In Baguio, there are many bed-and-breakfast places and boutique homes, but The Country Place is one that has a special intangible "it" factor that draws its guests. A pivotal part of this factor is the warm and gracious hospitality of its hostess, Mrs. B.
The incorrigible Socorro Baylon delights in sharing the three "residences" she manages where guests can enjoy the authenticity of being in Baguio and assimilate into its lifestyle and have a sense of ownership while feeling at home. The house features interesting collections of mementos and bric-a-brac that add character to the place.
The house is composed of three "residences" that can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests each. Each residence has its own uniqueness and comes with fully equipped kitchens, working fireplaces, and four pocket gardens where guests can enjoy bonfires and make smores.
It is planned well that each residence has its own separate entrance and service exit by the kitchen area. With the cooler temperature, sipping wine, chatting with family or friends, playing cards or board games while sitting by the lit fireplace is possibly everyone's favorite in-house activity.
Waking up with a view of the fog interspersed with the sun's rays is probably a second favorite moment as well. Watching the city come to life while being snug with local coffee in hand is a lovely brewed awakening. There is a staff house for drivers or helpers with a nightly fee and their able team is always ready to assist and be of service to guests.
Mrs. B is like Baguio's veritable black book and has the right numbers on her speed dial. About which we chided that she could publish a small book aptly monogrammed with BBBB. She also knows which dining establishments to recommend: "The first restaurant I discovered the time we arrived in Baguio in 2011 was Hillstation in Casa Vallejo. The food, service, and consistency are what it make it stand the test of time. Your Baguio visit is not complete without a meal at Chaya so make sure to make reservations ahead of time. Think fresh ingredients and authentic Japanese food in a well-kept home.
Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya keeps it interesting with her unexpected curated menu. The café in the back called Taguan completes one's meal with topnotch coffee selections and desserts. Then, Lemon and Olives for a wonderful Greek dining experience with a mountain view to match."
Hot spots? Hatch cafe for the best grilled cheese, burgers, and fries. It is cafe culture in an al fresco garden setting and good people-watching. Reservations are a must and they close early. Craft 1945 is in a beautiful heritage Baguio house with heirloom Spanish food and local beer from Baguio Craft Brewery. Hotel Grande on Outlook Drive is the newest addition to stay and chill. They have a spacious cafe with a good variety of entrees and beverages.
For shopping, she recommends Sabado's for antiques and wood furniture and accessories owned by Greg Sabado. "The Baguio market (hangar area as the locals call it) for its charming local finds from fabrics, food delicacies, coffee, and highland fruits and produce. Philippine Treasure for export quality Christmas ornaments and decor showcasing true Filipino creativity with their ability to utilize different local materials. Storage Plus in La Trinidad (sounds far, but it's not) is my therapy place for Japanese pottery, English bone China, and things that you don't need but are fun to have."
Mrs. B shuttles around and out of the country from time to time when she is not in Baguio but also takes time to volunteer for The Jesuit House which is just a walk up a small incline from The Country Place.
The Mirador Jesuit Villa Retreat house is a place where one can reflect and discover that it is really the simple things in life that matters. It is an affordable place for company retreats or just a group of friends or families who want to bond and reconnect.
The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is a Catholic shrine and a top Marian pilgrimage site. It was constructed in 1913 mainly out of limestone that was used to build the Mirador Jesuit Villa. The instagrammable Mirador Eco Park beside offers special spaces for reflection with oneself and nature. Depending on the time of the year, this is one of the magical sunset views in the city.
Oftentimes, when returning guests who have turned into friends come back, they come through the door and say, "Mrs. B, we're home!" These two simple words hit straight home and ignite warm fuzzy feelings among the hostess, staff, and guests. The Country Place thrives and truly radiates with this beautiful energy fostered by all.
For more information, visit www.thecountryplacebaguio.com or call +63 917 8528228/ message @thecountryplacebaguio for bookings and reservations.
