What is a place like no other? Is there such place in the Philippines? Of course different places have their unique features, but those places may also have so much things in common compared to the places surrounding them. Gratefully, there is such place in our country. It is a place where everything gradually becomes higher—literally and figuratively—as you get nigher to its heart. The number of plants, trees, animals, mountains is low outside the place; the number of diverse people and attractions gets higher as you literally rise higher from the ground. You can actually be ecstatic or high there too. All those things are “high” but there is one thing noticeably low—probably in a positive way—the temperature. There may be a lot of “frigid” mountainous locations in the Philippines, but Baguio of Cordillera is still a standout.
The factor that makes people, objects, and places become conspicuous is the element we strive to put in our lives—which is color. On the way to Baguio, not only the said details above gets higher but also the colors. I agree that the much colors can be seen outside Baguio too, but they are not as vibrant and consistent as Baguio’s. The colors green and brown become dominant than other colors as you fly above the ground. Being in Baguio really feels like flying because of the clean and refreshing air that is enjoyed by birds. The best feeling of traveling in Baguio is feeling the nature as you open the windows of your car. It feels like you let the earth enter you even if you are really inside it; Baguio becomes a connection between your soul and the wonders of nature. Not only those are interacting but also the people of the city! The residents in Baguio are mostly into the same goals—to provide service for the tourists and for their country. They help promote their own culture and environment, and in return, their happiness get promoted too which influences the tourists. Baguio is a perfect place for someone who does not want to have a fast pace of life like in the city or for someone who wants to get liberated like in the province; the place integrates urban and rural living. It is relaxing and exciting at the same time which makes life easy in Baguio. Life really becomes easy as you see wonderful colors—not just green and brown—but also the rainbow colors! The flowers—are Baguio’s most special asset; look up, down, right, or left, kaleidoscopic flowers will melt your eyes! There is actually a flower festival there every February called the Panagbenga Festival; merely seeing the flowers complements the other stupendous attractions especially the parks that include the broad and unique culture of Baguio!
If you feel like you are lost or unconnected to nature, go to Baguio. You will experience connection not only with the nature but also with the Philippines specifically its culture, traditions, and unique traits! For me, Baguio can only be described in one word—colorful. A colorful environment—that gives you a colorful experience. Like what I’ve said at the first part, most things in Baguio rise. As you rise above the ground towards Baguio’s heart, your spirit also rises!