Baguio

About

Established in 1900 as the only US hill station in Asia, Baguio has since become the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” thanks to its cooler climate. The heart of Baguio is the sprawling Burnham Park, a feature from the original US plan for the city. Surrounding a man-made lake, a walking path leads you past everything from a skating rink to a rose garden and orchidarium. Camp John Hay, the original R&R facility for American military personnel, which is now something of a country club. But Baguio’s claim to fame is it is the first and only UNESCO City of Culture in the Philippines. The Panagbenga Flower Festival every February sees it come alive with colorful festivities, but the BenCab Museum, dedicated to Filipino National Artist Ben Cabrera, showcases his work, that of different artists, and indigenous artefacts year round.