BAGUIO REVISITED

I haven’t been to Baguio since the earthquake in 1990. So when I went there recently, I was shocked. First of all, I could not find the Star Cafe along Session Road where politicians and newsmen used to gather.

There are no more pine trees in the mountains. Shanties have grown in their place.

Session Road is now full of people. During my time, you only saw Session Road full of people during Holy Week.

People used to go to the Mines View Park. Not anymore. Now they go instead to SM Mall Baguio. On the fourth floor of the mall you can see a view of the city.

My son Soler and his family with my apo, Badge Ruiz and I stayed at the Camp John Hay Manor. From here, at least you can still savor the old Baguio with pine trees a-plenty.

Soler and I had lunch with Bencab at the Cafe by the Ruins where we enjoyed a nice meal and a good ambience.

After two days, I missed my McDo breakfast so I went downtown and found one at Session Road corner Mabini Street. While having breakfast, right in front of the window was the Star Cafe. The building is now full of signs. No wonder I couldn’t find it.

I went down with my apos, Louie and Badge, along the Marcos Highway, missing the Tour Pilipinas and said goodbye to the busted Marcos statue.