BAGUIO CITY – The chosen seven Lucky Summer Visitors from Davao City and Negros Occidental expressed their gratitude for the 4-day red carpet treatment provided by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) in collaboration with local authorities and other partners.
During the send-off party of the visitors at Camp Peppot in Burnham Park, the couple, Jay Mae Bee Baling and March Karene B. Ugdaman, and the 5-member family James S. Soriano, her daughters Rezia, Ryza Jane, Sophia Marie, and son John Reuben, were emotional as they shared how deeply grateful they are for the enriching experience they had in the City of Pines. From the unforgettable memories, learnings about the culture and history of Baguio-Benguet, and the warm hospitality of the people,
March, one of the lucky summer visitors and an employee of the Davao City local government, shared, “Hindi po namin inaasahan na kami po ang mapili for the LSV as the lucky summer vistors sa inyong programa here sa Baguio CIty. The rest is overwhelming po talaga lahat with sa akin at saka sa partner ko we did not expect na ganito po ang treatment sa amin. Very red carpet and then very approachable yung mga tao. At the same time, first time namin na maging feeling… feeling artista talaga.” She also said how her interest in Benguet’s culture and tradition was filled, how thankful she is, and how she looks forward to returning to Baguio-Benguet.
Meanwhile, her partner Mae Bee can’t hold her tears as she added, “Salamat talaga kasi nakakataba po ng puso yung pagwelcome niyo po sa amin dito po. Wag kayo magalala tas sasabihin namin dun sa Davao puro ano puro maganda kasi yun yung pinakita niyo sa amin dito.”
On the other hand, James, a seaman and a father, confessed to being an introvert and shared his surprise at being in the limelight. He expressed, “Parang naging instant celebrity kami dito. Sabi ko ‘wow’”. He remains calm by making fun of the experience, but it is also evident that he won’t forget about each moment. James only came back from another country as an OFW seafarer last March 23 and plans to have a bonding with his children and have a deep conversation with them at a quiet spot in Baguio. “Kaya doon sa grupo ng Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club thank you so much sa pagtanggap hindi ko inasahan to wala to sa plano kong ganito pero thank you at dahan dahan nakilala ko yung kultura, tradisyon, ng Baguio-Benguet.” He also thanked the provincial government of Benguet, the municipality of Tuba, La Trinidad, and other tourist spots they visited.
Rezia, one of James’ daughters, emphasized the unexpected extension of their stay, turning their vacation into a memorable exploration of Baguio’s cultural heritage. She said, “Intention naming pumunta dito for vacation lang and for experience. Nung naharang kami dun, akala namin magwewelcome lang kayo nun. Parang lunch, welcome lunch. Kasi ayun nga first-time visitors kami dito so hindi namin naexpect yun nagulat kami kasi akala namin Saturday makakauwi na kami, nagulat kami na extended. So, very good naman siya kasi ano… yung mga place na hindi namin mapupuntahan sana so naexperience namin and ano siya very good, masaya.”
The first stop in their itinerary was at Tuba Municipal Hall, where Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan warmly welcomed them. Then, they went to the Baguio City Hall, where they met Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan. They also went to the iconic Lions Head Tour and View Deck.
For the second day of their trip, they went to the Botanical Garden, The Mansion, Wright Park for horseback riding, Mines View, Tam-awan Village, Stone Kingdom, and Mirador Heritage Eco Park, where they got a full view of the City of Pines.
After going to the well-known spots of Baguio, they travel to La Trinidad up to the breathtaking Tublay. From the colorful Estobosa, innovative Beacon Hill, guided by its owner Juliet Guidangen, they also tasted some berries and learned about different plants at Polig’s Farm through its manager, Lailyn Polig. They also visited the Benguet Capitol and met Ms. Heather Janet Dizon, Tourism Operations Officer II, extending the region’s warm hospitality. Hon. Armando Lauro, Mayor of Tublay, Benguet, was also present.
Their tour continued with a sweet stop at the famous Strawberry Farm, where Hon. Belmer Elis and Hon. Richard Wacnisen greeted them. They got a chance to pick fresh strawberries and were even given 1,500 pesos to buy what they wanted in a span of 20 minutes. Then, they’re warmly welcomed at La Trinidad Municipal Hall by Hon. Romeo K. Salda, Mayor of La Trinidad, and Municipal Tourism Officer Valred Olsim. Finally, they went to Sky Ranch and the Sunset Terrace of a mall in Baguio.
Their 4-day tour concluded in a fun boating and biking experience at Burnham Park’s iconic lake.
The Lucky Summer Visitors program, a tradition dating back to 1964, exemplifies the spirit of hospitality and camaraderie among Baguio’s media community. Thomas Antonio F. Picaña, President of the BCBC reflecting on the program’s success, highlighted the collaborative efforts of BCBC officers, members, and partners. He stated, “Isa siguro sa masasabi natin na nahighlight nung activity, kasi para sa akin, tatlo eh. Yung pagpili, yung pamamasyal nila, yung pagtanggap nila sa atin, at saka itong, ano, itong get-together ng mga media.”
Picaña also shared insights into future initiatives, emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration and community engagement. He expressed how he will continue to engage with the members of BCBC, partners, and the community to ensure the success of activities like the Lucky Summer Visitor program.
As the lucky visitors bid farewell to Baguio, they left with unforgettable memories and rich information about Baguio-Benguet’s beautiful history, culture, and traditions they could share with their friends, relatives, and future grandchildren. Their journey is a testament to the enduring bonds built through shared experiences and the spirit of hospitality that defines Baguio City. By Hazel Rose N. Infante