ARCA'S YARD (Pt. 1)
Ambuklao Road, Baguio City
I'm continuing this review series with one of my favorite places at home, Arca's Yard. You may have read about it recently because it's been featured in a couple of articles listing down less popular places to go to in Baguio. Now some people wouldn't even bother visiting those kinds of places, but given the volume of people that my hometown had to accommodate over the Christmas break, a small joint known by less would actually be more enjoyable than, let's say, Cafe by the Ruins (where tourists line up for breakfast and lunch! (I have experienced this first-hand during my last three visits and I'm still thinking about whether I'll be writing about it or not))
On a regular non-tourist-filled Baguio day, it takes around 10-15 minutes to get to Tip-top (which is what I tell the taxi driver whenever I go) so it's not as far away from town as you may think. Arca's Yard looks like a regular house from the outside (but actually, it really is just a regular house?) and it's quite easy to miss. I suggest you look for house #777 because it's basically the same banana. Once you get there, ring the doorbell and wait for the housekeeper to let you in because like I said, it's actually a house (and also because, you know, manners). PRO TIPS: Don't get impatient while waiting to be let in. Do enjoy the genuine clean Baguio air. Do savor the unobstructed view of mountains without houses and buildings.
Now, there are very few tables inside. There are only four areas for groups, and maybe two tables for pairs, but that doesn't mean that it's not spacious. It's intimate, yes, but that's not a euphemism for cramped. Case in point, I go here to chill and to remind myself of what I love about Baguio AND NOT to just get a good meal then transfer to the next place I can think of. All the pillows and mats will definitely make you stay for at least another hour after you eat.
Based on what I learned from the caretaker, who I happened to befriend, the owner of Arca's Yard also has a wood carving business. This explains the fitting interior design, and the authentic feel of the cafe which also happens to be a bed and breakfast. However, at the end of the day, Arca's Yard still feels like a home. Before you conclude your visit, Ate Marissa will even ask you to sign the guestbook! The hospitality of the entire house, from the structure itself and from the people in it, will leave you feeling like you actually visited a close friend's Baguio vacation house than a cafe on the city border.