How Session Road Can be like the streets of Paris

The suggestion to ban cars in Session road and turn the main streets into pedestrian malls is not a new concept. In fact, I have already heard this suggestion in 2012.

We were still busy discussing the future of the 182 trees that are being threatened by SM City Baguio making the topic out of place during that time.

Now, the idea is being revived in social networks like Facebook. I have seen photos posted by Art Tibaldo, a well known-photographer and artist in Baguio and have read several arguments that were given by concerned individuals like Joseph Alabanza with regards to the urban planning.

Am I in agreement with banning cars in Session Road?

Of course, 100%, this is something that has been long advocated by artists in Baguio like Kabunyan De Guia. A people-friendly Session road where people can stroll without worrying about the smog and the traffic.

In an ideal setting, yes this would have been a really good suggestion.  There are too many taxi cabs and private cars and people don't feel safe in Session Road anymore.

In fact, in the recent years due to the decline of quality of the stores and the presentation of the businesses in Session Road, they were beaten by their toughest competitor SM City Baguio.

People started forgetting the names of the restaurants in Session road, even the historic educational book store CID has lost most of their customers because of this.

A lot of original stalls and shops in Session road are suffering and only big franchises like McDonalds and Jollibee are able to sustain their business.

Let us face it, Session road looks dirty, the canals near Porta Vaga stink-- and people don't even have a nice and clean not to mention free comfort room where they can go.

There is hardly any thriving plants or flowers in the area and most of areas where people are crossing are closed --for some reason...

Only a few residents in Baguio, know the best restaurants that are not owned by franchise owners...many people forgot Luisa's Cafe--perhaps because the design did not change over the years, or the quality of service was not upgraded...they still have the best coffee and siopao in town...but people rarely notice them anymore. if it were not for the media man in the City...where will Luisa's Cafe be?

Let us face it, Session Road...the focal point of the city...the identity of the city of Baguio has deteriorated and this suggestion to turn the area into something like the streets of Paris, could be one of the best ideas so far--if it will be done correctly.

Thoughts on the Opposing side:

Of course, it would be normal that the business owners won't like the idea- they feel they will be threatened and their business will be closed because of this.

Stores like CID has suffered over the years during Panagbenga festivals, a lot of stalls coming from outside areas are the ones generating income, but our original business men are suffering.

I will not condemn them for opposing. it is only but natural to feel threatened especially if your family and income is on the line.

However,  I feel that there are certain measure that we can do, in order to make sure that people on both sides will benefit.

I feel that if properly presented, the businessmen will understand that by improving Session road- they will actually gain more profits...its not the cars but the lack of creativity and cleanliness that discourages people to enter the stalls in Session Road.

The restaurants and shops in Session Road have much to learn about new types of businesses that are thriving. Nowadays, people do not merely want to purchase items in a store, they can easily do that anywhere.

A business in order to have staying power in the community, has to participate. The owners of CID bookshop have much to learn about how Mt. Cloud Bookshop at Casa Vallejo is doing business.

They are offering poetry contests, and they are accommodating interesting talks and book launching- people are talking about the activities in Mt. Cloud and they are thriving in Social media.

I for one, love the atmosphere of Mt. Cloud, if CID wants to have a share of this--they need to evolve. They should be able to offer something new to customers, something that would make them want to explore the bookstore and stay there for a number of hours.

You have to give something to the community, you have to be felt- business with a heart is what we are looking for this days and businesses with creativity.

A lot of restaurants like Mandarin and Star Cafe can learn something from the way the De Guia family is running their business. Oh my Gulay despite  being on the top floor of La, Azotea building continues to make waves even on an international level--because they are offering more than just food, people are willing to pay a higher price to see something new- a spark of idea- people want to be inspired.

We are living in a highly technological world, where people will mostly look at their iPhones instead of their surroundings, people are most likely to stay home and achieve everything they need---and if stores, shops and restaurants are not offering something worth visiting--they are soon going to die- they are going to be replaced whether Session road is closed or not.

Business owners in the area have to innovate, have to offer something. Even Jollibee and Mcdo are always thinking of gimmicks, this is the reason why most franchises survive--they take time to research and they upgrade and change their looks to suit customers--notice the new interior of McDonalds? or the ever changing menu of Jollibee?

The Session road stalls have much to learn about  this...including the Panagbenga organizers have to understand this...People go to Baguio because of the trees, the ambiance and the creativity--if all you will put are shawarma stalls and generic products that can be purchased everywhere...I assure you that there will be a steady decline in the people who are going in the Panagbenga Festival.

People just don't like getting stuck in traffic for something so plain--something that any tiangge in the country can offer.

