Baguio City concluded its festive season with the resounding success of the Closing Ceremony of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas (AEBC) 2024, held on January 5, 2025, at Burnham Park’s Rose Garden. The event featured the much-anticipated Grand Finals of The Great Voices of Baguio, a spectacular solo singing competition that served as the perfect finale to more than a month of holiday celebrations. of the Best decorated Chalets were Yolk, Korean Egg Sandwiches (Small Category), Recess Resto Café (Big Category, Dap-ayan ti John Hay (Medium Category). The Great Voices of Baguio Grand Finals showcased the city’s most talented vocalists, who delivered breathtaking performances to a delighted audience. The winners of the competition were Champion – Russel T. Solis, 1st Runner-Up- Viana Tejada, and 2nd Runner-Up – Princess Ybañez, Consolation Prizes – Mary Rose Ybañez Gilbert B. Jabano Jr. Adding to the festivities, the event also saw the announcement and awarding of the best-designed chalets and selling booths. The winners of the Best decorated Chalets were Yolk, Korean Egg Sandwiches (Small Category), Recess Resto Café (Big Category, Dap-ayan ti John Hay (Medium Category). In her closing speech, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara reflected on the season’s successes, saying: “Naimbag nga bigat, kada kayo amin, kakailian ken gagayyem (Good morning to each and every one)! As we close the chapter of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas, we look back with gratitude on the vibrant and joyful experiences we’ve shared over the past weeks. This celebration has been a beautiful showcase of creativity, unity, and the undeniable charm of our beloved city. To our Great Voices contestants, you have given us the perfect finale to this enchanting season. Your passion, dedication, and artistry have filled this day with so much energy and inspiration.” BTC Chairperson Vergara also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of AEBC 2024. She emphasized the importance of community in bringing the holiday spirit to life and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the BTC team, led by Pam Cariño, as well as the collaboration of the City Government of Baguio under the visionary leadership of Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The AEBC 2024 season featured a variety of events, including the Ceremonial Lighting of the Baguio Christmas Tree, the opening of the Botanical Christmas Garden, the European-Themed Enchanting Christmas Market at Burnham Park’s Rose Garden, The Nutcracker by Ballet Baguio and the Philippine Military Academy, the University of Baguio Christmas Cantata, the Bituin ng Pasko: Inter-Barangay Holiday Décor Competition, the New Year’s Countdown, Sports and Wellness Day, and Pet Day, among many others. Each event reflected the shared creativity and dedication of the city’s residents, organizations, and partners. Vergara concluded her remarks with an inspiring message: “As the lights dim and we say goodbye to this season of enchantment, let us carry forward the values it has taught us—generosity, togetherness, and the power of celebrating our shared culture and talents. This is not an ending but a promise of more vibrant celebrations and opportunities to come. To our participants and everyone who joined us for AEBC 2024, you are all winners for making this season unforgettable. Agyamanak kadakayo amin (I am thankful to everyone), and I am always glad to be of service. Let us look forward to an even brighter and more enchanting year ahead for Baguio City!” The success of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024 was made possible through the support of key sponsors and partners, including Mega Pines Realty and Development Inc., TG Home Builders, The Parkway Residences, San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, and various local government departments and organizations. Lead partners such as Jomarcann General Construction, ECO Hotels, Casa Vallejo, NLEX Corporation, Philippine Military Academy, Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, and the Diocese of Baguio played an instrumental role in ensuring the season’s triumph. As the curtains close on AEBC 2024, Baguio City looks ahead with optimism and excitement, ready to continue its tradition of fostering unity, joy, and cultural pride through creative and collaborative celebrations. The promise of an even brighter and more enchanting year lies ahead for the Summer Capital of the Philippines.  

BAGUIO CITY — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomes the Baguio Regional Trial Court’s order blocking CJH Development Corporation’s (CJH DevCo) fresh attempt to prevent the full return of the 247-hectare property in Camp John Hay following the final Supreme Court decision  ensuring the immediate recovery of the said property without exceptions. In an order dated January 3, 2025, Branch 6 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court junked CJH DevCo’s motion to delay the recovery of the subject property. This means all land and  improvements in the property, whether directly held by CJH DevCo, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates or occupied/held by other individuals or parties claiming rights under them,  must be turned over to the BCDA. The Regional Trial Court’s order also directs its sheriffs to immediately and FULLY IMPLEMENT its reinstated writ of  execution and notice to vacate, so the property can be returned to the BCDA. BCDA assures the public that businesses will continue to operate in Camp John Hay. It is also calling on all stakeholders to step forward, reach out to them, and work together for a smooth and orderly transition. All those affected by the Supreme Court decision are urged to reach out via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.  

A suspected victim of stray bullet and a boy who lost a hand due to a prohibited type of pyrotechnic device were among the nine fireworks-related injuries recorded in the city during the holiday merrymaking. As of press time Friday, January 3, the Baguio City Police Office was verifying the alleged stray bullet incident where the victim was reportedly a 32-year-old male from San Luis Village who sustained an abrasion on the right side and back of his body. He was treated at the hospital and subsequently discharged. Another unfortunate case was a 14-year-old male from Military Cutoff who got his right hand mangled due to the prohibited device known as crying cow or pla pla resulting the amputation of his right arm. The City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) said the incident was the first case of fireworks-caused amputation in the city since 2009 when documentation of fireworks-related injuries was strengthened. The other cases logged by the CESU from 12 midnight of Dec. 24, 2024 to 5:59 a.m. Jan. 3, 2025 were: A 14-year-old male from Gabriela Silang who sustained an eye injury due to “boga”; a nine-year-old male from Asin Road with a right thumb blast injury due to Five Star; a 10-year-old male from Alfonso Tabora with blast injuries in the abdomen, thigh and firearm due to boga; and a seven -year old male from Bakakeng Central who sustained eye injury again due to boga; A 13-year-old male, Pinget (boga), eye injury, active, treated and sent home; a 27-year-old female from Asin Road (kwitis), eye injury, treated and sent home; and a 16-year-old male, Gibraltar (boga), second degree burn, posterior calf area, treated and sent home. The CESU said the number of cases, although still not final as surveillance runs until Jan. 4, appeared to be lower than last year’s record of 12 cases. “Boga,” or an improvised noisemaker made out of polyvinyl pipe which is among the devices banned under the law figured prominently in the surveillance having caused most of the injuries with victims mostly minors. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said it is unfortunate that such incidents had to happen when the city implemented the ordinance prohibiting the sale and use of banned devices. The BCPO launched a crackdown on prohibited devices in several operations in different barangay that yielded loads of banned devices and perpetrators who were mostly minors. – Aileen P. Refuerzo-Baguio PIO