From Imelda Park to the Baguio Botanical Gardens to the Centennial Park

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Located east of the City of Baguio along the stretch of the Leonard Wood Road, the Baguio Botanical Gardens continues to be visited by many eager tourists. The garden features a rich native heritage alongside hundreds of plants and flowers just waiting to be explored.

The garden is thickly forested, which makes it a prime place of relaxation and tranquility for some. Visitors enjoy roaming around the garden to appreciate the many flowering plants which have become prevalent in the city. Visitors are in for a treat for the eyes with a variety of shrubberies displaying various colors of flowers and leaves. Shady trees and winding paths snake along the garden with the perfect touch of a charming wooden bridge.

The garden is also known as the Igorot Village, due to the presence of dozens of Igorot huts around the area. Native Igorots actually roam the area in their traditional native costumes. These local tribesmen are extremely friendly. Some even dressed as warriors are more than accommodating to allow visitors to take pictures with them. A sacred meeting place for the Igorots can also be found inside the garden that encourages spiritual meditation of the folk.

The garden has a long history of naming and renaming. It was originally named the Botanical Garden during the pre-Martial Law times. It was then named the Imelda Park in 1970 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos when he declared Martial Law on the country. The park was named after his wife, First Lady Imelda Marcos. Years after the Marcos regime, it was renamed Baguio Botanical Gardens up until year 2009. In celebration of the park’s 100th year of founding, the garden was then officially named Centennial Park in September 2009.

Only a few tourist sites in the Philippines sell seeds of unique flowering plants. At the park, there is no need to bring bulky plants placed in pots all the way back home. Tourists and travelers of the garden can buy seeds in small packets and plant them themselves in the comfort of their own backyard. Seeds planted are easy to grow with proper care as illustrated by the seed vendors. Igorot vendors in the garden can even personally instruct buyers on how to take care of the plants.

The Centennial Park is located between Pacdal Circle and the Teacher’s Camp in Baguio. Going up to the park from the city costs about 12 pesos by use of a public jeepney. Entrance to the Botanical Garden is free for everyone’s enjoyment. Picture-taking with the natives may require you to shell out minimal cash. Souvenirs can be purchased at the souvenir shop located inside the garden to remind tourists of their spectacular garden experience.

With the increasingly crowded city of Baguio, it is but a refreshing experience to stop at the Baguio Botanical Gardens and be enthralled by the delight and bloom of its surroundings. Other garden tourist sites may offer the same natural scenery, but this garden provides a unique heritage and culture that adds to the distinct characteristics of this enchanted location.