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On average, Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands.
Not surprisingly, Baguio has become the "Summer Capital" of the country and is also commonly known as the City of Pines. It is gifted with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions which make it an important and interesting destination. As early as March, tourists and locals take the six-hour trek up the zigzagging Kennon Road. Within a mile of the city, the sweet scent of pine trees and flowers already permeate the air.
Artists are particularly drawn to this serene city. The annual Baguio Arts Festival attracts aspiring painters and sculptors from all over country. Writers convene in Baguio to meet and recharge.
If you want a cool summer, Baguio is the place for you! Have your pictures taken at Mines View Park and enjoy great souvenirs at affordable prices. Have fun boating at Burnham Park. For strawberry picking, go to Trinidad Valley. For plant-lovers, Botanical Garden is your next destination. Take a picnic at Camp John Hay and try their jumbo-sized burgers and sundaes. See the hunks of Baguio at PMA. Enjoy horse backriding at Wright Park and for devotees, visit the Lourdes Grotto.
This City of Pines also has an exicitng night life. Dance the night away at E2 Bar & Spirits Disco, Shadow Disco, 18 B.C. and Cactus Bar. Have a break at Café San Luis and Café by the Ruins. Eat your heart out at Don Henrico's, Gimbals and Skybox Bar and Restaurant.
Panagbenga or Flower Festival is celebrated every month of February. It is an annual pageantry showcasing the best of the Cordillera Administrative Region's cultural, historical and natural bounties. Aside from Filipinos of different community sectors, tourists of different races are present on this occasion to witness the most awaited Floral Parade.
If you plan to spend some time in Baguio whether for business or for pleasure, you will have plenty of options because Baguio has more than enough hotels, inns and transient homes.
However, Baguio wasn't always a place of peace and leisure. In the early 19th century, the Spaniards stumbled upon this ore-rich valley - and fought feverishly with the local tribes to gain control of the land's bounties. While the Spaniards succeeded in founding some form of governance in the area, the mountain tribes proved too difficult to rule. Thus, the Spaniards parceled out the province to the landed gentry.
It was the Americans, perhaps, longing for colder climates who saw the vast recreational potential of Baguio. After building Camp John Hay, the Americans proceeded to carve Kennon Road from out of the mountain - and linked Baguio to Manila - and eventually to visitors of all creeds and races.
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