A new Baguio tradition

by Dinna Chan Vasquez

Most of us have fond memories of Baguio, starting from Mines View Park to the market, a portion of which burned down recently. Pre-Boracay, summers in Baguio were treats for children who did well in the past school year.

Horseback riding, boating and shopping for souvenirs are only some of the things we?ve enjoyed doing in the country?s summer capital.

A visit to Baguio will not be complete without heading to Camp John Hay, a former American military reservation camp. We will never forget 19th Tee, where one could have giant burgers with French fries and ice cream.

Today, there is one good reason to make Camp John Hay one?s home in Baguio. The Manor is a 180-room hotel with an impressive architecture and cozy interiors of paneled walls and wood furniture.

The place was designed as a home-away-from-home but in a grander sense with all the amenities of a five-star hotel, including well-appointed suites equipped with modern amenities such as cable TV, IDD/NDD phone system with Internet access, fully stocked refrigerator, hot/cold shower, electronic in-room safe and coffee and tea making machine.

Aside from these, The Manor is also known as one of Baguio City?s premier food, leisure and pleasure destinations with dining outlets that offer the best in haute cuisine, fine wines and top-notch entertainment.

The Manor Restaurant, thanks to chef Billy King, offers a wide range of dishes that showcase the freshness of Baguio?s produce?crispy greens and freshly picked fruits and herbs?and seafood delicacies from nearby Dagupan.

Another outlet is The Manor Delicatessen, which sells freshly baked breads and pastries that make great gifts for family and friends in Manila. The deli also offers light snacks and a variety of cheeses and sausages.

The Piano Lounge is a cozy sitting lounge beside a fireplace where one can enjoy fine music while sipping wine or cocktails.

The business center, equipped with modern facilities such as Internet access, computers, secretarial service and photocopy and fax machines, provides guests with a place to combine business and pleasure.

Guests can also play a round of golf at the 18-hole, par 69 course designed by the Golden Bear International of Jack Nicklaus; an 18-hole mini golf for kids; Palm Garden Health Spa for Jacuzzi or sauna; an eco-trail; a butterfly sanctuary; Shulan Ti Kabadjo for horseback riding; an outdoor skating rink for roller and in-line skating; an indoor recreation hall for billiards and video games and picnic grounds with tables under the trees.

The Manor also offers other services and facilities such as shuttle service, sightseeing tours by arrangement, baby-sitting, valet parking, car/van rental and taxi service.

For information, call (074) 424-0931 to 47.