Rough Groove

A weekend at Baguio, 2

Baguio is always a special place. Its just different from most areas. It has a life, an identity all its own. Even in places that are higher in elevation (think of Sagada, Banaue), its high altitude urbanity is uncompared anywhere else in the Philippines. Tagaytay, with its cool climate is not just high enough to merit a comparison with this city. That’s why whenever I go down from this mountainous place, I always feel fully recharged.

Baguio at night is just a good time to take a stroll. Other than the peopled and busy Session Road, the lighted pedways (overpass), that are usually deserted late in the evening, are also a sight with lights outlining its form.

The cathedral, early in the morning is also an imposing sight that has a charm of its own.

Lest we forget that this is a city, this hill is just covered with tin roofs, houses and buildings with nary a space for vegetation that somehow pinches one back into reality.

At the Wright Park where the popular horses for hire (at P150 per 30 minutes) can be found. This is a known tourist trap.

The Bell House at Camp John Hay used to be the quarters of then Commanding General for the Philippine Department Major General Franklin Bell. A cozy house that gives a glimpse of that bygone era.

Sitting on the former location of the Hyatt Hotel that was destroyed during the earthquake, SM City Baguio is the newest “pilgrimage center” of the Cordilleras.