Iya Lorainne Baring

Rediscover the Timeless Charm of Baguio as Camp John Hay Opens Its Door to a New Era of Experiences

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<div><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17486733265773. John Hay Hotels - Forest Wing formerly The Forest Lodge - Copy - Copy (1).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Baguio </strong>is a city so beloved, it has become a familiar place of comfort when one seeks healing and, admit it, nippy weather for respite from the sweltering heat in the lowlands.</div><p>Frequent visitors to the City of Pines often fall into familiar routines—returning to favorite spots and activities. All that is about to change as new experiences await tourists and locals alike, notably at the renowned <strong>Camp John Hay</strong>.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17486733521372. John Hay Hotels - Garden Wing - Formerly The Manor.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Previously a rest and recreation facility for American soldiers, Camp John Hay’s sprawling complex has evolved into one of Baguio City’s top attractions, offering an exciting mix of nature, adventure and relaxation.</p><p>Ushering in a new chapter for Camp John Hay is Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), the rebranded hospitality arm of Landco Pacific Corporation, as it assumes the interim management of Camp John Hay’s John Hay Hotels (formerly The Manor and The Forest Lodge) and the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17486733969414. Camp John Hay Hotels - Garden Wing formerly The Manor - Copy - Copy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Since taking the helm of Camp John Hay’s landmark properties in January 2025, LLV has been quite busy improving facilities, curating offerings and making things more accessible to the public. At the heart of all these transformations is a community-centered approach anchored in sustainable tourism.</p><p>From launching new experiences to community events like hosting the last stage of Tour of Luzon, an annual professional road bicycle racing stage race in Luzon, which drew thousands to Camp John Hay for the first time, LLV is focused on building emotional connections within the community.</p><p><em>“We’re not just managing a property—we’re building relationships,”</em> Patrick C. Gregorio, Head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures, began.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1748674153633Metro.Style.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p> “Our goal is to enrich the facets of Baguio tourism with diverse attractions from gastronomy, festivals to sports events. We offer visitors a rich tapestry of experiences—whether savoring indigenous flavors or engaging with Baguio’s unique natural landscapes through cycling and other outdoor activities. Hosting the Tour of Luzon finish line was also a milestone that highlighted LLV’s commitment to sustainable tourism, blending culture, community and healthy living,” Patrick continues.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>From Exclusive to Inclusive </strong></div><p>There’s something palpable in the cool air of Camp John Hay in Baguio these days—it’s the winds of change breathing new life into the city we know and love.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174867462100125.  Baguio Mountain Man dinner at Dap-Ayan - John Hay Hotels - Copy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Once known for its exclusivity, Camp John Hay is going through a colorful and remarkable transformation. It stems from a bold new vision to make Camp John Hay a welcoming, inclusive space for the Baguio community and Filipino families.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17486741793526. John Hay Hotels - Garden Wing - Copy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Gregorio shared that the new vision is rooted in inclusivity, as directed by BCDA (Bases Conversion and Development Authority).</p><p><em>“The charm of Camp John Hay is the charm of Baguio itself—the pine trees, the cool weather, the laid-back vibe,”</em> he said. <em>“Now, we’re opening it up to the people.”</em></p><p>Perhaps the biggest signal of inclusivity is found at the golf course.</p><p>Previously accessible only to members and hotel guests, John Hay Golf (Camp John Hay Golf Club) now hosts community events like Sunday buffets, weddings, and debuts—activities previously inaccessible even to the locals. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174867456556021.1 John Hay Hotels - Dap - Ayan - Copy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p><em>“We want people to feel that they belong here,”</em> Gregorio emphasized. </p><p>The golf course, a private playground to select golfers in the past, is now open to the public allowing residents and tourists to play, enjoy the amenities or simply bask in the well-manicured greeneries, towering pine trees and the breathtaking landscape.</p><p>Beyond the golf course, LLV is also expanding recreational options as it gears up for the launch of the John Hay Sports Pavilion, just behind the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, which houses four pickleball courts and three 3x3 half courts for pickleball and basketball enthusiasts. Playing sports in Baguio sounds has never been cooler.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>John Hay Hotels: The New and the Timeless</strong></div><p>Nestled at the heart of Baguio’s renowned complex is the John Hay Hotels featuring the Garden Wing (formerly The Manor) and the Forest Wing (formerly The Forest Lodge).  </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174867396827112 John Hay Hotels - Dap-Ayan.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>The five-star hotel exquisitely blends quaint mountain lodge charm and the comforts of modern amenities. The luxury property continues to offer 163 well-appointed and spacious rooms, including 47 elegant suites, with mesmerizing pine forest or garden views. Beyond the reliance on Baguio’s cold weather, LLV has installed 100 air-conditioning units and is set to equip all rooms with it for elevated guest experience.</p><p>Guests can also delight in improved The Spa treatments, the delectable offerings of Le Chef, stylish lounge, nature immersion and adventures—all in place and ready for reservations.