Baguio Cathedral: A Century of Faith and Community in the City of Pines
Nestled in the heart of Baguio City, the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral—more popularly known as Baguio Cathedral—stands as a masterpiece of neo-Romanesque architecture and
Baguio City
Guest Haven Coffee
A Cultural Coffee Haven in the Heart of Baguio
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- Baguio City
Guest Haven Coffee in Baguio City is more than a café — it is a cultural hub that celebrates local coffee, art, and heritage. Founded by Gino and Venus Carling, the café sources beans from Cordillera farmers and collaborates with Red Soil Coffee to offer specialty brews. Its cozy, art-filled space showcases works by Igorot artists and hosts workshops, events, and community activities. As part of the Ibagiw Festival, Guest Haven embodies Baguio’s creative spirit, connecting visitors with the city’s traditions, sustainability initiatives, and vibrant local talent. A perfect spot for slow travelers, coffee enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Guest Haven Coffee with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Guest Haven Coffee. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
A Hidden Gem in Baguio
When you think of Baguio, you imagine pine‑scented breezes, foggy mornings, and cozy cafés tucked into the city’s winding streets. Among these, Guest Haven Coffee stands out as more than a café — it is a living tribute to Cordilleran culture, local farmers, and the spirit of slow travel. Founded by Gino and Venus Carling, the café evolved from their bed-and-breakfast business into a boutique space with a heart. The flagship branch is located in Room 305, Patria de Baguio Building, on Father Carlu Street — a quiet, tucked-away spot that feels like a hidden discovery. Later, a second branch opened at Porta Vaga Mall on Session Road, making the café more accessible to both locals and tourists.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
Guest Haven Coffee and the Ibagiw Festival
Guest Haven Coffee is part of the Ibagiw Festival, Baguio City’s month-long celebration of art, crafts, and local talent organized by the Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC). Its name comes from bagiw, the Ibaloi word for moss, reflecting something deeply rooted in Baguio. Since the city’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City in 2017, the festival has grown into an annual platform showcasing weaving, woodwork, visual arts, and homegrown stories. The 2025 theme, “Traditions Rooted, Futures Routed,” officially launched on November 14 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center with a ceremonial ritual. According to Ms. Marie Venus Tan, Co-Chair of CBCC, tradition provides a foundation for self-expression, allowing artists and participants to leave their mark while celebrating Baguio’s creative identity. Being part of this festival, Guest Haven Coffee does more than serve coffee — it embodies the city’s vibrant creative spirit and connects visitors to Baguio’s rich cultural landscape.
Coffee That Connects with the Land
What makes Guest Haven Coffee truly special is its commitment to people and place. The café sources beans from local Cordillera farmers, particularly from areas like Atok, La Trinidad, and Sagada. Working closely with Red Soil Coffee, a roastery passionate about highlighting the unique flavor profiles of mountain-grown Arabica, each cup reflects the rich terroir of the Cordilleras. The café also offers specialty single-origin brews, pour-over coffees, and seasonal blends, allowing coffee enthusiasts to explore a range of flavors. By supporting local farmers directly, Guest Haven contributes to sustainable agriculture and fair-trade practices, making every cup both delicious and socially responsible.
A Space of Culture and Art
Walking into Guest Haven, the story on the walls really comes from where the artists are rooted. Clinton Aniversario’s works usually travel down from his studio in the Cordillera highlands, where he spends most of his days surrounded by mountain views that naturally filter into his style. You can almost sense that calm, then see how those pieces move straight from his workspace into the café’s small gallery area.
Sherwood Dampag, meanwhile, follows his own creative route around Baguio. He works mainly in fabric arts, often starting his pieces in community textile spaces or in his personal setup where threads, dyes, and local materials are always within reach. Many of his works head to Guest Haven directly from those fabric-focused sessions, still carrying the textures and colors of the places he works in.
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Events, Workshops, and Community Engagement
Beyond coffee, Guest Haven Coffee actively engages with the local community. The café frequently hosts coffee workshops, latte art classes, and cultural talks, providing tourists and locals alike an immersive experience of Baguio’s coffee culture. During the Ibagiw Festival, the café also showcases creative workshops and mini-exhibitions, allowing visitors to interact with local artists and understand the stories behind their crafts. For travelers who enjoy participatory experiences, Guest Haven offers the chance to learn while sipping a perfectly brewed cup.
A Hub for Sustainability and Education
Sustainability is at the core of Guest Haven Coffee’s philosophy. The café emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including minimal-waste packaging, compostable cups, and careful sourcing from local farmers. Visitors can also learn about the coffee supply chain from bean to cup, gaining an appreciation for the labor and care that goes into specialty coffee. This educational approach makes it an enriching stop not only for coffee lovers but also for curious travelers eager to learn about local culture, agriculture, and sustainability.
Tips for Tourists
For those planning a visit, mornings are ideal to catch the café’s calmest vibe and enjoy a warm brew while watching Session Road wake up. The staff are knowledgeable and can explain the origins of the beans, brewing techniques, and flavor notes. Guests are encouraged to linger, bring a book or journal, and soak in the space’s tranquil charm. Afterward, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Burnham Park, Baguio Cathedral, and the historic Session Road, making it a convenient stop in a broader sightseeing itinerary.
Why Guest Haven is a Must-Visit
In conclusion, Guest Haven Coffee is more than a “cute café in Baguio.” It is a space where tradition, design, culture, and community converge. As part of the Ibagiw Festival, it embodies Baguio’s creative spirit, offering tourists a chance to connect with local art, heritage, and sustainable coffee practices. Visitors seeking to taste the soul of the Cordillera — literally in a cup — and connect meaningfully with the city will find Guest Haven a truly enriching, immersive, and memorable experience.
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