Baguio

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October 31, 1998

It is a tradition of the barkada to meet each other during our birthdays.

This time, we decided to celebrate Jojo's birthday out of town in Baguio !

The City of Baguio is located in northern Luzon. Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900 and created by the Philippine Assembly as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903. There is a presidential mansion, and supreme court and legislative offices in Baguio. Baguio is the seat of government of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The name of the city is derived from the word bagiw in Ibaloi, the indigenous language of the Benguet Region, meaning 'moss'. In the Tagalog language, Baguio (bagyo) means storm. The city is at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters (5100 feet) in a moist tropical pine forest conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids.

Baguio City is home to many tourist spots and is a weekend getaway of those living in Metro Manila.

This is the first time we went to Baguio as a barkada in three years.	This year sa Teachers' Camp naman kami !
Baguio is the flower capital of the Philippines	We stayed at the Pages Hall at the Teachers' Camp...
Umpisa na ang lakad!!!
But of course, dadaan muna kami sa Baguio Cathedral. A majestic church built on atop a hill is visible from much of the city. The rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, on a hill in the heart of the city, a familiar Baguio landmark.
This beautiful structure has twin spires is one of the most photographed buildings in the city.	It is common to see worshippers headed to the altar as they kneeled in the aisles.
Tapos, nagpunta kami sa Grotto. The Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine in Baguio. It is located on a hill in the western part of the city, and houses an image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week, especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto is by climbing 252 steps or by driving a vehicle on a winding, narrow road. Devotees who go to the grotto to pray usually light a candle at an altar below the image.
Awaiting more pictures taken at Burnham Park and Mines View!
Baguio Botanical Garden, also known as the Igorot Village, it contains many Igorot houses amidst flora and fauna that grow in the cool climate of the city. Tourists often take pictures with Igorot tribesmen in traditional costume.
Mines View Park, located at the extreme northeast of the city, it has a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines.
More photos from our Baguyio stay to be posted soon.