 Teresita Enciso. JOEL ARTHUR TIBALDO/CONTRIBUTOR

My suggestions:

Saturday and Sunday experiment:

We cannot do this by force, especially in an overpopulated Baguio but what we can do--is to set an experiment and see how it will look like.

In Paris and in Thailand, they just allow musicians to bring their instruments and people can choose to donate or not- there is freedom and people are not always looking for a way to get quick money out of it.

I remember several occasions where Baguio artists are freely giving their time, remember the performance artist  wearing blue to represent the Baguio Sweepers last Panagbenga?

People can choose to give donations or not--nothing should be forced--the goal is to reduce the gas emissions in Session road and to make it people friendly.

I like the idea of turning Session road into something like Paris, where you can just sit, have your coffee and feel the breeze.

However, we also have to accept that this suggestion can quickly be a nightmare if------ the dream Paris streets we have been hoping for...will only be turned into a Session road filled with Shawarma and cheap China Products.

Suggestions...suggestions..suggestions.

I have been interacting with the community of Baguio for several years now, it has been my habit to observe projects. Most of the art exhibits and concerts in the city are attended by me, even seminars, protest rallies and any other event for that matter.

I am not promoting any political group, not promoting any activist groups either--I simply love Baguio and want to learn as much as I can about it...

Committee for Session Road must be handled by the right people:

If the committee for transforming the area will be handled by artists like Kidlat Tahimik and Vocas artists, if the suggestions of young and up and coming artists like Rey Gelo Aurelio and Rocky Cajigan will be considered then we might actually have a chance here.

Artists have a massive imagination, they will be able to create a suggestion on how the streets should be designed. I have seen the works of this artists and have traveled with them on several occasions and I will tell you--that they are truly larger than life and Baguio is so blessed to have them--if only Baguio will recognize it.

We need to get the ideas of people like Padmapani, the owner of Mt. Cloud Bookshop, the way she runs her business is something to be admired--creative and yet able to contribute a lot for the community of Baguio.

I suggest building a committee composed of artists, and environmentalists. The ideas of Art Tibaldo is already good and could be improved- I believe his collection of photos would be best enjoyed by the people walking in Session road.

This is my two cents, I think this can only be established if we will consult the right people. My worry, is that some business men will take advantage of the situation and will just turn Session into one big tiangge.

We have to do this the sophisticated way and if we want a sophisticated Baguio we have to consult the experts. I was discussing some ideas with Sir Rob Ocampo before, his idea was to have a day for artists--in Session Road...just like Paris where artists are allowed to paint on the streets, sing and just contribute their art.

To me this was very do-able, I like the suggestion...if only the councilors in Baguio will give it a chance-especially the Mayor and Congressman.

 A Day for Artists and Musicians;

We can try an experiment by allowing artists to have their day every Saturday and Sunday...we allow musicians, theater performers and street performers, let us allow them to roam the streets of Session road with no cars and see how they will inspire us.

I wish to see various bands and musicians all over Baguio, old and the new performing on the stage. I don't know-this might be a crazy dream for some, but if we talk about it long enough we can introduce it to the consciousness of our leaders.

Photographers should be allowed to showcase their wonderful collection of photos to inspire the city. Vocas Artists, Tam-Awan artists, Ben Cab--all of them can merge ideas to form this one great idea.

How about showcasing a day for the SLU Glee Club, or the UC Orchestra...they are really amazing--- it would really be good if schools will share them with the community--a place where people can present their vision. There are so many talented people from various regions in the country that came here to Baguio--I feel this is the right time to notice them.

Baguio has so many artists and musicians...we can redeem our identity.

If talented people like Rob Ocampo, Karlo Altomonte, Kawayan De Guia will be asked to draft an idea--this can turn out to be something.

The artists of every school need to be tapped about this, it has to be planned by the community and not just a few--never just a few businessmen.

I have seen the idea of UC with regards to  a new design, it was creative--I just hope they would use less cement. The cement part is what is not pleasant about this--we need breathing spaces. We can be creative, we can change our urban landscape without necessarily using cement all of the time.

If this will be handled by the same organizers of the Panagbenga--then the idea might be lost along the way. Artists should be the one to handle this together with a proper consultation with environmentalist and people who are experts on sustainable development.

2. Hire Engineers and Architects who understand Sustainable Development

The city needs to hire expert architects who can remodel session road, artists who are knowledgeable about making use of solar energy and alternative energy.

I am hoping the city will be sensible enough to hire experts who will provide ways to clean the air pollution especially in Session Road...

Who knows we might even get the help of Michael Bengwayan when it comes to putting up more plants in the area.

Perhaps, UP can fund a research and release suggestions on how we can reduce the pollution in Session road and various parts of the city. 

