#Baguiocity

[ichxrlxnx]

♡♡♡

[nikko-leoven]

My healing place, thank you Baguio! ✨

[lakan-olivares]

Summer Capital church selfie

Enjoying the cool mountain air as I trudge up the stairways of Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, off Upper Session Road of Baguio City.

The Our Lady of the Atonement Church’s history starts with the arrival of the Belgian Catholic CICM (Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae) Missionaries in Baguio in 1907; Rev. Fr. Oktaaf Vandewalle (1879-1968), Fr. Serafin Devesse (1883-1945), and Fr. Henri Verbeeck (1879-1938). Fr. Serafin was appointed the first director of the Baguio Mission, and he remodeled their mission home into a chapel and a convent by the next year, which he dedicated the church to the Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Fr. Serafin also establishes Saint Louis School (now the Saint Louis University) in 1911, beside the Saint Patrick Church. The school was dedicated to the King of France, Saint Louis IX (1214-1270) patron saint of parenthood and parents of large families, which may have appealed to the large clans of the native Ibaloi people.

The City of Baguio was founded in 1900 and incorporated as a city in 1909, with the first Catholic missionaries were the CICM priests. However, I assume that the choice of Saint Patrick as the first patron saint of Baguio was due to a significant number of Catholic Irish-American soldiers who were working to build the city.

When Fr. Florimund Carlu (1875-1950) was appointed the next mission rector in 1913, he expanded the church. And in 1920 Fr. Florimund proposes to construct a larger church at the present site. Fr. Florimund employs the services of the CICM architect and engineer Rev. Fr. Leo Vendelmans (1882-1964), who was aides by Fr. Adolph Cansse (died 1952). The church was completed in 1924 without the two belfries.

To complete the church, Fr. Florimund asked Rev. Fr. Josef de Samber to look for more sponsors. They approached American Fr. Paul T. Wattson (1863-1940) of the Graymoor Monks / Franciscan Friars of Atonement. Fr. Wattson began the patronage of Our Lady of the Atonement (Domina Nostra Adunationis) in 1899, with Sister Lurana Mary Francis White (1870-1935). Hence with the significant donations of the Society of the Atonement, the new church was dedicated to the American incarnation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Through the support of the Franciscan Friars of Atonement, the two belfries were completed in 1936 with the materials and money for the bells donated by the Dutchman Jan Hendrik Marsman (1892-1956) and his Scottish wife Mary Blythe Petersen Marsman (1888-1963) of the Benguet Mining Corporation. Before the completion of the belfries, the Apostolic Prefect of Mountain Province was established making the Our Lady of the Atonement Church as the new seat of the new 'pre-diocesan' boundary with its own bishop.

During the Second World War, the cathedral served as an evacuation center during the carpet-bombing of the city by American forces in 1945. Being one of the only building surviving almost unscathed after the war, led to the belief of the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This picture was taken circa 2015, during my regular explorations to document local historical landmarks around the Philippines.

Postscript:

Other churches designed by Rev. Fr. Leo Vendelmans (1882-1964) are:

1922-1924 Sacred Heart Cathedral of Hohhot, in Mongolia

1930-1946 Xiwanzi (崇禮) Cathedral in Chónglǐ (崇礼区), China

1931-1960 Sint-Stefaan in Negenmanneke, Belgium

[wilyennnn]

A Simple but Special Day, ending Panagbenga with my family

Today was the last day of Panagbenga, and I got to spend it with my family. It wasn’t anything too grand, but it was one of those simple days that felt special.

We started the day by attending Mass together, taking a moment to be thankful for everything. After that, we had a nice meal, enjoying good food and each other’s company. Then, we spent the rest of the day strolling around, taking in the lively atmosphere of the festival’s final day. The streets were filled with people, music, and colorful decorations, making everything feel even more exciting.

It was a simple way to celebrate, but what mattered most was that we were together. Moments like these remind me that happiness isn’t always about big events, it’s about being with the people who matter.

