Visa partners Thames International and City Government of Baguio to drive digitalization and tourism growth

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Five-year digital partnership to empower Baguio MSMEs with digital tools, innovation support, and marketing insights for tourism growth

Visa, a global leader in payments technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Thames International, a leading provider of education and training solutions, and the City Government of Baguio to enhance the digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The partnership launched today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This five-year Digital Partnership Program by Visa Government Solutions, which partners with governments globally to drive economic growth and digitalization, aims to help MSMEs in Baguio City by driving acceptance of digital payment modes,, supporting innovation, sharing knowledge, and offering marketing guidance and Visa Destination Insights – which provides detailed spending and visitation data through interactive dashboards and reports – to bolster the tourism sector.

[From Left: Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager of Visa Philippines, and Hon. Benjamin Magalong, City Mayor of Baguio City] Visa and the City Government of Barguio sign a Memorandum of Agreement for a five-year digital partnership that would enhance the digitalization of MSMEs in Baguio.

Small businesses playing a key role in Baguio City’s local economy & tourism sector

As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio is a key part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) alongside Cebu and Iloilo. Since 2017, Baguio has held the UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art title, joining a network of 246 cities globally committed to embedding creativity in sustainable urban development. Beyond its creative contributions, Baguio also boasts a flourishing MSME sector that fuels local growth and innovation.

As of August 2023, Baguio has 22,121 registered businesses, with 19,874 being microenterprises primarily in wholesale and retail. This underscores the significance of small businesses to the local economy and tourism, with MSMEs serving as vital tourism front liners.

From Left: Gian Carlo De Jesus, Program Director of Thames International; Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager of Visa Philippines; Hon. Benjamin Magalong, City Mayor of Baguio City; Jaime Noel Santos, President and Co-Founder of Thames International; and Chancellor Dr. John Batten of Thames International.

Supporting MSMEs to innovate and tap into data to upskill them to drive tourism

The partnership includes initiatives to support MSME innovation and payment digitalization, enhance data insights, and upskill MSMEs in the digital economy. It aims to facilitate connections with technology providers and banks and ensure financial inclusion. The program will also develop a data-first tourism strategy, host workshops on data trends, and use Visa Destination Insights for policy development.

The partnership will also expand its reach through media and official channels, promote digital literacy across sectors, and connect Baguio City stakeholders with global Visa experts. This collaboration will enable peer exchange workshops and innovation study tours, allowing stakeholders to share best practices in building an inclusive, digitally empowered government.

This is a significant step towards supporting Baguio City's tourism sector by enhancing the overall visitor experience and promoting the city’s rich cultural heritage. Small businesses, essential to the local economy, will benefit from digital solutions and the growth of the creative economy, positioning Baguio City to attract more tourists and stimulate local business growth.

Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Thames International and the City Government of Baguio to drive digitalization and support the creative economy. Tourism is a vital part of the Philippine economy, and we are delighted to provide our tools and resources to help drive the growth of the industry. Our partnership enhances the visitor experience, promotes cultural heritage, and empowers MSMEs to boost tourism and local businesses, creating a digitally and financially inclusive ecosystem for all in the Philippines."

5 most breathtaking Baguio sites showcased on The Broken Marriage Vow

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Keep up with all the raging drama with Viu Premium powered by PLDT Home!

Photo credits: Viu Philippines

The log houses we all wish our parents own plus Baguio’s pine trees and gorgeous mountain views fill the backdrop of the emotional roller coaster hit drama series that is The Broken Marriage Vow.

Almost every episode lands on the trending pages of social media platforms. The show has become so popular it’s now one of the top titles on the streaming platform Viu, made cheaper and more accessible through a Viu Premium account powered by PLDT Home.

The marriage of Dr. Jill Victorino (Jodi Sta. Maria) and David Ilustre (Zanjoe Marudo) may have crumbled because of his affair with Lexy Lucero (Sue Ramirez). Yet, as we’re watching the frustrating and heartbreaking moments, we can’t help but think, “Tara, let’s go to Baguio!”

