Baguio, famously known as the City of Pines, is more than just its cool climate and delicious strawberry taho. Tucked away from the bustling tourist hotspots are charming independent bookstores, each one a cozy haven brimming with stories and the gentle rustle of turning pages. Come with me as we explore these literary corners, where creativity and community flourish, making every visit a truly special experience.
Mt. Cloud Bookshop: Your Cozy Literary Home
Let’s start our adventure at Mt. Cloud Bookshop. Stepping inside feels like entering a warm, inviting living room. You’ll be greeted by the sight of wooden floors, shelves overflowing with books (especially those by Filipino authors and Baguio artists), and soft sunlight filtering through the windows. The whole place just exudes a welcoming and cozy vibe, and it’s more than just a place that sells books. The comfy atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for settling down with a good read. You’ll also catch a whiff of that lovely old-book scent mingling with the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee – it’s a real treat for the senses!
Mt. Cloud is much more than just a business; it’s a real community hub. They often host book launches, poetry readings, and even writing workshops. Imagine yourself sinking into a comfy armchair, sipping on some locally grown Benguet coffee (which costs around PHP 80, or about USD 1.50), while a local poet shares their latest work. It’s an incredibly enriching experience! The bookshop is conveniently located near Casa Vallejo on Upper Session Road. If you’re taking a jeepney, it’ll cost you about PHP 15 (USD 0.30), or a taxi ride will be around PHP 70-100 (USD 1.30 – 2). To stay updated on upcoming events, you can also visit the Mt. Cloud Bookshop Facebook page.
Spending an afternoon at Mt. Cloud is a truly delightful experience. The peaceful environment encourages you to browse the shelves, lose yourself in a book, or strike up a conversation with fellow bookworms. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about books, always eager to chat or offer recommendations. You might even find yourself losing track of time as you discover a rare edition or a new favorite author. And if you get hungry, don’t worry! You can grab a bite to eat at Hill Station, the restaurant conveniently located inside Casa Vallejo, right across from the bookstore. This makes it a perfect location for a date, with the ease of access to both a cozy bookshop and a restaurant nearby.
Bookends: A Treasure Hunt for Book Lovers
If you love the thrill of the hunt, Bookends is an absolute must-visit. This second-hand bookstore is a treasure trove of hidden literary gems just waiting to be discovered. It’s tucked away along Session Road, right in the heart of the city, making it super easy to get to. A jeepney ride will only set you back about PHP 15 (USD 0.30).
Inside, the shelves are packed with books from every genre imaginable. We’re talking classic literature, thrilling adventure stories, academic texts, travel guides – you name it! You might even stumble upon a rare first edition, a signed copy, or a forgotten classic. The prices are incredibly budget-friendly, usually ranging from PHP 50 to PHP 200 (USD 1 to 4), making it a fantastic place for book lovers on a budget to expand their collection. And don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations! Because it’s been established for a long time, they may have some suggestions based on your taste.
While Bookends might not have the same curated aesthetic as Mt. Cloud, it more than makes up for it with its incredible selection and the pure joy of unearthing a hidden treasure. You’ll definitely want to set aside plenty of time to rummage through the shelves, but the effort is well worth it when you discover that unexpected literary gem. You will truly feel like a treasure hunter seeking gold.
Other Literary Spots Around Baguio
While Mt. Cloud and Bookends are the stars of Baguio’s indie bookstore scene, there are some other great spots where book enthusiasts can get their fix. While they may not be strictly independent bookstores, they are still wonderful havens for book lovers.
One such place is the Baguio City Public Library. It’s a fantastic resource for discovering new authors and genres you might want to explore further. Conveniently located next to Baguio City Hall, you can easily get there by jeepney along Session Road for around PHP 15 (USD 0.30), or a taxi ride will cost approximately PHP 70-100 (USD 1.30 – 2). Being a local public library, it has sections for different age groups, like children and young adults.
Another option is the National Book Store. It’s a well-known bookstore chain throughout the Philippines, and it has a branch located in Baguio City. National Book Store is easily one of leading bookstore chains in the Philippines.