[boszbaet]

Do not miss the rooftop scene in Baguio City.

[kayeceekimm]

Our first Baguio travel as a couple. 😍

[ianfulgar]

Discover how Baguio City’s Breathe Program blends technology, nature, and urban planning to create a sustainable model for Philippine cities.

[therababycare]

TheraBaby dolls were recently donated to Rippling River Nursing Home in Baguio City, Philippines. During our visit, we saw several dementia patients at the facility and met with the admin to discuss the positive impact these dolls have on individuals in the later stages of dementia. The seniors expressed a strong fondness for TheraBaby, noting its friendly face and lifelike feel, which provide comfort and companionship.

[abookwormtravels]

Things to do in Baguio City (suggestions from a local)

As a someone who was born and raised in Baguio City, Baguio for me means pine trees, fog, coffee, art, country music and home. Our city has been a travel destination for as long as I can remember so tourists coming in is a common sight for us. We even have an inside joke where we say that the holidays and weekends are the days for us to stay home and avoid going out at all costs because the city…

[thxnews]

PRC Alert: Rise of Dental Scams

  Unmasking the Fraudulent Dentists

In Baguio City, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is sounding the alarm on the rise of counterfeit medical practitioners, specifically targeting fake dentists. The regulatory body is actively pursuing criminal cases against 19 individuals who have been operating under false pretenses.   Falsified Documents and Sham Licenses Unearthed Several impostors came to light as they attempted to secure or renew their licenses using forged documents. The Civil Service Commission also played a crucial role in unmasking these fraudulent dentists, collaborating with local government units to verify credentials.  

Temptations Amid Rising Demand

Juanita Domogen, the regional director of PRC-Cordillera, shed light on the motivations behind these illicit practices. The surge in demand for dental braces, driven by a fashion trend rather than medical necessity, has created a breeding ground for illegal practitioners. With braces costing upwards of PHP40,000, these fake dentists offer their services at a fraction of the cost, ranging from PHP10,000 to PHP15,000.   Pressing Challenges in Regulatory Oversight During a press conference for the Education Week celebration, Director Domogen revealed that the agency is not only tackling fake dentists but is also contending with pending administrative cases against professionals from various fields. Teachers, physicians, accountants, mechanical engineers, nurses, midwives, medical technologists, and architects are facing charges related to the non-delivery of agreed-upon services with clients.  

A Call for Vigilance and Public Awareness

The PRC's alert serves as a stark reminder for the public to exercise caution and due diligence when seeking medical services. The lure of reduced costs for procedures like dental work might be tempting, but the potential risks associated with unqualified practitioners are substantial.   Strengthening Regulatory Measures In response to the challenges posed by these sham practitioners, the PRC is working to enhance regulatory measures. The agency aims not only to prosecute those engaging in illegal practices but also to raise awareness about the dangers of seeking medical care from unverified professionals.  

Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Public

The collaboration between the PRC, Civil Service Commission, and local government units underscores the importance of a united front against fraudulent medical practitioners. As cases continue to emerge, the need for vigilant public and robust regulatory mechanisms becomes increasingly evident.   Nurturing a Culture of Compliance The Education Week celebration provides a fitting backdrop for discussions on the importance of ethical practices and adherence to professional standards. The ongoing efforts by regulatory bodies seek to foster a culture of compliance, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public in the face of evolving challenges in the healthcare sector. In an era where healthcare trends and demands shift rapidly, the responsibility to safeguard the public from unscrupulous practitioners becomes paramount. The PRC's vigilance and commitment to upholding the integrity of medical professions stand as a beacon of protection for the community.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[fedik]

Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral (Diocese of Baguio)

[polinsamsz]

Pagbisita sa mga Galeriya at Pasilidad ng Sining sa Baguio City.

Ako'y may masasayang alaala mula sa aming paglalakbay sa Baguio City kasama ang aking mga kaklase at aking minamahal na lola. Ito ay isang kakaibang karanasan na hindi ko malilimutan dahil ito ay puno ng mga alaala at mga bagong kaalaman.

