The cool breeze wrapped the busy urban streets. The lovely flowers and greens calmed the pacing populace, and the soothing fragrance of pine trees comforted the gloomy afternoon. Baguio City, dubbed as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” is the ideal tourist destination.
As it prides itself with its chilly weather, delicious strawberries, beautiful flowers, and unique culture, the city became a constant favorite to foreigners and locals alike. But as these tourists head to the mountainous paradise to unwind, I set off to a two-hour travel from Pangasinan to Baguio City not to enjoy its wonderful scenery, rather to begin a new personal journey.
As an incoming freshman at University of the Philippines Baguio, the trip to a destination I was very familiar with suddenly became so alien – it was unlike the several sprees to the mountains in my childhood.
The vehicle zigzagged its way to Kennon Road. As it reached Baguio City General Hospital, it donned upon me that the landmark of arrival at the City of Pines suddenly became a neighboring establishment to my housing, St. Francis Ladies Dormitory.
As days passed after settling in, changes in perspective came in domino effect. The crowded Session Road was the landmark of the rally my bloc participated in, and also my personal thinking place. SM City Baguio has been an alternative cafeteria. Burnham Park and Camp John Hay became a dating area and a barkada hangout place. Magsaysay Street, where the public market is, was a bloc lunch destination. He-Brews Cafe beside Baguio Cathedral then became my study den.
And soon after, the unconventional travel immersed me to the culture and soul of the city. Thus I realized – even for just a year of stay, Baguio City is no longer a tourist destination for me; it was and will always be my second home.
PS: This is the first writing exercise (300 words) for J 195.
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