The Baguio City Christmas Tree

I think this series of Christmas post will not be complete if I don't feature the Baguio City Christmas tree that can be found on Session Road.   It gets lit up on December 1.  I like this year's tree - I actually prefer it over last year's tree.

The GIF version was created by Google when I uploaded the original photo.

Camp John Hay Techno Hub - Nutcracker

I'm trying to catch up on my Christmas posts before the season ends.  Another Christmas decoration that keeps the holiday festivities alive in Baguio are the Nutcracker soldiers standing guard at the Ayala Techno Hub in Camp John Hay.

Baguio Christmas Decorations

While walking along the streets of Baguio - you will find interesting Christmas decorations.  These are two of my favorites.  They can be found along Leonard Wood Road ( that's near Teacher's Camp ).

One of the houses have this on their front yard.  It's a nice Holy Family scene.  In Filipino - we call it Belen.  

During the day - it's already pretty - but at night - it's even better with a Star lit up making the scene complete.  One thing to note - I think St. Joseph should have been placed on the left because in this position it seems like he's turning away from St. Mary and baby Jesus.

Another display that I like is from the Mountain Lodge.  They seem to have great displays every year.  Note - twinkling lights were added by Google when I uploaded the photo - they created a GIF version of the photo.  How awesome is that?

This year - they have a Choir setup in front of their hotel.  The whole hotel is also lit up.

Don't you think the Angel Choir look pretty?

Saint Louis University Lantern Parade 2013

The most festive time of the year in the Philippines is Christmas.  Here in Baguio,  the season actually opens up with the traditional Lantern Parade organized by the Saint Louis University.  It is held on December 1 and coincides with the lighting of the Christmas tree on Session Road.  The parade starts at 7:00 PM.  For the past two years,  I've stationed myself on Upper Session road to take photos of the event.

I try to be early to take photos of the participants during daylight.  Some of their attire are very colorful - and you can't really see them when it gets dark.

The Senor Sto. Nino seems to be making an appearance this year. 

Session Road is a winding road --- which makes it ideal for capturing the trail of lanterns.

Some lanterns have a repeat performance.  I've seen these flowers ( tulips? ) from last year's parade.  I can't blame them for reusing it -- they look pretty.

This one is new.  Fish-shaped lanterns.

The Jellyfish lanterns are also great to see.

The students seem to take great pride in representing their groups in this parade.

I wasn't able to see the S formation this year --- I think I was further down the road last year.  I can only capture a C formation.

Remember my 2nd photo at the earlier part of this post?  Here are the lanterns lit up resting on top of the students' heads.

The parade ends on Melvin Jones Grandstand.  I think - I'll try to go there next year - to see how the parade looks like from that point of view.

Look - some dogs take part in the parade.  Maybe I should take Midori, Char Siew and Brita next year.

My Entries to the TIgerAir promo of Jessica Rules the Universe

I submitted photos to Jessica Zafra's TigerAir promo.   Three of the photos are now finalists.  Happy, happy, joy, joy.

Link to Jessica's announcement -> Jessica's Announcement of finalists

If you have photos of Palawan or Boracay - you can join the contest by following the instructions -on this blog post -> Instuctions on how to Join TigerAir promo

My Leather Jacket

Going through the ukay ukay (thrift stores) in Baguio is fun.  You can find lots of great things to buy. Of course you have to be patient.  And mya dvice ... unless you are confident on your ability to spot a fake - shy away from buying luxury brands.  I encourage you to focus on quality, craftsmanship and value for money.

Last weekend - I was able to buy this leather jacket. It's fine leather with a great cut. Brand is unknown.  Reasonably priced.  I love it.