The Trigger Happy SQ

I really didn’t intend a sequel to the previous post but then again, I want to arouse your curiosity on the former Diplomat Hotel. I guess (and I’m expecting) a lot of people will be here come November 1. Some may want to go ghost hunting or just go some place else aside from the usual tourist spots here in Baguio.

Me thinks it is not really creepy inside when you go in numbers. It was a different story for us as I only went with my husband. When someone has a vivid imagination, ghost stories of the place don’t really help. When you’re there, imagination goes into overdrive and it’s hard not to shut down that part of the brain.

Anyway, on with the pictures…

This is what the abandoned hotel looks like outside. Broken windows, walls with vandalism. But still, it is beautiful in a way. It must have been a grand hotel before.

The entrance to the former Diplomat Hotel. I said a prayer before entering.

The only sound we can here inside the abandoned hotel are the water dripping from the ceiling and our footsteps.

The lobby floor is made of marble. At the end of the lobby is a fireplace. A 7-legged wooden table, stands in front of this fireplace. The white table is clearly an antique with huge drawers.

It appears lonely as it is the only furniture in the lobby. Perhaps it served as a bedroom table before. The table seemed to welcome us.

More pictures in the next post :)

Rumored to be haunted, the former Diplomat Hotel stands on top of Dominican Hill, near the Lourdes Grotto here in Baguio City, Philippines. The hotel ceased its operations and was declared an off-limits zone when Tony Agpaoa, the owner/manager of the hotel died of a heart attack (link here).

The building was a resthouse and seminary (Year 1911) before it was turned into a hotel.

During the 2nd World War, Dominican Hill was occupied by refugees fleeing from the Japanese Army Liberation Forces. Later the Japanese forces bombed the refugees out which resulted in extensive damages to the main structure and the surrounding area. Reconstruction work started in 1947 and was completed in about a year. (Source)

We were asked by the guard what our purpose was in going there. Then he let us sign the logbook. I think it’s best to go here early in the morning. I think the fog in the afternoon will contribute more to the ‘eerie feeling’ of the place.

I have to admit, after reading stories in the internet, I felt quite nervous when I entered the former hotel. Water was dropping from the ceiling. It is dilapidated and eeriely quiet.

I think it will be made into a first class hotel named “Baguio Heritage Hotel”.

This coming 2009, the former hotel will be made into museum showcasing photographs and documents of the city’s development over the years.

“A child reminds us that playtime is an essential part of our daily routine.”
– Anonymous

Taken during our last visit to an elementary school in Asin Road, Baguio City. These kids got a little excited when they saw the camera. I was supposed to take a picture of their classrooms but before I can climb up a flight of stairs, they rushed in front of their classroom. So as not to disappoint them, I took a picture of them, still pushing each other… But still happy and excited. Some of the kids were shy at first but I really smile a lot so I think that helps :o)

Manang, alaan da kami man ti pitsur mi!

Translated : Take a picture of us! Manang translated in Tagalog means Ate or older sister. I guess there is no direct translation in English.

There are a number of students in this elementary school and I kind of feel sorry for them because their school is far from the main road. To get to their school, one has to hike quite a bit (with slippery stoned paths). I wonder how they cope especially during rainy days.

But I guess, like any child, that doesn’t dampen their spirits one bit and I admire them for that.

I, of course, showed them their picture in the LCD of my digicam, which got them more excited. I had to smile. Their enthusiasm and laughter are contagious. And because of me taking their pictures (quite a number of times), recess was extended by the teachers hehehe.

Did I mention they spoke perfectly good english? They don’t let the lack of books or school supplies hinder their education. The principal mentioned to me that they were really hard up acquiring books for the students.

I love working with children. During my community duties as a student nurse in Manila, I preferred working with the people of the community, especially the children than an 8-hour hospital duty. There is so much to learn from people and children. I listen to them… Embrace their stories and experiences…