Ito ay naging memorable sa amin ng aking mga kamag-aral sapagkat aming nasaksihan ang magandang kalangitan at napakalamig na klima sa Baguio City. Kami rin ay naka salamuha ng mga iba't- ibang lahi katulad ng Americano, Koreano, at Nigerian na kumukuha ng mga magagandang litrato.

(Kuha mula sa Inquirer.net)

Sa aming pagdating sa Baguio, una kaming bumisita sa Burnham Park. Ito'y isang magandang lugar na puno ng mga bulaklak at puno ng mga kakaibang halaman. Dito, kami ay nag-rent ng mga pedal boat at naglakad-lakad sa paligid ng Burnham Lake. Kami rin ay nakabili ng mga pasalubong na maaari naming maiuwi. Ang pagmamasid sa mga iba't-ibang uri ng halaman at ang preskong hangin ng Baguio City ay nagbigay sa amin ng kalakasan upang harapin ang mga darating na araw.

(Kuha mula sa Lakad Pilipinas)

Sa simula ng aming paglalakbay, nakita namin ang malupit na hagdan patungo sa Grotto. Napansin ko ang mga tao na naglalakad paakyat, may mga nagdadasal at mga malalim na pagmumuni-muni. Ipinaramdam nito ang kahalagahan ng pook na ito sa mga debotong Katoliko.

Habang kami ay patuloy na umaakyat, mas lumalalim ang aming pag-unawa sa kasaysayan ng Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Sa ilalim ng makulimlim na kalangitan, ibinahagi ng aming gabay ang kuwento ni Santa Bernadette Soubirous at ang pag-iral ng birheng Maria sa kanyang mga pangarap. Ito ay naging inspirasyon para sa amin na magpatuloy sa aming pag-akyat.

(Kuha mula sa Baguio.ph)

Noong unang pumasok kami sa strawberry farm, ako'y agad na namangha sa makulay na tanawin. Napakaraming puno ng strawberries ang naglilining sa aming harapan, may mga namumunga na may kulay-pula at berde na mga strawberries. Naramdaman ko ang kakaibang kasiyahan sa pagtunton sa ganitong kalikasan.

Sa pamamagitan ng tour, kami ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na mas mapalapit sa mga magsasaka at mga eksperto sa strawberry farming. Ako'y nagtaka sa kanilang kaalaman at dedikasyon sa pag-aalaga ng mga tanim na ito. Tinuruan nila kami kung paano nangangalaga ng mga strawberries, mula sa pag-aani nito hanggang sa tamang paraan ng pag-irog ng lupa.

Isa sa mga pinaka-memorable na bahaging tour ay ang pag-ani ng mga strawberries mismo. Ito'y isang masusing gawain na nangangailangan ng tiyaga at tamang pagsunod sa mga hakbang. Nakakatuwang isipin na kami, mga mag-aaral, ay nakasubok ng ganitong uri ng trabaho.

(Kuha mula sa Baguio City Guide)

Sa pagsapit ng gabi, naglakad kami nang maayos kasama ang aming mga guro, habang tinitingnan ang mga tindahan at nag-aalok ng kanilang mga produkto. Habang ako'y naglalakad naramdaman ko ang lamig ng hangin na dumaramay sa aming katawan, na nagdala ng komporta at kasiyahan.

Naging espesyal ang gabi dahil sa mga pagkakataon na nakapag-usap kaming mga lokal na tindero at tindera. Natutunan namin ang kanilang mga kuwento at karanasan sa pagnenegosyo. Nakakatuwang malaman kung paano nila inaalagaan ang kanilang mga negosyo sa gitna ng masalimuot na panahon.

Habang ang aming paglalakbay sa night market ay nagpapatuloy, hindi ko maiwasang mapabighani sa mga kagandahan ng mga tanyag na produktong Baguio City tulad ng nga bulaklak, strawberries, mga masasarap na pagkain at iba't ibang klase ng gulay. Kami rin ay nagpasya na mamili ng maaari naming maipasalubong sa sa aming pag-uwi. lpinapakita nito ang yaman ng agrikultura ng lungsod na ito at ang kahalagahan nito sa buhay ng mga taga- Baguio.

