Baguio city is located in the norther part of Luzon. It is considered to be a first class highly urbanized city in the Philippines. This city was established by the Americans in 1900 and was designated by the Philippines Commission as the Summer Capital of the country on June 1, 1903. In Baguio, there is a presidential mansion, a supreme court and legislative offices as well. Kenon Road, Marcos Highway and Naguilan Highway are the main access roads that lead to Baguio. Among the 3, Kennon Road is the fastest yet the most dangerous route due to landslides during rainy season. It takes an average of 6 hours travel from Manila to Baguio if you take Kennon Road. The other 2 are longer routes yet safer than Kennon Road. Bus services that take a regular trip to Baguio are: Philippine Rabbitm Dangwa Tranco, Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Saulog Transit, Five Star, Viron Transit, and Greenland. The primary economy of Baguio city is its educational centers which includes seven colleges and universities. The second source of income is commercial hub in the province of Benguet.
Baguio is coined as the city of pines in the Philippines because of its explicit collection of pine trees. This city preserves its thrown to be the prime tourist destination area in Northern Luzon because of its cool climate, peaceful environment and fresh and green ambience. For those who would like to relax and stay away from the excessive heat of the lowland, Baguio is the favorite tourist destination. It is also the favorite venue for seminars and conferences.
Among the famous park in Baguio is the Burnham Park. This park is centered around a man-made lake located at the heart of the city. Among the activities that you can do in the park are row a boat, have a picnic, attend an outdoor concert go biking or just take a stroll along the park. In Baguio, you can also find the The Lourdes Grotto which is a Catholic shrine and serve as a meditation place. It is located on a high hill in the western part of the city where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It takes 252 steps to reach the grotto or drive a light vehicle through a winding, narrow, and steep asphalt-paved road. Catholics and devotees gather in this place especially during the Holy Week during Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Before leaving the city, you wouldn’t want to miss Baguio’s public market. This is where tourists or local citizens buy different souvenir items like vegetables, strawberry jams, peanut brittle, dried tobacco, lengua de gato, assortment of flowers, jackets, native products and handicrafts life baskets, brooms, bags, blankets and sweaters.