Beyond the riveting drama, we also find ourselves captivated by the sights all found within our Summer Capital. Raring to travel again? Here are a few of the series’ most iconic filming locations you, too, can visit while channeling your inner drama heroine!

Burnham Park

Located in downtown Baguio, Burnham Park is the city’s most famous park. Here, you can go boating on colorful swan boats, people-watch by the lake, even ride a bike. If you’re Dr. Jill, however, the park designed by Daniel Burnham may just be the perfect place for you to take a walk to clear your mind — and maybe plan your revenge — after discovering your husband is into some monkey business.

Camp John Hay

Surrounded by pine trees, fresh air, and the most amazing log cabins, Camp John Hay is a no-brainer must-visit for anyone visiting Baguio. To really complete the healing nature-filled experience, go enjoy the green scene and have a meal in Chef Billie King’s Le Chef Restaurant at the Manor.

Camp John Hay is more than just a sanctuary for our The Broken Marriage Vow family — in fact, it’s where most of the drama goes down.

Photo credits: Viu Philippines 

White House of the Lord of Scents

In real life, the White House of the Lord of Scents is the abode of fragrance mogul Joel Cruz in Camp John Hay. While not a public tourist destination, it has become an attraction of its own because of its signature floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight its sweeping spiral staircase.

This is also where the show’s most iconic scene (colloquially called the batukan scene) happens. Knowing her husband is cheating with the daughter of the wealthy Luceros, Jill decides to invite themselves to dinner at the Lucero house for a grand confrontation.

Photo credits: Baguio Country Club 

Baguio Country Club

This is where Lexy Lucero’s parents often meet Jill — either as friends hanging out over lunch or in later episodes as enemies trading barbs as they are too civilized to go at each other’s throats.

The famous 117-year-old landmark isn’t just home to the best raisin bread and banana bread in the country, it also offers some of Baguio's most breathtaking views!

Kennon Road

While definitely picturesque, Kennon Road is also among the country’s most hazardous thoroughfares. Cliffs bracket the narrow road, making for a very steep fall if one is not careful. The tragedy snaking through this beauty fits the outwardly perfect Ilustre family finally succumbing to its own troubles.

In a scene shot along Kennon Road, Gio confronts his mother for not having time for him while Jill tries to console him. Jill soon realizes the gravity of the situation, now taking a toll on her conflicted child. It’s a raw moment that zooms in on children often becoming the biggest victims of a broken family.

We live for the nonstop scandal and drama of The Broken Marriage Vow, but we also find comfort in how directors Connie Macatuno and Andoy Ranay handle touchier subjects on the show.

Entertainment made better (and cheaper) at home!

See the drama on The Broken Marriage Vow unfold further in Baguio’s sights to behold — through a Viu Premium access powered by PLDT Home’s fastest and most reliable connections! Enjoy more of the hottest Asian content with no ads and same-day subtitled releases for select titles at just P80/month, the cheapest in the Philippines and already charged to your account!

Learn more by visiting pldthome.com/viu.

 

DOT lauds Ibagiw 2020, Baguio’s Creative City Festival

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) commends the City Government of Baguio, Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc., UP Baguio, DOT-CAR and the city government for the successful launch of Ibagiw 2020. The third edition of the month-long creative festival kicked off with a grand opening on November 6, 2020 at the Baguio Convention Center and was also livestreamed on Facebook. 

“DOT supports events like Ibagiw because it helps revive tourism and supports economic recovery. More importantly, it brings back jobs and gives hope to the artisans and craftsmen who help make Baguio’s culture unique. The success of Ibagiw is the success of the city’s lifeblood: its creatives,” says Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. 

This year’s theme is "Breathe Inspiration, Breathe in Baguio." It aims to showcase the city’s vibrant and diverse artistic and cultural heritage, in line with Baguio’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts. The festival is open to the public until November 30. 

Ibagiw 2020 puts the city’s heritage and artistic gems in the spotlight with creative and nature crawls every Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can explore and rediscover destinations in the city, such as Museo Kordilyera, the Botanical Garden, Ili-Likha Artists’ Wateringhole, Tam-awan Village, BenCab Museum, and more. 

