[FEATURE] Literary retreats: Top 4 places in Baguio for book lovers and writers

April 27, 2024 | By Ma. Angela Grace Brondial

Literature truly touches the essence of what it means to be human. Be it books, poetry, stories, or letters — it not only imbues our lives with meaning but awakens our innermost thoughts and emotions, serving as a reminder of our capacity to feel, and our ability to love.

Undoubtedly, literature heavily influences our society and our personal lives. In recognition of this, the Philippines warmly embraces April as the National Literature Month. For literature lovers, let us celebrate your enthusiasm and satisfy your cravings for delightful reads. Here is a good list of destinations to explore around Baguio City.

Hygge Library Cafe 2600

Hygge Library Cafe, Assumption Road, a place for book lovers and writers in Baguio City. (The Companion/A.G. Brondial)

Imagine the bliss of finding yourself in a cozy nook. Finally escaping the summer heat, you immerse yourself in the joy of being completely lost in your reading while enjoying a refreshing, cold beverage. Look no further than Hygge Library Cafe 2600, where a perfect haven awaits you.

This library cafe is carved out of its owner's desire to offer a place for reading enthusiasts. Inspired by the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced as hoo-ga) which embodies comfort and relaxation, the cafe is designed for people who want to find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the inviting retro decor to the Danish-themed interiors, every element is curated to create a soothing atmosphere.

Their menu boasts non-coffee to aromatic coffee blends, refreshing shakes, and delicious sandwiches and pastries. They also provide complimentary access to Wi-Fi and power outlets for those working or studying. Beyond their culinary delights, they also support local artists by selling artworks and merchandise.

But the highlight of this cafe lies in their extensive collection of books from various genres which are available for customers to borrow. For those interested, some of their books are also available for purchase. You can also opt to become a library subscriber, allowing you to borrow books for up to ten days.

A visit to Hygge Library Cafe will truly fuel your love for reading while also enjoying some refreshments. Hygge Library café has branches on Assumption Road and Camp 7, both are open daily. The Camp 7 branch is open from 11am to 7pm, and Assumption Road branch from 10am to 12 mn.

Bookends Bookshop

Bookends Bookshop along Claudio Street, a place for book lovers and writers in Baguio City. (The Companion/A.G. Brondial)

In a confined space along Claudio Street, one might be surprised to stumble upon a hidden gem waiting for all book lovers. Welcome to Bookends Bookshop, where reading is not a luxury but rather an accessible habit.

Owner Maricar Docyagen has turned her love for literature and vintage items into a transformative advocacy aimed at rekindling people’s love for reading. Her vision is what truly sets this bookstore apart, captivating the hearts of every book lover through its vast array of secondhand books. These books, originally slated for disposal in other countries, are carefully sourced and made available in Baguio at remarkably affordable prices. Bookends’ goal is not only to encourage reading as a leisure activity but also to cultivate a deeper appreciation for literature to a wider audience.

Bookends offers a variety of book genres, including children’s books, fiction, and non-fiction, all at affordable prices. Customers can even purchase books by weight, starting at 495 pesos per kilo. Beyond books, the bookstore also features a variety of thrifted items, ranging from clothing to fashionable boots. The shop also provides a platform for local artists to display and sell their works, such as beaded bracelets and paintings.

Bookends is a convenient destination for both book enthusiasts and thrift shoppers alike.

Bookends Bookshop is located on Claudio Street. Open daily, from 10am to 8pm, and their items are also available online on their official Facebook Page: Bookends Bookshop Philippines.

Booksnook

Booksnook inside Baguio Center Mall, a place for book lovers and writers in Baguio City. (The Companion/A.G. Brondial)

Have you ever had the chance to explore the Baguio Center Mall? Among the usual lineup of stores offering clothing, appliances, and gadgets, there is a perfect place for book lovers waiting to be discovered.

Booksnook was founded through the owner's deep love for reading. This led to a collection of books spanning various genres. They sought to extend the joy of reading by sharing their book collection with others, which eventually ignited a goal of making books more accessible.

