I GUESS I can say I’m the ultimate “probinsiyana”—born in the Valley of Strawberries but raised in the hilly suburbs of Sagada. I love the idyllic, languid way of the provincial life that if there was such a thing as a probinsiyana purist, I could very well epitomize that. I have to admit though that despite this self-assessment of rural-to-urban preference, in a relatively short period of time, I’ve undeniably fallen in love with the City of Pines.
From the perspective of a non-Baguio native, I’d like to share the things that made me adore the Summer Capital.
The location itself is capital. Strategically situated amid the pines and hills of the Cordillera mountain ranges, this City has gone a long way from being a small commandancia under the Spanish rule to a mining town and a recreational retreat during the American occupation, Baguio is now known as an educational citadel of the north, a business hub, and a prime tourist spot in the country.
From the perspective of a non-Baguio native, I’d like to share the things that made me adore the Summer Capital.
The location itself is capital. Strategically situated amid the pines and hills of the Cordillera mountain ranges, this City has gone a long way from being a small commandancia under the Spanish rule to a mining town and a recreational retreat during the American occupation, Baguio is now known as an educational citadel of the north, a business hub, and a prime tourist spot in the country.
The climate is a given. The place is famous for its temperate weather, mostly chilly mornings but warm and pleasant throughout the day. Hence, it is no wonder that a lot of visitors seek recluse in the City during the summer period.
Baguio is endowed with natural and man-made spots and recreational sceneries that can satisfy the visitor’s thirst for aesthetic indulgence. The best thing about the parks is that one can take his or her fill without having to pay for entrance fees. Leisure time is better spent when you have it for free. Well, that’s what Baguio offers.
Aside from the obvious, the diversity of the people living in Baguio has always been interesting. How people from different races and ethnic groups manage to live agreeably, if not co-exist harmoniously in this divergent community is just incredible.
Baguio’s people make the city come alive. They make Session Road never fall asleep. They bring life to the cold Baguio evenings with the trades in the night market as they also give new meaning to the term shopping with the famous ukay-ukay. They blend pop with the traditional culture with the variance of genres and trends that are being patronized in terms of fashion, music, and lifestyle. It’s really noteworthy that here’s a highly-urbanized city with people who can somehow maintain the balance of a rapidly changing society—being able to welcome the drifts of fast-paced modernization while at the same time earnestly preserving the traditional culture which the earliest Baguio inhabitants adhered to.
The charm is the heterogeneous community which in turn leads to a wide array of experiences. Whether you’re the kind who luxuriates in the posh ambiences of high-end cafes or the kind who finds repose in the busy carinderias and kapehan in the public market, you are sure to find your own element.
Baguio City is a place of love. I feel a bit unfaithful in saying that since I remain to be a true-blue probinsyana. But it’s hard to refute the fact that the City can indeed have its hold on you; the place, the people, and how it makes you feel when you bask in its early morning air.
Baguio is endowed with natural and man-made spots and recreational sceneries that can satisfy the visitor’s thirst for aesthetic indulgence. The best thing about the parks is that one can take his or her fill without having to pay for entrance fees. Leisure time is better spent when you have it for free. Well, that’s what Baguio offers.
Aside from the obvious, the diversity of the people living in Baguio has always been interesting. How people from different races and ethnic groups manage to live agreeably, if not co-exist harmoniously in this divergent community is just incredible.
Baguio’s people make the city come alive. They make Session Road never fall asleep. They bring life to the cold Baguio evenings with the trades in the night market as they also give new meaning to the term shopping with the famous ukay-ukay. They blend pop with the traditional culture with the variance of genres and trends that are being patronized in terms of fashion, music, and lifestyle. It’s really noteworthy that here’s a highly-urbanized city with people who can somehow maintain the balance of a rapidly changing society—being able to welcome the drifts of fast-paced modernization while at the same time earnestly preserving the traditional culture which the earliest Baguio inhabitants adhered to.
The charm is the heterogeneous community which in turn leads to a wide array of experiences. Whether you’re the kind who luxuriates in the posh ambiences of high-end cafes or the kind who finds repose in the busy carinderias and kapehan in the public market, you are sure to find your own element.
Baguio City is a place of love. I feel a bit unfaithful in saying that since I remain to be a true-blue probinsyana. But it’s hard to refute the fact that the City can indeed have its hold on you; the place, the people, and how it makes you feel when you bask in its early morning air.