Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Philippine Military Academy, Baguio City


WHERE: Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Baguio City
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 30-31, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. To see where our future Philippine ARMY, NAVY or AIRFORCE train and come from.
2. To take a closer look at the war memorabilia.
3. To pay respect to the people who sacrificed their lives for this country by visiting the cenotaphs around the camp.
FEES: None
NOTE: Although PMA is not really considered a tourist destination, it has become a popular sidetrip for Filipinos and foreigners who are interested in war stuff and anything "military". Military souvenirs like shirts, camouflage clothing, etc may be bought inside the camp.

DESCRIPTION:
PMA is the training ground of Philippine men and women for military service. Students who train here have the chance to work for the Philippine Army, Navy or Airforce. Its curriculum is patterned from the United States of America's Military Academy West Point.

The Philippine Military Academy began on October 25, 1898 with the establishment of the Academia Militar in Malolos, Bulacan. Its graduates were awarded regular commission in the Armed Forces. However, its existence was short-lived due to the Filipino-American hostilites that erupted months after its establishment. On February 17, 1905, an Officer's School of the Philippine Constabulary was established in Intramuros, Manila. It was relocated in Baguio City 3 years later, first in Teacher's Camp then moved to its present location in 1947. In Baguio, PMA was first referred to as Camp Henry T. Allen before it became Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar (who is famous for the heroic Battle of Tirad Pass).

TRIVIA:
* In accordance with Republic Act 7192, the first female cadets were admitted in the PMA in 1993.

* The outbreak of World War II disrupted the training in the PMA in late 1941. Classes 1942 and 1943 were graduated ahead of schedule and were assigned to combat units around the country. Many perished during the war.

BEST TIME TO GO:
There are drills and exhibitions on weekends, alumni homecoming, celebrations in February and graduation ceremonies at the end of the school year. Call PMA for their schedule.

HOW TO GET THERE:
By Car - Pass through Loakan Road and go past the fork in the road (going to Loakan Airport on your right side). Keep going straight until you see the gate on your right.

By Jeepney - take the Plaza-Loakan-PMA route from the Central Business District.

You can also hire a taxi cab.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Philippine Military Academy
Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City 2600
(074) 4468002/ (074) 4473690

HELPFUL LINKS: http://www.pma.ph and http://gobaguio.com
WHAT TO SEE/ LOOK FOR:
-Cadets in training
-The
Sun Dial
-Relief Map of the Philippines
-War Memorabilia (cannons, tanks, aircrafts, military weapons, etc)
-Cenotaphs
-Headquarters
-PMA Museum
-Souvenir Shops

Bell House, Camp John Hay, Baguio City


WHERE: Bell House, Camp John Hay, Baguio City
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 27-31, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: An vacation house used by the American Commanding General of the Philippines. This house has a lot of stories including one that is paranormal in nature.
NOTE: Ask the tour guide to tell you about the ghosts of the house... :)

DESCRIPTION: The Bell House was named after General J. Franklin Bell who made Camp John Hay into a military resort. The house was originally the vacation quarters of the Commanding General of the Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE: You can get to Baguio by taking a private vehicle and driving for about 5 hours from Manila. Buses like Victory Liner are likewise available from Manila.

Boating at Burnham Park, Baguio City


WHERE: Burnham Park, Baguio City
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 27-31, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Burnham Park is a good place to relax and appreciate the nice cool weather of Baguio. There are lots of activities that can be done in the Park, boating is just one of them.

DESCRIPTION: Named after Baguio City's planner, Daniel Burnham, this park is centered around a man made lake where you can go boating in. You can also take leisurely strolls, go biking and play sports in the park. Don't forget to bring your camera because this place is also a good place to take photographs in.

Tam-awan Village, Baguio City


WHERE: Tam-awan Village, Baguio City
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 27-31, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: This place is a replica of a Cordillera Village that highlights various art and culture.

DESCRIPTION: The Tam-awan Village in Pinsao Proper, is a model Cordillera Village made more accessible to visitors. It has Ifugao huts and Kalinga houses that people can stay in. Apart from these, a lot of art exhibits, workshops and cultural shows are held here. This place is a good place to relax in and watch the sunset.

Baguio City, Benguet


WHERE: Baguio City, Benguet

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Baguio is of course known for it's cool high altitude weather and this is one of the major reasons why people go and visit this mountain city.

DESCRIPTION: Situated in Nothern Luzon, Baguio City, Benguet boasts of beautiful cool weather where on can truly relax in. Though, visitors from all over the country go to the City of Pines mainly for the weather, there are also a lot of activities that can be done here. Taking leisurely strolls, playing golf, going horseback riding, immersing in the northern indigenous culture, going boating, shopping, ghost hunting and museum hopping are just some of the activities that you can do in Baguio.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Manila, it takes about 5 hours to get to Baguio via a private vehicle. Buses like Victory Liner will also take you Baguio from Manila.