Other exciting events include an artisanal market, crafternoons, a contemporary art exhibition featuring local artists, Art in the Park, the launch of children’s books featuring the artistry of Cordillera weaving, and Anido Artist/Artisans Day. Ibagiw also gives locals the chance to express their creativity in gardening, woodcarving, and other crafts competitions.

Visitors from all over the country are welcome to join the festivities but are encouraged to follow stringent health and safety measures. Travelers are required to register on the VISITA app, where they must upload their RT-PCR test results, itinerary, travel authority, and accommodation details. Upon arrival in Baguio, they are obliged to go to the triage center, present their online registration on the VISITA app or hdf.baguio.gov.ph, and the mentioned requirements. 

“We invite everyone to experience a different side of Baguio in the new normal. Ibagiw’s commitment to highlighting the city’s heritage fulfills DOT’s vision to strengthen and push cultural tourism,” adds Puyat. 

The Ibagiw 2020 Creative City Festival is held in multiple venues all over the city. 

For the complete schedule, visit the Baguio Creative City Facebook page and the festival website: ibagiw.baguioartsandcrafts.org 

For more information about the Philippines, visit app.philippines.travel 

Male singing goup 26HUNDREDB.C stages launching concert at the City of Pines

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ASIAN ARTISTS AGENCY, INC. (AAAI) has discovered five golden voices in Baguio City. 

The all-male quintet which calls itself 26HUNDREDB.C is now part of the growing roster of talents of the artist management company. 

26HUNDREDB.C will be launched in a concert at the Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay in Baguio City on August 11, Friday and at the SM City Baguio Event Center on August 12, Saturday. Both concerts will have as guest another Asian Artists Agency talent, the duo Miko and Gabriel. Also featured in the launch is singer/comedienne Jenny Gabriel, a Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist. 

26HUNDREDB.C members were discovered during auditions conducted by Boy Abunda, president and CEO of AAAI. 

The group is composed of Karl Russel Rillorta, Arian Anglo, Robert Co, John Carlo Opulencia and Janriel Abance. They all come from Baguio City and were schoolmates at the University of Baguio. 

The group revealed they were clueless and unaware that a new world was opening right before their eyes when they passed the auditions. They were hand-picked by Boy Abunda from the number of hopeful young men and women who braved the rain and skipped school to join the auditions. 

“The presence of Tito Boy was too much to handle, nakakalula,” quipped John Carlo who sings OPM. "We were scared to death. Halos di kami makapagsalita. Tito Boy is an overwhelming presence," said Janriel.

When asked what’s behind the name 26HundredB.C., Janriel explained, "Naming the group was a big challenge. Everyone offered a suggestion. But only one name really stuck in everyone’s mind. 26Hundred is the zip code of Baguio City and we are proud of our place." 

B.C was added because everybody comes from Baguio City. 

Janriel, an indie music lover also added “our name is very clever, it’s easy to remember and it is our identity.”

As a young vocal group, the hardest struggle was the differences in their personalities. “We didn’t know each other,” said Robert, a jazz and theater music lover. 

Arian, who is fond of pop-rock music, alternative and OPM admitted that they have diverse musical influences. 

Karl Russel who likes jazz and R&B, pointed out that despite their personality differences and music genre variances, they gel and connect with each other perfectly. 

Their contrasting and diverse musical backgrounds serve as the group's musical base. 

For inquiries call email info@asianartistsagency.com or call tel: (02) 405 4423 or (02) 855 4765. Visit and follow 26HUNDREDB.C on FB.

DepEd, IP groups strengthen commitment to Indigenous Peoples education

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Baguio City—The Department of Education (DepEd) and indigenous peoples (IP) groups nationwide gathered together today, November 12, to strengthen partnership for IP education (IPEd) through the symbolic signing of affirmation of commitment.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “Ang ating ipinagdiriwang ngayon ay isang lakbayin na hindi pa tapos. Hindi ito madali dahil kailangan nating umakyat, at sa ating pag-akyat, walang maiiwan. Kailangan sabay-sabay, tulung-tulong at walang bibitiw para masigurado natin na ang ating inumpisahan ay matatapos.”

