Brilliant Baguio: 2009 Christmas in Baguio

Baguio City in northern Luzon, known as the summer capital of the Philippines is a popular destination particularly during the months of March, April and May for both local and foreign tourist because of its cold climate. Also known as "The Flower City of the North" it is a great venue for various outdoor activities. Come Christmas time, Baguio is also a preferred vacation spot.-Krissy Supeña

Lunch at Mang Inasal, Baguio

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THE MANSION

This imposing and majestic Baguio mansion housed a long line of Philippine presidents and American governors-general. Its ornate iron gate is often open to curious visitors.

From left: Me, Jerry, Jordan, Arnel, Julius
Richard, Sir Chris and Walter (center)

From left: Gerald, Jerry, Jordan, Arnel, Julius,
Richard, Jhay, Walter and Dominick

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MINE"S VIEW

A ridge located at the extreme northeast side of the city, past The Mansion and Wright Park, Mines View Park boasts of a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountains.

Any visit to Mines View Park would not be complete without a stop at the GoodShepherd Convent where you can buy jam, brittle and other goodies. They also have a very nice view deck with the vista of the mountains of the Cordillera range as a backdrop for photos.

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BURNHAM PARK

Designed by and named after premier American architect and urban planner, Daniel Hudson Burnham, who also designed the original plan for Baguio City. Burnham Park remains, to this day, one of the Philippines' most well known and best-loved parks.

The park retains much of Daniel Burnham's original design and layout a century ago, with a few features added, in true Filipino fashion, to make it a vibrant center of activity for everyone to enjoy.

Boating with Julius, Jhay and Gerald

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SM City, Baguio

SM City Baguio is an enclosed shopping mall in Baguio City in the Philippines. At a floor area of 105,331(m²), it is the largest shopping mall in the region. The entire complex stands on a land area of 80,000(m²) on Luneta Hill on top of Session Road overlooking historic Burnham Park and opposite Baguio's City Hall which is situated on a northern hill.

Dinner at Chowking

Bonding Moments at Teacher Camp's Dormitory

Teachers' Camp has, for the past 100 years, served as a training center and venue for teachers from all over the Philippines who come during the summer break to attend special courses in education.
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A cold Sunday morning in Teacher's Camp, Baguio

Teachers Camp is located in a beautiful, spacious, campus-like environment close to the city center, with its main entrance along Leonard Wood Road with another entrance on posh South Drive.

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LOAKAN AIRPORT<>

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THE PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) boast of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men (and, in recent times, women) for military service.

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THE BELL CHURCH

The Bell Church is located north of Baguio along the road leading to the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda, and landscaped gardens. There are some Buddhist artifacts to be found there, as well as some literature about the history of China.

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THE STRAWBERRY FARM

Located just 30 minutes from Baguio City, Strawberry Farm "opens it doors" for the activity from November to May every year.

The rates for strawberry picking vary. In general, it costs twice the market price to pick your own strawberries, which folks find strange, especially those who have tried apple or orange picking in orchards in other countries thinking they provide "free labor."

The difference here is that strawberries are a very delicate fruit compared to apples and oranges and a lot are actually ruined or wasted when harvested by 'amateurs.' So half the cost is for the strawberries, and the other half is for the activity itself.

There's no minimum amount per person, by the way, they just weigh how much you all have picked together and you're charged for it.

All in all, strawberry picking "Baguio style" is an experience well worth it as it is the stuff that warm childhood memories are made of -- priceless even!

Strawberry Picking

A unique experience for the whole family, you get to pick fresh strawberries -- right alongside the Ibaloi farmers -- to bring home or consume while on vacation in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.


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OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO

The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of Baguio City where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be made by climbing the long steps or by driving up a winding road.

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THE BAGUIO CATHEDRAL

The majestic church located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, it is one of the more familiar icons and most visited landmarks of the city. Its beautiful rose-colored structure is distinguished from other churches in the Philippines by its twin spires.

One of the country's' most beautiful architectural structures and easily Baguio City's most magnificent building, richly-decorated inside, it stands majestically atop Mount Mary Hill, with a wonderful bird's-eye view of Session Road and the city's landscape.

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Bonding Moments


visit: www.gobaguio.com