Starbucks Coffee at Camp John Hay, Baguio City



Being a Starbucks fan, I always make sure to drop by a local branch wherever there's one. It was my first time to visit this Starbucks branch located inside Camp John Hay. The architecture of this house greatly emphasizes Starbucks as an American café. I would say, it was a perfect match.




After enjoying the cool breeze outside, we entered the store and we were welcomed by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. When at Starbucks, I usually stay inside the coffee shop. But here at Camp John Hay, I didn't mind sitting at the porch to enjoy my drink, al fresco.




People in Baguio are the most hospitable people I met. I instantly had three new Facebook friends. After a refreshing drink, I admired once again the sunny sky and the pine-scented breeze before heading back to the hotel. Starbucks at Camp John Hay has become one of my very few favorite Starbucks branches.



How we went there (and back)
Like anywhere in Baguio City, Starbucks Camp John Hay is easily accessible through taxi. From Baguio City center, it will only take 10 minutes to reach the store. Going back to downtown is equally convenient as taxis do pass by the cafe from time to time.

Baguio City: Café by the Ruins



After checking-in our bags at the hotel, we headed straight to Café by the Ruins for breakfast. I read several reviews online about the café so I thought of trying out the place and see what it can offer.

The place was the remnant of the old governor's house, though very little of the supposed "ruins" is visible within the café. The interior is of the typical wood-stone-bamboo theme, matched with warm light and Igorot design weaving.

They serve breakfast with brown rice and a choice between coffee or tea. Breakfast also comes with a fruit cup. The price range will make you feel you are in Manila, only the place was colder. Overall, there wasn't really spectacular about their breakfast.

What I really enjoyed the most was the champorado. The chocolate flavor was very rich because instead of the regular cocoa powder, it was made with pure chocolate tablea. The fried daing na biya made it extra special.

Café by the Ruins was worth the try. It is definitely an experience you shouldn't miss when you visit Baguio City.

How we went there (and back)
Café by the Ruins is located along Chuntug Street, Baguio City. Easiest way to get there is to take a taxi within the city. Average taxi fare for any destination within Baguio City is Php50.00-Php80.00. For more details, you can visit their website at www.cafebytheruins.com.

See complete photo album: Baguio, Benguet: Cafe by the Ruins (November 19, 2010)