Hi Everyone!

My Dada told me today that we have  a lot of friends visiting the posting on Camp John Hay Manor (May 8, 2008 post). He believes that many people,especially from other countries, have heard of the beauty of Baguio City and are looking for more detail information when making future travel plans. Understanding that, Dada said that we should provide our friends with more detailed information on Camp John Hay and the Manor. Dada will help me with this posting as he knows all about this subject. I will let him begin, now, with the story of Camp John Hay.

Camp John Hay

Baguio was a small native Ibaloi village before the Americans stumbled on it while in pursuit of Filipino rebels during the revolution in November 1899. With an average of 8-10 Centigrade lower temperature, the Americans found the perfect place for their soldiers to rest from the high temperatures of the rest of the Philippines. Before this discovery, the troops were sent back to the USA for Rest and Recreation (R & R). Looking to save money and time on the troops, The US government decided to establish a military base in Baguio. This became their summer capital and they named the base after a US Secretary of State, John Milton Hay, who was credited for negotiating the construction of the Panama Canal.

At the onset of the Second World War, Camp John Hay was the first place to be bombed by the Japanese. The Japanese used the base as a concentration camp for American and British soldiers during the length of the war. At the end of the war, it was only fitting that General Yamashita was forced to surrender all his troops at a ceremony inside Camp John Hay.

After 1991, withthe exit of the US military forces from the Philippines, the facility for the first time in its history was opened to the general public and,later, converted to a recreational complex. It had been “off limits” to Filipinos, expect for a privileged few who could get entry passes from the Americans. Public bidding for future development within Camp John Hay was completed September 1996 with the Fil-Estate group making the winning bid.

Many people had complained about the American”s stewardship of the Camp John Hay property but the Americans left the property in beautiful, pristine condition. It is, in fact, the only place where thick pine trees stand in the area. Under the agreement with Fil-Estate, for every pine tree that is cut down during construction, one hundred new pine trees must be planted. It has been agreed that 90% or 272 hectares of its 300 hectares will have no building or structures.

Camp John Hay is located in Baguio City, north of Manila, and 5,000+ feet about sea level. Because of the refreshing cool weather and the wonderful scent of pines, Baguio has been known to all Filipinos as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” and “City of Pines.” It is an auto drive of about 5 hours from Manila but there is extensive bus service and air transport (depending on the weather conditions).

Camp John Hay Manor

Opened in December 2002, The Manor is located at the old main clubhouse site. Sitting on a hilltop, the Manor was designed by the famous architect Ruben Payumo. Using Canadian fir tree logs and framed by the towering pine trees, the Manor has a rustic quiet ambiance. This four-story building was designed to blend perfectly withits environment. providing a wonderful view of the Cordillera mountain range. A very distinct touch was added by the use of local Baguio stone on its exterior finish and shingled roofing. The Manor interiors copy the atmosphere, the history, and the very real memories of the real Baguio. Paneled walls and native wooden furniture brings back a Filipino-colonial feel. Wooden shuttered doors open to outdoor patios with wonderful mountain views or views of the lust pine forests.

The Manor offers 177 rooms including 52 suites. Rooms consist of studio type,one bedroom and two bedroom suites. There is, also, a Honeymoon Cottage on the property. All rooms are equipped withmodern amenities such as cable TV, IDD/NDD telephones, Internet access,fully stocked refrigerator, hot/cold showers, electronic in-room safes, coffee and tea making machine. Electric power is 220 voltage. The main lobby area is adorned with a beautiful huge stone fireplace. The Manor’s interiors were designed by the international firm Steven Leach. Artworks, photographs, and native knick-knacks from the local mountain district are used throughout the Manor and you will, also, find wooden pieces and hand-woven tapestries by Narda’s.

The above picture to the left shows a typical  Superior Room and the picture to the right shows the typical Suite Bedroom. The two bedroom Suite has two of these type bedrooms.

This is a picture of the beautiful Dining Room and Living Room in the one and two bedroom suites. These suites are equipped with two full bathrooms. A balcony from the living room provides wonderful views of the surrounding mountains or the beautiful pine forests. Room service provides a full menu from the Le Chef Restaurant or the Deli Restaurant. The room service is quick and friendly. The entire staff of the Manor is professional and friendly without exception.

