The City of Pines

It has been awhile since my last visit to the Philippines' "Summer Capital". The last time I think was like 5 years ago with my scooter club.

Last weekend was different as we went there as a family. Family meaning, almost the entire clan, my mom, wife and kids, and close family friends.

It turned out to be a reunion of sorts as we met and lived with family friends we had not seen for decades. Aside from this, it was a first time for my youngest son to see the place, a promise I was able to fulfill after years of wishing and planning.

To cut a long story short, we had a blast doing all the touristy stuff any regular Baguio visitor would try to stay away from. Sad to say, I saw how the place had deteriorated and how it had changed from a quiet little city, green all around to a congested polluted, and traffic filled city.

We used to buy native souvenirs when we were young as well as snacks and anything ethnic Baguio had to offer. Now its second hand clothes, military surplus, and an array of junk.

The man made lake at Burnham park was colored dark green. An incentive to all boat passengers never to fall in the lake. Not to drown but to die of all the bacteria the lake water had to offer.

I enjoyed the run I did with my wife though. It gave me a glimpse of what Baguio used to be and the smell of pine filled the air in the area where we ran.

I look forward to our return trip this December. I hope the entire family can be there so we can enjoy it more.