Day 1
Department of Tourism
At the Department of Tourism, we were able to get a deeper understanding of Baguio and the various characteristics of the area. We also learned about the some of the problems and dilemmas the city is facing. This reminded me of some of the problems we have in Hawaii in regards to overdevelopment. Just like Baguio, Hawaii is a place where people go to get away from the city life and is seen as a sort of paradise. However, both are experiencing this problem where their environments are becoming too city-like. Both also have a traffic problem. At this point, it seems like almost everywhere in the Philippines has a traffic problem. Moreover, like Hawaii, Baguio’s main industry is tourism. From our meeting at the DOT, I was really able to see the similarities between Baguio and Hawaii. An interesting fact I learned that day was that Baguio also means storm! And, the funny thing is it actually stormed on our way there.
Department of Tourism
At the Department of Tourism, we were able to get a deeper understanding of Baguio and the various characteristics of the area. We also learned about the some of the problems and dilemmas the city is facing. This reminded me of some of the problems we have in Hawaii in regards to overdevelopment. Just like Baguio, Hawaii is a place where people go to get away from the city life and is seen as a sort of paradise. However, both are experiencing this problem where their environments are becoming too city-like. Both also have a traffic problem. At this point, it seems like almost everywhere in the Philippines has a traffic problem. Moreover, like Hawaii, Baguio’s main industry is tourism. From our meeting at the DOT, I was really able to see the similarities between Baguio and Hawaii. An interesting fact I learned that day was that Baguio also means storm! And, the funny thing is it actually stormed on our way there.
Day 2 BenCab Museum Not only did the museum have amazing art, it was also located in a great part of the city and had a beautiful view! There was a wide variety of mediums, themes, and medias shown throughout the museum. Some of the art pieces were beautiful, some were creepy, and a quite a lot of them felt familiar; like I’ve seen them before. However, there was definitely a lot more nudity and genitalia than I would have ever expected. Of all the art display, the most interesting to me were the ifugao pieces. To us, it’s considered indigenous art, but to the indigenous is was a part of their everyday lives and means of livelihood. | Day 3 Philippine Military Academy I really liked visiting PMA. I’ve never heard about it before, so being able to speak to the cadets and learn directly from them was truly amazing. I enjoyed listening to their stories, experiences, and aspirations as PMA cadets. The performance, as well, was spectacular! It reminded me of the days when I used to perform with the JROTC Drill Team at my high school. Of course, it was very different for me because I was in Band Color Guard, but I was familiar with the various moves they performed for us. |
The food, in general, was incredible! It was also a lot cheaper than most, if not all, of the restaurants on Katipunan Avenue. Moreover, Forrest House was so nice and actually a lot fancier than I expected. I’ve never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast before so this was my first experience. I think I like it better than traditional hotels. Overall, this weekend excursion had all of my favorite things: breathtaking views, delicious food, and amazing art. I definitely want to bring my family to cool and breezy Baguio someday!