Baguio gets colder as eventswarm up

By Carlito Dar

BAGUIO CITY -- Cold weather, warm people and pre-Christmas activities are now boosting tourism arrivals in this Summer Capital at this time of the year.

Early Christmas chill is already being felt here giving city.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration Baguio meteorologist Danny Galati said temperature in Baguio had been registering   below 15 degrees Celsius  this  month  with the  lowest  temperature  at 12.4°C last Nov. 6.

Galati said they expect the temperature to further drop to 10 to 11°C by December and may even below 10°C  by January.

The lowest temperature  recorded in Baguio was 6.3°Cin 1961 and in recent years with  7.5°C registered in 2009. This he said is a record that can be broken soon due to the effect of climate change.

For early yuletide treat, SM City Baguio recently opened its centerpiece design   adapting a magical theme based on the Disney movie, “Frozen”  at the mall’s Atrium  where mall goers can have  photos.

Baguio Country Club is set to have a soft opening of  its  annual “Christmas Village”   on Nov. 15 and a full opening on the 22^nd.

Out of recycled materials,  club employees transformed a lot just across BCC’s gate into a tourist attraction.

The Mansion, the official house of the President of the Philippines here in Baguio, has already set up a “Belen”

on its grounds where visitors can have their photos taken.

The city government   is also finalizing the activities for the annual Christmas in Baguio event.

Meanwhile, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio President and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon, in an interview, affirmed  high occupancy rate among HRAB member establishments as early as this month  which he attributed to cold temperature and warm hospitality of people including events and destinations the city has to offer.

The annual Fil-Am Golf  started Nov. 19 up to Dec. 6. Just concluded was the four-day 61st Annual National Mining Safety and Environment Conference of the Philippine Mines Safety and Environment Association.