Philippines is popular for three main things- the beaches, the people, and the food. This archipelago continues to be one of the top holiday travel destinations if a tropical vacation is what you are looking for to escape the chilly weather back home. However, there is also a spot in this country that locals and tourists go to if they prefer the sweater weather, and that is Baguio.
The city of Baguio is also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines because this highly urbanized area in Northern Luzon gets flocked with people when the summer heat gets a little too much. It’s also famous for being right next to the province of Ifugao which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site- the Banaue Rice Terraces.
The magnificent mountain ranges coupled with the low temperature makes Baguio the perfect place to enjoy a hot cup of your favorite coffee. So wear your bonnets and hats, sport your trusty hoodies and sweaters, put on your boots, and visit these three quirky cafes in Baguio:
1. Cafe by the Ruins
This cafe is probably as famous as the city itself. It was originally supposed to call it quits years ago but when they announced it, a lot of city-dwellers came to the shop to commemmorate its last day. This touched the hearts of the owners and they decided to continue serving carefully-concocted caffeinated drinks much to everyone’s jolly! Their menu is inspired by the region’s natural and local ingredients while interiors are designed to celebrate local art. Their bestseller java is called Ruins, an Arabica coffee steeped with cardamom with whipped cream and cinnamon on top. If you like your joe strong, you will definitely enjoy this. You can mix in the spun sugar it comes with which is locally called Balikutsa.
Cafe by the Ruins is located at Upper Session Road and is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.
2. Arca’s Yard
Did you know that Baguio is also a top holiday destination for the broken-hearted? After all, what better way to forget the troubles of your heart than appreciating and soaking in the beauty of nature, right? However, the city of Baguio is urbanized so if you want a spot away from the metropolis, then Arca’s Yard is the place to be. Located on a quiet, peaceful corner of Ambuklao Road (about 15 minutes away from the city proper by car), Arca’s Yard is a cozy home-turned-cafe where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the place at their terrace with a cup of black Benguet Coffee or Arca’s Cloud tea with Cream and Wild Honey. They also have a secluded mini library upstairs where book and coffee lovers can enjoy the best of both worlds. Bonus, too, since Arca’s Yard Cafe also features artefacts that showcase the Igorot culture.
Arca’s Yard is located at 777 Tiptop, Ambuklao Road and is open daily from 9 AM to 8PM.
3. Cafe Yagam
Since Philippines is a tropical country, drinking coffee by the fireplace is something the locals could only see in the movies. But not at Cafe Yagam. This rustic and homey cafe is where you want to be if Baguio’s cold weather starts to seep through your skin and bones. You can enjoy local Cordillera coffee that’s freshly grounded while having the option of it being roasted light, medium, or dark, and being brewed paper drip or French-pressed. And of course, the highlight- the fireplace. The interiors of Cafe Yagam feature wood furniture- low tables and chairs but you also have the liberty to sit on the floor by the fireplace.
Cafe Yagam is located at 25 J. Felipe St., Gibraltar Rd. and is open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM.
See? Who says Philippines only has tropical holiday destinations to boast about? Book your travel now and if you have time, we hihgly suggest you witness the awe-inspiring view that Banaue Rice Terraces has to offer! Plan your trip now through our travel partners