People who can incorporate fresh ideas-- this must not be handled by people who are just looking for a quick way to gain money--people who will just cement the entire Session road and leave it to rot.

The suggestions of students from U.P baguio, SLU, U.B, U.C as well as other schools have to be consulted.

I am one of those who are hoping for the best.

We can dream Baguio...one at a time.. we can do this, but we need to drop our differences and ego...having a Session road that feels like Paris would be wonderful...

As an added suggestion,..I would really love if the Cordilleran culture will be incorporated along the way...it is our identity after all, but we also need to  understand that the residents of Baguio is already a mixture of people--we have to be balanced.

Dear Mayor Domogan

Isa lang ako sa residente ng Baguio, at kung walang internet wala akong pag asa na tanungin ang mga bagay na ito sa iyo.

Natatandaan ko noon sabi ng Lolo ko, mabuti ka daw na tao. Simple ka  lang at kadalasan naglalakad ka lang nung nakikita ka niya noon sa minahan kung saan siya nagtratrabaho.

Noong 12 years old ako, nakwento ng mga matatanda na napaka mapagkumbaba mo daw na tao. Madami ka daw tinulungan maging scholar at napabuti daw ang Baguio dahil sa iyo.

Hindi ko nakalimutan ang mga kwentong ito...26 years old na ako ngayon at ikaw pa din ang Mayor ng Baguio.

Gusto ko lang sana tanungin sa yo, kung nakikita mo pa kung gaano kaganda ang mga Pine trees sa Baguio.

Balita ko mas madalas ka na daw ata mag golf sa John Hay ngayon.. di ko alam kung nabalitaan mo na ba na balak pala nilang mamutol ng 1,000 na puno doon para magtayo ng Marriott Hotel..

Di ko alam kung nararamdaman mo ba yung takot na nararamdaman ko habang iniisip...na mababawasan nanaman ang mga Pine trees na pwede kong tingnan at dalawin tuwing hapon.

Pero siguro, ibang iba ka na ngayon, palagay ko hindi ka na yung taong kwinikwento ng lolo ko.

Mayaman ka na ngayon, malaki na ang bahay ninyo, madami ka ng mga kaibigan na milyon milyon ang pera, madami ng nagbibigay ng galang sa iyo.

 Sabi sa akin noon ng classmate ko nung college, napasok daw niya ang bahay ninyo...ang gaganda at ang tataas daw ng kurtina ninyo.. ewan ko ba bakit naaalala ko yung detalye na yung hangang ngayon ...

Ang mga anak mo nakikita ko na lang sa Facebook nag babakasyon sa America, kumakain sa mga mamahaling restaurant, nag susuot ng mga damit at sumasakay sa sasakyan na iilan lang ang taong kaya bumili.

Pero hindi yan ang gusto kong tanungin sayo...gusto ko lang malaman kung naglalakad ka pa sa sa Botanical Garden, nakikita mo pa ba ang Burnham Park?nag pipicnic pa ba kayo sa Rose Garden? naglalaro pa ba ang mga apo mo sa Children's Park? 

Napapansin mo pa ba yung  mga players sa Melvin Jones tuwing hapon? Nadadaanan mo ba yung mga nag wawag-wag ng damit sa Harrison tuwing gabi. Kumakain ka ba sa Good Taste, alam mo pa ba ang lasa ng Siopao sa Luisa's.

Halos araw araw akong naglalakad sa Baguio, pero minsan lang kitang nakita na nakapila sa Chia's para kumain...hindi ko alam kung paano ang buhay mo ngayon.

Pero gusto ko lang tanungin kung alam mo pa ang pakiramdam ng isang residente ng Baguio.

Noong nabalitaan namin magkakaibigan na mag puputol ang SM ng 182 na puno, naalala ko pinuntahan ka ng mga kaibigan ko para tanungin kung mabibigyan mo ba kami ng tulong..

Sabi mo hindi, at bahala na kami na harapin kung ano man ang mangyayari.

 Naalala ko pumunta kami doon para humingi ng protection bilang residente ng Baguio, pumunta sila doon dahil sa puso nila--akala nila mararamdaman mo --ang poot na naramdaman nila habang pinuputol ng walang pakundangan ang mga puno...



Ako nakita ko, tumindig ang balahibo ko habang pinapanuod na hinuhugot nila ang mga puno isa-isa...at hindi ko napigilang umiyak ng mapanuod kong umiyak ang mga taga Baguio... ang mga matatandang lalake...hanggang ngayon naaalala ko pa ang message sa Chatbox ko sa FB galing sa madaming tao, nagtatanong kamusta na ba ang mga puno ng Baguio?

