Falling in love with John Hay

BAGUIO CITY — Peak season like this creates heavy traffic congestion and yet tourists would always troop to Baguio City. This is a place I would love to live in. Every time I come here, there is always a lot to cherish and more to discover.

In the latter part of the 18th century, the Spanish Colonial forces who fought their way over the territory were the first to gain access to where Baguio is now located. But, it was the Americans that discovered the great potentials of a rising city and developed it into what is known today as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines."

The Americans fell in love with the place that they decided to establish a permanent rest and recreation center for the United States Armed Forces and named it Camp John Hay, in honor of John Milton Hay, the Secretary of State under President William McKinley.

Over the years, management of Camp John Hay Golf and Country Club was eventually transferred to Fil-Estate Group of Companies who transformed the 250-hectare property into a leisure complex and made sure to retain the good atmosphere and opportunities the camp has always been known for. Today, it has turned into one of the top tourist destinations of Baguio. Some local folks here even claim that one has not really been to Baguio if he has not seen Camp John Hay.

As an active member of the local community, Camp John Hay (CJH) has pioneered many projects that have contributed a lot to the local economy and to Baguio’s tourism industry, including the city’s most popular festival, the Panagbenga.

The Panagbenga or Flower Festival was started nine years ago by Camp John Hay. Originally, there was no history of such festival in Baguio City.

After generating widespread interest from people all over the country and abroad, the festival has evolved into one of the much-awaited and popular festivals of the Philippines.

Baguio Tourism Council chairman Bong Tabora said the city is hoping to institutionalize quarterly events such as the "Panagbenga" (1st quarter); Summer Festival, Holy Week and religious ceremonies like "Pabasa," hiking, horseback riding, and concerts (2nd quarter); Salad Festival (3rd quarter), and as the Christmas town of the Philippines during the cold season (4th quarter).

This year, the local government took charge of the Flower Festival. To ensure the success of the event, a series of preparatory activities participated in by the students from all levels and from different schools were held. Even heavy downpour of rains did not stop the feverish preparations for the much-awaited event of the year. Travelers and local tourists from various regions of the country, including those from as far as Mindanao, came here in throngs to witness the festivities.

The yearly affair has become so popular and well-attended that even the accommodations had become less and less available to tourists. The city government, together with the local tourism council that represents the major sectors in Baguio, offered special treats, promos, discounts and lined up special activities for visitors to enjoy their stay in the city.

One of the activities that Baguio has to offer to tourists is golf. Camp John Hay, in particular, has a spectacular golf course designed by world-renowned golfer Jack Nicklaus which conforms to the environmental standards set by the Golf Course Commission of USGA and other international agencies. The 18-hole, all-weather course includes fully automated irrigation and computerized turf maintenance systems, additional lakes and ponds that serve as catch basin. Other new features include sand capping and herring bone drainage system that allows for optimum drainage and water collection, and a sewerage treatment plant (STP) to protect water sources from contamination and provide a more efficient recycling system.

A new kind of turf grass has also been introduced — the Bent grass for greens and Tifway 419 (from Bermuda family) for the Fairways. Research has shown that even during high rainfall periods, turf holds 20 times more soil than traditionally formed cropland, better to control water erosive power.

CJH general manager Heiner L. Maulbecker, a German who has been residing in the Philippines for almost 23 years now, disclosed that one of the country club’s future plans is to have a helicopter service that would transport clients directly back and forth to make the most of their leisure getaway. He said they will also develop a horse trail, with imported trail horses and cowboys from Virginia, USA. Other upcoming future structure within the complex include a commercial center with a movie house, casino, skating rink, and a bowling alley. A building reserved for parking alone is also being constructed at the entrance with solar powered cable car to take the people to the complex.

Maulbecker also announced the return of the 19th Tee, a popular diner inside the CJH that serves traditional flab jacks and milkshakes.

Meanwhile, the newly-built CAP Camp John Hay Convention Center, a state-of-the-art facility, is a perfect venue for special events, convention, seminar, incentive and event planners. The city proved it can host big groups such as nearly 5,000 delegates, trade exhibitors, and practitioners of advertising and other related industries.

For individuals who wish to own properties in the CJH complex, there are 75 properties that are readily available for a 50-year lease. Owners can choose to own a country cabin or a log cabin.

The CJH Manor, on the other hand, opened its doors to business investors. Time Share opportunities, where unit owners are entitled to a 30-day free stay each year and are given 70 percent of the net income from earnings of room accommodations managed and operated by Club Leisure Management, subsidiary of Fil-Estate Group of Companies. Manor Suites will be operational later this year with additional 280 rooms.

CJH Manor offers 180 rooms including 54 suites. Rooms consist of studio type, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites and are equipped with modern amenities. CJH also offers delectable fine food, beverage & entertainment, at the restaurant, delicatessen, and piano lounge managed by Billy King of Le Soufflé.

After a busy day touring and enjoying the facilities of CJH, guests can pamper themselves at the Palm Garden Health Spa for a refreshing, relaxing massage or simply indulge in the Jacuzzi or sauna. Who could resist all these exciting pleasures?