Cafe in the Sky: Must visit when in Baguio

Yes it took me a month to write this blog post about Café in the Sky but even if it’s late, I know it will still be worth it because this post will be informative (hopefully). 

When I posted my quick review via Trip Advisor, I have received a couple of inquiries, thus posting an official blog about it (with more details) will definitely help a lot more people who are interested to see the magnificent view on top!

Quick Side Story - Café in the Sky is located at Tuba Benguet and they became extra famous when the teleserye “Forevermore” was played at primetime.
There were influx of tourists at that time and there were some areas of the forest that were taken for granted.  The control that was placed by DENR is to make the place a protected forest area and closed them for tourists.  Their case is still at the court and who knows when it will end – as for Café in the Sky – they want to end the case ASAP so that they will be open for tourists again and be fully operational.


That being said – I would like to confirm that Café in the Sky has NEVER been CLOSED. 

They continue to be operational but not to the optimum level where tourists are coming in and out from breakfast until dinner.

During the day (between 7am – 5pm) there is a DENR checkpoint, where, if you are driving with your private car, you will be put to stop and will be asked for a DENR permit to enter the premises.  This is not only applicable to tourists but also applicable to locals (people from Baguio themselves). So it is not advisable to go during the day using your private car.   Not only there is a DENR checkpoint, if you are a private driver, I doubt if you will be able to smoothly handle the terrain, as it is steep going up the mountain.

My piece of advise – before visiting Café in the Sky – make sure that you have contacted Kuya Marlon (their Chef at 0946 965 9332).  This contact number is also made available online when you look up "Café in the Sky" via Google.

He will be the one to connect you with respective FX Drivers who can drive you to and from Café in the Sky.

The pick up point is at Petron Station (this is just along Marcos Highway). 
It will take approximately 20 minutes going to Café in the Sky.

From Mountain Lodge (where we always stay when we are in Baguio), it was only a 15 minute taxi ride going to Petron Station. 


We were there at 4:30am, had some coffee and burger from Minute Burger and our FX Driver drove us to Café in the Sky at around 4:45pm.  The best time to go to Café in the Sky is before the break of dawn – like as early as 4am to 5am. 

Baguio Sky Line with their wonderful lights.

At this time of day:
1. The DENR checkpoint are a lot easier to pass through (I am note sure how it happened but it’s just that).
2. You will see Baguio City’s Sky Line and lights – it was magnificent and to echo what I wrote in my timeline – it was like looking at the galaxy
3. You will see the bright stars (please hope that it will not be cloudy) and the moon.  A definite view to look forward to
4. You will witness the break of dawn – though it’s not a sunrise golden view because of the mountains blocking the way – it was still a great experience
5. It’s very cold – I will peg around 10 degrees and it’s cool (haha)

The best view to take photos.

Café in the Sky do not serve a lot of dishes. I would say probably because they do not have a lot of visitors.  I must also warn you that they are quite expensive (see below menu) but are a sure win for the stomach, especially their TapSiLog.  I understand this in particular because they have low tourist visitors since their area was closed to tourists (again, 4 years ago) and of course they need to earn some money to continue their operation.

Once you arrive Café in the Sky – my tip is for you to not have breakfast yet. Why? You are really there to witness the view and not to eat.  My suggestion is to have some biscuits with you if in any case you will feel hungry.  Then proceed outside the Café at their terrace – in there, you will see a great view of the Baguio Lights, the stars and the break of dawn.  Below is a quick top view of the Café and where I recommend you to head and set up your cameras. 

Trust me – when we were there, we accidentally stayed at this spot and a lot of tourists guides were guiding their tourists at our exact place to take pictures – so better be there first.

Be prepared with your winter get up – well it’s not as cold as the winter weather in NYC or in Japan but definitely colder than the metro.  Also, the view at Café in the Sky is cool for winter clothes photo opps.

Enjoy your stay there because the view is really worth it!


Xoxo
 

Samuel's Plate: A must in San Pablo!

I'm from San Pablo Laguna but ever since I got married, i rarely go home. These past few months I always see posts from my family that they were always eating at Samuel's Plate and i got curius.

Thus when we celebrated Father's Day I suggested that we all eat there so that Sweets and I can also have a taste and review of what this food haven can offer. 

Outside view is good, they have enough parking space outside their establishment and they are located in a not so crowded area.

On the inside, you will be welcomed by their bar and pastry stand! Hmmm!! You can indulge with some drinks or two (They don't have softdrinks).

 They haven't had their formal opening yet but this place was already a hit! 

From the image below you can see that they can fit around 50-70 pax all in one.

When we went there, there were only 2 floors but we were informed that a 3rd floor is a to be opened soon!

First is some appetizer to kick off the taste buds.. We had Nachos (ultimate favorite of Sweets).

They also gave a free appetizer which was good as well!

White bread dipped to their own mix of oil, soy souce and some herbs.

Another appetizer was the Mozorella Croquettes.

Then on the the main dish.

Sausage and Mash -- you got there three types of American Sausage and mashed potato.

We also had Braised Short Ribs!

Then Tilapia Parmigiana that had mouth watering cheese on top of it.

So deadly!

We had Pan Roasted Salmon Steak.

True to its name -- Krispy Kare Kare!

Then the salmon.

As mentioned earlier, they do not have carbonated drinks and thus we had water!

 Sharing with you as well their menu. So when you go there you have already reviewed their menu and you can odder immediately.

 Nevertheless, you can always ask their friendly staff on their best seller and you can never go wrong!

It will always be a great thing if good food are shared with loved ones!

Super hit as always!

 They serve their own pastry for desserts and you should also try them! 

Another satisfied customer!

Xoxo

Cafe Piansa: Jail inspired Diner!

Following my note about what we did in Cafe Piansa let me share with you what else you can do there and what else to see.

Caffé Piansa is located at Dragon, Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines, you can contact them for reservation at :+63 942 826 1688 and opens at 11AM–2PM, 5–11PM.

We did not plan to go here because Marikina is very far from our place (Angono) but since we are in the area already we took the opportunity to visit this place.

Caffé Piansa is a Jail inspired diner.  Sweets got curious and asked one of the people there on who is the owner, if it was a police or a fiscal, we were informed that the owner was a judge.  Interesting to note that the owner got his / her inspiration in a jail, court room, and an electric chair.

You will also notice that different types of prosecutions are posted there :)

In terms of the menu, Caffe Piansa is no extraordinary because it serves American, Mexican, Spanish and Filipino cuisines.  They also serve pastries and coffee.

In terms of taste -- They were all good! I mean delicious and you may want to go back there again to spend your "date in a jail".

Let me share with you some of the foodies we shared!

Again, I was satisfied with all of them and would highly recommend them to you!

For the complete list you can visit Caffe Piansa Menu

Then for the dessert:

More of Caffe Piansa.

Like any other jail -- if you need help, you can use their phone! Hehe

Xoxo

When Bored: Have FUN @ Caffe Piansa!

Random moment that when you are bored -- all you have to do is have some FUN!  Nothing beats the time being spent with friends -- super kulit friends!

This is a restaurant in Marikina and it was my first time there.
Another serious post shall be created for that!
For now, let us have some fun!

Are they happy or happy that they have an electric chair? Hehe
Of course this is not the real deal!

The famous! Now who's the real guilty one?

I loved this! Mga walang magawa talaga sa buhay!

Xoxo