The Diplomat Hotel
We arrived early morning when the fog still lingers the slopes of Dominican Hill. On a clear day, they said you could see a whole lot of Baguio from this hill. In the afternoon, one could catch the sun as it descends at this mountain city. But the moment we got there, everything was covered by a thick wall of mist and only the crumbling structure of the Diplomat Hotel stands amidst, one of the famous haunted places in Baguio.
Diplomat Hotel in the mist
The hill got its name from the Dominican Order who built a vacation house on a 17-hectare property acquired from the previous American owners of the lot. The structure built from 1913 to 1915 was originally a vacation house which was briefly converted to a school to take advantage of tax exemptions. Finding the place was too small for teaching purposes, it was reverted back to a vacation house.
The hotel have retained the old design from the Dominican Order including the cross
During World War II, refugees sought shelter in these walls but it was bombed by the Japanese damaging the building and killing a number of people. There were also reports that it was used as a sanitarium by the Japanese. A few years after the war, the place was rebuilt.
The Hallway and the inner garden
In 1973, Tony Agpaoa, a Baguio-based faith healer and businessman acquired the place and named it Diplomat Hotel. The interiors were renovated to have 33 rooms in which most would cater to his European clients seeking healing. Unfortunately, Tony passed away of a heart attack in 1987. The hotel ceased operation and has been abandoned ever since.
A view from the inner garden
The hotel is near a residential area and locals have reported hearing screams of agony, banging windows and breaking plates. There were even sightings of “White Lady” in the vicinity since it has been longed uninhabited. Many believed that these paranormal activities were from the people who died during the war.
The staircase from the 2nd floor
The hotel ground is open to the public and opens at 6am. From the first look of the 2 story white building, it does exude an air of creepiness. It’s old and decaying and I understand why people would think this place is haunted. But honestly, I never felt anything hostile in the place unlike the Laperal White House. Again, attributing to my hyperactive imagination, I thought I felt only 3 presences in the area. A child of 7-9 years of age running around, more like playing and a middle aged lady, but I’m not sure if she was his mother. There is also an old man in white cloths observing us while we take pictures of the place. Then again, take everything I say with a grain of salt.
A the back of the Diplomat Hotel
If there was any spirits here, they have moved on, probably helped by Tony, the faith healer or the weekly prayer gathering in the area. The place for some time now has been known as a “Prayer Hill” since there are weekly gathering and mass being done in the area. The Hill has also become a popular jogging area for nearby residences. There is also home a radio network nearby. Couples, soon to be wed also frequent the area for their pre-nuptial photo shoots.
The Dominican hill is now known as the Prayer Hill
What remains of the place now is an old building sitting on a scenic hill. There are rumors that a Korean Company is interested in acquiring this place. I personally think the location has potential. Developed properly it could be a major tourist attraction in Baguio.
one of my favorite spots in baguio. as a ruin and a known haunted place, it remains beautiful. when i visited it, i didnt hesitate to pray for those who are still in pain.
there’s something that i like about this place. maybe its name.
wow! kapag nakabalik ako ng baguio i’ll try to visit the place, it is very interesting
Wow, nakuhanan mo pa na may fog sa paligid para eerie.
Dunno but this one looks scarier than the Laperal House. Maybe it’s the heavy mists. Very dramatic and moody shots there amigo.
Hi Dom, it’s probably because it’s very close to your name. hehe.
Hi Jhennypie! It is an interesting visit. And the place has nice views if you’re lucky to get visibility.
Yup, Eugene, we were lucky it was foggy at that time.
Thanks Og, the foggy conditions made it more moody and dramatic than usually is
wow!!!!pinupuntahan ko 2 bt ndi xia ganun ka scary
tlagang nakakatakot ang diplomat hotel…hindi kapa nakakapasok sa building nararamdaman mo ng my multo….pero wg nmn maxiadong exadge’
wow grabe tong place na to.. kahapon lang nand2 kami ng asawa ko after sa groto napagpasyahan naming akyatin ang diplomat… pero almost 5:30pm na nun kaya maxado ng creepy ang place kaya sa malayo na lang namin pinagmasdan ang hotel… at pagbalik ko ng baguio… aakyatin ko ulit tong lugar na to para makita ng malapitan…
hahahaha ….nloqa aq tlga s white house prang d q kptbhay yan s baguio ah…hahahahaha
…..buti n lng wla kmi nki2ta hehehehe..peo sana wag n kmi mkakita hanggang nandun kmi….
…mxado cyang view s bhay nmin….
It does look creepy…
The guard there was very nice. He let us enter the premises though its already 6:30pm. He even showed us the secret basement(though its already been closed a very long time ago) that lies beneath the fountain. I just don’t know if its true but he told us that ashes of Dominican Priests were kept inside. The guards kept the basement closed because treasure hunters are digging up the the place hoping to find “Marcos Treasures”
For real???? Beneath the fountain???? I will go back! It’s just a ride away from me house ^____^
I LOVE THE DIPLOMAT!!!! I live in Baguio. I hope it remains to be a ruin. Untouched. It’s part of Baguio’s history and of course urban legend. I always pass by the Laperal House whenever I go to work.. Sad I don’t have pictures in that house.
I never felt any presence whenever I went to the Diplomat. Kinda disappointing but it’s beautiful.
Wonderful shots! Love the fog! It’s totally Baguio. <3 <3 <3
Diplomat is a nice place,maybe it’s better if they allow visitors during evening:Those who said there is nothing creepy! However it’s a fascinating place that is quite fitting for travelers.
the place was eerie,specially nung pmnta kmi it was already past 5,thats why the fog are thick,it adds to Kkatakot factor!!hehe!and when we entered the building,there was silence everywhere..and the fountain is beautiful even though it was already covered by moss.i was supposedly to go to the 2nd flr. but my kuya disagree with it..(sigh)..all cause he saw a black figure in the window at 2nd flr,behind the fountain,,,at first i thought he’s just joking me.but then i saw seriousness,..
NAPAKAGANDANG LUGAR PINAMUMUGARAN NAMAN NG MULTO,TOTOO KAYA?
Who knows?
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if any one could have a blue print of this hotel please contact me… i’m willing to pay… 09102663784.. thank you and GOD SPEED…