Camp Joh Hay, Part of Baguio City

From a rest and recreational base for the American Soldiers stationed in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, to an interment facility for Japanese nationals just prior to World War II, to a Japanese concentration camp and army post during the occupation, to a bombed-out ruins after the World War II and back to a beautiful and scenic mountain, resort for American military personnel, Camp John Hay's history had undergone a colorful and sometimes traumatic path.

Pres. Theodore Roosevelt reserved an area for military use. This area was named Camp John Hay in honor of the Secretary of State, JOHN HILTON HAY, during the administration of Pres. Mckinley and Roosevelt. The camp was used as a resort and a vacation center for the troops in the lowlands to renew their health from the rigors of the tropical climate.

Now Camp John Hay is the official Baguio Residence of the American Ambassador. Through the years and succeeding commanders had built on and improved this beautiful retreat. There are beautiful lodging, conference and recreation facilities to serve the thousands of U.S. personnel who annually visit this "Mountain Paradise". Camp John Hay provided numerous recreational and club activities that suit the needs of the visiting U.S. military of all ranks and their families. Various types of outdoor sports are available. The John Hay golf course is one of the most beautiful, unique and unusual 18-hole golf courses in the world.

THE ATTRACTIONS AND LANDMARKS OF MY COUNTRY (PHILIPPINES)

BAGUIO CITY is one of the attractions of my country. This was established by Americans in 1900. All the facilities, parks and landmarks here was designed by american architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham. We used to call Baguio as " Little America". This is the only place where we can grow strawberries and pine trees because of it's mild climate. The temperature in the city is 8 degrees celsius lower compared to the average temperature of the rest of the country. Average temperature ranges from 15 to 23 degrees celsius. Baguio city is the Summer Capital of the country.

A visit in Baguio city is like reaching the sky that you could actually touch and embrace the clouds. It's located 1,500 meters above sea level. In November, wild sunflowers appear on the hillside signaling the end of the rainy season, and Baguio becomes a tropical paradise until May. Cristmas season is when it glows with the nippy wintry air, and coats, hats and scarves are the outfits of choice which makes it different compared to the rest of the country.

Baguio is gifted with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions that make it an important and interesting destination, favorited by local and foreign tourists, whole families on vacation, honeymoon couples and large convention groups. Boasting great natural beauty, chilly weather, a tourist-friendly people and extraordinary vistas.

Baguio city is well known as a site of the formal surrender of Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita and Vice Admiral Okochi. It is where they gave up the entire Imperial Japanese Forces to American Authorities at the high Commissioner's Residence( now the United States Ambassador's Residence).