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Route 231 shield
Session Road
Map
Session Road, Baguio City, Mar 2022.jpg
Session Road in 2022
Route information
Maintained by Department of Public Works and Highways – Baguio City District Engineering Office
Length1.7 km (1.1 mi)
Component
highways		 N231
Restrictions
  • Bicycles
  • Motorcycles
Major junctions
North end N231 (Shanum Street) / N204 (Magsaysay Avenue)
Major intersections
South end N231 (Loakan Road) / Military Cut-off Road / South Drive
Location
CountryPhilippines
Major citiesBaguio
Highway system
  • Roads in the Philippines
Shops along Session Road

Session Road is a six-lane 1.7-kilometer (1.1 mi) major road in Baguio, Philippines. The entire road forms part of National Route 231 (N231) of the Philippine highway network.[1]

Route description

[edit]

Session Road is the main thoroughfare of Baguio in the Philippines and is the main hub of what is called the Baguio Central Business District.

Lower Session Road

[edit]

The Lower Session Road extends eastward from Magsaysay Avenue (opposite the Plaza or kilometer zero and Malcolm Square) running through the BCBD until the intersections of Father Carlu Street (towards the Baguio Cathedral and Upper Bonifacio Street) and Governor Pack Road. This is the area where businesses are located, among others banks, shops, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, newsstands, boutiques, and studios.

Upper Session Road

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The Upper Session Road extends from Post Office Loop, Leonard Wood Road, and the foot of Luneta Hill (where SM City Baguio is located) to the rotunda cutting toward South Drive (towards Baguio Country Club), Loakan Road (towards Camp John Hay, Loakan Airport, Philippine Military Academy, Baguio City Economic Zone, and the mine areas of Itogon, Benguet), and Military Cut-Off (towards Kennon Road).

History

[edit]
Historical marker in Baguio commemorating the first summer session of the Taft Commission to be held in Baguio, the namesake of Session Road

Session Road derives its name from the fact that it used to lead up to the old Baden-Powell Hall, where the Philippine Commission held its sessions from April 22 to June 11, 1904, and officially initiated the use of Baguio as the Philippine Summer Capital. The Commission was composed of Governor General Luke E. Wright, president, and Commissioners Henry Ide, Dean Conant Worcester, Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Benito Legarda, Jose de Luzuriaga, James Francis Smith and William Cameron Forbes. A marker by what is now Baden-Powell Inn, beside the enormous bus terminals on Governor Pack Road, stands as the only visible evidence that anything of historical significance ever took place on Session Road.

Session Road used to host Japanese bazaars in the 1920s and 1930s. During World War II, the road was almost obliterated when the Americans bombed Baguio to liberate it from the Japanese.[2]

The road was also part of Highway 11 or Route 11 that served the Cordillera Range.[3]

Intersections

[edit]

The entire route is located in Baguio. Intersections are numbered by kilometer posts, with Rizal Park in Manila designated as kilometer zero. 

kmmiDestinationsNotes
N231 (Shanum Street) / N204 (Magsaysay Avenue)Terminus. Traffic light intersection. Access to Saint Louis University, Burnham Park, Baguio City Hall, La Trinidad via Buhagan (Bokawkan) Road & La Union/Manila via N54 (Naguilian Road)
Perfecto Street
Mabini StreetOne-way road
F. Calderon StreetAccess to Burnham Park
Assumption RoadOne-way road. Access to University of Baguio
Fr. Carlu StreetAccess to Baguio Cathedral
N110 (Governor Pack Road)
Post Office LoopAccess to Baguio City Central Post Office, DICT-Benguet & DOTr-CAR
Luneta Hill DriveAccess to SM City Baguio. Terminates at Session Road before North Drive and Kalaw Street crossing
N110 (Leonard Wood Road)One-way road
North Drive, T.M. Kalaw StreetFormer traffic light intersection. Right turn only for vehicles coming from Lower Session Road. Access to Sunshine Park & University of the Philippines Baguio
T.M. Kalaw StreetOne-way only to Session Road
Utility Road
Marcoville Road
DPS Compound Access Road
N231 (Loakan Road) / Military Cut-off Road / South DriveRoundabout terminus. Access to Camp John Hay & Itogon via Loakan Road; Wright Park & Baguio Country Club via South Drive; Manila/La Union/Pangasinan from N208 (Marcos Highway) and N54 (Kennon Road) via Military Cut-off Road
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi
[edit]

A local Philippine band called sessiOnroad based their name on the famous thoroughfare.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Session Road

