The Enchanting Retreat of Camp John Hay

• HelloKamusta
  [ka-mu-sta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pa-a-lam]
• YesOo
  [o-o]
• NoHindi
  [hin-di]
• Please/You're welcomePaki
  [pa-ki]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya
  [pa-sen-sya]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [ka-mu-sta ka?]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [ma-bu-ti. i-kaw?]
• Do you speak English?Marunong ka mag-Ingles?
  [ma-ru-nong ka mag-ing-les?]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-di ko main-tin-di-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko makita ang menu, pakisuyo
  [gus-to ko ma-ki-ta ang me-nu, pa-ki-su-yo]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-di a-ko ku-ma-ka-in ng kar-ne]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [ma-bu-hay!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko magbayad, pakisuyo
  [gus-to ko mag-ba-ya-ad, pa-ki-su-yo]

• Help!Tulong!
  [tu-long!]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [lu-ma-yo ka!]
• Call the Police!Tawag sa pulis!
  [ta-wag sa pu-lis!]
• Call a doctor!Tawag sa doktor!
  [ta-wag sa dok-tor!]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [na-wa-wa-la a-ko]
• I'm illMay sakit ako
  [may sa-kit a-ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...
  [gus-to ko bu-mi-li ng...]
• I'm just lookingNagtitignan lang ako
  [nag-ti-tig-nan lang a-ko]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-ka-no i-to?]
• That's too expensiveMahal masyado
  [ma-hal ma-sya-do]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede mo bang babaan ang presyo?
  [pu-e-de mo bang ba-ba-an ang pres-yo?]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [a-nong o-ras na?]
• It's one o'clockAlas-uno na
  [a-las-u-no na]
• Half past (10)Alas-diyes y medya
  [a-las-di-yes y med-ya]
• MorningUmaga
  [u-ma-ga]
• AfternoonHapon
  [ha-pon]
• EveningGabi
  [ga-bi]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [ka-ha-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [nga-yon]
• TomorrowBukas
  [bu-kas]
• 1Isa
  [i-sa]
• 2Dalawa
  [da-la-wa]
• 3Tatlo
  [tat-lo]
• 4Apat
  [a-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Anim
  [a-nim]
• 7Pito
  [pi-to]
• 8Walo
  [wa-lo]
• 9Siyam
  [si-yam]
• 10Sampu
  [sam-pu]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...?
  [na-sa-an ang...?]
• What's the address?Ano ang address?
  [a-no ang address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pu-e-de mo ba a-kong i-pa-ki-ta (sa ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [ka-i-lan ang su-su-nod na (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papuntang ...)
  [i-sang ti-ket (pa-pun-tang ...)]

Camp John Hay was originally established in 1903 as a rest and recreation facility for the United States Armed Forces stationed in the Philippines. Named after John Hay, the U.S. Secretary of State who played a key role in the negotiations of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, its inception marked the beginning of American colonial influence in Baguio. The camp was designed to provide soldiers with a serene environment amidst the cool mountain air of Baguio, which was then being developed as a summer capital of the Philippines.

During World War II, Camp John Hay was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 to 1945. The area was transformed into a military garrison, and many of the original structures were repurposed to serve the occupying army. After the war, the camp fell into disrepair, but it remained a significant historical site, highlighting the tumultuous events that shaped the region during this period.

After World War II, Camp John Hay was restored and returned to the United States military. It became a popular destination for soldiers and their families, featuring recreational facilities, a golf course, and lodging. The camp played an integral role in the local economy by attracting visitors to Baguio, which was known for its cool climate and scenic beauty, further solidifying its reputation as a summer getaway.

In 1991, following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo and the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the Philippines, Camp John Hay was turned over to the Philippine government. The area underwent significant development as it transitioned from a military base to a civilian leisure and tourism destination. The John Hay Special Economic Zone was established, promoting eco-tourism and preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Today, Camp John Hay is a vibrant neighborhood in Baguio, known for its lush pine forests, eco-parks, and historical landmarks. The area hosts various cultural events and festivals, showcasing the rich heritage of Baguio and its indigenous peoples. The transformation of Camp John Hay into a civilian area has allowed it to retain its historical essence while adapting to contemporary tourism and recreation, making it a unique blend of history and modernity.

Camp John Hay is accessible from various neighborhoods in Baguio. If you're coming from Session Road, you can take a jeepney heading towards Camp John Hay. The fare is around PHP 10-15. Taxis are also available and could cost approximately PHP 100-150, depending on traffic. For those arriving from the bus terminal, it's best to take a taxi or jeepney as public transport options are limited.

Camp John Hay is primarily a pedestrian-friendly area, with many attractions within walking distance. For longer distances, you can hire a taxi or use local jeepneys. Bicycles can be rented at certain spots, allowing you to explore the scenic trails and the surrounding pine forest. Note that there are no trains or major bus services operating directly within Camp John Hay.

Camp John Hay is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain cautious. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night. While crime rates are low, petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Areas such as the nearby Botanical Garden and Wright Park may have occasional reports of pickpocketing, so always keep your belongings secure.

In emergencies, dial 911 for assistance. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is Baguio General Hospital, located about 3 kilometers away. Make sure to carry travel insurance that covers medical situations. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies within Camp John Hay where you can obtain over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for varying weather; temperatures can drop at night. Don't wear revealing attire, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; it's polite to bow your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine at the eateries around Camp John Hay. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Camp John Hay like a local, visit the Burnham Park for recreational activities. Participate in the local pine tree planting programs if available. Engage with vendors at the Night Market for a taste of local street food. Explore the Eco-Trail for a peaceful nature walk, and don't miss the Camp John Hay Historical Core for insights into the area's rich history.