The picture to the left shows the Le Chef restaurant. It, also, has a overed outside dining area. This is especially nice for the breakfast buffet dining. Call the night before to hold a table outside for breakfast. This restaurant is commanded by the world famous chef Billy King. Guests are assured of the finest cuisine with service set to the highest international standards. Next to the Le Chef Restaurant is the Manor Delicatessen which serves light snacks and fresh baked daily breads and pastries. It, also, offers a variety of cheeses and sausages with a complement of beverages, coffees, and teas. On the other side of the restaurant and lobby is the Piano Lounge where one can have a cozy seat by the fireplace while listening to the music provided by local artists.

I will offer a personal suggestion about dining in the Le Chef Restaurant. Many times, especially during the months of June and the holiday period (December to January 5th) it would be best to ask before making reservations at the Manor if the restaurant is booked during the evenings for wedding receptions or private parties. The reason why I bring that up is the public is not allowed in the restaurant during that time and must eat at the Deli. That can be a disappointment to some visitors. Best to check before coming.

The Manor Business Center provides guests and business executives a place to combine business with pleasure as can be attested by the many professional meetings and conventions that take place at the Manor every year. Many are booked  a year in advance. The Business Center offers all the modern facilities such as broadband Internet, personal computers, photocopying,scanning and printing,fax machines, and secretarial services.

At the Palm Garden Health Spa one can relax and unwind with a massage,and enjoy the Jacuzzi or Sauna. Best to call ahead for an appointment. The Manor can arrange shuttle service, sightseeing tours (by appointment), baby sitting services(by appointment), valet parking, and car/van rental and taxi services. We have, personally, used the vans that are parked outside the entrance and found them to be, always, clean with knowledge and friendly drivers at a very cost-effective price. Park the car and let them do your driving. It, also, serves the environment by less cars on the road in the “City of Pines.”

Facilities at Camp John Hay include the beautiful golf course designed by the world renowned Golden Bear International firm owned by the golf legend Jack Nicklaus. It is a 5001 yard, par 69 course set in the wonderful pine wooded area of Camp John Hay. Other activities include a 18-hole miniature golf course for the kids, an outdoor skating rink for roller and in-line skating, picnic grounds where one can find picnic tables under the pine trees, indoor recreation hall where one can play billiards and video games, a two mile eco-trail which highlights the picnic areas and the botanical preserves. There is, also, facilities for a pony ride along a bridle path and riding circle.

John Hay Manor Essential Information:

177 Rooms, 4 Floors, 3 Guest Elevators

113 Superior Rooms, 11 Deluxe Rooms, 40 One-Bedroom Suites, 12 Two-Bedroom Suites and One Honeymoon Cottage

Cable TV, IDD/NDD Telephone Service, Internet Access,Refrigerator, In-Room Safe, Mini Bar, Coffee and Tea Maker, Electrical Service:220 voltage

Dining and Entertainment: Le Chef at the Manor-Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Open from 6:00am to 11:00pm. Le chef Delicatessen-Pastries and light snacks are served daily from 7:30am to 11:00pm. Offers a wide selection of freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries, cookies, home made sauces and seasonal specialties. Piano Bar-soft piano music and candlelight by an open fireplace. Open nightly from 5:00pm to 11:00pm.

Guest Services and Facilities: Business Center-provides Internet service, computer rentals, photocopying, and other secretarial services. Health Club-offers complete spa services and the most up-to-date Star Trac gym equipment. The gym is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm. spa and massage services can be availed daily from 9:00am to 10:00pm. Reservations required.

Credit Cards: The Manor accepts American Express, Diners Card, JCB, MasterCard, Visa, Smart and all locally guaranteed bankcards. Cash and pre-deposited payment arrangement can be done on request. Call for further information.

Other Services: Room Service, Shuttle Service, Sightseeing Tours (by arrangement), Babysitting Services (by arrangement), Valet Parking, Car/Van Rental, and Taxi Service.

Other Information: Check-in at 2:00pm, Check-out by 12:00 noon. Children 12 years and under sharing the room and bed with parents are free of charge.

Contact Information: Camp John Hay Manor, Loakan Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600

Telephone: 63-(0)74-424-0931-47/50-53 (use the zero before the 74 when you are dialing in-country).

Facsimile: 63-(0)74-424-0960      E-Mail: reservations@cjhhotels.com

Camp John Hay Manor is managed and operated by Camp John Hay Leisure, Inc.

