Though it’s not a pedestrian-friendly city, I’ve walked for many miles through Baguio City. I see litter strewn almost everywhere, dog feces and horse feces on roads and sidewalk, smog belched from poorly-tuned diesel trucks, buses and jeepneys, wood smoke, graffiti, heaps of garbage, garbage bags hung from trees, gates and fences, acrid smoke from garbage fires, reckless, lawless drivers … This is not a civilized, reputable city that’s pleasant for visitors. Now the sidewalks and malls are choked with frenzied Filipinos trying to spend money before December 25. I can hardly walk to a restaurant, post office or church without being bumped by dozens of persons, any of whom may try to pick my pockets. Sagada, in Mountain Province, is so much more agreeable.




