Local travelers to Baguio City may be curious about the COVID-19 status of the City of Pines; indeed, some of the common questions that prospective tourists ask include if they can rent a condo in Baguio City for their stay, or how well the local government has been able to maintain control over the spread of the coronavirus.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can still enjoy a stay in easy-breezy Baguio City! We’ll fill you in on travel requirements, and what you may need to present before booking a stay.

The IATF Is Adjusting Protocols For Vaccinated Visitors

Back when vaccination rollout had barely begun, visitors were required to submit a negative RT-PCR, rapid antigen, or saliva test to be admitted into Baguio City. But just recently, the IATF has allowed intrazonal travel for fully vaccinated individuals without requiring testing before or upon arrival in another city or province.

This requirement is waived if the vaccinated person can present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card, or a certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder’s completed vaccination status, issued by the Bureau of Quarantine.

Intrazonal travel means movement inside an area under the same set of quarantine rules. For example, travel within Metro Manila is considered intrazonal travel. IATF guidelines define a “fully vaccinated individual” as someone who is at least two weeks past having received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or at least two weeks past having received a single-dose vaccine.

The vaccine used should be included in the country's Emergency Use Authorization List, have a Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) issued by PDEA, or be on the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing.

You Still Need To Schedule Your Visit And Submit Your Itinerary

While these relaxed requirements for vaccinated people will be a huge relief – not to mention more convenient – visitors still need to submit to Baguio’s other requirements for travelers.
This means creating a BAGUIO VISITA account, scheduling your trip and sending your itinerary, and keeping a QR-coded tourist pass on during your stay.

Baguio City Still Maintains Strict Distancing And Safety Protocols

Despite the pandemic, many people are looking forward to purchasing a house and lot in Baguio City for permanent residence, or simply booking a trip for a spell in the refreshingly cool weather of the Summer Capital. The secret to Baguio’s enduring popularity is its many accessible tourist attractions, providing urban comfort while allowing visitors and residents to get close to nature.

Go to the BAGUIO VISITA site to find out more about the changes in protocol and what you’ll need to do for your stay. Once you’ve prepared proof of vaccination or have a negative test, you’re one step closer to enjoying a cozy visit – or even a cozy forever home, if you’re looking for a real estate agent in Baguio to help you settle into the city.
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Just remember that even if restrictions have been changed and the local government is working to control the case numbers, you should also do your part to stay safe. Keep your distance, wear a mask and shield, and you can still have a good, safe time in Baguio City!

Known for its refreshing breezes and picturesque scenery, Baguio City has always been popular with local and foreign tourists alike. But have you ever considered permanently staying in the Summer Capital of the Philippines?

As it turns out, more millennials than ever are looking for a condo or a house and lot in Baguio City – yes, even in the middle of a pandemic, it’s an attractive location for many first-time homebuyers or city folk looking to relocate. But what is it about Baguio City that makes it such an attractive city to live in? We list the many reasons that people give for their decision to move to the City of Pines!

It’s The Perfect Combo Of Country And City Life

While the city offers proximity to many work opportunities and experiences, the charms of traffic-free provincial life are a massive draw for Manilenos sick of smog and the high cost of living in the metro. The solution is to move to a city that still has much of its lush greenery and all the must-have conveniences – a description that fits Baguio to a tee!
Baguio City has a bustling tourism industry. With thousands of job opportunities, there’s no shortage of work in this new wave city. It also has several commercial centers where one can happily shop or enjoy their favorite fast food. Yet despite urbanization, its trees and cool climate keep its residents close to nature. Definitely the best of both worlds!

Improvements In Local Facilities And Infrastructure

Baguio City’s local government unit also has many plans that will revamp living in the Summer Capital. Apart from plans for the construction of a youth convergence and sports center, drainage around Lake Drive Burnham Park and market development ventures have been in the works.
There’s also a strong push for automating traffic routing and street surveillance, as well as providing low-cost housing for indigent citizens. All these improvements have become massive selling points for a real estate agent in Baguio City, as these are exactly what potential residents will be looking for. These plans make Baguio City one of the more rapidly developing cities in the country.

Easy Domestic Travel

The delights of Baguio’s best tourist attractions are just a hop and skip away for its residents. Mines View Park and Burnham Park’s tranquility lie near the city center, while there’s hiking and strawberry picking for nature lovers just a short drive away in La Trinidad. The art in BenCab Museum, the sheer bounty of fresh vegetables in the local market, and the bargain-hunting at the night market are all things that residents can experience every day in Baguio City!


