Traveling and visiting different sites are a fun and refreshing way to relieve stress or just experience new places. Since I live in one of the most visited place here in the Philippines, I decided to write about the different tourist spots here for others who had not visited here yet, see what our little town Baguio has to offer.
Camp John Hay
Location
Found in Loakan road, Baguio City a few minutes drive Session Road
History
In 1900, during the Philippine – American War, the US 48th Infantry unit led by Capt. Robert Rudd, established the Hill Station in what is today the site of Camp John Hay. This site was part of a pasture land referred to by its local inhabitants, the Ibalois, as Kafagway, which meant ‘a wide open place’. It was owned by a native by the name of Mateo Cariño.
In October 1903, US President Theodore Roosevelt signed a presidential order designating 525 acres (approx. 213 hectares) of the camp site as a military reservation for American Soldiers to rest and recuperate from the heat of the lowlands.
In December of 1941, seventy-two (72) bombs released by Japanese warplanes over the Main Gate of Camp John Hay signaled the beginning of World War II.
Camp John Hay then became an interment camp for Americans and other nationals at war with the Japanese. The Camp served as the headquarters of General Tomoyuki Yamashita.
The Japanese occupation came full circle, as it ended with the surrender of General Yamashita at Camp John Hay. Formal ceremonies were held at the living room of the High Commissioner’s residence which was later renamed as the Ambassador’s Residence. In 1955, Camp John Hay was re-designated as John Hay Air Base under the control of the Americans.
Camp John Hay was formally turned over to the Philippine Government by the Americans in 1991. The Philippine Government then designated Camp John Hay to what it is today a tourist area, human resource development hub, and forest watershed reservation.
Source
Activities and Attractions
There are lots of this you can do in Camp John Hay, be it for simple picniks or team building activities.
Picnik
John Hay is surrounded by trees and grass making it a perfect spot for gatherings and picniks.
You could rent tables or use tents and even spend the night there if you like.
Tree top Adventure
For those who are looking for adventure like zip lines and the like. Tree Top Adventure is the right place for you.
Historical Core Site
You could also roam around the camp's historical core site. It's just beside tree top adventure.
- Bell Amphitheater
- Bell's House
- Secret Garden
- Cemetery of Negativity
- Mile-hi Center
There are actually more stalls and spots to visit to ,but we were not able to snap a few photos on the way. So to wrap things up, Camp John Hay is a nice place to visit with friends and family. So if given the chance to visit, this place should be one of your bucketlist.
Til the next post! Have a good day! 😄