Why Still Visit Baguio City

Many still remember the time when the very moment you reach Baguio, the first thing that greets you is that wonderful smell of Pine Trees. They even used to say that "Baguio was still romantic then" and worth the travel. But now, given the rapid urbanization and development of areas once covered by Pine trees, Baguio no longer has that "pine scented smell" that used to lure travelers all over the world. Now, what you see on top of the mountains are no longer Pine trees but clusters of informal settlers.

Burnham Park, Baguio City (December 2018)

Those who have seen Baguio during those times where there are very few buildings and concrete can only lament on how Baguio looks like today. It is not what it used to be. And perhaps with proper urban planning and more emphasis on environmental protection, Baguio will again regain its famous stature as the country's "summer capital". I really miss the old Baguio that I used to know with all the greens, simplicity and that archaic romantic feel.

Baguio still has that cool crisp weather that is rivaled only by Tagaytay. The cool weather condition is what sets Baguio apart from all other destinations in the Philippines. Taking a walk along Session Road in the early morning and in the late afternoon is one activity that I enjoy. After the walk, I find something to eat in Solibao Restaurant where there are vegan options such as the all year round Puto Bumbong and the Vegetable Lumpia with Peanut Sauce. Solibao also has a branch a the nearby Burnham Park where the Puto Bumbong is also a best seller.

Baguio has a rich chess history. It is the site of the 1978 World Chess Championship Match between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi. The match was held at the Baguio Convention Center which was constructed to be very fit for a chess event. The Baguio Convention Center was designed to be soundproof and the lighting system was good for chess. The very cool breeze and the pine-scented air at that time was definitely a treat for the two protagonists, organizers, journalists, chess enthusiasts, politicians, and others who witnessed this very famous Chess Championship Match eclipsed only by the Fischer and Spassky Chess Fight in 1972 at Reykjavic, Iceland.

Bobby Fischer also stayed in Baguio. According to reports, Fischer fell and love with a local who gave him a child and the rest was history. Baguio and its Iggy's Inn welcomed several chess personalities. During my last visit, I dropped by Iggy's Inn said to be the favorite place of the late Florencio Campomanes who organized the Karpov Korchnoi Match and who is credited for bringing Fischer to Baguio.

What Baguio is to chess is already etched in history. Chess, if you visit Igorot Park near Burnham Park, is still alive and well. When I stayed in Hotel Veniz Burnham, I enjoyed looking at the chess players enjoying the game. While having coffee at the hotel's restaurant, seeing a player engrossed in the game of chess is like seeing an old friend enjoying what life is all about.