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Session Road is a six-lane, 1.7-kilometer-long major thoroughfare in Baguio City, , , forming the heart of the city's and serving as a key part of National Route 231 in the Philippine highway network. The road connects significant landmarks such as the at its lower end to Upper Session Road near the post office, characterized by its steep incline, architecture, and vibrant mix of shops, banks, restaurants, and offices. Named for the historic sessions of the during the American colonial period, Session Road gained prominence when the Commission held its first meeting in from April 22 to June 11, 1904, at the Baden-Powell Hall, an event that helped establish the city as the Philippine . This gathering, led by Governor-General Luke E. Wright, underscored 's emerging role as a cooler retreat from Manila's heat, influencing urban development in the region. A historical marker near the former site on Governor Pack Road commemorates this milestone. Today, Session Road stands as Baguio's busiest commercial artery, lined with thrift shops, eateries, and modern establishments like and Porta Vaga Mall, drawing locals and tourists for its pedestrian-friendly vibe, especially during car-free Sundays and events like the Panagbenga Flower Festival parade. The area also hosts the popular Session Road Night Market, featuring local crafts, , and stalls, which transforms the street into a cultural hotspot on weekends. Its central location drives high real estate values, making it the most expensive in , while serving as a vital link for like jeepneys and buses to surrounding areas. Despite its urban bustle, the road retains a nod to Baguio's cool climate and historical charm, embodying the city's identity as the "City of Pines."

Overview

Location and characteristics

Session Road is a six-lane major road in , , spanning a length of 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles). It serves as the primary thoroughfare in the city's (CBD), running north-south through the urban core and facilitating key commercial and pedestrian activity. The road is designated as part of National Route 231 (N231) within the Philippine highway system, connecting 's downtown areas to broader regional networks. Locally, it is also known by alternative names such as "campeo" or "kampaw," terms derived from Ibaloi and other indigenous dialects referring to a place of social gathering. This central artery underscores Baguio's identity as the "Summer Capital of the ," a highland retreat established for its cool climate.

Importance to Baguio

Session Road stands as the central commercial and social hub of City, serving as the main thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, hotels, banks, and offices that drive the local economy and daily life. It facilitates heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the city's core, acting as a vibrant where locals, students, and tourists gather for , dining, and socializing, often described as the "living room" or "heartbeat" of Baguio. This concentration of businesses benefits from the influx of visitors, supporting small and medium enterprises despite competition from larger malls. The road has been instrumental in Baguio's development as a and premier tourist destination since the early , when the city was established as the of the to provide respite from Manila's heat. Its central location and cool climate have made it a key draw for tourists, particularly during peak seasons like and , when visitor numbers swell and contribute to the city's economic vibrancy. As the starting point for events such as the Panagbenga Flower Festival, Session Road enhances Baguio's identity as a cultural and recreational retreat, attracting crowds and reinforcing its status in the tourism landscape. Furthermore, integrates into the Cordillera region's transportation network as a vital link, connecting Baguio's urban core to surrounding areas and facilitating regional trade and travel. It ties into major routes such as Road and Loakan Road, providing access to sites like and supporting the flow of goods, services, and people across northern . This connectivity underscores its role as an essential artery in the area's infrastructure, promoting accessibility and economic ties within the .

Route description

Lower Session Road

Lower Session Road constitutes the southern segment of Session Road in Baguio City, , beginning at its intersection with Magsaysay Avenue and extending northward approximately 0.8 kilometers to the junctions with Father Carlu Street and Governor Pack Road. This portion aligns with the southern half of the overall 1.7-kilometer road, which is designated as National Route 231 (N231). The area features a dense concentration of financial institutions, including multiple branches that cater to both locals and visitors, alongside retail shops offering clothing, souvenirs, and daily essentials. Hotels and guesthouses line the street, providing accommodations ranging from budget options to mid-range establishments, while pedestrian-oriented businesses such as cafés, bakeries, and fast-food outlets contribute to the vibrant commercial atmosphere. High foot traffic characterizes Lower Session Road, driven by its proximity to the Baguio City Market located at the base of Magsaysay Avenue, which draws crowds for fresh produce, handicrafts, and local goods. This accessibility fosters a bustling environment, with pedestrians navigating sidewalks amid the mix of shoppers, commuters, and tourists throughout the day.

