Flight chronicles of the backpacker Tutubi, with travelogues, pictures/photos/videos, travel guides, independent and honest reviews, affordable, recommended resorts and hotels (including inns, guesthouses, pension houses, lodges, hostels, condotels, bed and breakfast and other cheap accommodations), commuting guides, routes (sometimes street maps and GPS coordinates/waypoints) and driving directions to answer "how to get there" questions, information and tips on tourism, budget travel and living in Philippines, Exotic Asia and beyond!
Backpacking, independent travel, and flashpacking are cheaper than the "cheapest package tours" and promotional offers around but you can also use travel information for family vacations, even romantic honeymoon destinations.
More than the usual tourist spots and "places to see," this blog advocates heritage conservation, environmental protection, and history awareness for Filipinos, foreigners, and ex-pats wishing to explore Paradise Philippines and Exotic Asia!
The Historic Bell House, Camp John Hay, Baguio City
Posted in celebration of Baguio City's 100th year anniversary as a chartered city last September 9, 2009.
Walking distance from The Manor Hotel and inside the Historic core of Camp John Hay is the charming Bell house, the original vacation home of the Commanding General of the Philippines. It was named after General J. Franklin Bell who's credited for transforming Camp John Hay into a major military resort.
Bell House, historic vacation home, surrounded by a nice manicured garden and pine trees at Camp John Hay Historical Core
The seal of Camp John Hay, used to be displayed at the main gate, marking more than 100 years of existence from 1903
The Bell House of today currently serves as a museum of American colonial architecture and lifestyle. A portrait of John Milton Hay is displayed in the living room, complete with a fireplace, while the walls narrate Camp John Hay history through various images.
the dining room displaying lifestyle of American commanding general
At one corner of the vacation home stands a totem pole with descriptive plaque that states:
"Carved by Ernesto Dul-ang, a succession of historical figures during the first half of the 20th century form a totem pole that once looked out on top of Scout Hill
Admiral George Dewey led the Battle of Manila Bay
General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first president of the Republic of the Philippines
President William Howard Taft was the first governor-general of the Philippines and later Secretary of War took a great interest in the development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay
Secretary John Milton Hay was secretary of state when the Philippines became a colony of the United States. He died as the construction of the camp named in his honor went into full gear.
William Cameron Forbes was a governor-general of the Philippines who is credited with the development of Baguio City
President Theodore Roosevelt signed the order that designated 535 acres as the military reservation that became Camp John Hay
Major General Franklin Bell was commander of the Philippines department and designer of Italian Garden as well as Bell House and Amphitheater
Lt. Col. Lyman W. Kennon oversaw the completion of the road that facilitated the construction and development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay
Mayor James Halsema was the last American Mayor of Baguio City
General Douglas McArthur was the famous liberator of the Philippines during World War II"
Near the historic Bell house is the Bell Amphitheater, a favorite venue for weddings, debuts, parties and other events.
The Bell House and Amphitheater are not just tourist attractions in Baguio City but also has historical and heritage significance that should be preserved for posterity.
How to get there: The best way to get there is via a taxi from Baguio CBD/Session Road as public transportation (jeepneys) don't enter the former military camp (unless you love to do lots of walking)
anonymous, i was there on a weekend, saturday morning to be exact. the entrance to the historic core is open at 8am (there's a ticket booth where you pay a minimal entrance fee) but if you're staying at The Manor (or looked like you came from there, you can enter the facility
Bell House, historic vacation home, surrounded by a nice manicured garden and pine trees at Camp John Hay Historical Core
The seal of Camp John Hay, used to be displayed at the main gate, marking more than 100 years of existence from 1903
the dining room displaying lifestyle of American commanding general
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