Big Baguio

“City I sometimes try to imagine how big Baguio

must be now,” that’s a statement coming from an American gentleman who has stayed in the summer capital for several years back in the 70’s.

Now based in the US, Dave Franklin can still vividly recall his fond memories in Baguio being close to wonderful family residing along Rimando Road who treated him as a real relative and being part with a group of guys from Baguio Tech whom he had joined for caroling during Christmas season along Otek Street including a stop at the residence of then Mayor Luis Lardizabal who even invited them for hot chocolate. He can not forget those days when his friend Manny Sungduan played the guitar and they sang together with his friends Nick Panglao, Manoling Barroga, Boy Dulay, Mitch Limpin, Tony Dela Rosa and others with the songs “”Lullaby for Lovers,” “Jamaica Farewell,” and “Long Black Veil.”

He also can still remember during rainy season back in the day when the city has 60,000 population, they used to say that they could recognize the engine sound of every car in Baguio including Johnny Zarate’s taxi.

People then seem to know each other well considering that they are familiar with everyone’s name. They exchange smiles and never fail to have a little chit chat as they meet at the heart of the city along session road.

With the cold weather, people are seen clad with warm clothes feeling the breeze. Unknowingly smoke comes out from their mouth as they start the conversation while fresh smell of pine needles surrounds the air.

Baguio has now become big. This is not in terms of geographical area but in the number of population close to half million, a big increase with the 25,000 number designed for the city by American Architect Daniel Burnham and rising economy with its tourism industry as the main source of wealth.

Baguio is still beautiful today. It may not be that