Department of Tourism Offers a Glimpse into Baguio City’s Glorious Past

Discovering Baguio City’s Glorious Past: From Colonial Era to Present

Baguio City, Philippines – Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Northern Luzon, the City of Baguio captivates visitors year-round with its refreshing cool climate and the genuine warmth of its local hospitality. Tourists are drawn to its enchanting attractions, ranging from lush parks to vibrant markets, where they can leisurely explore the city’s rich culture. Dining options abound, with popular restaurants offering an array of heartwarming dishes and beloved local delicacies that tantalize the taste buds. Whether indulging in a flavorsome meal, immersing themselves in the city’s unique sights, or simply enjoying the cozy, laid-back atmosphere, travelers in the City of Pines will find an endless array of delightful experiences awaiting them.

Known as the “summer capital of the Philippines,” Baguio City is not just a picturesque getaway but a place steeped in rich historical significance. Over the years, the city has transformed, with its evolving economy reflecting in its changing landscape. Yet, amidst this progression, the echoes of its illustrious past still resonate through its heritage buildings, winding public roads, and various attractions. These remnants serve as tangible reminders of Baguio’s storied history, inviting visitors to explore the blend of old and new that defines this vibrant city.

Baguio City, often referred to as the Philippines’ “summer capital,” first gained this distinction in the early 1900s during the American colonial period. This. enchanting city sits nestled in the lush mountains of Northern Luzon, where cool breezes and pine-scented air offer a refreshing escape from thelands. According to the City Government of Baguio’s website, the city’s layout and design were masterfully crafted by architect and city planner Daniel H. Burnham. His vision, known as the “Plan of Baguio,” was born from extensive interviews with government officials, meticulous study of existing maps, and adventurous excursions by foot and horseback that allowed him to intimately survey the area, which was once designated as a military reservation. Burnham’s efforts led to the establishment of a city that harmoniously blends natural beauty with urban planning.

The design of Baguio City is inspired by the Garden City concept of urban planning. This approach, as articulated by the Baguio City government, represents a key vision of urban development that emerged during the Beautiful City Movement era. The layout emphasizes harmonious integration of green spaces and natural elements within the urban environment, reflecting a commitment to creating a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing city that celebrates both nature and community.

As Burnham meticulously designed the blueprint for Baguio City, American officials like William E. Parsons and Warwick Greene took charge of transforming his vision into reality. They diligently oversaw the construction of essential infrastructure, including well-planned public roads that would facilitate ease of movement, elegant government buildings that would serve as the heart of administration, and charming residences that would provide a sense of home in the burgeoning city.

The stunning sights that greet tourists during their trips to Baguio City are likely a testament to the visionary plans of its designer, Daniel Burnham, who aspired to transform this location into one of the Philippines’ most enchanting cities. The lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and cool mountain air all reflect his dream of a picturesque urban haven nestled in nature.

One of the prominent government structures designed in the Burnham Plan is the elegant Baguio Mansion House. Constructed in 1908, this architectural gem served as the official summer residence for the American governor-general of the Philippines. Over time, it transitioned to become the summer retreat for the President of the Philippines. Surrounded by lush pine trees and set against the backdrop of Baguio’s cooler climate, the mansion exudes historical significance and grandeur. Despite its rich heritage and picturesque allure, the mansion has remained off-limits to the public, safeguarding the stories and memories held within its walls.

For the first time, The Baguio Mansion House has been declared open to the public after First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, and House Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco inaugurated it as a new Presidential Museum. According to the DOT, it “houses priceless memorabilia, artifacts, and historical records from former Philippine presidents.”

The newly restored museum showcases a rich collection of documents and artifacts that chronicle the 17 presidencies that have significantly influenced the Philippines. Within its walls, visitors can explore captivating timelines that narrate pivotal events in the nation’s history. The museum also features stunning paintings of former presidents and their spouses, each portrait offering a glimpse into the lives of these prominent figures. Additionally, there are meticulously crafted replicas of what their offices might have looked like, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s political evolution.

Secretary Frasco praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos “for this most significant and impactful project—the restoration and the opening up to the public of this very beautiful piece of Philippine heritage and history.”

She also declared the opening of The Baguio Mansion House would attract more tourists to visit Baguio City, and at the same time spur economic development as envisioned by both the DOT and the Marcos administration. “This will inevitably, I’m sure, also help our local economy here in Baguio with the tourists coming in, the suppliers also will benefit from added touristic activities in the area, and most importantly, it will instill a sense of national pride, especially among our youth since they will have an opportunity to learn about the work of our previous presidents and their contributions to the country,” she said.

The Presidential Museum at The Baguio Mansion House is open to the public, free of charge, every Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The public can book tours and ask for more information by calling +63 962 589 3153 (Smart) and +63 956 857 3715 (Globe) or sending an email to themansion_mht@op.gov.ph.

