Benguet - Baguio City

Baguio City

Lies at the north of Metro Manila, specifically at the heart of CAR or Cordillera Administrative Region, an urbanized city called Baguio City, claims the title as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". Mainly caused by the cold temperature created by the high altitude of the place as it stands at 1,610 MASL, it's title was designated by Philippine Commission back in 1903.

Baguio City was established by Americans back in 1900 century wherein the site originated in an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. It's name came from a word of an indigenous language of Benguet, bagiw, which means "moss". Celebrated it's 103rd anniversary of city-hood in September 2012, the Baguio city was charted as a city back in September 1, 1909.

Baguio City have grown much popularity which lures not just country's local residents and citizens but also foreign nationalities. In fact, there are jokes that spread throughout Manila and nearby provinces that it was already been invaded by a neighboring Asian country, which is evidenced by their population. Well, that is just a joke, but it serves as a mere proof of it's inviting atmosphere and beauty. Yes, you read it right, the Baguio City does not just offer a cold breeze and temperature that Summer escapees are looking for, but also views that pleases your eyes.

There are lots of good places to visit the the city of Baguio, from the city's central park, the Burnham Park which can be compared to Manila's Luneta Park, to the city's business center, the Session Road, to the popular Camp John Hay, Mines View, Wright Park and Botanical Garden, to the Tam-awan village that brings you back to old times, to the Philippine Military Academy and even the President's summer residence, the Mansion, to the religious place such as Grotto and Baguio Cathedral, to the Strawberry fields, and many more.

Baguio City is also popular for it's different products, from cheap fresh vegetables, to fresh strawberries and it's products, to Pilinuts and Lengua de Gato, and even the famed Ube Jam of Good Shepherd. 

Aside from the wonders, the Baguio City boast a festival that is most awaited by many. Celebrate for the whole month of love, February, the Baguio city held their famed Panagbenga festival in respect to the season of blooming and as a way to recover their city from a historic devastation created by an earthquake back in 1990.

 Visiting the city of Baguio could be quite expensive as you have to spend much with the fare and hotels to stay, but transient houses are available here. They can help your wallet ease with damage created by high rates of hotel. Not as luxurious as the former, but good enough for an economic stay.

photo thanks to ph.new.yahoo.com

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

There are lots of north bound bus terminals located at Cubao. Buses such as Victory liner, Saulog Transport and Genesiss Transit that links Manila to other provinces such as Nueva Ecija, Pampanga & Pangasinan can be use to reach the city of Baguio.

You may opt to use public transportation and have a DIY or Do-it-yourself travel where you can choose the most economical and your top choices with regards to places to stay and to go, plus the privilege of owning your itinerary totally. However, you may also opt to take packages that offers both private transportation and a sure place to stay, although you may find some constraints in your itinerary, the private package offers a lesser hassle travel.