Arca’s Yard: Café, Library, Bed and Breakfast Place

It is terrible to love something or someone that death can easily take away. But it is an inescapable reality that everyone must face or eventually go through.

When Ninja Sabado was mourning the death of her mother, their home in the almost remote and scenic Tip-Top in Ambuklao Road, became her refuge. The lovely view of pine trees, mountains, and the distant horizon up there somehow eased her heartbreak, and at the same time inspired her as an artist to create artworks. Her sadness eventually created something beautiful when she turned their home into Arca’s Yard. Arca by the way was her late father.

When I found out that Arca’s Yard was part of the itinerary my high school friends prepared for their supposed-to-be-chill Baguio weekend food trip, I decided to tag along. Lita originally wanted to book us in some cheap inn in downtown Baguio but thank heavens the odds weren’t in her favor hehe. So I took the rein and personally made the reservation for an overnight stay at Arca’s.

Arca’s Yard is a quaint and charming bed and breakfast place, café, library, art gallery and mini museum - rolled into one.

Every nook and cranny of the ground floor café is visually stunning, with all the art pieces and objects showcasing the Igorot culture. I would like to believe that the (Ibaloi) angel is in the detail. I was particularly impressed with Ninja’s wooden spoon collection that came from the various indigenous groups of the Cordillera mountain region.

We chose the most sought-after spot near the glass windows, to have our breakfast. I really enjoyed what I ordered, especially the arroz a la cubana and their signature dessert camote pie.

Those who want to feel the cool Baguio air or want a more romantic ambiance, may opt to dine on the balcony. Lovers who want to immortalize their love can also leave love locks on the railings.

The library is located at the attic. While waiting for food, diners can kill time by reading good books.  I got sentimental when I saw my favorite For One More Day, and recalled “You can go your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one you wish you had back.”

Our room for the night feels homey and cozy, especially with the chilly 16 degree-temperature.

Just a stone’s throw away from Arca’s Yard, is their Art Gallery, which looks like an Origami House. It is managed by Ninja’s daughter Valerie, whose adorable little son excitedly toured us around, even wanting to take us to off limits area. I love the creative artistry of this place, especially the flock of suspended paper cranes and the wine bottle wall art. 

It’s is not only art, culture, and good food that we savored at Arca’s but also the amazing view of nature and sunrise.

Though I never uncovered why Ninja was named as such, the bittersweet story of Arca’s reminded me that we can never lose the people we love even after they’re gone. Because all that we love truly, deeply, sincerely, becomes a part of us.

Arca’s Yard

#777 Tip-Top City Limit

Ambuklao Road, Baguio City

Tel. Nos.:(074) 442-9706, 0929-3251868