DAY 3: December 1, 2021
Baguio City is noted for having a beautiful tradition of embracing the yuletide season starting on December 1st. The entire stretch of Session Road is lit up with festive decorations as the countdown to the Christmas tree lighting begins, which incidentally has also been practiced by several towns in the country.
Fortunately, as part of our sponsored trip being city guests, we would be among those who could experience up-close the so-called Baguio Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 6 p.m. together with prominent city officials.
With loads of free time to spare, after the usual plated morning meal at the hotel, some of us decided to explore the other sites in town. To gain more cultural knowledge of the entire Cordillera Region, I visited the Baguio Museum, which was not part of the sponsored itinerary. Built in 1975, this Ifugao-inspired infrastructure houses antiques and relics from local indigenous communities, as well as the history of Baguio and the lives of Cordillera tribes.
When noontime came, we were all treated to a picnic lunch at Burnham Park c/o Raquel's Cuisine. Established in 1925, this park, designed by American architect and Baguio city planner, Daniel Burnham, has always been an ideal spot for a family picnic or recreational activities.
Another round of free time gave me the chance to visit the not-so-famous Emilio F. Aguinaldo Museum, which is actually the first immersive historical museum in the country, focusing on the road to Philippine independence. Despite its low popularity in attracting tourists, one very significant item this place could boast of is the grand opportunity of being able to view the first Philippine flag unfurled on May 28, 1898 (yes, not on June 12, 1898 in Kawit) during the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite, aside from the many other century-old historical objects connected to Aguinaldo’s life.
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