Cute Cloudy Bookshop in Baguio City

Mt. Cloud Bookshop Instagram Post

"Reading will bring you to so many places."

That was what my college professor once told me. Reading books wasn't my hobby. I only read books when necessary such as school stuff and can even survive a year without even visiting a bookstore. But that was until a friend injected me her "bookwormness". I've started reading fiction books last year and soon I understood why people loves to read rather than just wait for it in movie screens. Finishing a 549 pages book is fulfilling and rewarding. There were times it feels different like I trespassed the lives of the characters. That I've been there all along and when the story ends I was transported back to reality and learned things I never knew before. It makes me more aware and conscious in many aspects. And that led me to Mt. Cloud Bookshop.

The prices of the books are a bit luxe (tourist price) but a visit will not harm you. There's also a restaurant beside and a free screening of classic and social related films offered by Sineng Pambansa. Zamboanga was on screen during our visit but with our limited time we skipped it.

2nd Floor

first floor

Hallway from Mt. Cloud to Sineng Pambansa. Artists really live here.

The Great Perhaps Found in Bencab Museum

Instagram Post Bencab Museum

Art is the product of our imagination and expression. It is not defined by how well it is presented nor how people will react upon it but a representation of our emotions.

Art has many definitions. This can vary from person to another as to their backgrounds and beliefs. That is at least my interpretation of what is Art.

While I was in Baguio, I noticed the interiors of the restaurants, the concept of the coffee shops that can be an addiction, the pampering temperature and the ambiance of the foggy green mountains that pours peace and comfort. If you found out that the imaginary line of your life's axis is just a stupid imaginary path, then maybe the enlightenment you're looking for can be uncovered in Baguio. It's a place where you can think and focus. Which gives me an impression that this place is a haven for artists. I imagine tons of artists who chose to move and live there. These artists responsible for these coffee shops architecture, book shop named after a mountain and a cloud (Cute Cloudy Bookshop in Baguio City) and a museum on the mountain top. Yes, Bencab Museum.

I am not a gallery goer. Really. But I heard good things about this place and my mind people says I shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit the place.

Allow me to share these pictures as a proof of how I found one of my considered "great perhaps" in Baguio.

This was one of my favorite gallery. I love the native backpacks.

Backpacks for different purposes

Bencab's Gallery

This picture always makes me miss Baguio.

Here comes the fog. I really enjoyed seeing it approached us. My first time to see a fog like this. It's like a  paradise made for production I only see in movies.

From paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces, the artists freedom in expressing art is evident. The architecture of the area and the idea of putting up a gallery on that very place is genius. Bencab museum made me realize many things. One that I wanted to share is... go out and open your eyes to the things that deserves your attention.

Baguio City: A Home Away From Home

Baguio City. Crowned as the summer capital of the Philippines.

That weekend, I never thought I'd be in a bus going to Baguio. Unplanned as it is, I opted to join a group of new friends to experience Baguio firsthand as why it is the going-to of many people during summer.

When we went off the bus at 5am, I was freezing so bad that cause me to stutter when I speak. So... I didn't speak. But deep in my thoughts, I am beguiled by how cold it was and by how bizarre the place is.

With the cold temperature and the early morning darkness, we were able to walk around Marcoville St. and Leonard Wood Road to look for a transient home. As we make our way, I noticed the buildings and establishments weren't tall. Given that it's a mountain, there must be building codes here that is strictly implemented by the local government. Then I remembered the not-so-strict building construction in Intramuros Manila.

We had our breakfast at 50's diner which also caught me. I am a great fan of the classic era. I wish I have a time machine that could transport me from this era to that. I have found Bistro 70's in Katipunan with displays of famous classic hollywood icons but this diner made me forget it for a moment. A Marilyn Monroe's famous portrait and the James Dean iconic pose along with many other icons were displayed. Waitresses were also dressed with a very 50's uniform.

After eating the sumptuous breakfast at 50's diner, we explored Baguio and it's attractions.

Mines View Park

Gate to the Mansion

Burnham Park Boat Ride

UP Baguio

During my night walk.

Casa Vallejo

View from SM Baguio

Cute Cloudy Bookshop in Baguio City

The Great Perhaps Found in Bencab Museum Article Read Here

What we miss though is Diplomat Hotel. I will not miss this place the next time I go to Baguio. What I'm also looking forward to is to try to go inside a mining tunnel, hiking the mountains of Benguet and witness actual small scale mining and kanyaw tradition with my naked eyes.

What Baguio instilled in me was a place where I found home away from home. The people are so welcoming and friendly. Taxi drivers were honest and helpful. I was able to walk along Session Road, experience night market shopping with my camera on my shoulder until 1am alone. I don't know but it felt safe for me. Like you have nothing to worry about. The city looks so calm that it gives you peace of mind. These are the reasons why you'd always want to go back home right?