They offer a range of books, such as fiction, nonfiction, children’s stories, educational materials, and even activity books. All of these come at pocket-friendly prices, starting from 35 pesos. For devoted fans of popular series like Twilight or Harry Potter, Booksnook has you covered with their collection of bestsellers. With such affordable book prices, every penny spent here is truly worth it because you can purchase a lot of books in just one visit.

Booksnook is located at Baguio Center Mall, 4th Floor. They're open daily, from 9:30am to 7:30pm, and their items are also available online on their official Facebook page: Booksnook.

Mt. Cloud Bookshop

Mt. Cloud Bookshop along Yangco Road, a place for book lovers and writers in Baguio City. (The Companion/R.J. Maduli)

If you are looking for a genuine literature retreat, Mt. Cloud Book Bookshop has much to offer. Aside from selling books from different genres, this bookshop also hosts a lot of engaging activities that are sure to delight literature lovers.

Mt. Cloud Bookshop transcends the typical bookshop experience. They mainly promote Filipino-authored literature across various themes, including political discourse, historical and cultural narratives, mental health journeys, and children’s stories. Moreover, they provide a platform for local writers and artists to broaden their reach and convey their stories. This is achieved through regular community events such as open mics sessions, book talks, forums, storytelling sessions, art exhibitions, and workshops.

Through their unwavering advocacy of promoting Philippine literature, Mt. Cloud has garnered interest from various notable individuals. Among them are Justice Marvic Leonen, Rica Peralejo, and Ricky Lee, who have all purchased books from the shop. Moreover, Mt. Cloud has also had the privilege of hosting book talks and signings with esteemed authors such as Ambeth Ocampo, Geloy Concepcion, and Hidilyn Diaz for their books.

A visit to Mt. Cloud Bookshop promises a unique and enriching experience. It showcases the depth and breadth of Filipino talent in writing and artistry, with each piece being unique yet united by one purpose, to provoke our thoughts, incite discourse, and inspire us to make a difference.

Mt. Cloud Bookshop is located at Yangco Road (Corner of Brent Road). Open daily, from 9:30am to 6:30pm.

But it does not stop there! This may not be a place but it is a home for Cordilleran authors. If you want to get to know more about the realm of writing and the culture of Cordillera, you can check out Books and Press.

Books and Press Creative Baguio City Council or the CBCC

Screen grab from Books and Press CBCC Facebook Page.

Are you a writer, an artist, or an aspiring one? If you ever yearn to enhance your artistry and broaden your horizons, you might want to consider reaching out to a community committed to supporting the vibrant writing community of Cordillera.

Leslie Dulfo, a writer and member of CBCC, heartfully shared the struggles faced by writers, from securing a publisher and marketing your books to building a reputable name. Their community was established to stand as a support group for local writers, offering guidance on navigating the publishing process and promoting your books. They also actively engage in literary events in Cordillera such as book talks and storytelling.

Inclusivity is a core mission of Books and Press dedicated to catering for a multitude of stories and welcoming passionate writers from Cordillera. Their current members write diverse niches, such as narratives about mental health journeys, the autism spectrum, illustrations, and the promotion of Cordilleran culture, with a focus on provinces like Bontoc and Ifugao. While they are still in the process of refining their directory, they have already paved the way for marketing their books through different avenues, ensuring these stories will find resonance and recognition in the literary realm.

You can reach Books and Press CBCC on their official Facebook Page: Books and Press CBCC.

Literature Month is not just words or days to celebrate literature but it is immersing yourself in a deep appreciation of it through reading, sharing your story, and giving back to the community.

- Leslie Dulfo

In 2017, Baguio City became the first city in the Philippines to be designated by UNESCO as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts, making it truly a home for book lovers and artists.

These are just a few places and communities around the city that uplift the real essence of literature. These literary wonders are just waiting for their appreciation and recognition from us. So, do not miss the opportunity to explore these wonderful venues and have a good time reading.