Inauguration of a pakedlan at the Baguio Teachers Camp with Indigenous elders and other community representatives. 

“Kailangan nating siguraduhin na buhay ang katutubong kaalaman sa loob ng sistema ng edukasyon,” he added.

Part of the affirmation of commitment to IPEd is the inauguration of a pakedlan, an indigenous space for coming together among the Kankanaey peoples of Benguet, at the Baguio Teachers Camp, where a ritual was conducted together with the IP community representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to culminate the gains of IPEd. The inauguration of a pakedlan symbolizes the recognition of indigenous learning systems within the education system.

Luistro also said that the gains of IPEd are not DepEd’s milestones alone, adding, “Ang tatlong DepEd Orders ukol sa IP education ay galing sa inyo [IP]. Ang sumulat niyan ay kayo. Ang IP education guidelines at curriculum framework ay galing sa sama-samang mungkahi at karanasan [ninyo] sa mga nakalipas na taon ng pagsusulong ng IP education.”

Andres Ngao-i, chairperson of IPEd council of elders in the Cordillera Administration Region, said that DepEd’s commitment to IPEd is evident in the agency’s efforts to make education culture-sensitive, culture-responsive, and learner-centered.

“We are all happy that we are true to our IP curriculum; but we did not do it alone. We did this in partnership with DepEd and the local government units, too,” Ngao-i said. He also added, “Our job is not yet done. Let us continue the implementation of this historic Indigenous Peoples education. This is historical in our regions and our country.”

Luistro said that it is vital for the country to strengthen its IP education, especially with the 2015 ASEAN integration, adding:

“Mahalaga na naka-angkla ang ating kurikulum sa ating kulturanng Pilipino dahil may papasok na ibang kultura. Kapag wala ang katutubong kaalaman na nakapasok sa ating kurikulum, mawawalan tayo ng kaluluwa.”

Kata SM City Baguio is Now Open!

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Kata SM City Baguio is Now Open! 

In celebration of the opening of Kata SM City Baguio, we are giving away FREE Screen Protector and Flip Cover for purchase of selected Kata device.

Buy any Kata device and get FREE Screen Protector & Case! Freebies are exclusive at Kata SM City Baguio today on August 16 only.

Azalea Residences Baguio Your Holiday Haven

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AZALEA RESIDENCES BAGUIO

Azalea Residences Baguio, the first all-suite vacation residence in Baguio City presents holiday-goers the full services and amenities of a serviced-apartment, complete with living, dining, and kitchen facilities in all its suites.

One cannot miss the eye-catching façade that makes up Azalea Residence Baguio. The structure resembles a ski-resort, clever inspiration for the Summer Capital’s first vacation residence that brings thoughts of family vacations and friendly holidays. The façade sets the stage for the best vacation ever and a place that has the feel of a hotel with full services and amenities of a service-apartment in Baguio. 

Azalea Residences is the place for the families, friends, and business travelers on the lookout for the luxury of a hotel with atmosphere and comforts of home. Here they can treat their room like an actual house.

Located just five minutes away from Session Road, in a secluded hill that promises peace, quiet country living and proximity to the city’s main attractions and happenings.

99 SUITE ROOMS

Azalea Residences Baguio is made up of 99 well-appointed suite rooms with 46 Deluxe, 17 One-bedroom, 33 Two-bedroom and 3 Three-bedroom. All suite have the following facilities: a living room area with a sofa bed and flat screen TV with cable connection, toilet and bathroom with hot and cold shower (the Two-bedroom and three-bedroom has a separate toilet and bathroom), and amenities like dining table, chairs and crockery, kitchen appliances and utensils, Coffee and Tea-making facilities, queen-sized beds with imported linens and a balcony in choice rooms, among others.

Azalea Resort & Residences Chief Operating Officer Dulah Lipardo says, “The concept behind Azalea Resorts & Residences is to be the hotel that would offer the brand of convenience and amenities of top international hotels yet maintaining the natural texture and traditional character of the Philippines at a very affordable price. By infusing modern day amenities with thoughtful and detailed attention to the mood of the place, Azalea Resorts & Residences hopes to establish the hotel as the perfect abode for rest and leisure.”

WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES

Designed with the whole family and barkada in mind, Azalea Residences Baguio offers more beyond its rooms: lobby, lounge, playground, business center, WIFI connection, NDD-DDD-IDD, 24-hour Doctor-on-call, tour arrangements and vacation services, and transportation arrangement to and from Manila. There are two food and beverage outlets, the flagship restaurant Tradisyon Coffee Shop, which serves traditional Filipino food and the bar called 8 Degrees Lounge.

AZALEA VACATION CLUB

Frequent holiday goers can avail of Azalea Resorts & Residences Timeshare Vacation Club Membership. Members get to have access to a number of usage benefits that will guarantee a holiday unlike any other.

Azalea Resorts & Residences is owned by Fog Horn Inc. and is affiliated with RCI (resort Condominium International), the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world’s largest full service vacation rentals business, providing access to more than 85,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries.

Reservations Hotline: (02) 579 4894 / (02) 579 4890 / Mobile: 0917 861 1641 / 0919 994 4140

Hotel Trunk Line: (074) 424 8716 / (074) 424 8166

Manila Sales: (02) 925 8352 / Mobile: 0917861 1642 / 0919 994 4143 / Fax (02) 655 1162

Email: reservations@azalea.com.ph

Website: www.azalea.com.ph

For Timeshare & Vacation Club Membership inquiries, send an email to customerservice@azalea.com.ph and Tel.: (02) 634 7742. We invite you to come and see first-hand Azalea Residences Baguio, the hotel is located at #7 Leonard Wood Loop, Brgy. M. Roxas, Baguio City 2600.

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SM City Baguio to install Rainwater Catchment Tanks

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Rain is a blessing of nature. Rainwater - good water with unlimited uses. 

There are many ways to save water — conservation, passive rainwater catchment, onsite recycling (i.e., greywater) and active rainwater catchment. All of these methods require that you actively manage your water use, as opposed to just paying your bill each month and not thinking about how much water you use.

We use rainwater for a variety of purposes including drinking, washing and irrigation. But, rainwater can be highly polluted and not suitable for use. Still, it is one of our purest sources for water and with the right treatment, it has many uses. When rain falls onto a polluted roadway or roof it becomes contaminated with everything it touches. But before it hits the ground, rainwater is relatively pure. Compared to well water (i.e., groundwater), which is typically very high in minerals, rainwater is cleaner and easier to purify. And unlike the water in lakes and streams (i.e., surface water), rainwater contains no pharmaceuticals, minerals or pollutants.

The Philippines is regularly in the firing line for powerful typhoons.Torrential rains brought the Philippine to a standstill, submerging some areas in waist-deep floodwaters.

Despite its elevated location, Baguio City is susceptible to floods. In 2012, tropical storm Helen left the city submerged, and in 2013, typhoon Labuyo mirrored the devastation brought by its predecessor. More recent atmospheric aberrations tell us that more will come.

Because of its cool climate, Baguio City was designated by the Philippine Commission as the "Summer Capital" of the Philippines. Baguio City, the coolest but also the wettest city, occupies about 57 SQM of hilly land surface in the southwestern portion of the Cordillera region with an average of around 700mm (28in) of rainfall or precipitation during the months of July and August. The wettest and coolest month is August (as with the rest of Luzon)

One of the ways floodwater can be reduced is through the use of rainwater catchment tanks. Apart from lessening the enormous amount of water that can flood households and businesses, there are many uses for stored water, such as irrigation, watering of plants, and other non-potable uses.

SM Malls came up with the idea to convert rain water to something useful through the use of rainwater catchment tanks. SM in Baguio City plans to build a rainwater catchment tank to capture rainwater. After being treated by a sewage treatment plant, the rainwater will be reused by the mall in its operation, instead of sourcing its requirements from the local water district.

This process is already being used with success in SM Masinag in Antipolo and SM BF in Parañaque.

