Burnham Park: The Green Heart of Baguio City

• HelloKamusta
  [kah-moo-stah]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pah-ah-lahm]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomePakiusap/Pagpalain ka
  [pah-kee-oo-sap/pahg-pah-lah-een kah]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sah-lah-maht]
• Excuse me/SorryPaumanhin/Pasensya na
  [pah-oo-mahn-heen/pah-sen-syah nah]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [kah-moo-stah kah?]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [mah-boo-tee. ee-kahw?]
• Do you speak English?Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles?
  [mah-roo-nohng kah bah mahg-eeng-lehs?]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-dee koh mah-een-teen-dee-hahn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko sanang makita ang menu, pakiusap
  [goos-toh koh sah-nahng mah-kee-tah ahng meh-noo, pah-kee-oo-sap]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-dee ah-koh koo-mah-kah-een ng kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [mah-boo-ha-ee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko sanang magbayad, pakiusap
  [goos-toh koh sah-nahng mahg-bah-yahd, pah-kee-oo-sap]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-lohng!]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [loo-mah-yoh kah!]
• Call the Police!Tawagin ang Pulis!
  [tah-wah-geen ahng poo-lees!]
• Call a doctor!Tawagin ang doktor!
  [tah-wah-geen ahng dohk-tohr!]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [nah-wah-wah-lah ah-koh]
• I'm illMay sakit ako
  [mahy sah-keet ah-koh]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili...
  [goos-toh koh boo-mee-lee]
• I'm just lookingNagta-tingin lang ako
  [nahg-tah-teen-geen lahng ah-koh]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mahg-kah-noh ee-toh?]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal
  [mahs-yah-dohng mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang babaan ang presyo?
  [pweh-deh bahng bah-bah-ahn ahng preh-syoh?]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [ah-nohng oh-rahs nah?]
• It's one o'clockAlas uno na
  [ah-lahs oo-noh nah]
• Half past (10)Alas dose y medya
  [ah-lahs doh-seh ee meh-dyah]
• MorningUmaga
  [oo-mah-gah]
• AfternoonHapon
  [hah-pohn]
• EveningGabi
  [gah-bee]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [kah-hah-pohn]
• TodayNgayon
  [ngah-yohn]
• TomorrowBukas
  [boo-kahs]
• 1Isa
  [ee-sah]
• 2Dalawa
  [dah-lah-wah]
• 3Tatlo
  [taht-loh]
• 4Apat
  [ah-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Anim
  [ah-neem]
• 7Pito
  [pee-toh]
• 8Walo
  [wah-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [see-yahm]
• 10Sampu
  [sahm-poo]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...?
  [nah-sah-ahn ahng...?]
• What's the address?Ano ang address?
  [ah-noh ahng ah-drehs?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Maari mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [mah-ah-ree moh bah ah-kohng ee-pah-kee-tah sah mah-pah?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [kah-ee-lahn ahng soo-soo-nod nah (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papuntang ....)
  [ee-sahng tee-keht (pah-poon-tahng ....)]

Burnham Park is named after the American architect and city planner Daniel Burnham, who was instrumental in the development of Baguio in the early 1900s. After the Philippines was ceded to the United States following the Spanish-American War, Burnham was commissioned to create a comprehensive plan for Baguio, transforming it into a hill station and summer capital for American officials. His vision included the establishment of parks, wide avenues, and the preservation of the natural landscape.

Burnham Park was constructed between 1905 and 1907 as part of Burnham's urban design. It was designed to be a central recreational area, featuring a man-made lake, gardens, and pathways, reflecting the American colonial influence on urban planning. The park became an essential gathering place for both locals and visitors, promoting leisure and community activities.

Over the years, Burnham Park has evolved into a cultural hub in Baguio. It hosts various events and festivals, such as the Panagbenga Festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera region. The park serves as a venue for local artists and performers, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of Baguio and reinforcing the importance of community engagement.

After World War II, Burnham Park underwent several renovations to restore and enhance its facilities. The park's importance as a recreational space continued to grow, reflecting the changing dynamics of Baguio as a popular tourist destination. Improvements included the addition of playgrounds, gardens, and sports facilities, making it a beloved retreat for both residents and tourists.

In recent years, Burnham Park has faced challenges such as urbanization and environmental degradation. However, local government and community organizations have initiated efforts to preserve its natural beauty and cultural significance. The park remains a focal point for discussions on sustainable tourism and urban development in Baguio, highlighting the need to balance growth with conservation.

Burnham Park is centrally located in Baguio City, making it accessible from various neighborhoods. From Session Road, you can walk to the park in about 10 minutes. If you're coming from the bus terminal, take a taxi or a jeepney heading to Burnham Park, which are common modes of transportation. Jeepneys are a popular choice and provide a local experience, with fares typically costing around PHP 10-15.

Burnham Park is best explored on foot, as it covers a sizeable area with walking paths, gardens, and attractions. You can rent a bicycle or a paddle boat for a more leisurely experience. While public transport is not necessary within the park, nearby jeepney routes can take you to other attractions in Baguio. Taxis are also available for longer distances.

Burnham Park is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid secluded areas, especially after dark. Areas like the edges of the park, especially near the lake at night, can be less secure. Keep belongings close and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded spaces. It is advisable to stay alert and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Baguio General Hospital, located a short distance from the park. Ensure you have travel insurance to cover any health-related issues. For minor medical needs, there are pharmacies nearby where you can purchase over-the-counter medication.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing for walking around the park. Layering is advisable due to the cool climate. Religion: Do be respectful at nearby religious sites. Public Transport: Do respect local customs when using public transport. Don't eat or drink in jeepneys. Greetings: Do greet locals politely. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food stalls. Don't litter in public areas.

To experience Burnham Park like a local, consider visiting early in the morning when the park is less crowded and the air is fresh. Engage with local vendors for unique snacks like strawberry taho or ube ice cream. Join community events often held within the park, such as the Baguio Flower Festival in February, to immerse yourself in local culture. Renting a bicycle to explore the park can add to your experience.