'Twas a Vibrant Day When Baguio Turned 105

It was in September 1, 1909 when Baguio City was granted its charter. To this day, it is considered one of the most important dates – if not THE most important date – in the history of Baguio City. And every year, it is celebrated with a program and a civic parade on the date itself, followed by a series of activities lasting throughout the month.

This year is no different.

The program started at exactly 8am at the Baguio Convention Center, with House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr., – a “Baguio boy” – as the confirmed Guest of Honor and Speaker. Unfortunately, he had to cancel at the last minute so, in his stead, he sent his son (another “Baguio boy”) Jose Christopher Belmonte, Quezon City Representative, to deliver his message.

The father of the City, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan (MGD), formally opened the program. Congressman Nicasio Aliping made the introduction of the Guest Speaker, and Councilor Elmer Datuin closed it. As with previous years (and the practice enforced by MGD), the program was followed by a civic parade, participated in by various groups across sectors of the City.

The parade started from the Baguio Convention Center, down Session Road, past the People’s Park, round Harrison Road, then ended up at the Melvin Jones Grandstand.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Shared Responsibilities, Duties and Resources for a Vibrant Baguio”.

During this day, Session Road was closed to all vehicles. In the afternoon, at 3:30pm, a free Zumba Fitness Party in celebration of Baguio Day was scheduled at the top of Session Road, right in front of the Baguio City Post Office and the rotonda. This was a collaboration between SMART and the City Government of Baguio. There was a slight shower at around 2:30 in the afternoon, and there were also technical difficulties involving power lines. Thus, the activity was delayed for about an hour and a half.

Still, it was a whole lot of fun! Yes, I went, too. Haha! Any excuse to sweat and tire myself out, I’ll gladly grab with both hands.

More snaps follow.