The Vibrant Heart of Baguio: Session Road

• HelloKamusta
  [ka-mus-ta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pa-a-lam]
• YesOo
  [o-o]
• NoHindi
  [hin-di]
• Please/You're welcomePakiusap/Pakiwecome
  [pa-ki-u-sap/pa-ki-we-come]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya/Sorry
  [pa-sen-sya/sor-ry]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [ka-mus-ta ka?]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [ma-bu-ti. i-kaw?]
• Do you speak English?Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles?
  [nag-sa-sa-li-ta ka ba ng in-gles?]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintidihan
  [hin-di ko main-ti-di-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko makita ang menu, pakiusap
  [gus-to ko ma-ki-ta ang me-nu, pa-ki-u-sap]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-di a-ko ku-ma-kain ng kar-ne]
• Cheers!Tagay!
  [ta-gay!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto kong magbayad, pakiusap
  [gus-to kong mag-ba-yad, pa-ki-u-sap]

• 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 kong bumili ng...
  [gus-to kong bu-mi-li ng]
• I'm just lookingNagtitipon lang ako
  [nag-ti-pon lang a-ko]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-ka-no i-to?]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal iyon
  [ma-sya-dong ma-hal i-yon]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede mo bang ibaba ang presyo?
  [pwe-de mo bang i-ba-ba ang pre-syo?]

• 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 dose y medya
  [a-las do-se 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 ad-dress?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pwe-de mo ba a-kong i-pa-ki-ta (sa ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod (bus)?
  [ka-i-lan ang su-su-nod (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papuntang ....)
  [i-sang ti-ket (pa-pun-tang ....)]

Session Road was developed in the early 1900s during the American colonial period as part of Baguio's transformation into a summer retreat for American officials. The road was named to commemorate the Philippine Commission sessions held in Baguio. As the city's main thoroughfare, it became the heart of commercial and social activity, reflecting the blend of indigenous and American influences.

Over the decades, Session Road has evolved into a cultural melting pot, showcasing various aspects of Baguio's diverse heritage. The area is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and markets that feature both local Igorot crafts and international goods, representing the city's role as a convergence point for different cultures in the Philippines.

During World War II, Baguio, including Session Road, faced significant challenges. The city was occupied by Japanese forces, and many establishments along the road were repurposed or destroyed. The post-war period saw a rebuilding effort that revitalized Session Road, integrating lessons learned from the occupation and enhancing its role as a commercial center.

In the late 20th century, the Philippine government invested in infrastructure improvements along Session Road to accommodate the increasing number of tourists and residents. This included the construction of modern commercial buildings while preserving the historical essence of the area. The blend of old and new architecture reflects Baguio's commitment to honoring its past while embracing progress.

Today, Session Road remains a vibrant hub of activity, hosting annual festivals, parades, and cultural events. The famous Panagbenga Festival, celebrated every February, features a grand float parade that winds through this iconic road, highlighting the community's rich traditions and the colorful spirit of Baguio. Session Road continues to be a vital part of Baguio's identity, representing both its historical significance and its future aspirations.

Session Road, the main commercial street in Baguio, is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From Burnham Park, you can walk for about 10-15 minutes. If you are coming from the Baguio City Market, a short jeepney ride will take you directly to Session Road. Taxis and tricycles are also readily available throughout the city, providing convenient options for reaching this bustling hub.

Session Road is primarily pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transportation options include jeepneys and taxis that operate along the road. Bicycles are not commonly used on Session Road due to heavy traffic, but bike rentals may be found in nearby parks. Be aware that traffic can be congested during peak hours, so walking is often the best way to navigate this vibrant area.

Session Road is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas, especially near markets and street vendors. While crime rates are relatively low, petty theft can occur. Areas such as the Baguio Night Market may attract pickpockets, so remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in less populated side streets.

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 Session Road. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, several pharmacies are available on Session Road for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and consider layering, as the weather can be unpredictable; don't wear overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches; don't take photos without permission. Public Transport: Do be courteous and let others off before boarding; don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or nod; don't use overly familiar gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food like strawberries and ube; don’t waste food or be overly picky in local eateries.

To experience Session Road like a local, visit the various street food stalls for authentic snacks. Engage with shopkeepers and ask for recommendations on hidden gems in the area. Attend local festivals or events if your visit coincides with them, as these often take place along Session Road. Don't miss out on the nearby Botanical Garden and the Baguio Cathedral, both just a short walk away.