HIndi ko alam kung nababalitaan mo...gustong gusto ko na gumawa pa ng madaming project para lang mapigilan ang pagputol sa mga punong ito...di lang ng SM pati na din ng ibang corporation dito...Gustong gusto ko sana  magtanim pa ng madaming puno...

Pero minimum wage lang ang sweldo ko, wala akong sariling bahay, halos di ko mabayaran ang mga kailangan kong bayaran...araw-araw dinaramdam ko na napaka limitado ng pwede kong magawa.

Iniisip ko baka sakali kung mabasa mo ito...may mabuhay sa kalooban mo...palagya ko hindi ka naman nag simula na may ganitong paniniwala...merong isang simpleng Mauricio Domogan noon na totoong ipinagmamalaki ng mga tiga-Baguio. 

Nakikita na lang kita ngayon gumagawa ng speech sa loob ng City Council o sa interview mo sa TV.

Pero hindi ko alam kung alam mo pa ang pakiramdam ng isang taong normal lang ang buhay sa Baguio, hindi ko alam kung nakikita at nadadanas mo pa kung ano ang nadadanas namin.

Alam ko parati mong sinasabi na magtulungan tayo, na wag lamang isisi sa gobyerno ang nangyayari sa Baguio..Sinasang ayunan kita sa bagay na yan.

Lahat ng nangyayari ngayon sa Baguio ay naging gawain at kasalanan din nating lahat.  

Ginawa ko itong sulat na ito para intindihin ka, ang mga pagbabago na nangyayari sayo...ginawa ko ito para tanungin ka kung alam mo pa ba ang nangyayari sa tunay na Baguio.

Pero paano? paano ba kita mararating? Paano ba tayo mag tutulungan? Paano ba kita ma aabot? Paano ba namin masasabi saiyo, paano ba kita matutulungan bilang residente ng Baguio....paano mo ba kami mapapakinggan, paano ba tayo magkakarun ng paraan para magtulungan para baguhin kung ano man ang nangyayari sa bahay nating ito? 

Sa mundo namin na walang malaking bahay at mamahaling sasakyan, sa mundo namin na walang mahal na membership sa Country Club...

Sa mundo naming naglalakad, nag tataxi at nag je jeep lamang..

Marumi na ang hangin ng Baguio... sa amin na simpleng residente lang- hirap na hirap na kami nag papadeliver ng tubig lingo lingo dahil wala ng madaming pagkukuhanan ng tubig, halos lahat pinayagan na ng City planning na mag tayo ng naglalakihang condominium,  tuloy tuloy na lang ang kahit na sino na magputol ng Pine trees.

HIndi ko alam kung nararamdaman mo ang mga bagay na ito, pero ito ang nararanasan ng isang tiga-Baguio.

Hindi ko alam, kung ano ang naiisip mo tuwing progreso at ekonomiya ang pinag uusapan.

Siguro palagay ko sa isip  mo makakatulong na mas maraming shopping mall sa Baguio, palagay ko sa mga mata mo ginagawan mo ng pabor ang mga tao sa pag gawa ng madaming parking lot. 

Siguro mas progreso iyon para sa iyo..para sa iyong mas lumaki sa Minahan...

Napaka swerte mo noon...napaka ganda ng Baguio noong ikaw pa ang nag-aaral, pero paano kaming mga estudyante ngayon?

Gusto din sana namin ayusin ang proseso ng pag babasura, pero kahit kami litong lito kung saan ilalagay ang mga basurang ito...

HIndi ko alam kung nakaka usap mo pa yung mga taga- palengke para tanungin kung kamusta ang kita, hindi ko alam kung nakikita mo pa ang mga nagtitinda sa Maharlika arts and Crafts para malaman kung ano talaga ang kalagayan ng negosyo nila...

Dahil palagay ko madalas ang mga kaibigan at taong nakikilala mo ay hindi na mga taong gaya namin. Ang mga taong nakikilala mo  kayang kayang umalis ng Baguio sa oras na masira na ang lugar na ito.. Ang mga barkada mo at mundong ginagalawan ay ibang iba na..

Isa lang ako sa simpleng taong natutuwa na malakad ko lang ang Burnham Park, isa lang ako sa mga tao na masaya na makita ang Botanical Garden.

Simple lang ang kaya namin, hindi lahat ng tao sa Baguio kaya ang pinapangarap mong klase ng ekonomiya, hindi lahat gusto ang shopping mall, hindi lahat gusto ang parking lot.

Hindi ko alam kung naiisip mo, kaming mga walang sasakyan...kaming mga tao na gusto lang mapanatili na maganda ang Baguio.

