Guest Haven Coffee and the Ibagiw Connection

Guest Haven Coffee sits along Session Road as a calm corner built on Cordilleran identity and thoughtful design. Founded by architect Gino Carling and his wife Venus, the café grew out of their bed and breakfast that opened in 2014. What started as a simple lodging space grew into a boutique café shaped by local heritage and quiet European touches. The space reflects Baguio’s slower rhythm, its craft-focused spirit, and the care placed in every cup. For travelers, it offers a pause in a city that moves between tradition and new ideas.

Colonial style interiors

Guest Haven offered a slower stop on the Ibagiw route. During the festival, the café shifted from a quiet coffee nook into a small creative hub. The walls carried works by artists Clinton Aniversario and Sherwood Dampag, adding depth to the visit. Their pieces pushed guests to sit longer, look closer, and feel the pulse of Cordilleran craft. Each cup also told its own story.

Gino and Venus work directly with roaster Edgar Kaw of Red Soil Mfg, sourcing from coffee farmers from Atok, La Trinidad, and and as far as Davao region who grow the Arabica beans they use. They also collaborate with barista Jeric Gumpic. The result is coffee that reflects both the land and the people behind it.

A Café Rooted in Craft and Community

Guest Haven’s branch at Porta Vaga Mall expands the story. Gino designed the space with a homier feel that echoes the colonial influences seen across old Baguio. He often mentions that the city grew with strong American and European architectural traces mixed with local character. This shaped the café’s familiar yet grounded look. The collaboration with roaster Edgar Kaw and barista Jeric Gumpic also sets Guest Haven apart. All are hands-on and committed to showcasing specialty Arabica and organic mountain coffee. Edgar works through the challenge of sourcing consistent beans, drawing from Atok and sometimes Davao, while Jeric continues to refine his skills to help raise Baguio’s coffee scene.

For Venus (Nickname Venn), the café is tied to community building. She shares that they take extra steps to support livelihoods and grow a space where people can enjoy good coffee while feeling connected to local work. Guest Haven collaborates with bakers and roasters, helping highlight the region’s potential for quality beans and craftsmanship. Coffee becomes value-adding in the tourism scene of the Cordillera, offering visitors something rooted in place. There is also the challenge of growing local patronage and pushing Benguet Arabica toward global recognition. Climate conditions, humidity, and temperature shifts make production difficult, yet the commitment to improve stays strong. As travel writers often note, cafés like this anchor a city’s cultural identity. They offer insight not only into flavor but into the people shaping the region’s future. Ms. Venn also underscored their focus on coffee appreciation through their menu choices. Many guests and patrons are requesting for rice meals, but the size of their kitchen limits production. Hence, their choice to make locally sourced coffee as a champion of their cafe.

The kitchenette and extended dining space

Artists Shaping the Guest Haven Coffee Space

Incredibly detailed textile art by Sherwood Dampag

The featured artists add depth to the visit during the Ibagiw Festival 2025.
Sherwood Dampag works with textile art inspired by Japanese mending culture and Igorot weaving heritage. His pieces use sashiko stitching, patchwork, binakol patterns, and textured fabrics to create wearable and display art. His work fits the café’s quiet introspection.

Wood Sculpture by Clinton Aniversario

Clinton Aniversario left a medical career path to pursue art full-time. His range covers sculpture, painting, rattan weaving, brass casting, installation work, and darkroom photography. His pieces carry a raw honesty that aligns well with Baguio’s creative landscape.

Their creative presence in the café strengthens the link between Ibagiw, daily spaces, and the evolving creative identity of the city.

Taste Review

We tried a few dishes that shaped the visit. The Grapes, Pears and Melon with Creamy Yoghurt set a fresh tone with its clean, light profile. The Breakfast Mornay paired with brioche offered a warm, rich bite that matched the café’s slow pace. Their Iced Americano tied everything together with a crisp finish. The meal mirrored the space. It had depth without heaviness and moved in the same unhurried rhythm that makes Guest Haven a steady stop for both locals and travellers.

Designed for Slow Travellers

Inviting interiors

I think Guest Haven Cafe can fit the palate of Slow Travellers. Noting the pace and the freshness of each dish served, it allows moments for them to pause, observe small details, and connect with locals in a simple, grounded way. Slow Travellers value conversations with baristas, the texture of handmade art, and the quiet rhythm of a neighborhood. Slow travel shifts focus from ticking off spots to building a clearer sense of place. In Baguio, this means spending time in cafés that support farmers, artists, and makers. Guest Haven fits this pattern well because it offers depth, not rush. It gives visitors a chance to sit still, understand the work behind every cup, and feel how culture grows through steady, everyday contributions.

Strategic For Backpackers

View of the bridge area at Porta Vaga

Guest Haven’s spot near the city’s main bus terminals adds practical value for backpackers and day travelers. It works as an easy first stop after arriving in Baguio or a comfortable last pause before heading back to Manila or the lowlands. The café gives weary travelers a place to settle in, sip something warm, and plan their route without pressure. Its calm setup helps reset the senses after a long ride. For those on tight itineraries, it offers good coffee, steady WiFi, and a central location within walking distance of Session Road and nearby attractions. It becomes a reliable anchor point, especially for those moving light and exploring the city on foot.

Make sure to visit this Guest Haven Coffee

Selfwe with Ms. Venn and Arch. Gino

Guest Haven Coffee brings together the many layers that shape Baguio today. It supports farmers and roasters, gives artists a home, and offers travelers a calm space that reflects the city’s character. Its thoughtful design, community-driven approach, and close link to Ibagiw make it more than a café. It is a small yet steady contributor to the region’s creative identity. For anyone passing through Baguio, whether for a day or a longer stay, Guest Haven offers a clear sense of what makes the city worth returning to.

Contact Guest Haven Coffee

Arch. Gino in kitchen action



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