The City of Baguio (Ilokano: Ciudad ti Baguio; Filipino: Lungsod ng 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.).[1] According to the 2007 census, Baguio City has a population of 301,926.[2]

Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway. The name of the city is derived from the word bagiw in Ibaloi, the indigenous language of the Benguet Region, meaning 'moss'. The city is at an altitude of approximately 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in the Luzon tropical pine forests ecoregion conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids.

Because of its altitude, Baguio City was designated by the Philippine Commission as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903. It was incorporated as a chartered city by the Philippine Assembly on September 1, 1909, as authored by former Philippines Supreme Court Justice George A. Malcolm. The City of Baguio celebrated its Centennial last September 1, 2009.

Baguio City Tourist Spots

Baguio Cathedral A majestic church built on top of a hill, and seen from many parts of the city.
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.

Camp John Hay Once a military recreational camp of the Americans during World War II, it has become a popular destination for people who wish to see the pine forests in the city. It also boasts of a sprawling country club with a full 18-hole golf course as well as many trendy restaurants and a nice hotel.

Mines View Park Mines View Park is one of the most visited tourist spots in Baguio City.  The park has a viewdeck where one can have an unobstructed view of Balatok, Antamok and Atok mines and a spectacular view of the Cordillera mountain range.

The Mansion The Mansion house id the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The main gate is an exact replica of the one found in Buckingham Palace in London.

Baguio Botanical Garden Also known as the Igorot Village, it contains many Igorot houses amidst various flora and fauna that grow in the cool climate of the city. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional costume.

The Orchidarium A showcase for the various breeds of flowers and plants that are grown in the region 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.

Tam-Awan Village A reconstructed native village which also has an art gallery and attracts many indigenous artists.

Itogon Wood Carver's Village Three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers. The works of these carvers range from very small figurines to huge statues.

Asin Hot Springs Actually located in Benguet but considered a city resource, it contains a natural hotspring. The city and other private concerns have built swimming pools for tourists. The area is very under-developed but is still a place that tourists should visit.

Wright Park Named after the architect who designed the city, it features a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines". At one end, there is a circle where visitors can go horseback-riding. Some other frequently-visited spots in the city include the

Lourdes Grotto, Teacher's Camp, the Bell Church, Lion's Head, and the public market, a favorite place for tourists looking for souvenirs.

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Baguio city Cathedral

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