Historical Core
“TAKE nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time.”
One of the major spots in Baguio City is Camp John Hay. The terrain, the pine trees and the mountain breeze give tourists a vibe that can make them feel at home. A site where Baguio City was born. Family gatherings, events being created here in this place. A place where you want to enjoy and create memories.
Growing up in the City of Baguio for 21 years, I honestly didn’t know that there is such thing as “Historical Core.” I was curious at that time knowing what Historical Core at Camp John Hay was and to feed my curiosity I found out that this place showcases the history and contributions of the American Generals. Before, the places I know is the famous Burnham Park, Wright Park, Centennial Park and other destinations that the City of Baguio has famously known by local and international tourists.
Camp John Hay was used as a rest and recreation spot of the United States Armed Forces and United States Department of Defense employees and their dependents. It was in 1903 that the Camp John Hay was designed for the exclusive use of the US Military and Department of Defense in the Far East. The base which was named after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s Secretary of State (John Milton Hay) was also used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American and British soldiers during World War II (WWII).
It also became a military headquarters of General Tomoyuki Yamashita when he moved up from Manila to the end of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.
In July 1,1991 the Americans surrendered Historical Core to the Philippine Government and in 2003 it was opened for public same year that the Historical Core reach it’s 100 years of establishment.
Today, there are six tourist attractions to visit in Historical Core. The Cemetery of Negativism. The Totem Pole which represents the 10 American Generals who gave their contribution in the improvement of Baguio City especially Camp John Hay. The Bell Amphitheater and The Bell House which was named after Major General James Franklin Bell. The History Trail and The Secret Garden which depicts the small beginnings of the Camp.
My stay at Camp John Hay as an intern specifically at the Historical Core have a special place in my heart, it is not only because of the knowledge that I acquired but for the memories and experiences that we’ve created. Friendship, understanding, laughter and most of all one’s own accord to help and be united in times of need.