With all these perks, it’s no wonder that more people are looking at listing for a condominium in Baguio City. It’s a peaceful and beautiful city to live in without the fast pace and fuss of Metro Manila. If you’re thinking about settling down into a more relaxed and chill way of life, this might be the next big step for you!

A popular destination during the summer months in the Philippines, Baguio City is also known as the City of Pines because of its cooling breezes and majestic pine trees. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many remain hopeful they can visit this serene city again, or even move into a house and lot in Baguio City to experience its charms every day!
There are many places that are definitely worth the trip, but these four come highly recommended by locals and visitors alike. Have a look at these different destinations and find out why they’re such a massive draw for tourists!


1. Pinewoods Golf and Country Club

This posh country club boasts an incredible golf course and luxurious restaurant – no wonder it is the favored place of Senator and world-renowed boxer, Manny Pacquiao, during his visits to the City of Pines. Stay and try your hand at this refined game. If your muscles are sore after walking around and swinging your club, you can visit the clubhouse spa to get a well-deserved massage and other luxurious treatments.
In the mood to pamper yourself? Order a fancy meal or stay and go shopping for some luxe clothes. Don’t worry about lounging around at Pinewoods – they have free parking, so you can take your time!

2. Bamboo Eco Park

Trying to navigate here will require pinning the location of St. Francis Xavier Seminary. It will be a little tricky to get here, but it’s well worth it. Entrance is free to this spot widely loved as a park known as “Kyoto in Baguio” because of its tall, gorgeous bamboo trees that provide a fresh respite like its Japanese inspirations.

3. Mt. Costa

Boasting over 24 landscapes, this beautiful spot in La Trinidad, Benguet, is still being built to cover its extensive landscaping plans. Nevertheless, it is more than worth the purchase of an entrance ticket. Despite not being complete, you will enjoy gorgeous views. There are many conceptual artworks in the garden – the planetary installation has drawn many admirers. The mirror and maze garden also come highly recommended.

4. Flower Café at Villa Romana

Time for an edible landscape! The Flower Café at Villa Romana is famous for its various teas featuring the best of blooming flowers in the Philippines. Try their famous flower pot siphon tea, which you can enjoy with a bit of lemon or honey to your desired sweetness. They also have blooming tea, and other flower teas such as apple blossom and peony. Take some home to share with friends and family!


With so many famous places here, it’s no surprise that more people are looking for a cozy condo in Baguio City to stay in. Wondering if the City of Pines is the affordable, nature-friendly home for you? Contact a real estate agent in Baguio City – Roman Joe Añoso can help you find a great deal for your future home here!

Known as the City of Pines, Baguio is a beautiful place with an incredibly cool climate, towering pine trees, and a serene atmosphere. It is considered an increasingly more urbanized area that still lets its residents come closer to nature – little wonder that more and more people are looking for a house and lot in Baguio City and thinking about relocating there permanently!
Whether you’re thinking about talking to a real estate agent in Baguio City, or just want to stay for a spell, there are some must-see places in the Philippines’ Summer Capital that you should check off your bucket list! Here are some of Baguio’s most famous things to see and do.


1. Mines View Park
This place is considered one of the most famous tourist attractions in Baguio, offering a sweeping view of Baguio’s old mines. There’s a charming picnic area where you can eat an al fresco lunch. Treat yourself to Baguio’s famous strawberry taho here, or try on some traditional Ifugao clothes and take some photos!

2. Burnham Park
​Stroll through the picturesque gardens of Burnham Park, or go for a ride in its quaint swan boats down its artificial lake! You can also go for a jog or start biking in this peaceful park – its cool breezes are perfect while you’re taking in the great outdoors!

3. Camp John Hay
​Camp John Hay has transformed into a tourist haven complete with shopping destinations, the pine views of Baguio, and delicious dining options. But adrenaline junkies will love going for a tree-top adventure here! Try some ziplining or go on a motorized canopy tour here!

4. Good Shepherd Convent
​What’s Baguio without the Good Shepherd Convent? Many tourists looking to bring a tasty souvenir home flock here for the famous strawberry jam, ube jam, peanut brittle, and alfajores. Come early for their variety of delicious baked goods, as the queues tend to get very long – especially in the peak tourist season of summer.

5. Tam-Awan Village
​This model village is built with Kalinga houses and Ifugao huts, meant to resemble a traditional village in the Cordillera region. Get your portrait sketched, check out the local knitted or wooden handicrafts, or interact with the locals to learn more about their traditions and culture.

6. Baguio Night Market
​No entrance fee necessary to score bargain buys at this well-known thrift spot! From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. a portion of Harrison Road becomes home to dozens of little thrift stores and street vendors, all hawking vintage finds and even luxury pieces at knock-down prices! It can get a little dusty and crowded, but the deals make it worth it.

