Here, there and back again… at the SM Mall of Asia

Last May 19, my wife Odette and I, along with our three boys were back at SM Mall of Asia to watch a movie. Hewlett-Packard (HP) Original Rewards Philippines held an exclusive members-only screening of the animation comedy - Shrek 3, the third episode on the adventures of a good natured ogre in the magical world of Neverland. The event turned out to be one big successful family day for the member-representatives of various private and government agencies who brought their respective families and friends to the jam packed Premier Cinema. I got four free tickets for my wife and kids based on the required number of eCoupons I was able to register during the promo period. Since we were five, I planned at first to just wait for them outside the movie hall as they watched the movie. But the Lord blessed us more when I requested if I may be given an extra movie pass given our situation to which the HP people agreed to.

The movie was great! The overall theme though of the story was for adults to appreciate as they “modernized” the fairy tale characters with retro musical scoring to boot. Still, my family had a laughter-filled time watching the movie. I hope HP Original Rewards would have more of these family-oriented promotional activities in the future.

Lunch at Gerry’s Grill in SM MOA

Try out their Bangus sisig dish

The third chapter of the movie “Pirates of the Carribean” trilogy

was another summer blockbuster

MOA has lots of scenic open spaces



‘Til next time……

P.S. If you’re curious about that costumed young lady walking near my family in the last picture, there was a Manga (Japanese comic) convention inside the MOA that day. A lot of young enthusiasts were dressed up like comic characters for the occasion!

The Baguio Country Club - A glimpse of the city's illustrious past

Baguio – the word evokes vivid images and blissful memories among the pine trees, the smell of fresh strawberries and the stunning sight of majestic highlands as I remember how the cool mountain breeze gently touches my face. It often rains in Baguio, all year round I can imagine. But the drizzles never seem to dampen one’s longing for this lovely place. Its morning and afternoon mist which often comes with the rain only add to its beauty and mystique.

Sad to say, the beauty and mystique of Baguio is slowly withering away. Rapid urban growth is taking its toll on the environment and natural charm.

Massive urbanization is taking its toll on Baguio's environment.....and natural charm

Anybody who takes the air-con bus from Metro Manila to Baguio would have an idea of how I feel. If the bus takes the Marcos Highway route to Baguio, the rider will surely see the name of a popular local fast food chain placed in the edge of a mountain as you near the city limits. The pristine beauty of the province of Benguet’s mountains in many places is now marred with commercialism and unsightly graffiti. When you row a boat in the middle of the lake in Burnham Park you feel far way from the hustle and bustle, the sights and sounds of Metro Manila until you look up and see the enormous SM sign at the top of Session Rd.

As I again traveled to Baguio for the conduct of the second procurement trainers training under the European Commission – Office of the Ombudsman Corruption Prevention Project last April 15 to 21, I can’t help but feel concerned about the future of a city I learned to love.

That is why I consider it quite an experience to have this week long training in a place that reminds us about the Baguio of old. I’ve been to Baguio several times but due to the exclusive nature of the Baguio Country Club (BCC), this is the first time I’ve really seen and stayed in this prestigious social establishment for the rich and famous.

Founded in 1905 by the colonial Americans, it was inaugurated the following year and registered as the Baguio Country Club Corporation in 1907. The Americans made the area of Baguio their place of rest and recreation due to similarities with their country’s climate. The invading Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War occupied the club and used it for their own officials. At the end of the war in 1945, it served as the headquarters of the commanding general of the 33rd Division of the United States Armed Forces. And it was only in 1957 that the BCC had its first Filipino Club President.

Though the country’s First Family has its official residence at the white Mansion, they often come to the BCC when in town. I’m assuming at least one of them is a member, considering that they all have the resources to be part of this club.

If I had the resources I’d probably consider applying to be a club member, not because I like playing golf but rather because of the ambiance and prestige it brings out. Actually, I like Camp John Hay a lot more than BCC as it has a lot more to offer than just golf. In terms of facilities, amenities and things to do, Camp John Hay’s Manor, based on my personal experience, has more, newer and better ones to offer while also retaining the old and classic Baguio atmosphere.

Still, I liked my stay at the Baguio Country Club. It’s something I always wished I could have shared with my family members. Who knows? Maybe someday I get to stay there again – with my family.

Visit Baguio and help preserve its natural beauty and rich cultural legacy for all generations to appreciate and to cherish.

The BCC is part of Baguio's rich cultural heritage

BCC's modern rooms are cozy enough for my standards

With the Procurement Watch Inc. (PWI) team

The view of BCC's golf course from my room's view deck

The lighting in this picture wasn't enough but it does give a good view of the building's left wing

More pictures of the greens....






...and fairways





BCC's right wing dining area









One side of the BCC's massive structure

What's Baguio without its multi-colored flowers?



The sunflowers of Baguio

The Country Club by night fall

The BCC has adequate facilities and amenities for its members and guests

Tenpin bowling at the BCC

The procurement training participants are in session

Another of BCC's scenic views

Baguio's only temperature controlled swimming pool ( I think!)

PNKY has an outlet inside the BCC complex

I definitely recommend PNKY's Ube jam!

It's a crossover between Good Shepherd's fine ube and Tantamco's chunky course texture.

You'll ask for more!

Training participants and organizers pose for the "class" picture

The Baguio Country Club turned 100 last 2005

If you happen to be a guest at the BCC, don't forget to buy their famous raisin bread for your loved ones and treat yourself to a Cuppa Treat (last picture)! You may still be able to get one of those BCC cetennial coffee mugs while enjoying this creamy indulgence!