Noon naman wala tayo ng sinasabi ninyong Economy friendly projects- noon naman wala tayong malaking shopping mall, noon naman wala tayong mga condominium...pero alam ko na tayo ang isa sa pinaka magandang tourist spot noon..

Noon naman kuntento tayo sa natural na itsura ng Baguio...hindi ko alam bakit naisip nating baguhin at tinawag pa nating progreso..

Mukhang bang mas progresibo ang Baguio City ngayon?

Minahal ng madaming tao ang Baguio dahil tahimik dito noon, walang masyadong pollution o sasakyan.

 Dumadating ang tao noon dahil malamig, gusto ng tao makakita ng pine trees, gusto niya masubukan na mag bonfire, gusto niya makapag hiking sa JohnHay, gusto niya maka pag picnic sa Burnham...meron tayong naiibang identity noon--meron tayong originality, meron tayong mga Pine trees na wala kahit saan ka lupalop ng Pinas magpunta...kaya nga tinawag tayong City of Pines.

Ginagawa ko din ang kaya ko, gaya ng magtanim ng puno kaso hindi ako gaya mo na madaming pera na pwede pag tuunan araw-araw ang serbisyo. Isa lang ako sa mga umaasa na sana proprotektahan mo ang mga taong gaya namin.

Mga taong mahal ang Baguio pero simple lang ang hiling. Hindi malalaking building ang kailangan ng lugar na ito, hindi madaming parking lot- mas kailangan ng mga residente ng Baguio ng mga proyekto na pwede silang makahinga ng mas malinis na hangin. Mas kailangan ng mga nakatira dito ng konkretong solusyon para buhayin ang namamatay ng kapaligiran ng Baguio...

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang plano mo sa Baguio, o kung nararamdaman mo pa ang pangangailangan ng mga tao...hindi ko alam kung naglalakad ka pa sa Session road para obserbahan ang totoong nangyayari dito.

Gusto kitang imbitahan, na maglakad muli at makisalamuha sa mga tao--gusto kitang imbitahan kasama ng mga City Councilors para alamin kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng maging tunay na residente ng Baguio, gusto kitang imbitahan na lakarin muli ang Baguio at alamin kung ano ang tunay na nangyayari dito..

Gusto kitang imbitahan na diskubrehin uli ang Baguio, gusto kitang tawagin para maglakad muli sa mga kalsada at mga trails ng siyudad na ito, gusto kong makita mo ang Mines View, gusto kong mabisita mo uli ang lugar na pinamumunuan mo..
Gusto kitang imbitahan na mahalin uli  Baguio. 

Nag babaka sakali ako na maintindihan mo kami tuwing sinasabi naming tama na ang pagpuputol ng mga puno. 

Places you probably do not know exist in Baguio City

In the past people had no huge shopping malls that provide everything they could possibly need within several hours.


 Nowadays shopping malls are everywhere especially SM shopping malls, while it is without a doubt that malls make shopping easier...it also reduces the chances of other creative business to thrive.



I am a huge believer of passion and creativity when starting a business. While shopping malls can reduce the time needed to shop...it does not necessarily create the atmosphere of  fine dining  or what I term as "Inspired Dining"...

Restaurants should have contain an interesting beginning, it must contain imaginative works from the menu until the interior design...malls cannot produce amazing works of art and cuisines because they are mostly renting out a space just for commercial purposes

Yes, we should all focus on how we can profit, but how I wish we could all be just like Ratatouille the animated rat who was passionate about cooking...I wish we could all focus on the quality and love of the food and service...and the money will just be secondary..

Shopping mall owners do not understand this, in a shopping  mall environment everything is fast paced.

Malls hardly ever feature restaurants that you can praise for hours and hours...

Malls have a standard structure, an exact number of tiles that they can place, the lighting fixtures are  designed to minimize the space..everything is created to maximize profits and because of that there is very little chance that you can take wonderful pictures while dining--you will just sit there, dine and then go out of the restaurant without retaining a sense of wonder and amazement.

The  innovative chances of a place is lost, while everything might look colorful inside shopping malls, it does not necessarily mean it has a good history or story to provide.

The fast food mentality is also pervasive, people who go to shopping malls  have very little chances of reflecting and exploring the place, after eating there is very little to do.

 Malls are merely for consumption and purchase but it is not the place to get inspired.

For this reason I have decided to go on a month long task of experiencing every unique restaurant in the city of Baguio.


 Restaurants that have been created by people who once dreamed of owning what they have now.
Restaurants that might not necessarily have a huge following... but have their own special recipes.
Restaurants that continue to strive despite the fact that most of the customers are lined up inside shopping malls.

Restaurants should be filled with the vision of the owner, it should start with a simple dream and it must contain an interesting story that customers can take with them after eating.