Upper Session Road

Upper Session Road constitutes the northern segment of Session Road in Baguio City, , beginning at the Loop and proceeding northward along a steep incline through the city's . This section spans approximately 0.8 kilometers, transitioning from the dense urban core to more spacious semi-suburban landscapes as it ascends toward the city's periphery. Key access points along this route include intersections with Leonard Wood Road on the east and Luneta Hill Drive on the west, facilitating outbound traffic to residential and recreational areas. As travelers move northward, Upper Session Road provides direct entry to major commercial developments, notably SM City Baguio, located at the base of Luneta Hill, which serves as a prominent drawing both locals and tourists. The road's progression reflects a shift from the compact commercial intensity of the southern business hub to broader connectivity, with surrounding areas featuring a mix of retail outlets, hotels, and green spaces that ease into less densely built environments. This transition supports easier vehicular flow toward the outskirts, contrasting the pedestrian-focused vibrancy farther south. The northern terminus of Upper Session Road reaches a roundabout intersection with South Drive, Loakan Road, and Military Cut-off Road, marking the boundary where urban infrastructure gives way to peripheral routes. From this junction, Loakan Road offers access to military installations such as , a former U.S. Army base now repurposed as a tourist and residential site, and the . while South Drive connects to Wright Park and the Baguio . Military Cut-off Road further links to other areas such as , underscoring the segment's role in bridging Baguio's core to strategic and semi-rural extensions.

History

Early development and naming

Session Road originated as a key component of Baguio's urban layout during the early American colonial period, when the U.S. Philippine Commission, under , selected the site in 1900 to establish a as a respite from the lowland heat. This initiative aimed to create a mountain retreat for American officials and military personnel, drawing on the British colonial model of hill stations in and elsewhere. The development began with the of the Benguet Road (later ) to access the area, which was completed in 1905, facilitating the initial surveying and planning of the city's infrastructure, including what would become Session Road. The road's naming derives directly from its proximity to the site of of , held from April 22 to June 11, 1904, at Baden-Powell Hall in . This temporary structure, erected near the road's upper end, served as the venue for the commission—chaired by Governor-General Luke E. Wright—to conduct legislative business away from Manila's climate. Session Road provided the primary access route to the hall, linking the developing city center to this significant governmental gathering. The 1904 session marked the first time the held its meetings in , following its designation as the " of the " on June 1, 1903, which formalized its role as the seasonal seat of government and underscored Session Road's early importance as a thoroughfare connecting administrative and residential areas in the nascent . This reinforced the road's central position in the city's emerging grid, as outlined in preliminary plans that preceded the more detailed Burnham Plan of 1905.

20th century developments

In the early decades of the , Session Road was integrated into the regional road network as part of the former Highway 11, also designated as Route 11, which provided essential connectivity across the Cordillera Range and supported the growing transportation needs of northern . This designation underscored its role in linking to surrounding provinces, facilitating the movement of goods and people amid the area's expanding and activities. During the and , emerged as a vibrant commercial hub, hosting Japanese-sponsored bazaars and markets that significantly boosted local . Japanese immigrants, who had settled in since the early 1900s for infrastructure projects, established stores such as the Japanese Bazaar along the road, offering provisions, souvenirs, and services tailored to miners, tourists, and residents. These establishments contributed to the economic vitality of the area, with the bazaars drawing crowds and promoting trade in a period of rapid driven by the gold boom. The mid-20th century brought profound disruption to during , as American forces subjected to intense bombing campaigns in early 1945 to dislodge Japanese occupiers. Starting January 6, 1945, U.S. planes targeted key sites including , City Hall, and surrounding structures, culminating in carpet bombings from March 15 to 17 that dropped hundreds of tons of explosives and , leaving much of the road and adjacent buildings in ruins. Postwar reconstruction efforts commenced soon after the city's liberation in April 1945, with ongoing rebuilding visible along by 1948, restoring its infrastructure and paving the way for renewed commercial development.

Infrastructure

Major intersections

Session Road features several key intersections that integrate it into Baguio's broader road network, enabling efficient vehicular and pedestrian movement in a densely populated . These junctions, primarily signalized, help regulate the high volume of local traffic, including jeepneys, buses, and private vehicles, while accommodating the road's role as a vital commercial artery. The northern terminus is located at the intersection with Magsaysay Avenue, a major east-west corridor that links to the Baguio City Market and surrounding neighborhoods, functioning as a signalized junction to manage inbound traffic from lower city sections. This crossing, near the boundary with Shanum Street, serves as an entry point for vehicles approaching from the (N204) and facilitates connectivity to the city's . Along the mid-route, crosses Governor Pack Road (N110) in the lower segment, a signalized that connects to key access routes like and supports northbound flow toward higher elevations. The Loop marks the transition to the upper segment. Further south, with Road (N110) provides lateral access to residential and tourist areas, while the crossing at Luneta Hill Drive, with traffic signals aiding the steep grade changes and merging vehicles from side streets. These mid-point intersections are equipped with traffic lights to prioritize mainline flow and reduce congestion during peak hours. The southern terminus occurs at a with Loakan Road (N231), Military Cut-off Road, and South Drive, a multi-road convergence that disperses traffic toward and airport access routes. This unsignalized rotary design promotes continuous circulation for outbound vehicles, alleviating bottlenecks at the road's end and integrating with Baguio's circumferential pathways. Overall, these intersections play a crucial role in urban flow management, with signalized controls at northern and mid points adapting to variable demand from tourism and daily commutes.