The Magic of Reading in Baguio
What truly makes reading in Baguio so special? It’s not just about the books themselves or the bookstores; it’s the entire atmosphere. The cool breeze, the refreshing scent of pine trees, and the peacefulness far away from the noise of the city all contribute to creating a tranquil escape. In Baguio, you can truly immerse yourself in a book and journey to another world. It’s an opportunity to slow down, savor the story, and truly appreciate the written word. This makes Baguio a perfect sanctuary for readers seeking peace and a deep connection with literature. Imagine sitting on a park bench with fresh air while reading your favorite book. What a life!
Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or simply searching for a peaceful getaway, Baguio’s indie bookstores offer something truly special. The next time you find yourself in the City of Pines, be sure to carve out some time to explore these literary gems. You might just discover your next favorite book, meet some fascinating people, and experience the enchanting world of reading in a truly magical setting. Just remember to bring a jacket!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting the indie bookstores in Baguio:
What are the typical operating hours for Mt. Cloud Bookshop?
Mt. Cloud Bookshop is usually open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. However, it’s always a good idea to check their Facebook page or give them a call, especially during holidays or special events, as their hours may change.
Is it easy to get to the bookstores using public transportation?
Yes! Both Mt. Cloud Bookshop and Bookends are conveniently located and easily accessible by jeepney. You can catch a jeepney to Mt. Cloud that goes along Upper Session Road, and Bookends is right on Session Road, where most jeepney routes converge. A typical jeepney ride will cost you around PHP 15 (USD 0.30). Make sure you have small bills when riding a jeepney.
Do these bookstores offer options for online orders and delivery?
Yes, Mt. Cloud Bookshop offers online ordering through their website and social media accounts. Bookends, being primarily a second-hand store, mainly operates from its physical location. However, you can sometimes find listings of their books in online Facebook groups dedicated to second-hand books.
Are there any restaurants or cafes nearby where I can grab a meal or snack?
Absolutely! Casa Vallejo, where Mt. Cloud Bookshop is located, houses Hill Station, a popular restaurant serving delicious meals. Bookends also enjoys a prime location on Session Road, surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets. You’ll be spoiled for choice! You can also just visit the Public Market where you can find street food like grilled corn.
Is it possible to find rare books or first editions at these stores?
Yes! While Mt. Cloud Bookshop primarily specializes in contemporary Filipino literature, Bookends, with its focus on second-hand books, may have rare or out-of-print books. It takes some time and effort to browse thoroughly, but you might just get lucky and find a hidden gem!
What is the best time to visit these bookstores to avoid large crowds?
Weekdays, especially mornings or early afternoons, are usually less crowded compared to weekends. Weekends tend to attract more tourists, so if you prefer a quieter browsing experience, aim to visit on a weekday.
Do these bookstores host any events, such as book launches or writing workshops?
Yes! Mt. Cloud Bookshop regularly hosts book launches, poetry readings, and writing workshops. Be sure to check their social media pages or website for upcoming event announcements. Bookends typically focuses on selling books and does not usually host events.
Do these bookstores accept credit cards or other forms of digital payment?
Mt. Cloud Bookshop accepts credit cards, but Bookends typically only accepts cash. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand when visiting Bookends.
About how much money should I plan to bring if I visit Mt. Cloud and Bookends?
At Mt. Cloud, a book might cost around PHP 500 (USD 10) or more, depending on the title. If you plan to relax for an hour or two and enjoy a cup of coffee, that will add another PHP 80 (USD 1.50) or so. In contrast, at Bookends, you can expect to pay around PHP 50-200 (USD 1 to 4) for most books. Therefore, bringing around PHP 1000 (USD 20) should be sufficient to enjoy your visit to both bookstores without worrying about running out of cash.
What if I’m not familiar with Filipino Literature, where should I start?
Don’t be afraid to ask the employees at Mt. Cloud! They are happy to give suggestions for Filipino literature based on your taste. They may be some of the best people to get those suggestions, so you have a great starting point to learning Philippine literature!
References
Mt. Cloud Bookshop Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mtcloudbookshop/
National Book Store: https://nationalbookstore.com/
Ready to embark on your literary adventure in Baguio? Don’t just take my word for it – pack your bags, head to the City of Pines, and experience the magic of these indie bookstores for yourself. Discover hidden literary treasures, meet fellow book enthusiasts, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your perfect reading escape awaits!
