Summer Capital
It is the home of the now famous Panagbenga Festival or the flower fest in Northern Philippines. Thousands of tourists visit this place because of its beautiful weather. In a tropical country like ours, having a 25 degree-Celsius temperature or lower is a divine consolation from the typical hot and humid summer.
That is why Baguio City is known as the country’s Summer Capital. I used to live in Baguio in the mid-90s. My memory of the place is a mixed emotional experience. I spent my happiest teenage years there. I love the people and their culture. But most of all, I love the pine trees.
I remember walking up the sloping streets to UP Baguio at 7 in the morning. The air I exhale is usually smoky due to the cold temperature. And the scent of the pine trees is very strong. Until now, if I close my eyes and think of it hard enough, I could still recall the scent. That’s how distinct it was.
Also, Baguio City is the best place for liquor drinkers. You can drink vodka, gin, tequila or brandy in the mid of the day. The cold weather is very conducive for drinkers.
If you visit Baguio City, remember to drop by the folk bars to savour the city’s culture. Do not spend your whole time going to the new bars with stand-up comedians that are mimics of those in Angeles City or Metro Manila.
Instead go to Ayuyang, Le Fondue at the La Azotea or at the Gimballs. Le Fondue is one of the oldest bars in the city along Session Road. It is a small bar where most of the famous acoustic singers of Baguio started their careers. It is the common sanctuary of visual artists, musicians, singers, students and almost everyone known in Baguio.
And aside from the usual parks and sceneries where tourists go, visit Rito’s Restaurant at Engineer’s Hill where they serve the best bulalo or beef soup. And don’t forget to drop by at the Café by the Ruins in front of the City Hall.
That is why Baguio City is known as the country’s Summer Capital. I used to live in Baguio in the mid-90s. My memory of the place is a mixed emotional experience. I spent my happiest teenage years there. I love the people and their culture. But most of all, I love the pine trees.
I remember walking up the sloping streets to UP Baguio at 7 in the morning. The air I exhale is usually smoky due to the cold temperature. And the scent of the pine trees is very strong. Until now, if I close my eyes and think of it hard enough, I could still recall the scent. That’s how distinct it was.
Also, Baguio City is the best place for liquor drinkers. You can drink vodka, gin, tequila or brandy in the mid of the day. The cold weather is very conducive for drinkers.
If you visit Baguio City, remember to drop by the folk bars to savour the city’s culture. Do not spend your whole time going to the new bars with stand-up comedians that are mimics of those in Angeles City or Metro Manila.
Instead go to Ayuyang, Le Fondue at the La Azotea or at the Gimballs. Le Fondue is one of the oldest bars in the city along Session Road. It is a small bar where most of the famous acoustic singers of Baguio started their careers. It is the common sanctuary of visual artists, musicians, singers, students and almost everyone known in Baguio.
And aside from the usual parks and sceneries where tourists go, visit Rito’s Restaurant at Engineer’s Hill where they serve the best bulalo or beef soup. And don’t forget to drop by at the Café by the Ruins in front of the City Hall.
..gimbals is no longer operational,closed down a few years ago. must see place should include tam-awan village owned by the famous artist ben cabrera, more popularly known as "bencab". it is reminiscent of the old villages of the mountain provinces. also owned by bencab is the bencab museum in asin road. showcases artworks of various artists. it is a haven for art enthusiasts... along the roads of asin are woodworks of varied designs and sizes...one should also include in their itinerary a visit in ms. rhona carantes' hut in the denr compound along john hay. this is where she crafts her world famous leather clocks... however, this visits would not interest the "common" tourist. but then again wouldn't it be interesting to see something different than the usual postcard places?
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