Did you know that Mirador Hill, as we know it today, was originally designated as an observation point of the Spaniards in these parts? Initially called “El Mirador de Baguio,” meaning “mirror of Baguio” the height and location of the hill provided Spanish observers a very good vantage point for ships coming and docking at the Lingayen Gulf. The property was later purchased by the insular government, and according to the Department of the Interior Weather Bureau, in a report for the year 1909, in January that year the building on Mount Mirador was sufficiently advanced to admit the installation of a microseismograph to measure earthquakes. A number of other instruments have been mounted. Two piers have been erected, one in the meteorological park, the other farther away from the house; the former will serve for observations of latitude and time, the latter for absolute magnetic measurements.
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Also at that time, the weather bureau was grateful to the director of posts for the construction of a telegraph line from the Baguio telegraph office to the new observatory. This will enable the latter to receive time signals direct from the observatory clock at Manila. The arrangements were not quite complete on June 30, 1909, but the first time signal was transmitted on July 9. After the Philippine Legislature made provisions for the salaries of employees, the branch observatory on Mount Mirador begun its regular work on July 1, 1909.
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It is exactly 370 days before the Baguio Centennial on Sept. 1, 2009! On that day, Baguio will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary as a chartered city.
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The Baguio Centennial Commission on Thursday held a special meeting to tackle developments related to the upcoming 99th Charter Day Anniversary on Sept. 1. Among the items discussed are preparations for the Pre-Centennial Fund-Raising Dinner to be held at the Baguio Country Club. During the dinner, various agreements would be forged with entities supporting the Centennial celebrations like Texas Instruments, Metrobank, Rotary, the National Service Training Program, among others. An audio video presentation will be held, including an exhibit of Baguio treasures. Baguio mementos and memorabilia will be on display, including stamp and coin collections in circulation in Baguio City even during the early years of construction of Kennon Road, which was completed in 1905. Dr. Charles Cheng is also exhibiting some historical papers and items related to the early Chinese population of Baguio. Meanwhile orders for tickets, including payments will continue to be received by the Commission through Nancy Dacsig at 444-2009.
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In relation to the Baguio Day celebrations, mayor Reinaldo A. Bautista Jr. named four CenteCom commissioners to the 99th Baguio Charter Day Anniversary Committees through Administrative Order 135 issued Thursday afternoon. Named chief advisor to the committee was CenteCom chairman Dr. Virgilio C. Bautista, while Bishop Carlito Cenzon was named chairperson of the program committee. Commissioners Gerry Evangelista and Dr. Charles Cheng were also assigned to the parade and sports committees, respectively. Bautista, in his administrative order, said “realizing that the Sept. 1, 2008 fete is likewise the onset of the Baguio Centennial celebration, there is a need to synchronize this year’s Charter Day anniversary celebration with endeavors conceptualized by the Baguio Centennial (Commission).”
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The concept for the Baguio Day parade was also presented to the Commission by chairperson Bautista. He said the parade is envisioned to be a historic tableau consisting of various eras in Baguio’s evolution. The eras will be marked by costumes or icons representing the particular period, or the ethno-linguistic group or nationality that influenced that stage in history. Students, artist groups, non-government organizations, drum and lyre bands, and the Philippine Military Academy are expected to participate in the parade.
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For comments and suggestions to the Centennial Updates, please email: adambaguio@yahoo.com. |
