Camp John Hay
One of the nearest landmark to our place is the former American military base, Camp John Hay. This historical place used to be a rest and recreation center for US military personnel and their dependents. It is still open to the public. It's only a 5-minute walk from our barangay to the new main gate by using the rough trail if you are using sneakers. Otherwise, a taxi ride from our place will bring you to the main gate in less than 10 minutes.
What to see:
Bell Amphitheater = Tour inside the house as it is very rich in history.
Cemetery of Negativism= Where all kinds of negative thoughts are buried.
Liberty Park = Featuring the Statue of Liberty, representing Freedom.
Igorot Garden= In honor of the Igorot women's contribution during WW2.
What to do:
The Eco-Trail= A nature-walk inside the forested area using the new main gate as entrance because visitors are no longer allowed to enter through the old main gate. Trekkers and visitors using this trail are allowed to use the old main gate as EXIT only. Right next to this old main gate is the Panagbenga Park.
Tree Top Adventure= An adrenalin-rush ride adventure in different packages.
Shalan ni Kabadjo= Horse back riding following a bridle path.
Picnick tables= Pay-per-use for the tables at a certain amount although it used to be free when the Americans were still running the old base.
Dining = Experience all the good things about food from the many restaurants. Food at the Manor Hotel or the Le Monette hotel/restaurant are really good and a must-try.
Shopping= Where you can buy souvenirs.
Panagbenga Park
This is another landmark nearest to our place which is located right in front of the old main gate of Camp John Hay. It is a flower park with a butterfly house and a big outdoor aviary. The place has a coffee shop called "Saleng" ( named after the sap of a pine tree ), one could enjoy a good hot cup of native brewed coffee or a hot cup of lemon grass tea with ginger and honey. It's a very good rest stop for trekkers/hikers after a long walk from Camp John Hay. It is a nice little oasis in the city away from the crowd and where one can enjoy the peace and quiet of a tranquil garden. The Panagbenga Park has a big outdoor aviary with some Cockcatiels, African Love birds and Parakeets. There is a Butterfly House inside the Panagbenga Park with different kinds of butterflies such as Papilio Palinurus, Papilio Lowi, Idea Leuconoe, Phalanta Phalanta, African Monarch, Cabbage Whites, etc. The lifespan of most butterflies are just two weeks at most but some lasts for a month if they are the pollen-eater species. It is best to visit the Panagbenga Park early in the morning to midday or when the sun is out because the butterfly tends to hide amongst the bushes when it is cloudy. There is a small fee to pay upon entering the Butterfly House at 25.00 pesos each per person for maintenance purposes only.
