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Friday, July 26, 2013

Baguio City: On Every Tourist List of Destinations


                                There is no doubt that Baguio is the most visited city in Luzon outside Metro Manila, its cold weather attracts every tourist to go there. It was tagged as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". Aside from its cold weather it also boasts a lot of attraction that can't be missed to see when you get there. Here are some of the attraction to see in Baguio City.

                                                                      Baguio Cathedral

                               Also known as Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, it is located at cathedral loop, adjacent to Session Road, the site where the cathedral currently stands was a hill referred to as "Kampo" by the Ibaloi people. The construction begun in 1920 and was completed and consecrated in 1936. During the World War II, the cathedral served as an evacuation center. It withstood the red-carpet bombing of Baguio City in 1945. The remains of thousand bombing victims during the war were buried within the grounds of the cathedral. Distinct for its rose-colored exterior, twin square bell tower and traditional stained glass windows, these characteristics of the cathedral were considered by some photographers to capture it. It is one of the most photographed religious structure in Baguio City.  


                                                                        Burnham Park

                                 It is an urban park located at the heart of Baguio City. It was named after the American Architect and urban planner, Daniel Hudson Burnham who laid the plans for the city. It is a scenic park over-looking Mount Kabuyao, the tallest mountain in Baguio. It features a man-made lake at the center of it where tourists can rent a boat and enjoy paddling around the lake. On the eastern part of it is the melvin Jones grandstand and Football Field, it is usually used for activities such as parades, concerts and political rallies. On the wester part of it you will find an Orchidarium, where you can see different kinds of floral plants, and next to it is the Children's Park where kids and also adult can enjoy biking while strolling around the park.


                                                                    Botanical Garden

                              It is located east of Baguio's downtown area, its main entrance is along Leonard Wood Road. It is also called as the "Igorot Village", at the main entrance of it , you will see a group of native Igorots, they are dressed-up with their native attire and regalia, you can pose with them for a souvenir photo, in return you have to pay for it, they are not asking for a certain amount just give them how much you can give, but I advised everyone to give them an enough amount because most of them are Senior Citizens who are supposed to be just at home and resting.

                                                       Inside the Botanical Garden
   Inside of it  you will see numerous native huts, the type of Igorot dwellings found in the Cordilleras. The village is said to capture the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorots and of being tranquil and quiet. This is a perfect place to just sit back and relax while enjoying the cool-breeze of air.


                                                                         Wright Park

                                   Located  at the eastern part of the city, it is fronting the main gate of The Mansion. Its main features are the shallow elongated rectangular body of water called as the "Pool of Pines" and the park circle which is on the end of the park.
   Riding a pony is a favorite among children as well as adults. You can rent a pony and ride on it, they can tour you around the park.


                                                                      The Mansion

                                     Located also at the eastern part of the city, it is along Leonard Wood Road and right across the Wright park. It was built in 1908 for US Governor Generals and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the Liberation of the Philippines. In 1947 the Philippine government rebuilt and improved the structure, since then it has been used by the Philippine Presidents as their accommodation during their visit in Baguio. Every tourists of Baguio wont miss a chance to take a photo behind the most popular architectural landmark in Baguio.

                                                                  Mines View Park

                                  It is usually the next stop after visiting the Mansion. There is no doubt that this is the most visited and most popular park of the city. You will definitely get a panoramic view of Benguet's gold and copper mine and the surrounding mountains from the viewing deck, just be sure to be there on a clear and sunny day to have a good view. Reaching the viewing deck you have to go down a winding stone-covered stairway is is just close to the parking area, you should be careful when ascending and descending as it is slippery specially after rain. There are a few benches  at the viewing deck where you can sit while having a glimpse of the scenic view. There are also stalls at the park selling souvenir items and pasalubong treats for family and friends.

                                    Me and Ria wearing the Igorot's native attire and regalia


                                                                           Bell Church
   
                                        Located north of the downtown area of Baguio along the road leading to La Trinidad, Benguet. Its compound is being surrounded and decorated with flags, bells and dragons. It has Pagodas and beautifully landscaped garden. There are some artifacts that you will find at the Bell Church as well as some literature about the history of China.

                                                                   Strawberry Field

                         Although it is not part of Baguio City, it is covered by the Municipality of La Trinidad. Make sure after visiting the Bell Church you should also visit the Strawberry Field. Here you can pick your own strawberries. Price of strawberries and vegetables here are more cheaper than the price at the market and you're surely get fresh vegetables here. There are also stalls here selling souvenir items such as key chains, man in a barrel, wallets and pasalubong treats such as peanut brittle, jams and sundot kulangot for kids.


                                 

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