​These six attractions are just a few of the amazing things you can visit and experience in Baguio City. Go for a visit to check them all out, or rent a condominium in Baguio City to have more time to get a feel for life in this breezy, bustling city. It’s so full of history and wonderful natural sights, you may not want to leave once you’re there!

With the number of attractions and the wonderfully cool climate, it’s no wonder that so many people are looking for a condo or a house and lot in Baguio City. With temperatures going no higher than 26˚C on regular summer days, it can be pretty tempting to visit – or even move there, if you can get a good deal from a real estate agent in Baguio!

You can spend whole days just chilling in the parks and going for breezy walks, but you should definitely check out the various tourist attractions. Here are some spots that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Commune With Nature At Camp John Hay

Camp John Hay is considered a must-see – if you could only visit one place in Baguio, this is highly-recommended! Go for a zipline ride or a supervised tree drop if you want an adrenaline rush, then visit its many shopping and dining establishments to cap off your day. The park has all of Baguio’s hallmarks: brisk and fresh air, towering pine trees, and peace and quiet!

1. Admire Art At BenCab Museum

Baguio is also home to a thriving art scene, and the BenCab museum, which houses the personal collection of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, is a popular tourist destination. Have a look at galleries with different themes, including the masterpieces of Cabrera himself! There’s also a restaurant there - Café Sabel – which uses ingredients grown in the museum gardens.

1. Visit The Strawberry Farms At La Trinidad

Only half an hour away from the city proper, La Trinidad is known for having hectares dedicated solely to growing strawberries. These plump, sweet berries are a special treat that you can harvest yourself around November to May. You can also buy fresh strawberries at affordable prices near the farm exits, or treat yourself to strawberry ice cream and strawberry taho!

1. Go For A Stroll At Burnham Park

This open park lies at the very heart of Baguio City and has many different activities for the curious tourist. There’s an Orchidarium, a picnic grove, a playground for children, and even the Burnham Lagoon, where you can go for a boat ride.

1. Get A Fresh Perspective From Mines View Park

Mines View Park offers a beautiful, expansive view of the Cordilleras and the old mines of Benguet. It’s a great place for buying souvenirs and local handicrafts, such as silverwork and knitted clothes. You can also try Baguio’s famous strawberry taho here, or get a chance to pose for photos in traditional Ifugao attire.
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Check into a hotel or rent a condominium in Baguio City, then see for yourself why these Baguio attractions remain so popular with local and foreign visitors alike! These are just a few of the things to see and do in the enduring summer capital of the Philippines – there's much more to explore once you’re there! Who knows? You may enjoy your stay so much that you think of settling in this serene, cool city permanently!

On March 26, 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, also known as Republic Act 11534. The purpose of the law is to lower income tax for corporations, in order to facilitate economic recovery amidst the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on local businesses.

Despite signing it into law, President Duterte vetoed nine provisions in the law – an act confirmed by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told reporters. The law, which reduces corporate income tax from 30% - the highest rate in Southeast Asia – to 20% for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Income tax is reduced to 25% for large corporations. These cuts are aimed to provide relief for businesses and hasten fiscal recovery.

There were nine provisions vetoed by President Duterte. The first aimed to provide a VAT (value-added tax) exemption for low-cost and socialized housing. Duterte explained the reason for the thumbs-down: “[T]his will benefit even those not originally targeted for the VAT-exemption—those who can actually afford proper housing. This results in a tax exemption that is highly distortive and exacts a heavy price on the taxpaying community.” He also claimed that such a provision could be abused by parceling land into lots of sizes that would fall within that exemption threshold, resulting in lost revenue for the government.

The second item that Duterte vetoed was the proposed 90-day period for processing general tax refunds. He cited the possibility of erroneous processing of refunds, as well as potential administrative difficulties in its implementation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

President Duterte also vetoed the suggested Php1-billion threshold that investments would need to meet in order to be approved by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB). Among the remaining items vetoed was the automatic approval of incentives by the FIRB if no action had been taken within 20 days from submission.

“Automatic approval of applications is contrary to the declared policy to approve or disapprove applications based on merit,” said President Duterte. “The FIRB or the investment promotion agencies, as the case may be, should be allowed to carefully review the application for tax incentives since these are privileges granted by the State.”

The remaining items all covered the proposal to allow existing registered activities to apply for new incentives for the same activity; certain industries under activity tiers; powers for exempting investment promotion agencies from the proposed reforms, and limitations on the FIRB’s various powers.

