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Baguio City, which is perched on high elevation, is known as the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines because of its cold weather. The original blueprint of the city was made by American architect Daniel Burnham (which is the reason why the main park at the heart of the city is known as Burnham Park). It’s also known as the “City of Pines” because, well, pine trees dominate the landscape. It’s usually enough for me to stay in the hotel and just relax when I go there, but if you want to go around, here are some observations. Continue Reading »

There was plenty of space to park and move around, maybe because we got there when the rest of those who spent their Holy Week vacation are on their way back to Metro Manila. The place, with huge trees generously dotting the entire landscape, is a welcome breather from the suffocating pollution in Metro Manila. Brown leaves of Mahogany, occasionally punctuated by twirling seeds, fall to the ground, sometimes gently hitting the windshield as you drive by. This is summer in Montevista Villas (Mimosa Leisure Estate, Clarkfield, Pampanga). Continue Reading »

It’s officially summertime. It’s going to be a very hot Philippine summer full of fun, sand and sun. It’s time to take time off from work or school, and relax even for a while. But before you go invading the resorts and hotels for the anticipated summer vacation with your family and friends, you need to go through the hassle of preparing, making travel plans, booking and reservation. Here are some unsolicited reminders: Continue Reading »

The roads are eerily quite today. No traffic. Not much people. Crime rate was practically down to zero. No fighting in politics (but not the “politicking”). No, there’s no coup or some destabilization plot. No war between the military and the rebels. But there’s another war brewing. Continue Reading »