Go Baguio! Has a New Look
In the midst of all the fretting about the local government I’ve been subjecting myself to in the past few months, would you believe I’ve managed to redesign the whole of Go Baguio!, except for the Baguio Directory pages, which will have a new look within the week?
That’s because web design is my therapy. GoBaguio! was started in 2003, and almost all the photos included there were taken at that time. So much has changed in just 4 years. And every time I’m upset that I can’t go out and take decent photos these days without some tarpaulin sign or laundry hanging out to dry in the background, the laptop gets whipped out and I start editing the pages, checking how much of all that gushing about Baguio still applies.
You may have noticed also that I have switched from the very masculine Zeke theme to Spin Me by Geek Goddess in an attempt to physically lighten the look (and hopefully the mood) of Baguio Insider.
I have taken it upon myself to produce what strives to be the best travel website for Baguio Philippines in an effort to drive business to the city. And just today, I received the best compliment ever! Someone who hasn’t been to Baguio in 20 years called me for a dinner reservation for 38 persons, and I asked if where else they were planning to dine so maybe I could suggest some restaurants in Baguio that could serve a large group like theirs. Out of the blue, she asked if I was the Go Baguio! webmaster and and I said, “Yes…”
Then she said, “I’m using Go Baguio! as my bible for this trip.” And you can imagine how fulfilled I was upon hearing those words.
I just hope the mayor will cause the trash to be picked up in my neighborhood, and in the rest of Baguio when they arrive. Because somehow, with all the uglification going on, site visitors who come up and see our hometown in such disarray will be so disappointed. The politicians don’t get it — if we make the city nice enough for visitors, we as residents get to live in a virtual heaven on earth all year round!
Why don’t they want that for us?
Update 12/2/2008: I received a comment offline from Marie Balangue that she thinks the new design that I coded PER PAGE (all 80+ of them) is not representative of Baguio as the earthy look is so “Arizona dessert!” She wanted the clean, green and sunny design of yore.
I can see what she means, though. Although what I wanted was a more active ‘travelly’ website inspired by all my explorations on horseback.
So I said when Baguio is clean and green enough for me once more offline, the design WILL change online!
Oh, what am I saying? As soon as one design is published, the next one is already in the works, for release in a few weeks. As I said, “webmaster therapy.”
Hi Lisa,
For running enthusiasts, nothing beats Baguio. Your side of Baguio features the best running routes in the early morning. L.Wood Rd, Gibraltar, Outlook Dr.and South Dr. One can even use the Teacher’s Camp oval, 26 pesos during week days and 35 during week ends and holidays.
Great Site! Thanks!
Resty, thanks so much for the info. Will include it in the Go Baguio website in the Sporty-Baguio page!
Appreciate it!
New design looks great. Love it. That’s a nice story too about the tourist who’ve been visiting your blog. Thanks for adding me to your links. I’ve adding your blog to my must-reads. Go Baguio!
Thanks Bill!
Would you believe yours is the ‘Cordillera Blog’ I read the most? I just never felt ‘native’ enough to comment! hahaha!
Lisa, Go Baguio! looks great with the new design.
Thanks Connie!
The Baguio Directory was also updated fully today. The angrier, the more updated? To borrow your old battle phrase, “When I don’t see pink I see red!”
Well, in my case, “When I don’t see green (and clean) I see red!”
Love the new look Ate Lisa!
I tagged you for “show me your sunsets”!
Hi Lisa! Nice new look for your blogs… And it’s great to finally be able to connect a face to the BAD voice, lol. (BAD: Baguio Angry Dragon, for the info of new readers)
Happy holidays! Am sure my days are not even half as hectic as yours.
hi lisa,
i like “current weather” so spot on.
Hi Tina, sorry no sunset photos in my gallery but will surely post some as soon as I take them.
Hello Chat! ‘m sure your days are way more hectic than mine — you’re a mom!
Thanks Resty, lovely weather we’re having… just wanted Baguio to brag …
hi lisa, so i-baguio has undergone a face lift again. it reminds me so much of the window displays in department stores. they have to be changed regularly to keep it fresh,interesting and dynamic. kudos, wish baguio city would ask you to design their website.
Hi Resty,
I-Baguio gets a facelift depending on my mood. Since the PAGASA workshops, I have been more hopeful and thus this tranquil theme. Honestly, I also love the ‘Recent Posts’ feature in the top box — allow folks to focus on the most immediate issues and features.
A friend commented, and rightly so, that the Go Baguio! theme is too Arizona dessert and I responded, “When Baguio air gets cleaner, and the water system fixed, when Baguio is clean and green again, the website will be green and sunshiny again.”
Hi Resty,
I-Baguio gets a facelift depending on my mood. Since the PAGASA workshops, I have been more hopeful and thus this tranquil theme. Honestly, I also love the ‘Recent Posts’ feature in the top box — allow folks to focus on the most immediate issues and features.