Splendor of Baguio City now and then

BAGUIO City has always been known as the summer Capital of the Philippines and with this trade mark, people from all corners of the archipelago as well as from all walks of life flock to the city to savor what they perceive of this cloud kissed paradise.

The fresh scent of pine trees, the sunflowers and Benguet lilies that adorn the mountain sides, the cascading waterfalls clear bubbling brooks, the fresh and crisp vegetables and fruits, the multi colored flowers that bound in the highland gardens, these you find in the heart of the city’s business district.

All roads lead to Baguio which makes it a Tourist destination. Enjoy the cool weather, the sunny days with gentle breeze brushing against one’s face and the smell of grass and trees after the rain. In the afternoon, fog envelopes the mountain tops but on a clear day one could view the sunset and the colorful kaleidoscope of the horizon which is a beauty to behold. The night calls the young and old to nocturnal bliss.

The city is God-given and the residents are blessed to be a part of it. In the early evening people promenade in places they find interesting and peaceful. One good reason that makes Baguio attractive is the city is likened to that of Camelot, the imaginary kingdom of King Arthur of England. At dawn when the mist rises like a fine curtain, the city seems to be the house of the rising sun where gentle breezes blow with the lustrous sun rays. The cotton like cumulus clouds, hover and rest on mountain tops where the gods linger and watch mortals do their devoir. This was Baguio –then. Baguio city now caters to different cultures and races. It is melting pot of the east and the west, the lowlanders and the highlanders, and an ideal place for weddings and honeymoons. A rendezvous for lovers and a resting place for families who want to get out of the heat and taste the cool weather of the mountain city.

Baguio is now highly urbanized no more pine trees and sunflowers on the mountain sides instead, a stairway of houses built to the top. The once pine clad city is now overcrowded with houses and buildings, population rate has increased and it has become an educational and business centers.

But then, try the steaming hot coffee or chocolate served in cafes and coffee shops at every nook in the city.

The forest house is one place to enjoy whiling away the hours, where coffee is served with hot cinnamon rolls. For a real good meal, we have the Cantineta at camp John Hay, the army-navy snack house with their juicy hamburgers, Starbucks for a great coffee taste, a la carte at the manor or dinner by candle light, the Titania wine cellar at camp John Hay for a drink of an array of wine from Europe and other wine producing countries. These are only a few of the splendor you find in the city. It has a lot to offer from breathtaking scenery to entertainment spots, to restaurants and the like. You name it Baguio has these.

The rains make the temperature drop, residents as well as tourists and visitors experience chilly days. Warm leggings, mufflers, bonnets, jackets, umbrellas and boots kept for quite some time and reeking with the smell of mothballs are worn by people promenading on the streets on a rainy or stormy days.

Trekking up to Baguio to experience such; the scent of pine, morning breeze brushing against one’s face and blowing one’s hair in different silhouettes-all these make a Baguio is a many splendored city.