Visiting a beautiful tourist spot is an interest of mine; going to places with rich history and culture definitely is more than I can ask for, but going to haunted places is something I shouldn't do and yet it gives me the excitement that I never knew I have. Luckily, everything mentioned above exists in Baguio, Philippines! And I'm taking you there with me right now!
This beautiful "haunted" tourist spot has been called a lot of names but I prefer using its original one - DOMINICAN HILL AND RETREAT HOUSE. It is a 17-hectare property with an old abandoned building sitting on top of a hill. Some people have experienced paranormal activities here, some say ghosts have been captured in photos and videos. And because of that, the Dominican Hill Retreat House has gained popularity over the years. However, understanding its dark past will provide us valuable insight as to why it became to be.
DARK TIMES
Originally, the structure was built for the Dominican priests in 1915 as a vacation house. However, they converted it into a seminary which didn't quite progress and reverted it to its original purpose. However, just like Camp John Hay, this retreat house also suffered the onslaught of World War II as the Japanese soldiers killed all the people they found inside. It was a massacre. It became their headquarters and garrison. In 1945, when the Americans and Filipinos reclaimed the property, the Japanese forces committed suicide.
The bloodshed, brutality, and all dark happenings have been imprinted on its very floors and walls. No wonder sensitive people are always able to pick up the negative or heavy feelings when visiting the place.
After years of abandonment, the property was renovated in 1973 and what is now more commonly called The Old Diplomat Hotel. Business operations ceased in the 1980s when the owner died and was left to decay once more. No one seemed to be interested in buying the property as more ghost stories were shared by hotel workers and guests during that time. The local government in Baguio was finally able to take hold of the property in 2005 and it was declared as a historical site in 2013. Its name was changed into DOMINICAN HERITAGE HILL AND NATURE PARK
From then on, this Hill House turned into one of the most sought-after "haunted" tourist destinations in the Philippines.
INSIDE THE HILL HOUSE
Seeing the washed-out gray and red-colored walls and broken windows from the parking lot was evident enough to be drawn to its opened doors. A lot of visitors were coming in and out. The ground floor was filled with some modern decors to cheer up the mood but the eerie vibes say otherwise. The columns seemed to be still holding up the place but some of the beams looked crumbling. Support jacks were placed on some of them. The 1900s architectural design was preserved and provides a slight glimpse into its past.
We passed by a small fountain surrounded by some bamboo structure then we reached its main corridors where the central fountain or "wishing well" was located. With the sun rays illuminated through the trees, we found the place to be charming in a way. Other tourists could be seen on windows overlooking the wishing well. The plants also gave some life to the place despite the gray walls giving their old looks.
I got fascinated with one particular door, its old elements gave my imagination a certain boost. That's when I thought someone was looking at me from the other side and that gave me a slight scare only to realize a painting of an ethnic person was drawn on its walls. Still I had to do my signature pose here.
When we had enough admiring the beauty of its central open space, it was time to wander in its empty corridors. Some would think that the place won't give you the creepy feel during broad daylight but heavy energy can be felt in the air. It was more evident when we passed by a narrow stair that I took a moment to just breathe it all out.
Some people were exploring the empty hallways on the 2nd floor. Most rooms were empty spaces with visible cracks on the walls, broken glasses on windows, and beams that just looked like they would collapse if an earthquake would hit the place. There were 2 particular rooms with certain ornaments inside. One was decorated with huge dreamcatchers. And another one was filled with art called "Sulong Likha" where a stone was dangling in the middle of the room with ropes woven with it. Faces were painted around the walls to represent sectors of society.
Walking along the empty halls and rooms with the heavy feeling surely would make you reflect on its dark past and yet would make you wonder how beautiful this place had been before all those misfortunes. Some people seemed unbothered as they happily roam around the building. It would have been a different thing when one would visit the place during the night.
The wishing well is also seen from the hallways on the 2nd floor. It is even more charming to look at. Children playing around and adults taking photographs of the place.
There was a path leading towards the roof deck. The connecting stairs were no longer a part of the old structure but were installed to gain access to the top. A continuous concreted ledge surrounds the edge. A big cross still stands on one side despite its worn-out condition. And just beyond was a beautiful 360 deg. city view. A perfect way to end our little escapade to the haunted hill house in Baguio.
The Dominican Hill and Retreat House is a must-visit historical site, especially for those who appreciate places with a haunting history. We left the place with awe and appreciation. So did I see ghosts? Hell No! But I did feel the heavy negative energy within its walls.
Other Baguio Tourist Spots to Visit:
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