SM details of their new design for the mall redevelopment but hinted the same Green Building Council approved design with energy-efficient lighting and water conservation components will still be utilized. This includes a rain catchment basin to help save run-off water and prevent soil erosion.

SM Baguio Sky Park Project: The development plans of SM Baguio, in the context of long-term or sustainable intervention to years of environmental degradation.

Rainwater is one of the advantageous methods of using natural water in a sustainable manner.

Rainwater harvesting system offers sufficient amount of water and energy savings through lower consumption. Moreover, considering the cost for installation and maintenance expenses, the system is effective and economical. Rainwater harvesting is the most traditional and sustainable method, which could be easily used for potable and nonpotable purposes both in residential and commercial buildings. 

Rainwater harvesting could be the most sustainable solution to be included in the urban water management system. It could mitigate the water crisis problem, reduce the burden on traditional water sources, alleviate nonpoint source pollutant loads, control water logging problems, prevent flooding, help in controlling climate change impacts, contribute to the storm water management

Capturing rain where it falls or capturing the run off in your own village or town and taking measures to keep that water clean by not allowing polluting activities to take place in the catchment.

Rainwater harvesting suitable for work as well as at home, in schools, hospitals, offices, commercial premises, rainwater can typically be used for toilets, vehicle washing, yard washdown and watering plant pots/gardens.

In general, water harvesting is the activity of direct collection of rainwater. The rainwater collected can be stored for direct use or can be recharged into the groundwater. Rain is the first form of water that we know in the hydrological cycle, hence is a primary source of water for us. Rivers, lakes and groundwater are all secondary sources of water.

In present times, we depend entirely on such secondary sources of water. In the process, it is forgotten that rain is the ultimate source that feeds all these secondary sources and remain ignorant of its value. Water harvesting means to understand the value of rain, and to make optimum use of the rainwater at the place where it falls.

Tree Top Adventure Baguio - Experience The Extreme

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Experience extreme adventure and extreme relaxation at Tree Top Adventure Baguio, the only motorized zipline in the Philippines and the only Team Building facility in Baguio. With seven outdoor activities and team building facilities, located within Camp John Hay, surrounded by pine trees and overlooking breathtaking views, Tree Top Adventure Baguio offers an adventure of a lifetime.

For the thrill seekers who want to experience extreme adventure, you might want to experience their Tree Drop in which you’ll be suspended 60 feet above the ground, mission impossible style and you’ll be falling as fast as 2 to 3 seconds. This Tree Top’s most extreme activity costs Php 150.00 only and this is one way to really quench your thirst for adrenaline rush. You might also want to try rides done in pairs: the Superman Ride and Silver Surfer. 

As the name implies, you’ll be ziplining, Superman Style, 200 meters long, 150 feet above the ground, but instead of doing it just forwards, you would also be ziplining backwards. Silver Surfer is a 60 degree diagonal motorized zipline in which you’ll be standing on a specialized platform and you’ll be gliding up and down for three cycles. Expect that there would be stops and swings for every cycle. 

For Php 300.00 and Php 200.00 respectively, you could experience what superheroes feel as they fly and glide through the air.

For those who want to experience extreme relaxation, you could try the Canopy and Funicular ride which costs Php350.00. 

The Canopy is similar to the concept of cable cars, but instead, you’ll be seated on cable chairs in which you’ll be transferring from one station to another until you complete all eight stations. When you reach the station four of the Canopy, you would walk for around 2 to 3 minutes to be able to reach the connecting ride of Canopy which is the Funicular ride. This ride is similar to the concept of elevator, but, instead of standing up, you’ll be seated. This is at least a way for you to conquer your fear of heights. But, if you really have extreme fear of heights, you could just avail the Trekking and Skywalk in which you would walk around Tree Top’s area and go up the skywalk area, or the viewing deck in which you could see the mountains of Itogon, Benguet, the so called, old Baguio before. You could stay at the Skywalk areas long as you want to take pictures and feel the cold breeze.

If your company plans to have a convention or seminar at Baguio, you might want to experience Tree Top's Team Building Activities which includes two high element activities (Tree Drop and Silver Surfer), five low element activities, boodle lunch and facilitators for just Php 800.00 per head only. The activities would really challenge each member and how they work with their workmates. Work and play, as the cliché says!