 Here are some of the best restaurants and shops that I have visited in Baguio...

I am urging everyone to Rediscover the city of Baguio and what it has to offer, SM shopping malls are everywhere...Jollibee is everywhere, McDonalds is everywhere...Starbucks is starting to pop up anywhere...can we give other entrepreneurs a fighting chance in the economy...can we support people who have a vision... can we distribute our buying power...can we explore new places and help them especially here in the city of Baguio.

1. Ahmad's Cafe- 3rd Floor, Abanao Square

This is just a small vegetarian cafe, probably owned by an Indian Muslim family.
Most of the people eating in here are Muslims, you are sure to see women wearing shawls and Middle Eastern looking children playing in the area.

Positive Aspects: Affordable food
 You will be able to order chicken, shawarma, lamb curry and other interesting Middle Eastern Cuisine and Indian food.
I love their 35 pesos Hot tea with milk, it tastes like Chowking Nai Cha only cheaper and with less sugar.

I also love the Chicken Shawarma, it contains crunchy bits inside.

You won't probably get too much assistance from the waitress, because this is a self-service cafe but this is the perfect place for a rainy afternoon in Baguio.


This is one of the best places to sit down, drink coffee or tea and just read a book while waiting for someone.

Stay away from the crowded environment of SM and just enjoy a delightful afternoon watching the rain splatter on the window.

How about the cleanliness of the place?

 The kitchen is clean and my food was served neatly which is usually good sign.

The place is filled with interesting dishes that I have yet to discover like the  Tandori, Hummus,  Plain Paratha, Sweeet Chapati, Pakora Eggplant, Chili Eggplant as well as Onion Rings.


Negative: If you are  fond of  eating pork, this is not the place for you, and bad news for smokers there is no smoking area.


Conclusion: This place is good for an afternoon snack, or if you just want to explore some Indian Food.
It probably won't be the best place to go for a family dinner due to the fact that the seats are limited.

But this will do very well for 3-4 individuals who just want to have coffee and taste something different.

Aside from that you get to see and feel the Muslim culture in Baguio...


 I sat down and saw a glimpse of what a muslim family is...
It's really interesting how their women live...I was able to eat well and look at a different perspective.

One you will not be able to experience if you are just hanging out in one place.

Cleanliness: B+
Taste of Food: B+
Service:B-
Overall rating: B+


Located at:
 3rd Floor, Abanao Corner Zandueta Street, Baguio City 


2. JJu Gu Mi Korean Canteen-- near Starwood hotel, Ground Floor ( Kisad Road)

If you want to experience Korean food while on a budget, this is the place for you. 


There are of course better Korean restaurants out there like Hodori restaurant  located in Mabini,  but if you only have 300-500 pesos as budget then this place will do.

Most of the time Korean students are the only clients, the prices of the food will start at 100-250 and this will usually be enough for 3 individuals.

Just like any other Korean restaurant you will be given unlimited Kimchi and any available appetizer that they have like this Onion leeks infused with Chili.

I especially love their Samgyupsul and the Onion leaves appetizer, it feels so refreshing in the mouth and the vinegar has a sweet interesting taste.

You can also order some Korean Ice Cream  worth 35 pesos and up if you feel like it.

The only downside is that they do not offer their own blended  coffee.
They only have a 10 peso coffee  from the vending machine.


The ambiance is also good, you will have a better understanding of the Korean students in Baguio if you come here often. 


You might have to endure chatty and noisy Korean customers, but that is also one way of adjusting with our Korean visitors.

I highly recommend the beef samgyupsul instead of the pork samgyupsal. It's tastier especially with the wombok and chili paste.



They also serve Korean Ice cream, which could be a bit more expensive than Cornetto or Magnum, the price range is usually at 45-70 pesos.
The ice cream tastes good but it will not be able to beat Cornetto and Magnum.

Cleanliness: B+
Taste of Food: A-
Service:C
Overall rating: B+


Located near Starwood Hotel: Kisad Road, Baguio City

3. Solibao Restaurant, Heritage Mansion Hotel-- 5 minutes walk from Baguio City Hall

If you want to impress your foreigner friend or visitor, you need to bring them here at Solibao in the Heritage Mansion hotel.

There are 3 existing Solibao restaurant branches, 1 in Session road and 1 near Burnham Park however, this is the best branch.
 The third branch has a better way of serving their food, they offer a wider variety of dishes compared with the two branches.

They also offer a better ambiance, the staff at Session Road Solibao might offer a better service compared with Heritage Mansion Solibao  brach but you have to consider that the chef at this  branch cooks better and knows how to do a better food presentation when compared with the others.


