Photographic Memories

Whatever happened to Philippine’s Baguio City’s Rice Terraces? As we all know, Philippines country prides itself with its Rice Terraces that was naturally formed by Mother Nature that made its way in the list to be one of the Worlds 8th Wonders in my younger years. But what really happened to this famous Rice terraces? Not too long ago, I read somewhere that the famous Rice Terraces is not already living up to its popularity that is because the farmers are now getting old and heir children who are supposed to take over their forefathers and are expected to till the soils of the famous tourist spot are now going to the big city of Manila to seek greener pastures for better education, advancement and self-improvement. Children of the farmers now go to the best schools and universities hoping for a better tomorrow and not remain as farmers forever. Does this mean that Baguio’s
famous Rice Terraces will somehow disappear on the list of the World’s 8th Wonders???….I wonder!!!

This is the large face statue of Former President Ferdinand Marcos carved out of the mountainside in Benguet province. The said statue was blasted in December 2002 by unknown perpetrators. This hollow statue lost its eyes, nose and forehead in the blast, as well as a large chunk of its right cheek. This was built in the early 1980s when Mr. Marcos was still in power. He was the 6th president of the Philippines in December 1965 to February 1986.

Photo Credit: angust

Baguio Botanical Garden is also known as Igorot Village. It’s is located in the downtown area of Baguio. This is a large park and almost of the size of the Burnham Park. Inside the garden you will find native huts of the Igorots. As you explore this man-made village you will appreciate the beauty of its landscapes decorated with trees and plants. As tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional costume. Botanical Garden is named such because it is tasked with growing pine seedlings and other flora and fauna for the constant “greening” of Baguio.

Wright Park is one of the scenic parks in Baguio City which is located at the Eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion. It features the much photographed Baguio landmark, the “Pool of Pines”. One will see a gazebo and a long flight of stairs down the hill leading to the Riding Circle, where you can find hundreds of ponies which can ride which are popular among both children and as well as adult.

If you like arts or crafts or even want to see a real authentic village model, then visit Tam-Awan Village in Baguio City . This village is home of many works of art and various artists like Ben Cab. Directly across Tam-awan Village is sculptor Ben Hur Villanueva’s gallery.

The Mansion. It was built in 1908 as the official summer residence for the U.S. Governors-Generals. It was damaged during World War II in 1947. The Philippine government later rebuilt and improved the structure and it has served as the holiday home and working office for President of the Philippines . The Mansion is located on the Eastern part of Baguio City along C.P. Romulo Drive (formerly a part of Leonard Wood Road ) and right across from Wright Park .

Baguio Sightseeing? Don’t forget to visit the holy shrine at Lourdes Grotto, Baguio . It’s a place of meditation located on a high hill in the western part of Baguio City . Inside the grotto is an image of Our Lady of Lourdes. The grotto is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy week most especially Holy Thursday and Good Friday and on Sundays. If you want to see the excellent view of the whole Baguio city, you have to climb the 252 steps to reach the Grotto. Whew!

Family picture at Bell Church located at North of Baguio along the road leading to the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are many artful designed arches and buildings added with flags, bells and dragons. It has even a pagoda, and landscaped gardens. We can even find Buddhism artifacts as well as some literature about the history of China.

You seen it right. This is a display area of old battle tanks at Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City . Since 1905, the PMA has made its home here in various locations, Camp Henry T Allen, Teachers Camp until it transferred to a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, Fort del Pilar about 10 kilometers south of downtown Baguio in 1950.

My hubby and daughter wearing a native costume in Mines View Park , Baguio City . It is located at the extreme Northeast side of the city. The Mansion and Wright Park , Mines View Park used to boast of a spectacular view of Benguet’s gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountains. Many houses have been constructed over the old mine sites, though. There are souvenir and silverworks stores by the park and the one especially worth visiting is Rimando’s, on the Gibraltar side.