eople who troop to
Baguio yearly for the Panagbenga make it a point to plan their
trip on the last weekend of February in time for the street
dancing and parade of floats. But Baguio officials like to point
out that the Panagbenga is really a month long festival during
which the welcome mat is laid out for visitors.
This year especially, more elaborate
arrangements were made for the whole month of February so that
there was something of interest every single week. On the first
weekend for instance, a fluvial parade was held at the newly
spruced up and beautified Burnham Park.
This park, which is the most recognizable and
most memorable landmark for lowlanders who go to Baguio is
undergoing an important transition. This year, marked its
complete turnover to the City of Baguio. Prior to this, all
funds for the administration of the park came from the national
government and all improvements on it was subject to scrutiny.
With the turnover, the city government is now free to make the
park the focal point of next year’s centennial celebrations.
The recent Panagbenga may have been rained
out but the exuberance of the street dancers and the floats in
full bloom gave visitors a sampling of what to expect for next
year’s celebrations.
City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista pointed out that
even traffic at Session Road, which becomes the bane of visitors
and residents alike during festival time, will be rerouted as
plans are finalized for the complete conversion of this main
artery into a haven for pedestrians.
Other familiar landmarks of the City of Pines
like Mines View Park and Wright Park will also be refurbished.
The private sector is also working closely
with the city government to make Baguio a primary destination
for tourists. "There are a lot of travel options and
combinations using Baguio as a gateway through the neighboring
provinces that offers various tourist attractions," says Freddie
Alquiroz of the festival committee.
Heiner Maulbecker, general manager of the Camp John Hay Manor
Hotel said that the hotel is more than prepared to accommodate
the expected influx of tourists to Baguio. It has 175 rooms to
accommodate guests with studio-type, one-bedroom and two-bedroom
units that offer a view of the mountain range and pine forests.
Units are also equipped with a refrigerator, hot and cold
shower, in-room safe, and a phone system. "For the centennial
celebration, we will revive additional rooms. We are now
catering to the domestic and foreign markets and attracting
overseas visitors," he says. The hotel also offers culinary
delights at its Le Chef restaurant; the Piano bar lounge adorned
by a large fireplace; a business center, spa and a souvenir
shop. –Kristina Supeña