</p><p>John Hay Hotels also recently opened The Helipad Summit Garden where you can see Baguio like you’ve never seen it before—a 360-degree view of the city enjoyed during the golden hour or while having cocktails under a starry night sky. It inspires one to savor the cool mountain breeze, delight in the crisp scent of pine trees or simply drink in the majestic view of the Cordillera mountains.</p><p>As the timeless charm of Baguio continues to envelope John Hay Hotels, LLV is making significant strides in curating atypical lifestyle experiences designed to celebrate local culture and foster a connection as well as empower the community.</p><p>One of the new and enthralling, unique offerings is the partnership of John Hay Hotels with The Baguio Mountain Man a.k.a. Chef Chavi Romawac. Supported by wife Millie and the Romawac family, the Mountain Man collaborates with the hotel in offering </p><p>Dap-Ayan Dinners by The Mountain Man—an authentic, immersive dining experience where Cordillera heritage and cuisine are honored while supporting local farmers, fishermen and artisans.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174867433571926. Baguio Montaun Man Clambake at John Hay Hotels - Copy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p><em>“Our vision is to create lifestyle destinations that not only showcase the natural beauty and culture of their locations but also actively contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of the local communities. Through partnerships like this with Mountain Man, we ensure that the heritage and traditions of the Cordilleras are honored and that our support helps uplift local SMEs, preserving their livelihoods for generations to come,”</em> Gregorio remarked, adding that he initiated talks with the Mountain Man team after having an excellent meal time and experience at their Roofdeck Kitchen.</p><div><br/></div><p>Through the partnership, hotel guests can witness the open-fire cooking style employed by the Mountain Man and savor iconic Cordillera dishes such as Hinanglag — a slow-cooked pork belly inspired by Kiangan traditions, cooked in its own fat until tender and flavorful; Pinikpikan-style Baguio Chicken Rice — featuring the indigenous chicken preparation ritual that tenderizes the meat and enhances its flavor; Mountain Man Clambake — combining locally foraged watercress and fresh seafood from Pangasinan, bridging mountain and coastal culinary traditions; and heirloom rice dishes made with grains from Ifugao farmers, paired with indigenous vegetables from Benguet and traditional condiments.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>“We see food as a living story, a bridge connecting the past to the present,” shares Chef Chavi. “Our goal is to keep these traditions alive not just as cultural artifacts but as everyday experiences that people can taste, share, and celebrate.”</em></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174867436161717  John Hay Hotels  - Le Chef lunch - Aged Grass-fed Mulwara Tenderloin with Dauphinoise Potato (1).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p><em>“We are very happy to partner with Landco Lifestyle Ventures because we share a passion and commitment to uplifting Cordillera culture and communities. Their support enables us to bring indigenous cuisine to a wider audience while ensuring that the local farmers and artisans who make it possible are respected and valued,”</em> Millie adds.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174867438511718  John Hay Hotels  - Le Chef lunch - Aged Grass-fed Mulwara Tenderloin with Dauphinoise Potato (2).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Complementing the culinary tourism efforts is the addition of Kokomo Atelier, the first-ever artisan chocolate studio in Baguio, located inside the John Hay Hotels. Founded by <strong>Chef Angeleah Montilde</strong>, the Kokomo Atelier invites guests to discover the magic of chocolate from bean to bar, crafted by hand with love, culture and Cordilleran heritage. Apart from various signature chocolate creations featuring heirloom cacao from the highlands, Kokomo Atelier also offers Bean-to-Bar workshops where one can unwrap the secrets of artisan chocolate making from roasting and grinding cacao beans to molding one’s own chocolate bar.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174867441209830.3  John Hay Hotels promotes local artisans - with Kokomo chocolate-making session at the Forest Lodge.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>All of these efforts to feature Baguio community members in John Hay Hotels are intentional.</p><div><br/></div><div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]] </div><div><br/></div><p><em>“Sustainable tourism is about balance—celebrating our rich heritage while preserving our environment and supporting local livelihoods. This is the legacy we want to build for Baguio and the Cordilleras,” </em>Gregorio emphasized.</p><div><br/></div><p>Moreover, Gregorio also believes that empowering and caring for the welfare of the workforce of John Hay Hotels is an essential key to success. Recently implementing a service charge was a deliberate move to improve employee welfare—an often overlooked but crucial aspect of sustainable hospitality.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>“Our colleagues are the backbone of what we do,” Gregorio affirms. “Ensuring they are fairly compensated and feel supported creates a culture of pride and excellence that our guests can genuinely feel. It’s a win-win for the team, the community, and the guest experience.”</em></div><div><br/></div><p>With transformative initiatives under way, a new chapter unfolds for an inclusive, community-anchored, culturally relevant Camp John Hay leisure experience.</p><div><br/></div><p>For more information, visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheJohnHayHotels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thejohnhayhotels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thejohnhayhotels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a>.</p>

<p>Landco Lifestyle Ventures breathes new life to Camp John Hay and unveils new and improved leisure offerings that will help you rediscover the timeless charm of Baguio.</p>

Landco Lifestyle Ventures breathes new life to Camp John Hay and unveils new and improved leisure offerings that will help you rediscover the timeless charm of Baguio.

Opening the Gates: A More Inclusive John Hay Emerges

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Opening the Gates: A More Inclusive John Hay Emerges

Grace Diez

Published May 31, 2025 04:08 PM PHT

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Updated May 31, 2025 04:17 PM PHT

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