Where to go in Baguio: Spots for bookworms, film enthusiasts and artists

We thought we've visited all the tourist spots in Baguio and that there would be nowhere else to go but there are still a lot  to check out and for this trip, we headed to places offering a dose of local art and national pride.

Mt. Cloud Bookshop

Bookworms are sure to smile not just for book finds but also for the cute interior of Mt. Cloud Bookshop.

After a good meal at Hill Station, we took the stairs down to Mt.Cloud Bookshop. I always find myself dropping by this quaint bookshop when I’m in Baguio. The interior of this shop always invites me to keep coming back. It’s the mini-library I’ve always dreamed to have, complete with a wooden ladder that I could climb to reach books piled in a high shelf. There’s a cute makeshift couch in the middle with a armrests for reading. And because the shop is made of wood, it’s very breathy and dream catchers hanging in windows sway to the wind as if they were catching dreams.

Cinematheque

Give some love for independent producers by viewing films at Cinematheque.

Right in front of Mt.Cloud Bookshop is Cinematheque Baguio. This place reminds me so much of an old cool bar we used to hang out in Cubao Ex – the defunct Mogwai (only without the booze). It’s a small cinema playing local independent films. You’ll see the likes of movies that they play just by looking at the posters – Badil, Bamboo Flowers, etc. - mostly independent-produced films. They don’t play movies daily but they have a regular schedule which you can watch for a minimum amount of P100. Too bad I wasn’t able to catch showing!

BenCab Museum

And check out the works of national artist Benedicto Cabrera "Ben Cab"

With an entrance fee of P100, you get to see the BenCab Museum showcasing his very own bulol collection, contemporary art and personal artwork throughout the years. It took us a few minutes to reach the BenCab Museum from the city. It was cold and foggy but all worth it after seeing his maestra. Hungry? BenCab also houses Cafe Sabel. Enjoy sipping hot chocolate while absorbing a good view of the artist's farm and garden.

Where to go in Baguio
Mt. Cloud Bookshop: Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City
Cinematheque: Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City
BenCab Museum: Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet, Philippines