The Ghosts of Casa Vallejo

By N Mark Castro

Built in 1909, Casa Vallejo is one of the oldest remaining structures that was built even before Baguio City’s founding anniversary (1910).

Few hotels have seen such history in the changing times of both the city and the nation on which it is built. It has been transformed for various purposes, yet always a repository of memories.’

Some trivia that you might find novel are:

• It became a German Prisoner of War detention center in 1917
• Dormitory 4 to house the employees of the Bureau of Public Works before the 1920s, when the American colonial government began populating Baguio
• Became a hotel in 1923
• Salvador Vallejo (where it got its current name) leased the hotel from the government in 1927 and converted it into a hotel;
• It became a British and Indian refugee center in 1940;
• Together with Baguio Cathedral, it survived the Japanese carpet bombing during World War II in 1941
• Served as a temporary site of the Baguio City High School in 1945 after WW II
• It is the the only remaining building of the Government Compound built from 1908 to 1909
• It has been named by the Baguio Centennial Commission as one of the 10 oldest institutions in the city

But aside from such historical journey, Casa Vallejo is also infamous for the supposed presence of ghosts. Whether or not such ghostly apparitions are mere urban legend would always be disputed by those that experienced it. All I can remember, however, is that it was here where my Dad and Mom once stayed when they would visit me during my freshman year at the State University.

It has long been transformed from my memories of the quaint hotel to an impressive boutique hotel now.

What used to be squeaky old floors have been covered with carpet but still retaining the character of the wooden floor and matched by its cozy interior.

With the comfortable bed providing cushion to an exacting day while entertained by its cable and wifi connection.

Another bonus is the presence of the Miele-Guide awardee Hill Station, providing food for guests and diners.

Serving world-class food using a mixture of local and imported resources while providing a very rustic ambiance that is uniquely available in Baguio City only.

As you descend from this imposing staircase, making you feel of royal lineage.

As you eat this rare treat of Baguio Longganisa with the famous Red Rice from the mountains of Baguio.

So if you want to find your own corner in one of the highest peaks in the Philippines.

To have a view of nature with modern amenities.

Then I strongly recommend

Where the Ghosts of the Memories of the Past are intertwined in the Present.