You might also want to try another branch of Tree Top Adventure Subic located at the JEST Area, Upper Mau Cubi Point Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

For more information, you could contact (074) 442-0800 or 0932 404 1112. You could also visit www.treetopadventureph.com. 

To be more updated, you may like www.facebook.com/treetopadventurecamp and follow Tree Top on Instagram-www.instagram.com/tree_top_adventure.

Panagbenga Festival 2015 - "Across 20 Years of Blossoming Together"

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Panagbenga Festival 2015 with the theme "Across 20 Years of Blossoming Together" will be celebrated on February 1 – March 8, 2015. Panagbenga is an annual flower festival celebrated every February which takes place in Baguio City, Philippines.

Through the years, the Panagbenga festival has steadily become the best avenue where Baguio people can shine and innovate what best depicts their community – with everyone co-owning the festival. The term “Panagbenga” comes from a Kankanaey term meaning “season of blooming,” “a time for blooming.” This festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras.

The Panagbenga Festival 2015, also known as the Baguio Flower Festival (BFF) will  surely attracts the most number of tourists both local and foreign. During the five week celebration, different activities are scheduled primarily for the amusement of the visiting public.

On its 20th year, the Panagbenga Festival has flourished to be a huge annual event in Baguio City. Panagbenga Festival 2015 will not only be Baguio's but the flower festival of BLISTT. The 20th celebration of the Panagbenga festival promises not only the Summer Capital's best but also the best of the neighboring municipalities especially La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay.

February 1, 2015 marks the commencement of the Panagbenga Festival filled with dancing and competition.

The highlight of the Panagbenga Festival, the Grand Street Dancing Parade, to be held on February 28, 2015. 

The parade will start at the Panagbenga Park going down Session Road and will take a left turn to Harrison Road until eventually it reaches Athletic Bowl. During the street dancing, the rich and colorful cultures and traditions of the Cordillera will take center stage.

The closing ceremony of the Panagbenga Festival will be held on March 8, 2015, to be concluded by an extravagant firework display that is anticipated to be grander from last year’s. The venue for the closing ceremony is at the Athletic Bowl but smaller versions will be done simultaneously in various areas of Baguio’s Business Central District.

Here's the program schedule of the Panagbenga Festival 2015:

February 1, 2015

• Opening Ceremonies and Street Dancing Parade Competition
  (Drum and Lyre Dance Competition – Elementary Division)
  Locations: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Harrison Road, Melvin Jones
• Opening Concert
  Location: To Be Announced
• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 2 – 14, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 15, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Handong ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Panagbenga 2015 Kite-Flying Challenge
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Panagbenga Variety Show
  Location: Melvin Jones
• Fireworks Display
  Location: Melvin Jones

February 16 – 18, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 19, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Chinese Spring Festival
  Location: City-wide

February 19 – 22, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• PMA Grand Alumni Home Coming
  Location: Philippine Military Academy, Loakan Road

February 23 – 27, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Floral Arrangement Competition and School-based Landscaping Competitiong (Judging)
  Location: Elementary and Highschools in Baguio City

February 28, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Grand Street Dancing Parade
  Locations: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl
• Sponsors’and Exhibitors’ Day
  Location: Athletic Bowl

March 1 – 6, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Grand Float Parade
  Locations: DILG, Session Road, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl
• Sponsors’and Exhibitors’ Day
  Location: Athletic Bowl
• Session Road in Bloom
  Location: Session Road

March 7, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Session Road in Bloom
  Location: Session Road
• Pony Boys’ Day
  Location: Athletic Bowl

March 8, 2015

• Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
  Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park
• Session Road in Bloom
  Location: Session Road
• Panagbenga Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display
  Locations: Athletic Bowl and various areas in Baguio’s (Central Business District) CBD
• Mar 01-08 Session Road In Bloom
  The most popular street in Baguio will be closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to walk freely and enjoy the various food and non-food
  products and entertainment on offer.

Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015. See you there and enjoy the wonderful world of Panagbenga 2015!