Under the CREATE Law, domestic market enterprises will have up to 12 years of incentives, including up to seven years of income tax holiday. Its application will be retroactive from July 2020, allowing corporate taxpayers to start preparing and save on their annual tax payments.
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The chief author of the bill which led to the CREATE Law is Albay Second District Rep. Joey Salceda, who has high hopes for the law’s passage and its ability to help the economy out of its current slump. “Create has been created,” Salceda said. “This is one of the pins of light signaling the end of this dark economic tunnel.”

Baguio City, long known in the Philippines as “the City of Pines”, is no longer merely a summer destination for tourists looking to beat the tropical heat. With the increasing population density of Metro Manila, and the development of facilities and conveniences in Baguio City, more and more people are looking for the right house in Baguio City to move into.

While the boom in housing was somewhat slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, potential homeowners are still interested in finding a home or condo in Baguio City to move into. If anything, the reduced population density compared to other urban areas has made it quite a draw. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re looking for a house in Baguio City.

Proximity To The City Center

A forest getaway home sounds incredible until you realize how difficult it can be to access places such as supermarkets, hospitals, and banks if you live too remotely from the city. Before committing to purchasing or renting a property, ask experienced real estate agents in Baguio about how far it will take to get to these vital areas by car or through public transportation.

Size Of Desired Property

If you’re looking at a house or condo in Baguio City, you also need to consider having enough space for everyone who will be residing with you. Perhaps 36 sq.m. is just fine for two people, but this will definitely not be enough condo space for a larger family. The larger the amount of space you’ll need, the more expensive the property and the more limited your options may be.

Size considerations also apply to parking space, if you have a vehicle. Find out how much a parking slot will be in your prospective developments and factor that into your final budget for a home.

Length Of Stay In Baguio City

The longer you’ll stay in Baguio City, the more those two factors above matter. If you’re planning to permanently reside in Baguio, you’ll have to invest in maintenance, improvements on the property, and consider the ease of any daily commuting. Transient visitors who may be renting a property for a month or two may not be as concerned with these issues. Simply put: If this is your forever home, you may as well invest in a quality property.

Talk to real estate agents in Baguio to find the best properties for your stay. They’ll give you complete information about the state of your potential home’s utilities and maintenance. They can also help you find the best furnished, semi-furnished, or bare units if you choose to rent instead.

The place where you end up living will have a massive impact on your daily wellbeing. If the Summer Capital is the city for you, this is a great time to start looking at real estate listings to get the best possible deal. Make it a point not to rent or buy without having a good inspection of the property, and give yourself multiple options so you have a backup plan!

To help revive tourism in the famed City of Pines, Baguio City’s local government has permitted some hotels in Baguio City to operate despite its General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status. The general rule for tourists now is that travelers are allowed to enter and seek accommodation in Baguio City, so long as they have no COVID-19 symptoms or underlying health conditions. Children and senior citizens are permitted to visit, but for the safety of pregnant women, they are not allowed to travel for leisure to the city.

Strict Protocols Are Still Implemented

To prevent large public gatherings in tourist hotspots, travelers are required to schedule their visit to the city. Only 500 visitors are allowed per day, and this number is monitored by Baguio VISITA, a newly-created body to handle tourist processes in Baguio City.

Tourists need to provide information about their point of origin, the purpose of their trip, mode of transportation, travel dates for staying in the city, and their contact persons or hotels in Baguio City. After giving this information and completing a health declaration form, they need to declare where their accommodation in Baguio City is located, their itinerary, and their COVID-19 test results. You can opt to take an RT-PCR test before you arrive, then have it verified with your health declaration at the triage. You may also choose to get a COVID-19 test upon arrival in the city, with results available within 15 to 30 minutes of testing.

Tourists are then given unique QR Coded Tourist Passes, which they can print or save onto their mobile devices. These passes are a must for access the city’s triage areas, hotel receptions, and various Baguio attractions.

Taxis and jeeps are fully operational for public transportation. All tourists and citizens alike are expected to follow the city’s health and safety protocol. Apart from wearing a face mask and face shield at all times, visitors should observe the required one-meter distance from other people. They are advised to wash or sanitize their hands whenever they can, and to avoid areas that are too crowded.

Stay In Accredited Locations

It’s highly recommended that tourists book hotels or accommodations which have a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism. Check online for a complete list of DOT-accredited hotels in Baguio City.

Alternatively, you may stay in a condo in Baguio City owned by a friend or relative, if it is located in an area that is not on hard lockdown. Note that staying in a stranger’s condo in Baguio City for payment is not allowed and punishable by law. If you are paying to stay somewhere, make sure your accommodations are authorized.
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Leisure trips, including day tours and DIY itineraries are allowed. You can coordinate with accredited travel agencies or agents – a must if you’re visiting areas such as Benguet, La Trinidad, and Tublay, which needs to be coordinated with the local government unit.