One of the best dishes that they offer or the best seller is the Kare-Kare with Bagnet, they also offer an array of fruit juices and good-tasting ice tea.


The only downside when it comes to the beverage is that most of the time they lack fruits for their fruit juices. I was not impressed with their version of Green Mango fruit shake.

  However if you are looking for a delicious cake, this is the perfect p lace.

This branch offers sumptuous chocolate and blueberry cheesecake ( 57-85 pesos a piece).

The cakes won`t necessarily taste better than what Veniz grill has to offer, but it is still one of the best cakes I have tasted in Baguio. In fact it tastes better than the cakes that I tasted in Thailand. 

The ambiance is mellow, it is perfect for dates, family dinners and business transactions.

 Solibao also has a good parking spot for clients.

You can stay and have a meeting for a very long time, the staff will not mind, they are in fact very accommodating.

The only downside is that you cannot smoke in the area, owners should probably  hire an interior designer to maximize the space but all in all the meals are satisfying. In tagalog `sakto sa panlasang Pinoy``...hindi tinipid ang ingredients...

Solibao at the Heritage Mansion hotel offers a dramatic feel...

They have also infused some Cordilleran designs and they also offer beer at night starting at 6pm, acoustic singers are also available during that time.
Customers can jam with the singers if they like.

In the morning customers can enjoy the breakfast meals, they serve beef tapa, longganisa served with a choice of tea, coffee, jam and bread.
They also have their own version of pancakes. I especially recommend the Spanish Chocolate, it is the genuine thing.

 I also highly recommend the Tilapia with mango dish.
It is simply divine and exquisite.


Cleanliness: B+
Taste of Food: A+
Service:B+
Overall rating: A-

SOLIBAO RESTAURANT @ HERITAGE MANSION HOTEL
Kisad Road, Abanao Extension, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Operating Hours: 6.00am to 10.00pm
Telephone Number: +(63 74) 448-3815 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/solibao
Website:  http://solibao.com/

4. Green Pepper Restaurant- Ketchup Community- Mines,View Pacdal

A lot of tourists are  not able to check this amazing location because it is a bit far from the Central Business district.
 But I assure you it is one of the most interesting place here in Baguio City. It is a combination of restaurants that offer unique recipes including Thai-inspired dishes.

I especially love Green Pepper because of the chocolate cake, while there are some bakers who can probably create a better tasting chocolate cake...this cake will still get an A+.

I have tried so many chocolate cakes and this one gets my seal of approval..

Green pepper has 3 amazing chefs who strive to create healthy food, they offer Cordilleran Bacon...most of the food  they serve contain very little amount of salt.

 If you want to have a low calorie meal and still include meat in your diet this is the restaurant for you.

Prices of the meal will usually start at 150-350, a bit expensive but worth it.

You can also explore other nearby shops after Green Pepper. You are going to love the bamboo inspired designs.

If you still want to experience the old Baguio feel...go here.

Cleanliness: B
Taste of Food: B+
Service:B

Overall rating: B

Address:

Romulo Drive, Barangay Lualhati (Near Wright Park), 2600 Baguio City

5. Illy Likha ( Hayahay sa Assumption) Assumption Road--located  near Assumption Medical Center

There is still no exact name for this location and it is still under construction. However, in order to sustain the construction of this unique and organic inspired restaurant they are already offering snacks for customers.

 This Vegetarian restaurant is the official hang-out place of Baguio Artists especially the ones from  the Vocas Group. 

If you want to get the chance to meet and gree Kidlat Tahimik, Kawayan De Guia, Carlo Villafuerte,  Bumbo Villanueva, William Magtibay, Rene Aquitania, Kabunyan and the Mighty Bhutens and other writers, painters and singers in Baguio this is the place to go.

You can also meet some of the most talented wood carvers, artists and tree planters on this site like Santos Bayucca and Jayson Domling ( usually in the afternoon or if there is a special occasion)

This location is still hidden from a lot of people because most of the area is still not finished, but guests will be delighted to see this one of a kind structure here in Baguio. It is the Part II of the Oh My Gulay restaurant.

Illy Lika ( temporary name) I predict will be 4x much better than Oh My Gulay because it has a wider open space and the location is easier to access especially for University of Baguio students.

 It also contains more interesting artworks and involves a lot of creative work and inspiration from different people all over the world. 

There is more collaborative work involved and although you have to pay more to get to sample some of their snacks and drinks it is usually worth it because I can guarantee you that the ingredients are fresh.

Right now other parts of the place have yet to be constructed, it will still undergo a lot of changes in the coming months which is why I will not grade this yet.

It is just worth featuring. I hope you can come and visit this one of a kind restaurant here in Baguio. 