Landmarks and notable sites

Session Road is home to several prominent landmarks and institutions that contribute to its status as a central hub in Baguio City. At the eastern side near the upper end of Lower Session Road, the , also known as Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, stands as a key religious site with its distinctive twin spires and rose-colored exterior, accessible via a stone staircase overlooking the road. Along the lower segment of , the road runs adjacent to Burnham Park, 's largest urban park featuring a man-made lake and green spaces, providing easy pedestrian access to this recreational area. The University of Baguio, a major educational institution founded in 1948, is situated nearby on General Luna Road, just off the lower portion of Session Road, serving as an anchor for academic and community activities in the vicinity. At the upper end of , near the Loop, occupies Luneta Hill, offering a modern shopping complex with retail outlets and views of the surrounding cityscape. Additionally, the Market operates as a vibrant vendor area along the road, particularly in the evenings, where stalls sell local goods such as handicrafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs, transforming the street into a lively marketplace. The lower segment of exhibits high commercial density with numerous shops and eateries lining its sides.

Cultural and economic significance

Session Road has inspired the name of the Filipino band sessiOnroad, formed in in 1999, which draws its identity from the street's central role in the city's cultural life. The band's music often evokes Baguio's atmosphere, with their album (2004) capturing themes of local resilience and urban energy, further cementing the road's symbolic presence in contemporary Philippine music. In Philippine cinema, Session Road frequently appears as a backdrop for romantic narratives, symbolizing 's blend of cool climate and bustling urban vitality. For instance, in the 2003 Ngayong Nandito Ka, the road serves as the setting for a pivotal evening proposal scene, where characters walk its sidewalks amid sparse traffic and illuminated buildings, highlighting moments of emotional intimacy and freedom within the city's lively commercial strip. Similarly, in literature, the street features in Cirilo F. Bautista's poem "Pegasus at ," part of his 1973 chapbook Baguio, where it represents a mythical yet everyday space of inspiration and movement in the highland city. Nerisa del Carmen Guevarra's "" uses the thoroughfare's crowded sidewalks as a for navigating personal and artistic journeys, underscoring its role in evoking 's dynamic social fabric. The road, locally known as “campeo” or “kampaw,” terms meaning social gathering in local dialects, is vividly embodied in its role as a venue for festivals and street events that foster community interaction. During the annual Panagbenga Flower Festival, parades and street dances traverse , transforming it into a vibrant hub for floral displays, performances, and public celebrations that draw thousands, reinforcing its legacy as a place of communal assembly. Events like the Baguio Country Fair also utilize the street for music and cultural showcases, highlighting its enduring function as a space for social convergence.

Tourism and commercial importance

Session Road serves as a primary magnet for City's tourists, drawing a substantial share of the city's 1.56 million annual arrivals recorded in 2024 through its vibrant street vendors, thrift markets, and lively . Visitors flock to informal stalls offering local crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs, while the thrift markets provide affordable second-hand clothing and accessories, exemplifying the street's role in accessible urban shopping. At night, the area transforms with cafes, restaurants, and pop-up vendors, creating a bustling atmosphere that extends 's appeal as the . The street's commercial activities significantly bolster Baguio's economy, with retail outlets, hospitality services, and informal trade generating revenue that contributes to the city's sector, which accounts for approximately 25% of its as of 2025. These operations support thousands of local jobs, particularly in the services sector, which remains the region's primary employment driver amid rising tourism-related businesses. Informal vendors and small enterprises along exemplify how grassroots commerce sustains livelihoods and fosters economic resilience in the area. Since the 2000s, has seen targeted developments to enhance its viability, including pedestrian improvements and integration with sustainable initiatives. closures for pedestrianization, implemented to reduce congestion and promote , have received favorable public response, with over 55% of surveyed residents and visitors supporting the program. The ongoing Creative Sundays event further transforms sections of the street into car-free zones for cultural activities and markets, aligning with 's broader goals for eco-friendly urban mobility and community-driven as outlined in its Voluntary Local Review of the .