As the rest of the country creates its localized guidelines based on COVID-19's spread, Baguio City’s Local Government decided to shift to the stricter General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the first few days of February. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) likewise had shifted to GCQ due to a recent surge of cases.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized the need to uphold IATF guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, he acknowledged that there needed to be more clarifications from the IATF, as tourism had been allowed in some areas under GCQ.

Limited Tourism In Baguio City

As of February 9, Baguio City hotels and other accommodation establishments have been allowed to accommodate some leisure tourists despite being under GCQ. This is under the provision that proper health and safety protocols for distancing and contact tracing were followed, to minimize potential infection while allowing economic activity through tourism.

Enforcement of these rules has been patchy, with a recent notorious incident going viral on social media for failing to enforce distancing and limited numbers in a social gathering at the birthday party of eventologist Tim Yap. While the responsible parties paid fines for breaking the rules, it begs the question of how strictly the local government unit can act to protect its citizens against the recklessness of visitors – especially as Mayor Magalong himself had appeared, ostensibly to help promote tourism as an honored guest from the city.

Choosing Between The City’s Economy And Its Public Health

Undoubtedly, regulations still need to find the right balance between allowing enough commercial activities and restricting contact amongst the public. With more cases of the UK strain of the coronavirus appearing in Mountain Province, many have speculated on social media that there may already be cases of this more infectious strain in Baguio City.

This only provides more reasons to close borders and be vigilant about areas where lots of people can gather. Until an official report confirms its presence within the city and what steps can be taken to control it, Baguio City may well continue to try its best to remain as close to IATF guidelines for GCQ provinces and cities as it can to reduce the chances of spreading the disease further.

With Mayor Magalong still holding on to his position as the COVID-19 tracing czar despite the controversy over the birthday superspreader event, it may be an opportunity to revisit how the city has managed its own infection statistics. It is also a chance to look at how viable it would be to open other establishments such as gyms, churches, and salons, where many people will come into contact and potentially spread the disease.

Baguio City could potentially choose to adhere to the stricter guidelines that all other areas under GCQ are expected to follow, instead of using their concession for some leisure tourism, as this will go a long way towards lowering the active cases and preventing new strains from entering the city and endangering its population. Until then, people are encouraged to minimize contact, wear proper safety gear, and constantly wash their hands.

The City of Pines isn’t just a summer destination anymore – more and more people are looking for a condo in Baguio City, where they can stay for the long haul to work or take a vacation all year round! With its proximity to La Trinidad’s strawberry farms, multiple parks, and incredible art museums, it’s definitely a great place to put down some roots.

Looking for a house in Baguio City or a condo in Baguio City won’t be easy on your own. Consider getting the help of real estate agents in Baguio City for this task – they'll know where all the prime locations are, if there will be pricing issues, or how you can turn the property into an investment as well! Here are some prime considerations if you’re getting a condo or a house there.

Will there be room for parking?

If you’re planning to get around and out of Baguio City in your car, you need to consider if your property will provide a garage or parking space. If it doesn’t come with the house or condo, you need to factor in the additional cost of this feature.
How far is the property from convenient spots?

The closer a house or a condo is to Baguio’s city center and commercial properties like malls, the higher the prices tend to be. If you don’t mind commuting or driving for a bit longer, consider buying or renting a place that’s a little bit off the beaten track for long-term savings – not to mention some extra peace and quiet!
How many people do you see staying in the house or condo?

Is this a home, or a vacation spot? Do you envision taking your family or your friends here? Those considerations will require you to make space for certain items. Maybe you need more room in the kitchen or living room because you’ll be eating meals together every day. Remember: the more square footage you want for your condo or house, the more expensive it will be.

Are you planning to make this an investment property?

If you’re not planning to stay in the house or condo permanently, you need to consider how much its maintenance will be and if you’re going to lease it out or turn it into a vacation home.

Because so many vacationers flock to Baguio in the summer, you’re guaranteed to see interested renters around that season. Talk to real estate agents in Baguio City to find out what features are most likely to attract potential renters – this will help you decide which condo or house in Baguio City to buy.


Whether you’re aiming to settle down in this lovely, cool city, or scouting for an investment property that can help you build your nest egg, it’s smart to keep these things in mind when you’re looking at real estate in Baguio City. With so many attractions, things to do, and a bustling city life that locals and tourists enjoy, it’s a good place for real estate. Have a look at available developments and see if one fits what you’re looking for!