This Vegetarian restaurant has witnessed so many interesting stories here in Baguio...and contains an amazing energy. 

There is no rating for this restaurant yet, it is still under construction.

6. Cucinino Pasta- Porta Vaga, Mall

This is the perfect snack shop for anyone who wants  to experience fine dining on a budget. 

The concept that the owners have created enables people to appreciate different kinds of sauces and pasta without necessarily going to an expensive restaurant.

I admire the couple who started this concept, they were college sweet hearts who eventually decided to start a business together. Whenever I visit this small snack shop located at Portavaga I cannot help but feel positive.

A lot of couples would have separated after doing business together due to financial issues, but the couple who owns this shop stayed together and got married eventually.
Not only does Cucinino Pasta Baguio inspire a positive vibe, it is also highly creative.

The pasta is served with different types of sauces, it will usually include mushrooms and other interesting ingredients.

I especially love the drinks that they serve, the salad is also impressive.

It would be better to get your salad here than at KFC.  Aside from the delicious spaghetti you can also spend your time browsing the magazines the couples have provided for their clients.

This area is perfect for friends who just want to hang out and exchange some stories without getting bothered by too many people.

I seriously hope that they will be able to expand their restaurant, it contains an interesting concept.

The only thing I would like to suggest is for them to increase the volume of the pasta in order to make sure that the customer will be fulfilled at the end of the meal.

( Picture on the right: Bagnet Longanisa Spaghetti, sauteed with mushrooms, olive oil and mediterranean chili)


Each time you eat at Cucinino remember that you are helping out an inspiring couple. Let us all find a way to help small business owners like them to reach their dreams.


Cleanliness: B
Taste of Food: B+
Service:B

Overall rating: B

Cucinino Pasta Etc., is located in the 3rd floor of Porta Vaga Mall, Session Baguio City. They are open weekdays and weekends is until 1pm.

7. Hodori Restaurant- I still consider this Korean restaurant one of the best Korean restaurants in town due to the fact that the appetizer they serve look simple yet classically delicious.

 Although I have to admit they need some serious upgrade...they have only 2 waiters serving which can mean lots of time wasted for the customer.

Although this might not be the cheapest Korean restaurant around I still recommend it because of the taste of the food.

 It is often crowded so it would be best to avoid rush hours from 12 until 2pm.

The only thing I dislike about this restaurant is the expensive coffee and tea.

 You can get something better for P50 at other restaurants, they have to find a way to reduce the price.

The Omu Rice is also very tasty.

Price Range is from 150 to 800 good for 3 to 8 people.



























I highly recommend the Kani Salad, it is refreshing and very satisfying. 

Cleanliness: c+

Taste of Food: A
Service:B-

Overall rating: B-

Located at:

Mabini St, Lungsod ng Baguio



8. SumoSam ( Authentic Japanese Restaurant)

There are only a few authentic Japanese restaurants in Baguio city, one of them is located at John Hay Techno Hub, Foursquare.

It might not exactly be an affordable Japanese restaurant experience but the money that you will spend in here will not be a total waste.


If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle in the central business district of Baguio and you want to see some pine trees while dining with family and friends then this is the perfect place for you.

The food is a bit more expensive when compared with other fast foods but remember that you are being given authentic Japanese authentic ingredients which means the taste is better than common dishes.

I highly recommend the cucumber juice, aside from the fact that it is healthy it is also refreshing.


3 people can share the cucumber juice normally priced at P265, there is a bottomless iced tea for those who are fond of drinking more.




 It is priced at P99 each. I also recommend the sukiyaki.
This is one of the best sukiyaki I have tasted so far.

This is perfect for people who want to feel satisfied when eating Japanese food.
The sukiyaki of SumoSam is surprisingly better than the Sukiyaki of Chaya Restaurant ( also located in Baguio) perhaps because of the Shitake mushrooms added into it.

I also love the Japanese artworks present inside the area, the comfort rooms are also very clean..unusually clean if I may say so.

This is also perfect for couples dating and for a family of 3 to 6 who just want to experience something new.


 Expect to pay for P1,800 pesos for a meal that is good for 3 people, this will already include 3 different dishes.

Cleanliness: A+
Taste of Food: B+
Service:C
Overall rating: B-


Sumo Sam has yet to improve their customer service, their staff is not able to respond to the needs of their customers immediately.

Good thing the food tastes good and the comfort rooms are clean.

Oh and did I mention they also serve steaks too?
A bit pricy...expect to pay P1,000 above for the so called authentic Japanese steaks-- I have yet to try them..but if you are curious enough be my guest and try them for me and leave your comments here on my page.

Thanks for reading ^__^ more restaurants to review here in the City of Baguio.