Nestled directly across from The Baguio Mansion House lies the enchanting Wright Park, a picturesque linear park renowned for its vibrant dancing fountain, which captivates visitors with its graceful water displays. The park is lushly surrounded by an array of towering pine trees, casting a refreshing shade beneath their green canopies. It has become a favorite destination for tourists, especially those eager to experience the thrill of horseback riding along its scenic paths. Wright Park was named in honor of American governor-general Luke Wright, adding a touch of historical significance to its serene beauty.

For those who yearn for breathtaking vistas high in the cool, refreshing air of Baguio City, a trip to Mines View Park is an absolute must. Located just a short scenic ride from The Baguio Mansion House, this cherished destination offers an unforgettable experience.

As visitors make their way down a few steps towards the observation deck, they are greeted by a sweeping panorama that captures the eye and heart. The lush, verdant mountains stretch out in every direction, dotted with welcoming communities that add to the charm of the landscape. During the chilly months from December to February, a magical sea of clouds often blankets the peaks, creating a surreal scene that enchants all who behold it.

From this vantage point, guests can gaze down upon the picturesque town of Itogon in Benguet province, a region once thriving with mining activities. The combination of historic significance and natural beauty makes this view especially captivating.

After taking in the majestic landscape, visitors have the delightful opportunity to capture lasting memories by posing for photos with the park’s friendly giant Saint Bernard dogs, whose gentle nature adds an extra touch of joy to the experience. It’s an adventure that blends stunning sights with heartwarming moments, ensuring a day at Mines View Park is one to remember.

Aside from The Baguio Mansion House, Baguio City also hosted other national government agencies, including the Supreme Court which continues to hold its “summer sessions” to the present day at its chamber in Upper Session Road.

Among the popular tourist destinations in Baguio City, the six-lane, 1.7-kilometer Session Road is home to some of the city’s iconic restaurants. According to the Baguio City Public Information Office, members of the American-era Philippine Commission used it as the main road going back and forth in Baguio City to attend to the body’s sessions, hence the name. A historical marker by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines can be found at a building at the Upper Session Road, which was used as the venue of the first session of the Philippine Commission in 1904 which declared Baguio as the Philippines’ summer capital. At present, Session Road is closed to vehicles every Sunday as part of its “Pedestrianization Day,” when people instead of cars take over the entire stretch of the road and fill it with stores, buskers, and street art.

Just a short walk down the vibrant Session Road lies Burnham Park, a cherished gem of Baguio City named in honor of the visionary who designed this enchanting City of Pines. Within its expansive grounds, visitors can delight in leisurely boat rides across the serene waters of Burnham Lake, where gentle ripples reflect the surrounding foliage. For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, bicycle rentals offer a perfect way to navigate the winding paths, inviting you to lose yourself in the park’s natural beauty. Alternatively, unwind on the lush, sprawling lawns, where the cool climate provides a refreshing escape and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, including a stunning array of vibrant roses in full bloom. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Burnham Park offers a picturesque retreat in the heart of Baguio.

The said attractions survived natural and man-made disasters, including World War 2 and the 1990 earthquake that both left the city in ruins.

The DOT currently promotes Baguio City as one of the country’s prime tourist destinations. One of Secretary Frasco’s flagship programs, the Tourist Rest Area, is soon to rise in the City of Pines, according to the DOT. The facility will contain clean and decent restrooms, charging stations, an information desk, and booths of local products from businesses.

The DOT’s Cordillera Administrative Region office also tapped tourism stakeholders from Baguio City in its programs and projects. For instance, the city joined the Mangan Taku food festival, as well as the first United Nations Tourism Regional Gastronomy Forum for Asia-Pacific in Cebu where foreign delicacies grabbed a bite of delicacies from the Cordilleras – including the famous strawberry jam.

With the help of DOT-CAR and other stakeholders, Baguio City was awarded as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Expressing her support for the sustained promotion of Baguio as a top tourist spot, Secretary Frasco declared, “Baguio City, with all its colors, its people, its tradition, and your history and heritage combined, indeed has made and will continue to make a lasting imprint on our visitors’ memories and build a positive image of your city and our country. These aspects form part of the holistic approach the Department of Tourism wishes to pursue for tourism development. And we are very happy to find in Baguio a partner in this regard. You can rest assured that you have a partner in the Department of Tourism as we transform the tourism industry under the Marcos Administration.”

With its heritage landmarks, Baguio City proves it is not only a destination to get a respite from the heat of the metropolis but also a place with a rich history. Travelers visiting the “summer capital of the Philippines” will be able to appreciate the past, which a Filipino proverb says will be able to bring people living in the present to the future (Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan), giving them another reason to love the Philippines.

Baguio City is accessible by land using expressways that link some towns here, either by private car or public transport. The best time to visit is during the Christmas season, and during the hot season from March to May when the temperature here is still cool at around 25 degrees Celsius maximum. The most festive time in the city is the Panagbenga Festival held in February, which is also called the “Festival of Flowers where the best flowers from the city are used as designs for floats.

More information about Baguio City and the Philippines, including travel tips, can be found at https://thephilippines.online or through the Travel PH app on Android and iOS.

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