In closing, I would like to mention that the Manor runs a special reservation rate from June 15 - September 30 each year. It offers a 50% discount for a min. two nights stay. Basically, it is a two night for the price of one night special. During this time the Manor is less crowded and there are less tourists in the Baguio area, Although this is the annual rainy season, there are many fine sunny days during this period. This is our family’s favorite time to visit Baguio City.

I would like eveyone to know that this posting is not acting as a promotion for the Manor and we are not receiving any type of payment or discount arrangement for the post. As a matter of fact, the Manor is not aware of this posting. We decided to make the more detailed post because of the number of visitors that have been accessing the post. We hope that it will, in fact, help our friends at DJ’s World make a decision to come to the Philippines and see the beauty of our country and its people. We know that our beaches are well known and some of the finest in the world. We know that Manila has a beauty and history of its own and is a mecca for shopping. But, to not visit Baguio City and the surrounding area would be missing a wonderful view of the beauty of the mountain area of northern Luzon. Come visit the Philippines and experience the beauty and culture of the Filipino people.

Hi! DJ here, Thank you Dada for helping me with today’s posting. My Dada loves Baguio City and hopes to move our family there some day soon. He loves the mountains and the cool weather. I hope you enjoyed our posting today. Please leave your comments on what you think of beautiful Baguio City. Bye for now!

Technorati Tags: Baguio City, Camp John Hay, Camp John Hay Manor, Philippine tourism, travel to the Philippines

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Hi Everyone!

I woke up early this morning. I had a good sleep and when I opened my eyes, the sun was shining and the air was very cool. It was different not sleeping with the air conditioner on all night. The air smelled different. Mama said that the smell was from all the pine trees and fresh air. I don’t know what it is but I like it.

We are staying at the John Hay Manor. It is a really nice place that is made out of wood logs. Mama said that all the logs were brought here from the United States and Canada.

Dada said that Camp John Hay used to be the rest and recreational facility for members of the military and employees of the Department of Defense of the United States. He said that this 690-hectare property was turned over to the Philippine government in July 1, 1991.

Dada said Camp John Hay was named after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary of war and was used by the Japanese as a prisoner camp for American and British soldiers during World War II. He said its name was changed to Club John Hay after it was turned over to the Philippine government and  for the first time in its history the facility was open to the public in 1991 and converted into a recreational complex. It used to be off-limits to Filipinos, except for the privileged few who could get entry passes from its former American administrators.

There is a lot of new houses here and there is a really nice golf course. I want to learn to play golf when I grow up a little bit more. I hope that Dada will teach me. We spent most of the morning walking around Camp John Hay enjoying the pine trees. We went to a special place where they have so many butterflies in so many colors. It was really nice to see so many different colors…just like a rainbow of butterflies. You know how much I love rainbows!

After our walk, we took a van to town to go to the Baguio Cathedral. Every time that Mama and Dada come to Baguio City, they go,first, to Baguio Cathedral to pray and thank God for all their blessings. Mama says the rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, is one of the more familiar and most visited landmarks of Baguio. she said this beautiful building has twin spires and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. The construction of the cathedral by phases was begun on a hill which was originally referred to as “Kampo” by the native Ibalois. It was later called Mount Mary by a Belgian Catholic Mission headed by Fr. Carlu, CICM, who was then the parish priest. The cathedral was finally consecrated in 1936 and dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement. During World War II it became an evacuation center and withstood the Japanese bombing of the city in 1945, thereby saving thousands of lives.The Baguio Cathedral is the biggest catholic church in Baguio and is the center of religious activities such as during the Holy Week when thousands of devotees from Metro Manila and the provinces come up to the city.  

After we prayed at church, we decided to go visit the SM Mall. It is a new modern addition to Baguio City and a fun place to visit. We walked all through the mall and had a good time. We had a late lunch at Jollibee and I had my favorite foods.

After that we went back to Camp John Hay where I went to the skating rink and watched the people roller skating. I am a little too young to skate. I went and played on the playground. I like the swings and the gym bars.

Tomorrow, Mama said that we are going to a park where I can ride on a boat and we are going to another park where I will ride my first ever horse. I can’t wait for tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: Baguio Cathedral, Baguio City, Camp John Hay, Jollibee, Manor Camp John Hay Manor, SM Mall

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