No Juan Is An Island

It had been twelve years since I last stepped foot inside the quaint, peaceful haven tucked away in Chapis Village. Twelve years. Back in 2014, I was here with two of my closest friends, capturing memories that remain incredibly vivid to this day. For over a decade, the thought of their signature “messy burger”—a staple of our visits back then—had always lingered at the back of my mind. It was a relic of a different chapter, a reminder of long afternoons spent over good food and easy conversation.
Fast forward to 2026.

I finally made my way back to Cafe de Angelo. Walking up, a wave of comfort washed over me: that signature quiet charm is still entirely intact. While they have expanded with more alfresco outdoor seating to welcome travelers and locals alike, the interior of the small cafe remains just as charming as I remembered. I timed my return for a little past 8:00 AM. The Baguio morning breeze on a crisp summer day was fresh and cool, carrying with it the unmistakable, rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It felt less like walking into a commercial establishment and more like receiving a warm welcome home after a long absence.

A Slower Pace and New Flavors
After choosing a cozy corner table right beside the entrance door, I went straight to inspecting the menu. A few things had changed, and new food and drinks peeked through the list. I was there with a purpose—partly to do some light site ocular research for an upcoming Story Candle workshop I am facilitating this July, but mostly to break the mundane routine of the daily grind. A morning cafe visit in Baguio is always a good idea for the soul.
While waiting for my orders, I leaned into the slow morning, taking a few photos and opening my journal to write.

My peace was beautifully paired with a chance to chitchat with the owners, who happened to be around. We spent a lovely few minutes reminiscing about my visits back in the day. They generously shared the evolution of the cafe, navigating the changes and challenges of the local food scene through the years, and discussing what it takes to keep Cafe de Angelo exactly what it has always been: that wonderfully gatekept, tiny secret cafe hidden away from the city’s frantic rush.

The Symphony of the First Bite
When my food arrived, I took my first sip and bite without any grand expectations. I was completely blown away.
First came the Hot Halaya Latte, a non-caffeinated drink crafted from local ube. Let me tell you, this has got to be one of—if not the—most authentic ube drinks I have ever tasted. It replicates the exact profile of the traditional, velvety ube jam we have all come to love and expect here in Baguio. It isn’t superficial or overly sweet; instead, you get the genuinely rich, nutty, and slightly earthy notes of the actual root crop. It stands in stark contrast to the artificial, neon-purple syrups used by many modern cafes.

Then, I dove into the Pimienta Negra.
Flavor Profile: Imagine a rich, creamy base reminiscent of a classic carbonara, but elevated with a distinctly local twist.
It was beautifully smoky, thanks to the generous pieces of kiniing (traditional Cordilleran smoked pork) tossed throughout. As someone who absolutely loves the sharp profile of black pepper, this dish was heaven. The pepper was bold and sharp, offering the perfect bite of heat to cut through the heavy creaminess of the pasta. To be honest, I am typically not a big fan of white sauces, but this dish was a magnificent, savory surprise that I will be thinking about for a long time.

A Generous Send-Off
Just as I was soaking in the morning, the owner surprised me with a taste of their Iced Orange Coffee. I initially assumed it would be the standard espresso-and-tonic black orange coffee that has spiked in popularity everywhere else. Instead, their version features milk. It is a masterclass in balance: the zesty, bright tang of citrus perfectly pairs with the bitter, deep roast of the coffee without curdling or overwhelming the palate.

It was a beautiful morning filled with shared stories about candle-making, the geometry of good coffee, and the shared successes and hurdles of running an artisanal business. Cafe de Angelo proved that while time inevitably moves forward, some corners of Baguio know exactly how to stand beautifully still.

***Cafe de Angelo is located at 54 Chapis Village Road, Marcos Highway, Bakakeng Central, Baguio City 2600