Baguio City: A Cool Mountain City in the Philippines

# Baguio City ## The Colors of Stobosa The colors of Stobosa in La Trinidad, is a stunning hillside mural made up of brightly painted houses in the Stobosa community (named after the sitios Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap). This large mural, inspired by the vibrant favelas of Brazil, covers numero...

# Baguio City ## The Colors of Stobosa The colors of Stobosa in La Trinidad, is a stunning hillside mural made up of brightly painted houses in the Stobosa community (named after the sitios Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap). This large mural, inspired by the vibrant favelas of Brazil, covers numerous homes with colorful patterns, flowers, and symbols, creating a beautiful and unique view from afar. It was a community effort, with locals and artists working together to transform the area into an eye-catching landmark. Now, it’s a popular spot for tourists looking to capture the spirit and creativity of La Trinidad’s people. ## The Botanical Garden The Botanical Garden in Baguio City is a peaceful park filled with flowers, pine trees, and native plants. It has traditional Igorot huts, statues, and landmarks that show the culture of the Cordillera people and Baguio’s connections with other cities. Many visitors enjoy walking around, taking photos, and relaxing in the cool, green surroundings. It’s a popular spot to learn about local nature and culture. ## The Lion's Head The Lion's Head in Baguio is a famous, 40-foot stone sculpture shaped like a lion’s face along Kennon Road. Built by the Lions Club in the 1970s, it stands as a symbol of strength and bravery. Set against the backdrop of pine trees and mountains, it’s a popular spot where visitors love to take photos. The Lion’s Head has become a landmark, welcoming travelers as they enter the cool mountain city of Baguio. ## Population and Demographics Baguio City has a population of around 378,000, but this number can change because many tourists and temporary residents visit, especially in the summer. The city is home to local Igorot people and migrants from other parts of the Philippines. People come to Baguio for its cool climate, schools, and job opportunities. The city's growing population has led to challenges with traffic, housing, and services. ## Culture Cultures in Baguio are a unique blend of indigenous Igorot heritage and influences from Filipino, American, and other Asian cultures. The city is known for its festivals like Panagbenga (Flower Festival), traditional Igorot dances, art, and crafts, especially weaving and woodcarving. ## Government Mayor Benjamin Magalong is the current mayor of Baguio City, known for his background in law enforcement and focus on transparency, innovation, and community welfare. He has been recognized for his leadership in handling city projects and promoting responsible tourism. ## A Fun Fact A fun fact about Baguio is that it’s called the "City of Pines" because of all the pine trees and its cool weather. It's also famous for its strawberry fields in nearby La Trinidad, where visitors can pick fresh strawberries. ## Tourism Baguio sees the most visitors from December to February because of its cool climate and the Panagbenga Festival or Flower Festival, which is a major event in the city. Additionally, many tourists come during summer, from May to July, to escape the heat in other parts of the Philippines and enjoy Baguio’s cooler weather. ## When to Visit **Best time to go in Baguio**