Baguio sure knows how to party.
What a way to start the 'ber' months. Drove up (with the 'rents, LOL) to witness the opening of Forest Lodge (formerly The Suites) at Camp John Hay.
Honestly, I thought we were in for stiff cocktails. But they had scantily clad men dance at the onset of the party - and it wasn't even 7pm yet! How can you not love Baguio when it's the men who are "exposed" while the women are all covered up! This is definitely a culture that is ahead of its time. Willie Revillame, take note!
Seriously, though, it was a great cultural experience. These dancers were students from a Baguio university and they were amazing. I think it was a bird dance of some sort because they had a lot of "flying" movements. Usher and Beyonce could learn a thing or two from these guys.
Also, the mayor of Baguio City, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, sounded the gong to signify the opening, followed by fireworks. Then the bishop gave a blessing and we all walked into the hotel where the party started.
The mayor gave a passionate speech about how developments like this in Baguio must be supported. I was like, duh, of course - until someone shared that apparently the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) wants to take over Camp John Hay. Did a quick search on the issue and found this. Apparently BCDA did try to forcibly take over Camp John Hay a few months back (horrors!) but they were stopped by an injunction issued by the RTC of Baguio because of the "irreparable damage" that may cause. Reminds me of the time that Payumo, who is now head of BCDA, forcibly ousted Dick Gordon from Subic/SBMA. Que horror!
Congressman Bernardo Vergara, whom I was told was General Manager of the Tourism Department during the time of Marcos also warned against government taking over developments such as Camp John Hay. His statement made sense: if government takes over, it will be spending funds (and not necessarily perform well - can you imagine this place degenerating to the level of a government resort?! God forbid!) whereas with the set-up created under then President Ramos (similar to PNoy's PPP), the private partner leases out the property from the government. Here the national government gets income (lease payment by developer to BCDA), the city gets income (also from the lease payment by the developer) and the area is developed professionally. Let's hope the guys at BCDA realize this.
Well that's all I could hear because right after this, 80s mash ups started to blast from the dj's booth. Neither could I take pictures anymore pictures because everything was an instant instagram:
Walked around instead and found this:
PUTO BUMBONG!!! September 1 and it's officially Christmas!
After all the drinking, I needed to eat! Escaped with my parents to my favorite Baguio restaurant: Chef's Home. As always, it was a fabulous meal.
Had the best tom yum in the country:
... nope it's not fish. It's rib-eye! But "Asianized". I suggested to the chef to try it with beef tapa. Of course we paired this with this awesome Nasi Goreng.
After, it was back to the peace and quiet at the Manor.
Ayt, off to bed :)
PS Have to tell you too about my trip to Eve's Garden. But later. Gotta catch up on zzzs.
