HomeAsiaPhilippinesLuzonBenguetBaguio CityCamp John Hay Baguio – BBQ Ribs at Little John’s and the Secret Garden By Marcos Detourist on October 15, 2011I love traveling because it affords me the opportunity to be transported to unfamiliar environments. Being in a different natural or urban setting becomes an opportunity to realize conceptual photos.My biggest goal in Baguio was to have my photo taken among towering pine trees. Yeah … pretty vain, I know.I was looking for a good spot where I could pretend to be in the temperate zone of the world. It’s my dream to visit the pine forests of Alaska, New Zealand, the French Alps (or any alps for that matter), or Forks (Twilight fan here!). The pine forests of Baguio are as close as I can get since I don’t have enough money to travel to these places.After a walking tour of downtown Baguio, I took a cab to the Mile Hi Center (P50+ metered taxi fare). I was hoping to find a good pine covered spot in this upscale part of Baguio. Cozy interiors of Little John’s located at Mile Hi Center, Camp John Hay in BaguioBBQ Ribs at Little John’sFound out about Little John’s restaurant at PEX. One of the helpful members recommended Little John for its tasty and affordable BBQ Ribs. It was a good call indeed.The food was delicious and cheap for a place this nice. I loved the cozy feel of Little John’s and the refreshing view of the floor-to-ceiling window at the back. BBQ Ribs with rice (P145), Iced Tea (P40). No service charge Refreshing view while dining at Little John’sSpending P185 for lunch is NOT a cheap meal in the Philippines by most standards. I have no qualms with eating at carinderias or living off from instant noodles for weeks on end. I do it most of the time when I’m traveling but I also don’t like to scrimp out on everything all the time.I could survive living at dingy hostels with the intention of saving enough money so I could indulge in a nice meal once in a while or go on a worthwhile packaged tour. Traveling doesn’t need to be expensive but when an opportunity to enrich my travel experience comes, I’d take it if I can afford it!Mile Hi CenterThe Mile Hi Center is located within the grounds of Camp John Hay. It’s also called the Camp John Hay Commissary. The place is known for its outlet shops selling branded goods at discounted prices.Before, I’ve only known about Camp John Hay for its exclusive Golf and Country Club. I was a surprised to discover that it has grown into a sort of hang out place and residential enclave.Camp John Hay Golf ClubFoot TrailsCamp John Hay wasn’t too exclusive, thankfully. Anyone could just go in and appreciate the relaxed views of Camp John Hay. Taxi and private vehicles are the only means of transportation. No need to have the taxi driver wait up since there are a lot of taxis passing by the main roads.There were open foot trails and picnic grounds for everyone to enjoy. Spent the afternoon exploring Camp John Hay by foot.Scenic foot trailsPicnic groundsLiberty ParkLiberty Park in Camp John HayMiniature replica of the Statue of Liberty“We Shall Overcome. Someday We Shall All Be One.”Historical CoreThe historical core of Camp John Hay is a growing tourist attraction in Baguio. The colorful history of Camp John Hay is preserved through historical landmarks situated in the Historical Core. Entrance fee at the Camp John Hay historical core was P50. Admission booth.Cemetery of NegativismDesigned by then Base Commander Major John Hightower, the Cemetery of Negativism is the symbolic burial place of negativism, said to be man’s greatest self-imposed infliction, his most limiting factor, and his heaviest burden.There were many tombstones with funny epitaphs at the cmetery. It was a great way to lighten the mood before going on a tour of the historical core.The AmpitheatreOtherwise known as the Bell Amphitheater, this structure was designed by and named in honor of General J. Franklin Bell. It’s the perfect setting for weddings and intimate gratherings.Bell HouseThe Bell House was originally the vacation quarters of the Commanding General of the Philippines. It was General Bell who essentially transformed Camp John Hay into a major military resort.Today, the Bell House serves as a modern museum of colonial architecture and lifestyle. A portrait of John Milton Hay is set at the center of the living room, while the walls adorn images of Camp John Hay history.Totem PoleMade by Ernesto Dul-ang who was employed by the camp as a woodcarver, this hand-crafted wooden fixture used to adorn the scenic Scout Hill, near the premises of the Lone Star restaurant. This features the busts of leaders who helped shape the development and history of Baguio City, Camp John Hay, and the Philippines in general.The figure heads include Admiral George Dewey, President Emilio Aguinaldo, President William Howard Taft, Secretary John Milton Hay, William Cameron Forbes, President Theodore Roosevelt, Major General J. Franklin Bell, Lt. Colonel Lyman W. Kennon, Mayor Eusebius Halsema, and General Douglas MacArthur.History TrailThe winding path along the flower beds beside the Bell House has history boards that post the highlights of Camp John Hay’s story. The trail is a 30-minute stroll that ends at the Bell Amphitheater.Secret GardenLoved the Secret Garden. Totally what I was looking for! Spend a generous amount of time here :D Take photo with Baguio pine trees crossed out from my bucket list :) Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Te Quiero Tapas Bar Food at Microtel Inn and Suites BaguioThe Manor in Camp John Hay BaguioMines View, Wright Park, and the Sunset at SM City Baguio3 Days Baguio & La Trinidad Itinerary - DIY Solo Tips &…Airsoft Skrimish under the pines at Baguio Country ClubBaguio City Walking TourComments Grace saysOctober 15, 2011 at 8:34 pmhi there! so nice to see good looking places in baguio! I can’t wait to go there next year :)hehe Lifeisacelebration saysOctober 15, 2011 at 9:06 pmI have always loved going up to Baguio. And now I have more reasons to go and check out. Thanks for sharing this! Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 10:52 amMe too. Also hope to discover more interesting things to do / places to visit in Baguio if ever I’m going back, which is a high likelihood. Micamyx|Senyorita saysOctober 15, 2011 at 11:58 pmExplored Camp John Hay on my own last year. Gusto ko ngang ulitin hehe :D Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 10:55 amAko din. I could spend a whole day there just taking pictures :D gayE @ pinaytraveljunkie saysOctober 16, 2011 at 5:48 pmI’m totally digging your hoodie! Haha, Sa dinami dami ng photos yun ang napansin ;P Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 10:58 amHehe. I was actually tempted to buy that hoodie when I knew I was going to visit Baguio. It’s great to be able to wear layered clothing at any day of the year in Baguio … that’s another thing I love about living in a colder place. Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Grace saysOctober 15, 2011 at 8:34 pmhi there! so nice to see good looking places in baguio! I can’t wait to go there next year :)hehe
Lifeisacelebration saysOctober 15, 2011 at 9:06 pmI have always loved going up to Baguio. And now I have more reasons to go and check out. Thanks for sharing this!
Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 10:52 amMe too. Also hope to discover more interesting things to do / places to visit in Baguio if ever I’m going back, which is a high likelihood.
Micamyx|Senyorita saysOctober 15, 2011 at 11:58 pmExplored Camp John Hay on my own last year. Gusto ko ngang ulitin hehe :D
Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 10:55 amAko din. I could spend a whole day there just taking pictures :D
gayE @ pinaytraveljunkie saysOctober 16, 2011 at 5:48 pmI’m totally digging your hoodie! Haha, Sa dinami dami ng photos yun ang napansin ;P
Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 10:58 amHehe. I was actually tempted to buy that hoodie when I knew I was going to visit Baguio. It’s great to be able to wear layered clothing at any day of the year in Baguio … that’s another thing I love about living in a colder place.