References

  1. https://guidetothephilippines.ph/destinations-and-attractions/session-road-market
  2. https://mapcarta.com/W1190964348
  3. http://www.gobaguio.com/session-road-baguio-city.html
  4. https://philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph/registry_database/philippine-commissions-first-session-in-baguio/
  5. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298445-d4222626-Reviews-Session_Road-Baguio_Benguet_Province_Cordillera_Region_Luzon.html
  6. https://www.airial.travel/attractions/philippines/baguio/session-road-baguio-EL0SQ7Hc
  7. https://shellwanders.com/session-road-baguio-all-you-need-to-know/
  8. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/925845/baguio-second-philippine-commission-taft-commission-historical-landmarks
  9. https://nordis.net/2015/08/23/topic/culture/baguios-history-and-cultural-heritage/
  10. https://thecordillerareview.upb.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1-TCR_VII-1_SENG-GUAN.html
  11. https://thecordillerareview.upb.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/TCR-VII-1_Seng-Guan_Healing-Baguio-City_-Pine-Trees-Tourism-and-Nostalgia-in-a-Fabled-Mountain-City-doi.pdf
  12. https://business.inquirer.net/439869/baguio-city-in-focus-2
  13. https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/baguio-city-travel-guide
  14. https://xtremelyxpresso.com/oakandstone/session-road/
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssb76V-Fo-w
  16. https://baguiopublicmarket.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-visitors-guide-to-baguio-city-market.html
  17. https://www.traveloka.com/en-en/explore/tips/famous-road-in-baguio-acc/438236
  18. https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/sm-city-baguio/information
  19. https://lauriewalks.blogspot.com/2016/08/walking-in-baguio-mile-hi-center-to.html
  20. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1600614/baguios-gains-losses-in-modern-charter
  21. https://nordis.net/2015/08/30/article/the-plan-growth-of-baguio-as-a-colonial-city/
  22. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1695393/breathing-life-into-baguios-heritage-street
  23. http://www.gobaguio.com/history-of-baguio-city.html
  24. https://secret-ph.com/session-road-a-vibrant-nightlife-district/
  25. https://www.asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-44-1-2008/afable.pdf
  26. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/693483/baguio-where-wwii-began-and-ended
  27. https://mtbeacon.rappler.com/135/baguio-remembers-1945-as-the-place-where-the-war-ended-and-memory-lives-on/
  28. https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/N204_%28Philippines%29
  29. https://wikimapia.org/street/149524/Governor-Pack-Road-N54-N110
  30. https://guidetothephilippines.ph/destinations-and-attractions/baguio-cathedral
  31. https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/baguio-city-tourist-spots
  32. https://www.klook.com/en-US/destination/p50197341-session-road/
  33. https://www.pinoybands.site/2025/03/session-road.html
  34. https://www.plarideljournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2011-02-Cruz_English.pdf
  35. https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/arts-culture/202045-poet-cirilo-bautista-baguio-city-muse/
  36. http://ralphseminogalan.blogspot.com/2010/05/paper-delivered-at-baguio-centennial.html
  37. https://www.facebook.com/oldorangewood/posts/session-road-also-called-campeo-or-kampaw-which-means-social-gathering-has-drive/2132978050136440/
  38. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/937045/panagbenga-festival-2025-wows-baguio-crowds-with-colorful-displays-street-dances/story/
  39. https://www.facebook.com/thebaguiochannel/videos/volume-high-band-performs-at-session-roads-baguio-country-fair-2025-sessionroad-/1302486060936233/
  40. https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/baguio-tourist-arrivals-reach-1-56-million/
  41. https://www.klook.com/en-PH/blog/ukay-spots-baguio/
  42. https://pia.gov.ph/news/tourism-plays-big-role-in-baguio-citys-economy/
  43. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1249140
  44. http://southsouth-galaxy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Baguio-The-Philippines-Reviving-the-Local-Economy-through-Digital-Tourism-and-Tourist-Corridors.pdf
  45. https://new.baguio.gov.ph/news/survey-shows-favorable-result-on-sunday-session-road-pedestrianization
  46. https://goodmorningbaguio.com/baguio-city-council-reviews-session-road-creative-sundays-fees-and-impacts/
  47. https://new.baguio.gov.ph/news/city-reviews-sunday-closure-of-session-road-pedestrianization
  48. https://www.urbansdgplatform.org/upload/localizing/project/20250612120656612_2024_Baguio_VLR.pdf
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