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Education and culture
Baguio is a university town. It is considered as the center of education in the
entire north Luzon. There are eight institutions of higher education in Baguio
City, two of which are ranked as being among the country's top ten.
* Saint Louis University, Baguio City
* University of Baguio
* University of the Philippines Baguio
* University of the Cordilleras (formerly the Baguio Colleges Foundation)
* Baguio Central University
* Pines City Colleges
* Philippine Military Academy
The languages spoken in Baguio are Ilocano, English, Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Tagalog,
Chinese.
Baguio's youth majority in the population has given it a distinct flavor
different from those of other cities in the Philippines.
65.6.225.253 17:56, 1 January 2007 (UTC)==Tourism==
Baguio City is home to many tourist spots and is a weekend getaway of those
living in Metro Manila.
Burnham Park
Located at the center of the city, it is named after the city's planner, Daniel
Burnham. The park features a promenade and a man-made lagoon where bancas
(rowboats) are available for hire. At the center of the lake is a seldom used
"dancing fountain" that sprays water to a height of 50 feet. The park has
cycling areas, a children's park, and a covered skating rink. At the northeast
portion is a soccer field, with Melvin Jones Grandstand at one end where
concerts are performed. Local plant varieties and flowers are sold at the City
Orchidarium on the eastern side of the park. The southern area of the park is
occupied by the dilapidated Athletic Bowl, once the best track and field oval in
Southeast Asia, and the new but unused Olympic Swimming Center.
Baguio Cathedral
A majestic church built on atop a hill is visible from much of the city. The
rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, on a hill in the heart of the city, a
familiar Baguio landmark. This beautiful structure has twin spires is one of the
most photographed buildings in the city. From Session Road it is accessible via
a long stairway. Visitors avoiding the climb drive up an access road.
Construction of the cathedral was begun on a hill which was referred to as
"Kampo" by the native Ibalois. It was later called Mount Mary by a Belgian
Catholic Mission headed by Fr. Lorimund Carlu, CICM, the parish priest. The
cathedral was consecrated in 1936 and dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement. During
World War II it became an evacuation center and withstood Japanese carpet
bombing in 1945, saving thousands of lives.
Session Road
The main avenue of the city and is its commercial center. Along the main street
and sidestreets are numerous shops, restaurants, billiard halls, and duckpin
bowling alleys.
Baguio Grand Mosque
There are several mosques and prayer rooms in the city, the largest being Baguio
Grand Mosque at Campo Filipino. It caters to several thousand Muslim families
from Mindanao as well as Cordillerans. The Mosque also houses an Islamic
Madrasah.
Camp John Hay
Camp John Hay used was the rest and recreational facility for employees of the
military and Department of Defense of the United States. This 690-hectare
property was turned over to the Philippine government in July 1, 1991 and was
initially administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority, then turned over to
the Bases Conversion Development Authority.
The facility, named for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's secretary of war,
was used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American and British
soldiers during the war. Its name was changed to Club John Hay after it was
turned over to the Philippine government. It is now called Camp John Hay once
again. The facility was opened to the public for the first time in 1991 and
converted into a recreational complex. It had been off-limits to Filipinos,
except for the privileged few who could get entry passes from its former
American administrators. During the 1956-1958 period, however, and possibly
later, admission to pedestrians as distinct from motor vehicle traffic had been
relative free and required no particular invitation. One simply followed the
sidewalk that led onto the base. It passed well to one side of the guard house
where incoming motor vehicles were checked. Of course, once on the property
admission to certain facilities, like the PX or the Officers Club (but not the
Nineteenth Hole Restaurant), was restricted. There was also another limiting
factor, an economic one. Payment for most services at John Hay Air Base was in
US Military Payment Certificates (Script), not in Philippine Pesos. ……
Prior to its turnover to the Philippine government, there were 290
fully-furnished rooms in the cottages, duplexes, apartments, and lodges around
the complex. It even had a "Honeymoon Cottage" for newlyweds. Each unit has a
fireplace for warmth during December, January and February when Baguio is cold.
Mines View Park
Located at the extreme northeast of the city, it has a spectacular view of
Benguet's gold and copper mines.
The Mansion
The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The Mansion
is located on the eastern part of the city along Leonard Wood Road and across
from Wright Park. Built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals, it was destroyed in
1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines.
The Philippine government rebuilt and improved the structure in 1947. Since then
it has been used by Philippine presidents during their official visits. The
Mansion served as the seat of the Second Session of Economic Commission of Asia
and the Far East in 1947. It has also been the site of first meeting of the
South East Asia Union, popularly known as the Baguio Conference of 1950,
conceived and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.
The elaborate main gate of the Mansion is said to be a replica of the one at
Buckingham Palace in London. Vehicles entering the compound pass through a great
circular driveway, usually open only when the Mansion is used for official
functions. With its beautiful gardens, it is a favorite site for sightseeing and
photography.
Baguio Botanical Garden
Also known as the Igorot Village, it contains many Igorot houses amidst flora
and fauna that grow in the cool climate of the city. Tourists often take
pictures with Igorot tribesmen in traditional costume.
The Orchidarium
A showcase for the flowers and plants grown around Baguio.
Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary
A haven for free minds and bodies. The Eco-tour refreshes the eyes with nature's
feast of flowers. The gallery inspires one's creativity.
King Louie's Farm
A ranch producing cut flowers.
Tam-Awan Village
A reconstructed native village with an art gallery, attracts many indigenous
artists.
Itogon Wood Carver's Village
Three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers. The works of these
carvers range from small figurines to huge statues.
Asin Hot Springs
Located in Benguet but considered a city resource, it has a natural hotspring,
where the city and private concerns have built swimming pools. The area is
under-developed but is a place that tourists should consider visiting.
Wright Park
Named after the architect of the city, it features a shallow elongated
rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines". At one end is a circle
where visitors can ride horses.
Philippine Military Academy
In 1950 the Academy moved from its former site at Teacher's Camp to a 373
hectare compound in Loakan, ten kilometers south of downtown Baguio. It is
housed in a fort named after the hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, Gen. Gregorio
Del Pilar.
The Academy site was developed into a military training institution with
facilities for a growing military. Its unique 4-year curriculum has been
designed to fit the needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As in military
academies in the US, female cadets have been enrolled by PMA since 1993.
Bell Church
The Bell Church is located north of downtown Baguio along the road to La
Trinidad, Benguet. In its compound are intricate arches and buildings adorned
with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda and beautiful gardens. There
Buddhist artifacts at Bell Church, as well as literature on Chinese history.
Lourdes Grotto
The Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine in Baguio. It is located on a hill in
the western part of the city, and houses an image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is
a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week, especially during Holy Thursday and
Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto is by climbing 252 steps or by
driving a vehicle on a winding, narrow road. Devotees who go to the grotto to
pray usually light a candle at an altar below the image. There are also vendors
at the shrine who are will light a candle and say a prayer for visitors.
Some other frequently visited locations in the city include the Teacher's Camp,
Lion's Head, and the public market, a favorite place for tourists seeking
souvenirs.
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