Baguio's Haunted Diplomat Hotel and It's Dark Past

Photo Credits: Anette Magno

The former Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City, Philippines sits on top of the Dominican Hill. It used to be a rest house and a seminary way back 1911 before it was developed into a school and eventually, a hotel.

Almost every tourist that goes to Baguio makes it a point to visit this place because in spite of the ruins, it remained as one of the most panoramic and picturesque spots in the City of Pines.

During the World War II, numerous nuns and priests were beheaded here. This is believed to be the reason why headless apparitions can often be seen during the night inside the hotel. The employees and guests also claimed that they would often hear strange sounds coming from the building. Crying coming from kids and babies became a common noise, which can be attributed to the massacre of numerous children done at the fountain.

The bombs that showered this structure so many years ago reduced it to something almost beyond renewal. Fortunately, it was reconstructed in 1947 and in 1973, it was acquired and transformed into a hotel by Diplomat Hotels, Inc. Managing it then is businessman, psychic surgeon and spiritual healer Tony Agpaoa. Since then, it became the haven of his patients that mostly came from abroad and they stayed here while being healed.

Based on research, there was an incident wherein fire broke out many years ago and several guests who were then staying at the hotel were trapped inside and died. One of the caretakers also affirmed that for unknown reasons, a woman who used to work here as a nurse committed suicide by jumping from the rooftop where the cross is situated.

Since the death of Tony Agpaoa in 1987, the hotel ceased its operation and was temporarily closed to the public. It was declared off limits to visitors as well. However, the people who are living nearby were often disturbed by sounds coming from the Dominican Hill at night. They would hear banging of doors and windows, clattering of dishes and voices of screaming people, who seem to be agonizing.

Note: Tony Agpaoa had a heart attack inside the hotel and was rushed to a hospital where he died.

A lot of documentaries have been written about this mysterious structure. Up to these days, many curious people go to Baguio to see the ruins of what used to be the spellbinding grand hotel that boasts of its large rooms, striking details and admirable design.

I, myself, have very special memories of Baguio's Diplomat Hotel that I can ardently share to those who will join us when we explore this place once more. Considered as one of the most haunted locations in the Philippines, I would always want to see this wonderful site again and again.

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Ghost Tour: Experience a Different Kind of Tour

Photo Credits: Anette Magno

The idea of doing ghost tours began so many years ago when people all over the world became more and more interested in hearing ghost stories while doing an actual walk in a haunted place. In addition to that, the desire to hunt for ghosts and get an actual ghost experience became rampant everywhere.

Here in the Philippines, several travel agencies started to conduct their own haunted tours, especially during Halloween seasons. It is definitely a good idea to book with them because they have all the means to organize travel escapades; however, if you want a more meaningful night tour, I would suggest that you go with seasoned ghost hunters. There are some in the country who organize their own, like my team,Profilers of the Unknown.

First and foremost, ghost hunters like us who have been doing haunted tours for years are more experienced when it comes to going to haunted places. Take note too that we hold tours regularly and not only seasonal. To cut it short, we know what we are doing better than the rest and can handle the type of tension guests might feel during an actual visit to a haunted location. Moreover, those who want to get firsthand information about ghosts will get more interesting answers because these answers will come from people who have wider knowledge on the subject. You'll also get more information about what ghosts are and what they are not, the reasons why you shouldn't really fear them, to mention a few.

Going to a night tour with real ghost hunters who know their responsibilities is beneficial to those who are doing a research as it is guaranteed educational. You can even experience an actual and direct guidance on ghost hunting if you want that experience; something that a regular ghost tour with travel agencies may not give you.

A ghost tour may be a different type of adventure; however, its intention is not to scare people but rather help them get more understanding of the unknown while having fun and enjoying the activity. On the other hand, if you are pregnant, having a weak heart or not really into this type of adventure, it will be best to set aside the idea of going until such time comes when you're pretty sure that you're ready to go.

Your safety, however, is of utmost importance. An authentic ghost tour will make sure that you will get the enjoyment you deserve while keeping you safe and sound.

With Profilers of the Unknown, you can book for ghost tours all year round, day or night. You do not have to wait for another Halloween. You can visit the most haunted places in the Philippines with us any time of the year.

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Our Trip to Mystical Mount Banahaw - A Nature-Embracing Adventure



In 2011, I dreamed of climbing the Mystical Mount Banahaw and in that dream, I brought 7 large candles with me.

On March 20, 2015, I, together with a few CPS members, Keith, James, Mary, Phi, Lorenz and Drew, went to one of the most enchanted mountains in the Philippines;and it is the first time of all seven of us to visit the place. We did this for the sake of trying out the experience before we offer it to the public; and the result it yielded is truly wonderful.

We called this trip A Mount Banahaw Walk to Remember.

Aside from the fact that the place is so peaceful and beautiful, the residents are very friendly. Never have we encountered anybody who is a snob. In fact, even the kids are very accommodating. The entire place is cooler compared to its neighboring sites. I was surprised to feel a sudden change in temperature upon entering its borders. The temperature is quite hot when we were on our way to Banahaw; however, when we got nearer to the mountain, I felt slightly cold.

Even the Butterflies and Dragonflies here are so friendly. One of the dragonflies that lingered with us stayed for a long time on Mary's hand.

Mystical Banahaw is a home to several caves. This one is considered a sacred cave.Phi, who is used to caving, find this one more challenging compared to other caves she's tried. That is because as you go towards the innermost part of it, the track becomes narrower and smaller.

There are several areas in Mt. Banahaw where tourists can light candles and pray. This spot is just one of those. When we were there, we encountered a group of devotees going around the place while singing beautiful hymns.

The water of Banahaw is so clear, clean, cold and refreshing. We really enjoyed soaking ourselves in it while wishing that all heaviness, troubles and sicknesses will be carried away by the running water. There is an area near the altar where residents fetch water for drinking. They also drink from the falls. The taste of the water from Banahaw is like the taste of a bottled mineral water.



The walk to the Mystical Falls is long and challenging. First, you'll have to go down to reach the falls and going back, you'll have to go up while trying to catch your breath. That's truly an effective way of burning calories.

Food and drinks are never a problem because food stalls are rampant in the location; moreover, they aren't expensive. For this reason, there is no need to bring packed meals. It is always best to keep your bags lighter when going to Banahaw to make trekking less of a hassle. On the other hand, bringing your own drinking water, extra clothing, non-slippery slippers, hiking shoes, face towels, tissue paper and head covering is advised.

CR is never a problem. There are a lot of paid toilets where guests can do their toilet things, change clothing and take a shower. 

Our last stop of course is the stalls for souvenir items. Banahaw has a lot to offer when it comes to various talisman and amulets. Although sellers claim that these items are still dead and need ora, you'd definitely get enticed to buy some for yourself because they are a work of art. Aside from talismans and amulets, there are also other affordable souvenir items being sold such as t-shirts that have the name of Banahaw printed on them. 

Center for Paranormal Studies occasionally offers trips to Banahaw which is inclusive of a 2-way transpo from pick up point and back, guided meditation andtour guide services. Try this adventure because a visit to Banahaw is truly an enlightening, refreshing and fun adventure. Embracing nature, for me, is still the best way to unwind. 

On the other hand, do not forget to respect the sacredness of the mountain by not leaving garbage behind and not using agents that will pollute the beautiful tourist spot.