Have you ever been to the "Summer Capital of the Philippines?" If not yet, then you must visit it for you to taste a whole new experience that you will surely never forget. Baguio City remains a prime tourist destination area in North Luzon because of its cool climate, fresh, green and peaceful environment unlike other tourist destinations in the Philippines. This makes it a favorite destination especially for those who would like to relax and stay away from the excessive heat of the lowlands and also a favorite venue of seminars and conferences.
Last year, I had my most unforgettable trip ever. Since I was the president of the Supreme Student Government of Iligan City National High School when I was a 4th year high school student, I was sent together with my vice president, 3 presidents from other schools here in Iligan City, 5 teachers and 3 principals to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City to attend the 7th NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. When I first heard the news, I got excited because it was my first time to go to other place without my parents and it was my first time to go to Baguio City. I was also very happy because it's for free. The school shouldered all my expenses. On the night before the trip, I was so busy packing all the things that I will be needing in my trip especially the jackets. I can't hardly sleep because I was so excited. On the next day, September 2, 2009, I woke up very early because I still have to double check my things to make sure it's already complete. On our way to Cagayan de Oro City, I kept on talking to my companion if what Baguio City looks like. I can't hide my excitement.
Last year, I had my most unforgettable trip ever. Since I was the president of the Supreme Student Government of Iligan City National High School when I was a 4th year high school student, I was sent together with my vice president, 3 presidents from other schools here in Iligan City, 5 teachers and 3 principals to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City to attend the 7th NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. When I first heard the news, I got excited because it was my first time to go to other place without my parents and it was my first time to go to Baguio City. I was also very happy because it's for free. The school shouldered all my expenses. On the night before the trip, I was so busy packing all the things that I will be needing in my trip especially the jackets. I can't hardly sleep because I was so excited. On the next day, September 2, 2009, I woke up very early because I still have to double check my things to make sure it's already complete. On our way to Cagayan de Oro City, I kept on talking to my companion if what Baguio City looks like. I can't hide my excitement.
When we arrived at CDO Airport, I felt a little bit scared because I have to ride an airplane again.
We departed at 3:00 pm and arrived in NAIA at 4:50 pm. Someone picked us up there and brought us to the terminal going to Baguio City. It was already 7:00 pm when we traveled from Pasay City to Baguio City. It was a tiring journey. It was already 2:40 am on the next day, September 03, 2009, when we arrived Baguio City. When I first stepped out the bus, I already felt the very cold breeze and said to myself, "At last!! I'm in Baguio City!" We first went to Teacher's Camp to register and to get the kit that we will be needing for the entire training.
We then went to a hotel for billeting. It was already 5:00am when everything was settled. We took a nap because we were all tired from a 20- hour trip.
After an almost 2-hour nap, we woke up and took a bath because we will tour Baguio City. It was the day before the start of the training. I was very excited. We first went to the Cathedral to thank God for a safe trip and also to ask guidance and protection from him.
After an almost 2-hour nap, we woke up and took a bath because we will tour Baguio City. It was the day before the start of the training. I was very excited. We first went to the Cathedral to thank God for a safe trip and also to ask guidance and protection from him.
We then ate our breakfast at the Pine Tree Restaurant, one of the finest restaurant in Baguio City. After taking our breakfast, we walked and walked going to their market to buy some native products and then went to Burnham Park.
I noticed that everybody was wearing jacket even though it was very sunny. In Burnham Park, we took some photos for our remembrance. We also rented a canoe and sailed in their humongous pond.
After an hour, we bought "puto bumbong" and to tell you the truth, it was my first time to taste a puto bumbong because I haven't seen someone selling puto bumbong in Iligan City. After eating puto bumbong, we then hired a van for our daylong tour in Baguio City. We first visited the Lion's Head.
It was very huge. We took photos as many as we could. After visiting the Lion's Head, we then went to the Philippine Militay Academy. We toured the whole campus plus took photos beside a real airplane, helicopters and even a real fighter plane.
We were surprised because we met a PMA cadet from Iligan City. He was also from our school.
After visiting PMA, we then went to The Mansion, The Malacañang Palace in Baguio City.
It was very nice and clean. We also visited the Wright Park, a park just in front the Mansion.
After taking some photos there, we then visited the Botanical Garden. There you can see lovely flowers and awesome plants.
We also met some native Igorots there wearing their native dresses. We also visited a park just a few kilometers away from the Botanical Garden where you can see pink horses, mules and we also got the opportunity to ride a horse and took some photos.
After visiting some Baguio City's tourist attractions, we then went to SM Baguio to have our dinner, to buy some foods and other stuffs. I was surprised because their SM was not centralized. But even though it was not centralized, it was colder than the other SM Malls in the Philippines. I can really say that Baguio City is very unique.
On the next day, September 04, 2009, it was the start of the training. We were invited to attend the Evening Get-Together Party and at the same time the formal opening of the 7th NLTSGO. There were almost 5,000 participants coming from the different regions in the Philippines. In the said gathering, I met some new friends from the other regions, I also met some artists like Francheska Farr, Geoff Taylor, Noel Cabangon and many more. The training ran for a week.
On the next day, September 04, 2009, it was the start of the training. We were invited to attend the Evening Get-Together Party and at the same time the formal opening of the 7th NLTSGO. There were almost 5,000 participants coming from the different regions in the Philippines. In the said gathering, I met some new friends from the other regions, I also met some artists like Francheska Farr, Geoff Taylor, Noel Cabangon and many more. The training ran for a week.
The succeeding days were full of trainings, seminars, activities and evening parties. I met so many friends from NCR, from Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Cebu, CDO and from other places here in the Philippines. I also met people from the show business industry like Diether Ocampo, Gary and Gab Valenciano, Sam Concepcion, Robi Domingo, and many more. I also learned so many things. I learned how to become a good leader and also how to become a good follower.
After a 9-days stay in Baguio City, we went back to Iligan City. I felt a bit sad because I really wanted to extend my stay in Baguio City but I cannot because I still have classes to attend in Iligan City.
In my trip to Baguio City, I will never forget the excitement and the thrill that I experienced there. I will also never forget the very cold weather,
the screams of my companions when we will took a bath, the smoke-like thing that popped out from my mouth every time I talk, their native foods and the warm people of Baguio City.
