quarried. There are now numerous souvenir shops around the park offering such items as woodcarvings, woven cloth, ashtrays, shell products and other curio items.Wright Park It is sometimes mistakenly called"Ride Park"by some who identify this pine tree park reserve for its kiddy horse rides. A long stairway leads to the"Pool of the Pines", a 100 meter long pool of water lined on both sides by the famous Baguio towering pine.Historical AttractionsKennon Road Is the shortest and the most scenic highway linking Baguio and the lowlands. This was named after Col. Lyman W. Kennon who was its final builder. The industrious Cordilleras and foreign workers assisted him. The road was substantially finished in 1903.Teachers Camp It was through the vacation normal school that teachers from all over the islands were able to have a respite and have some time for studies. In a letter to the Secretary of Public Instruction, Governor William Pack outlined his plan to set up a camp in Baguio where teachers can be accommodated. The plan was approved on January 8, 1908 and was opened on April 6, 1908Mansion House The imposing and majestic Baguio Mansion House has housed a long list of Filipino presidents and American governor-generals. It has an elegantly structured building and guesthouse. Its gate is patterned after that of London's Buckingham Palace.Philippine Military Academy The Philippine Military Academy is the Philippine's premier military institution. True to its mission to"instruct, train, and develop the cadets so that they shall possess the character, the broad and basic military skills, and the education essential to the pursuit of a progressive military career", the PMA, as it is more popularly known, has honed the best military officers in our country today. It has complete training and educational facilities to mold the future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.Religious AttractionsBaguio Cathedral One of the familiar landmarks in Baguio. The structure with its twin spires and one hundred steps sits on top of a small hill in the heart of the city, offering churchgoers and visitors a chance to get a bird's eye view of the entire commercial hub. It was opened to the public last November 25, 1990 during the Christ the King celebration.Bell Church This cluster of temples is located on the border of Baguio City and Trinidad Valley. Its exotic oriental architecture features pagoda roofs, an ornate gateway, dragon ornaments and Buddha guarded windows that gaze from atop a hill. The Bell Temple priest practices a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. One may even try having his fortune told.Lourdes Grotto This is a religious shrine housing the image of the Lady of Lourdes. About 252 steps lead to this shrine where pilgrims brave the steep climb to offer sacrifices, devotion and prayers. One is also regarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the city.Cultural AttractionsWoodcarvers Village Along the way to Asin, about 5 kms from the city, is an Ifugao wood carving village, which sells beautiful carved curio items at very low prices.Saint Louis Filigree Shop A handicraft shop specializing in silver jewellery and other filigree products. Some of the craftsmen are only high school students. This shop is in the center of the city and was established in 1916Careful you may never want to come back from there. ------
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07-01-2008, 10:52 AM
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