MANILA -- With the scorching months of March, April and May coming
soon, expect thousands of Filipinos to flock to Baguio City (aka the City of
Pines) to escape the searing heat.
Located 4,810 feet or 1,470 meters above sea level, the nation's Summer
Capital is also known for its
"Panagbenga" or the annual Flower
Festival, which highlights the city's diverse cultural heritage and unique
environment.
John Eric Mendoza, 20, of Caloocan, described Baguio as “cold and
beautiful”.
“Kahit summer, ang lamig. Gustong-gusto ko yung lamig. Mas
malamig nang (k)onti sa aircon (It's really cold, even in summer. I really
love the cold. It's slightly colder than an air conditioner),” Mendoza said,
recalling his visit to the city last year.
He said he would love to go back to the city because of its cold
climate, yummy treats, and the pine trees, though he only saw a few when he
went there.
"Masasarap mga (pasalubong) ‘dun, saka mura. Strawberry, pili
nuts. Actually 'yung Baguio, stopover ko lang ‘yun, kasi pagpunta ko
galing ako Mountain Province, may sinamahan ako, nagpa-tattoo ako
sa (The food that they sell are delicious. I bought strawberries and pili
nuts. Actually, I only had a stopover in Baguio.
I went to Mountain Province to
accompany a friend. I also got a tattoo. We went to the) Mountain Province,
Sagada, Bontoc, then Banaue, Baguio," he narrated.
For 21-year-old Christian Sigua of Antipolo, aside from the cold
climate of the city, the warm welcome of its people is what he fell in love
with.
“More than the beauty of the place and its cold weather, I fell in love
with Baguio because of its people who are very welcoming," he added.
Alvin Ilustrisimo, 20, of Rodriguez, Rizal, meanwhile marvels at the
city’s unique beauty and climate.
“Ang ganda talaga sa Baguio tapos ang lamig-lamig pa. Tapos
aantabayanan mo rin yung sunrise, kasi ang ganda talaga (Baguio
City is really a beautiful and cool place. Also, you will really look forward
to its sunrise),” he said.
Monreal, 18, a tourist from Manila, however, expressed a different
view.
“Nung pumunta kami, parang Maynila rin. Mainit, pero sa bandang hapon
malamig,” he said, noting that he nonetheless loves the city.
“Nagustuhan ko yung klima at ang lamig dun sa Baguio (I enjoyed
Baguio's cool climate),” Flor Frivaldo, a 50-year-old professor stated. (By Priam Nepomuceno /With
reports from Darwin C. Pesco, OJT/PNA)