Location and Topography. Baguio City, summer capital of the Philippines is 250 kilometers north of Manila. Its altitude ranges from 950 to 1650 m. while its average elevation is 5,000 ft. above sea level. It is bounded on the North by Benguet municipality of La Trinidad, on the East by Itogon, and Tuba on the South and West. The total land area is 49 sq. kms. enclosed in a perimeter of 30.6 kms.

Climate. 18-20 degree centigrade, cooler by an average of 8 degrees than any place in the Philippines. It seldom exceeds 26 degrees at its warmest as compared to 35 degrees and above temperature in Metro Manila. The temperature drops from November to February as low as 15 degree centigrade. Compared to Manila, the city gets a big amount of rainfall twice, rain pours down on the afternoons from June to October.

How to get there. Baguio can be reach both by land and air. It wii take 4 hours drive by private car and 5-6 hours by bus while 45 minutes for an air trip. Air transportation is scheduled daily but is subject to visibility status of the area. For 24 hours, Public land transportation is available.

People. The people of Baguio are gentle, peace loving and hospitable. Its population is approximately 183,000. During climax season due to the invasion of tourists, both local and foreign it reaches to 200,000.

Language. People of Baguio use the most widely used language but everyone can readily switch to Filipino – the national language. Ilocano dialect is used in the region while Igorots used their own dialect, Ibaloy.

Economy. Agriculture is the chief industry while Tourism is the major industry in Baguio. Crops include rice, vegetable, fruits, coffee and flower. Its hotels, bars and restaurants and their tourist oriented industries such as weaving, metal craft, wood craft cater to a continuous influx of local and international tourists.

Business Hours/Currency. From 9am to 3, Mondays to Fridays banks operate in Baguio. Money exchange services can be availed of at these banks. Its local currency is peso. 1 Peso = 100 centavos. Banknotes P1,000; P500; P200; P100; P50; P20; P10. Coins P10; P5; P2; P1; 50c; 25c; 10c; 5c. For ones safety, portability and convenience one can use a credit card, it is accepted in most establishments however, it is always advisable to carry some cash with you.

Communication Facilities. Communication is not a problem, with the use of modern telecommunications facilities which enable callers to reach any place in the world. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company for long distance calls. Facsimiles and cellular phones and text messaging are also available. Baguio has 8 radio stations, 5 local newspapers, and 12 telephone /telegraph companies.