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Baguio is a city of style, culture and sophistication. Created by the Americans in 1901 on the site of the Ibaloi tribal village of Kafagway, it is a testament to town planning which defies convention.

Also known as the City of Pines and situated amidst the mountainous Cordillera region, it is regarded as the summer capital of the Philippines. At over 5000 ft above sea level and 155 miles north of Manila, it basks from November to May in a temperate climate, eight degrees cooler than the lowlands which comparably stew in the stifling heat below.

Bestowed with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions it is a destination to satisfy and equally challenge the most demanding traveller.

Baguio City is the best source of highland vegetables more normally associated from countries in the northern hemisphere of the globe. Lettuce and broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, potatoes, cabbages and asparagus are all produced locally from the different Cordillera provinces, and sold at the huge and very popular city market.

The wide variety of produce on offer together with the sounds, smells and colours of this vibrant shopping extravaganza makes the rather arduous task of getting there pale into insignificance. Combine this with a stroll around some of the world's finest and highest strawberry fields and you'll know what having your head in the clouds really means.

The serpentine and infamous Kennon Road which leads there is not for the feint hearted. Built between 1903 and 1905 it is not the only choice, but is by far the most scenic and hair-raising.

So if you enjoy roller-coaster rides this is the one for you. Presuming there's a breath left in your body when you reach the top, prepare for it to be taken away when you see the vibrancy, confidence and excitement of this remarkable city in the sky.

Recently an American tourist complained to the Baguio City Government remarking how offended she was due to certain artifacts being sold throughout their hundreds of market stalls. It produced an extraordinary general assembly. What, they asked, should be done about the proliferation of carved wooden phallic symbols blighting the visitor perceptions of their town?

For many years and more, a certain curio has been a most popular souvenir in the Philippines. Found in any gift shop, even at the airports, the diminutive wood carving of a Cordilleran tribesman attracts utmost interest. He stands upright and proud in a barrel, which the unsuspecting shopper cannot resist lifting,

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