Ang tour na ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa mga halaman at bulaklak, kundi pati na rin sa mga kuwento at kasaysayan ng lugar. Sa pamamagitan ng mga tour guide, nalaman namin ang mga kwento tungkol sa mga indigenous na kultura na nag-aambag sa pagpapalaganap ng kagandahan ng Botanical Garden. Ito'y isang mahusay na pagkakataon na maunawaan ang kasaysayan at kultura ng mga taong naninirahan sa lugar na ito.

Bilang isang mag-aaral, natutunan ko rin ang kahalagahan ng pangangalaga sa kalikasan. Ang Botanical Garden ay isang halimbawa ng kung paano dapat alagaan at protektahan ang mga natural na yaman ng ating kalikasan. Naging inspirasyon ito para sa akin na maging mas responsable sa aking mga gawain at magtulungan upang mapanatili ang kalikasan sa kanyang maayos na kalagayan.

Sa huli naming destinasyon sa aming paglalakbay kasama ang aking mga kamag- aral at ang aking mahal na Lola, kami'y nagtungo sa Wright Park sa Baguio City. Ang paglalakbay na ito ay puno ng mga kasiyahan at mga masasayang alaala na hindi ko malilimutan.

Sa Wright Park, isa itong malawak na lugar na puno ng mga puno at makukulay na mga bulaklak. Sa mga pader ng parke, makikita mo ang mga naglalakihang mga ukay-ukay na nag-aalok ng iba't-ibang mga produktong souvenirs. Kasama si Lola, kami ay naglakad sa mga mala- dalampasigang daanan ng parke.

Nakasagap din kami ng kaunting kasaysayan tungkol sa lugar. Natutunan namin na ang Wright Park ay isa sa mga kilalang parke sa Baguio na itinatag noong panahon ng mga Amerikano. Ito'y pinanatili at pinahahalagahan bilang bahagi ng kultura at kasaysayan ng lungsod.

Sa pag-alis namin sa Baguio City, puno ako ng pasasalamat. Ito'ly hindi lamang isang simpleng paglalakbay, ito'y isang pagkakataon para magbukas ng puso at isipan sa mga karanasang puno ng kasiyahan, pag-aalala, at pagmamahal. Ang Baguio City ay nag-iwan sa amin ng mga alaala na mananatili sa aming puso habang-buhay.

[lakan-olivares]

Baguio landscape crowdfie

Standing near the balcony of the Oh My Gulay Restaurant / Victor Oteyza Community Art Space (VOCAS) with a southwestern view of the homes and buildings on the mountain tops of Baguio City. The Oh My Gulay Restaurant / Victor Oteyza Community Art Space (VOCAS) is located in the La Azotea Building along Session Road of Baguio City, and it was established in 2004 by National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik (“Silent Thunder”, born Eric de Guia, 1942) and his wife Katrin (born 1950).

The VOCAS was named after Kidlat’s uncle, Victor Oteyza (1913-1979) who was part of the Thirteen Moderns of Philippine Modern Art.

This photo was taken circa 2014 by my student Aya Abad, when my students from the Far Eastern University (FE) Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) and I participated in the VIOCAS exhibit entitled “Binhi” (ssed).

Trivia:

The honky behind me is the American John Cowden, who joined us on the trip from Manila to Baguio. Mr. Cowden is an OT 8 (Operating Thetan Level 8) which is the highest current auditing level in Scientology. Holy Cowden!!! He is equally “enlightened” to Tom Cruise!!!

[kebbbnn]

[kapeumali]

Kape umali @smcitybaguio

[eunonothing]

CANTINA @ Ambuklao Road, Baguio City #travel #baguio #baguiocity #food #cantina #eunonothing #ambuklao #baguiofeels