My Cloud Nine at Mt. Cloud

Mt. Cloud Bookshop

Books have fed my never ending thirst to nourish my imagination. Books have inspired my dream of writing. Reading has been my escape; bookstores, my heaven. Reading has been my reprieve, my perfect dose of medicine.

My friends and family can attest to how much I love books and how I much I love reading. Ever since a little girl, my eyes always light up whenever I have a new fairy tale book. Sure, I never had many friends or playmates when I was a kid but, I was happy enough with my stuffed toys, books, and imagination. Even when I started school, a bookstore is usually where I spend my time after school, looking longingly at the books I cannot afford. That was why when I first learned of a quaint bookshop in Baguio, I immediately included a visit on my list. 

Mt. Cloud (Mountain Cloud) is an independent bookstore located in the renovated Casa Vallejo in Baguio City. It started on 2010 and is owned by sisters and fellow book-lovers Padmapani Perez and Feliz Perez. 

Baguio's Evergreen

Ever since I can remember, Baguio has been known by (aside from its amazing climate) its luscious parks and cultural landmarks. Thus, any time I hear Baguio mentioned, I automatically imagine the distinctive green of Burnham Park, Wright Park, Mines View Park, and even Camp John Hay.

Café Sabel, An Artwork Cafe

Café Sabel

In my humble view, one of the best and hardest expression of art is through food. Presentation and plating is just the cherry at the top but, the taste, history, and the perfect amount of creativity poured into every dish gives it more flavor and interest. That was why I've eagerly included dining at BenCab Museum's Café Sabel to our Baguio itinerary.

Café Sabel is an in-house café of BenCab Museum located at its ground floor. You won't be able to enter the café without having to enter the museum first. 

Blissfully Curious at Baguio's Bliss Cafe

Bliss Cafe is probably one of the most interesting restaurants I've eaten in. This fine dining vegetarian restaurant is run on Buddhist principles and has an intriguing set up.

Located inside Hotel Elizabeth, Bliss Cafe has been a food-spot wonder for the youth and the mature.

Bliss Cafe Baguio

The place is inspired by the Buddhist principle of relaxation, serenity and inner peace. Bliss was established in July 2004 and had become quite a home for the vegetarian and yoga-enthusiasts.

Of Sentimentality and Choco-late de Batirol

Baguio became my favorite place when I've sampled one the best hot chocolate Philippines has to offer. The best complement for the city's cold and romantic August weather is no doubt Choco-late de Batirol's traditional hot chocolate menu.

Choco-late De Batirol

Cozy and Cultural Solibao

Solibao is a homegrown food establishment which serves Filipino food since 1972. Currently, Solibao has five outlets in Baguio City. One branch stands out due to the cultural ambiance it presents, as it is located within the esteemed and homely walls of The Heritage Mansion. And this place was our first food stop when we arrived in Baguio. 

Solibao Restaurant

The Famous Café by the Ruins

Cafe by the Ruins is located along Shuntug Road, in the middle of Baguio City. It is tucked between the larger establishments around the area. At first, you'd barely notice it if it were not for the small sign hanging from their gates.

Café by the Ruins

Café by the Ruins

Mood for Meat @ Ketchup Food Community's Canto

Located within the lush greenery of Wright Park, stands an unobtrusive place called the Ketchup Food Community. From here, Borgy and I came across the cheapest and most heavenly BBQ ribs we've ever tasted.

Ketchup Food Community

Food Establishments

Saving Grace: Little Oven Cakes

Little Oven Cakes
Photo Credit:
http://littleovencakes.com

Work is stressful--very matter of fact. No matter the job description, you're bound to get a day or two within a week feeling drained and on the brink of exhaustion, especially with a job constantly requiring mental exercise and pressure of a deadline. Sometimes, you're looking for… something easy and achievable for de-stressing. And from there, Little Oven Cakes started being my saving grace.

Discovering North of Little Italy (NoLiTa)

My first official (non-personal) blog post is about food. Huh. Not surprising, actually.

Last night, despite the unbelievable traffic in Makati, my boyfriend, Borgy (Hi, love! :")) and I spent (an awful long) time flagging down a taxi to get to Bonifacio High Street just to satisfy my curiosity and craving for Nolita's Pizza.

Tucked between the fancier restaurants and shops of Bonifacio High Street, stands an unassuming pizza place called Nolita or North of Little Italy which boasts of an Authentic New York Style pizza.

Preface: A Poised Quill

It is always so exhilarating to try something new and scary. Although, I’ve made (and deleted) blogs before, this one I’m hoping to keep and to people who know me, that is something new.

I’ve always always been so scared and insecure of my posts and blogs before. Maybe it’s because for so long, I’ve been dreaming to become a good writer and I’ve been so scared of failing at it even without having to try first. I am surrounded with so many talented writers whom I call my friends, my mentors, and my inspirations–all of them are leagues away from where I am now in terms of writing. Yes, I am just full of jealousy and bitterness like that. But now, screw it! I’ll write for myself and hopefully, to learn more and fulfill my dream of becoming a worthwhile writer someday.

As Vincent Van Gogh said,

   "I dream my painting and I paint my dream."

From now on, I’ll apply the same mantra with writing (and generally, life): I dream of writing and I write my dream. This blog will be the start of it.

So look out world! Bobbie is here with her quill poised and ready for action. ;)