Sunday, January 7, 2007

The Baguio City Cathedral


The Baguio Cathedral beautifully built is located at the top of the hill is one of the most photographed and visited landmarks of the city. It is a rose-colored Catholic church which has twin spires that makes more captivating. It is accessable by pedestrians who would step more than a hundred times in a long concrete stairway of ascension. Church goers and tourists who would not dare to get weary because of the long climb can use access road.

If Burnham Park is great for relaxation, the Cathedral's for spiritual refreshment. Everytime I go to Baguio City, I always have to see the church. I really appreciate this place especially the climbing.

Saturday, January 6, 2007

Burnham Park Baguio City

Burnham Park is at the heart of the city which is around a designed and artificial lake. It was named after the city's architect who was commissioned by William Howard taft, Daniel Burnham. It is the main attraction of the tourists and residents because it is within the vicinity of the businesses in Baguio.

Different facilies for recreation and relaxation are available here. Rowing a boat will is one them while having a picnic. It is the place for most of the outdoor concerts. Bikes are available to be rented or you can bring your own. Or you can just walk around and enjoy the cold atmosphere.

Skating circularly is available at the southern section. You can also exercise through playing basketball, tennis, or by just jogging around especially early in the morning. Children's playground is inevitable.

Of course visit here without food is not satisfying. There are restaurants around. And you can have the "only in the Philippines food" like balut, one day old, fishball and others.

If you want your mind to be active, there are benches and chairs around the park with a drawn chessboards in it.

It is fun staying in Burnham Park. You can stay here the whole day.

Baguio City


Baguio City is a mountain resort city in the Philippines. It lies in an area rich in gold and copper on the island of Luzon. The Philippines was a possession of the United States in the early 1900's. William Howard Taft, the American governor of the Philippines from 1901 to 1904, authorized the construction of a major road to Baguio City. Taft, who later became U.S. President, enjoyed visiting Baguio as an escape from the heat of Manila, the Philippine center of government. Taft commissioned the American architect Daniel H. Burnham, who laid out the modern city of Baguio in 1905. Baguio was nearly destroyed in 1945, during World War II, but was later rebuilt. The Japanese Army made its final stand in the Philippines near Baguio against U.S. forces led by General Douglas MacArthur. In 1990, the city was severely damaged by an earthquake, but was later rebuilt.