Visita BLOG

Breathe. Heaven is a place on earth!

Wonderfully located in the northern mountains of the Philippines lies the sweetest melody of
nature. The roads might shake your way through; the heights might pull your guts… but as they say,
difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

The mystifying City of Baguio is undeniably a desired destination among
tourists as it offers not only its relaxing hills, picturesque mountain views, or ideal weather, but it also
presents its uniquely rich culture. Homed by one-of-a-kind attractions, famous parks, unparalleled crafts
and folk arts, these amazing clusters are real proof that there is a real life promiseland… a heaven that
needs protection.

Upon entering the paradise, the first thing you should remember is the power of discipline. Baguio
as a small and cultural area that is visited by thousands of travelers, needs heavy security, conservation,
and love from visitors. Because it is only this time that you are gifted with a place that offers you almost
everything, thus, it implies protecting it. Just like how you take good care of the presents that are offered
to you, you must also shield nature’s finest bonus.

Well, undeniably, heaven needs angels. In other words, Baguio needs individuals that shall protect
its health and beauty. And who else could these be, but you, the tourists.
Along with the locals, you are also the real life angels of Baguio that are responsible for conserving
its entirety. With this, actions like not throwing wastes, not picking plants, not making fun of the people
around, and the like speak volume on how you embody your obligations as the angels of the place.
Respecting the culture in the place is also an extreme necessity. At the end of the day, travelers must learn from the cultures of the place, not change it.

As Baguio therefore requires to be fed with utmost environmental and cultural preservation, the
travelers must provide accordingly. Because eventually, if you do not satisfy the cravings of the kingdom,
it shall lead to hunger… deterioration.

True enough that heaven is a place on earth. Baguio is just in the Philippines.
However, the city can never be a paradise without the help of the tourists. This is because their roles are
considered as potent fuels to run the sustainability of Baguio. Thus, you must bear in mind that as one of
these people, your cooperation maintains the pristine premises of the so-called heaven.

Interestingly, just like the typical requirement of entering heaven, the only condition to witness the
realms of Baguio is to be a good visitor. Because certainly, it takes no coin to afford discipline in traveling.
Henceforth, there are two ways to experience the wonders of heaven. One is that sadly, you have to
die first. However, take a deep breath, because on the other hand … you just have to be disciplined.

Take a bold note that Baguio, a living heaven on earth, only needs you to be good!

Contributed by:

Abel Tolentino (University of Baguio)

There’s no perfect place, they say. Well, true enough there is none. But
remember, you always have the power to make one.

However rocky the roads are, however thick the fog is, behind the tough
journey is a paradise per se. Behind the heavy pathway is a little heaven — it’s me, a
home to seamless beauty, creativity, and culture.

From my roaring mountains and cradling winds to my vibrant people and rich
tradition, there’s no doubt that I, such a place, exists. Anything you want to talk
about…

Nature? I will offer you my peaks and breeze. History? I will bring you to my
Camp John Hay and Tam-awan Village. Festivals? I will serve you my Panagbenga,
iBagiw, and Saleng. Food? I will take you to my Good Taste and Farmer’s Daughter.
Coffee? My Foam Coffee and Beanstalk are waiting for you. Architecture? I will let
you enjoy Burnham and Igorot Stone Kingdom. Crafts? I will provide you with my
Easter Weaving and Pilak Silver Crafts. Folk arts? I will lead you to BenCab and
Pugad Ni Art. Fun? I will locate you to my Session Road Sunday Pedestrianization or
if not, I will take you to Wright Park and just enjoy horseback riding. Shopping?…
Souvenir shops are everywhere, not to mention SM, Tiongsan, Centermall and
among others. Night life? I have my legendary “The Camp” and Curfew.

You see? Right, left, up, or down, from here and there — everything, but not
limited to the above-mentioned, is here. Imagine walking into a place where almost
everything you need is surprisingly of your reach. As perfect as I may seem, but
what are these if there is no one to enjoy? What’s a mansion when no one’s home?
This therefore is a letter of invitation. To you who’s reading this. I want you to
know that there’s an ‘almost-perfect’ realm in the mountains that awaits your
presence. You are welcome to make your own perfect place with me. I am writing
this because without you, I cannot be perfect.

My good friend, (yo)U are my missing piece.

Contributed by: Mr. Abel Tolentino (University of Baguio)

It has been almost 3 years since the pandemic struck and the tourism and hospitality industry is doing exceptionally well in recovering from the negative impacts brought upon the pandemic. After years of being cooped up inside our homes due to the pandemic, the rise in traveling continues as the world slowly goes back to normal. The term “Revenge Travel” is the act of traveling within or outside the country to seek for leisure, relaxation, and to experience different cultures and traditions of various places as a way to make up for the lost time that we should have been traveling. And now that traveling is back, Baguio City is still one of the most sought after destinations in the country.

 From introducing new innovations with upcoming technologies, to coming up with new kinds of creative activities, establishments in the tourism and hospitality industry are indeed focused on further improving the overall tourist experience. With this, one of the emerging trends in the industry that plenty establishments are promoting is the love for local culture, arts, and traditions. The City of Baguio is currently in the process of continuously improving and developing infrastructures and tourist attractions in order to entice more tourists to visit. Examples of such improvements are the new installations such as the orchidarium, and picnic areas located both at the Centennial Park and in Camp John Hay, where they can also enjoy a short hike. However, apart from visiting popular tourist attractions, one can not say that they have truly experienced Baguio unless they immerse themselves with the city’s local culture which involves its authentic practices, traditions, crafts, and cuisine. 

The Cordilleran culture can be defined as unique and colorful through its arts and crafts. For instance, through weaving as it is an important part of the locals’ everyday life, its vibrant colors and unique patterns are one way to distinguish the different tribes in the Cordillera Region. Traditional weaving practice is passed on from generations to generations and to protect these, advocates started weaving schools, one of which is the Easter Weaving Room where people could get to see first-hand how these aesthetic woven products ranging from bags, rugs, ornaments, and many others are made traditionally using the loom. As far as jewelries are concerned, one could make their experience memorable by visiting PILAK Silver Craft and Gift Shoppe which houses various silver jewelries that are handmade and uniquely designed by local artisans.

To dive deeper into the authentic culture of the Cordillerans, one could experience visiting the Tam-Awan Village as tourists can see locals perform the traditional dance of the Cordillerans, and can even have the chance to join in the dance with the performers. Aside from this, tourists may purchase paintings and souvenirs made by local artists and souvenirs at their souvenir shop. 

To indulge in an authentic Cordilleran cuisine, the Farmer’s Daughter restaurant is a perfect place to visit as they serve local dishes such as the Pinikpikan, Dinakdakan, Pinuneg (Blood Sausage), and many more. Another must-try activity when in Baguio is seizing the opportunity to unleash their creativity during Sundays as the Session Road is closed for vehicles and is open for everyone, such as buskers, cosplayers, and basically those who want to draw using chalk or shop in the different stalls that offer a variety of food and local products.

It is true that Baguio City has a lot to offer, from unique cuisines, intricate arts and crafts, fascinating culture, and memorable scenic views. This is proof as to why the city is also known as a “Melting Pot of Culture”, because this is where people with various cultures come together and with every visit comes a new experience which would surely be memorable for both the locals and tourists who are always welcome all the time. 

Let us Enjoy, Immerse, Learn, and Experience Local, Experience Baguio City.

Contributors: Edith Jane Chloe T. Elegado, Jubal Kurt C. Salbino, and Lyra Megan C. Marrero