Baguio City in BENGUET PROVINCE in Philippines has long been synonymous with pine trees, crisp cool breezes and rolling verdant hills. Metro Manilans going up to Baguio means it is summer vacation or Christmas breaks. Baguio is the nearest thing to a mountain retreat in this tropical, humid country possesses. It is variously called City of Pines, City of Flowers or the Summer Capital in short, and is the one most popular travel destination in Philippines. Baguio’s many religious landmarks add to its charm.

Up one hundred steps from the city centre, the attractive pink facade of Baguio Cathedral has been restored and its twin spires once again stand proudly above a hill rising from the bustling commercial hub. Just north of downtown is the Bell Temple run by an ecumenical sect known as Bell Church, a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taosim, and Christainity. High above the city is the Lourdes Grotto, a Catholic shrine and place of meditition under the whispering pine trees. Some 252 steps lead up to the statue of the Lady of Lourdes looking out over the city below. From another hilltop rises the Maryhurst Seminary, distinguished by its quiet gardens burstling with riotous color.

Trinidad Valley , a fertiles valley located at the north of Baguio is worth a visit, to explore its market laden with the freshest produce and the best jams and jellies, its vegetable farms, marvel at its flower plantations and pick the ripe red fruit in its strawberry fields.

Mansion House and Wright Park, ornate iron gates and a rectangular reflecting pool along a free-lined walkway mark the entrance to Mansion House, the summer residence of Philippine Presidents. Its lovely interiors are a museum housing memorabilia and works of art collected over its years of occupancy by the heads of state. On sunny days, equestrian riders, not content with pine-shaded track of nearby Wright Park Circle lead their rented horses up to the gates of Mansion House.