Filipinas Beauty: Summer Capital of the Philippines

Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

The City of Baguio is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Benguet in northern Luzon island of the Philippines. The city has become the center of business and commerce as well as the center of education in the entire Northern Luzon thereby becoming the seat of government of the Cordillera Administrative Region(C.A.R.). The city is at an altitude of approximately 1,610 metres (5,280 ft) above sea level in the Luzon tropical pine forests ecoregion conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids. Baguio City was designated by the Philippine Commission as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903, because of its cool weather caused by its high altitude. Burnham Park, Wright Park and Mines View Park are some of its famous landmarks. American-era buildings such as the Baguio Mansion House, Baguio Cathedral and the American Residence at Camp John Hay also serve as tourist attractions. The city is a popular stop for tourists going to the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a World Heritage site, and the town of Sagada. By air, Loakan Airport is the lone airport serving the general area of Baguio and by land, three main access roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands are Kennon Road, Aspiras-Palispis Highway (previously known as Marcos Highway) and Naguilian Road, also known as Quirino Highway. Kennon Road starts at Rosario, La Union and winds upwards through a narrow, steep valley. Below are some of the beautiful places when visiting Baguio City.