by Jing Ramos

This iconic restaurant was named Hill Station because of the building’s personal history. Casa Vallejo was built in 1909 as a dormitory for Japanese engineers and workmen who were responsible for the construction of Kennon Road under the American regime at the turn of the last century. The Americans invested in road construction to improve Baguio’s infrastructure.

The upholstery of the dining chairs similar to the color palette of the curtains are a suggestion by Lulu Tan Gan.

Hill stations were usually located in high-altitude areas with a predominantly subtropical climate, similar to other hill stations found in Sri Lanka and India during the British colonial period. Baguio was established as a hill station by the Americans primarily for its cooler climate, which proved ideal for their military servicemen in need of rest and recreation. The hill station also served as a recovery location for men stricken with viruses such as dengue and malaria, often picked up in the lowlands.

Owner and chef Mitos Benitez-Yniguez.

“So my concept for the restaurant—being inside and part of an old historical building such as our setting—was to build a menu that reflected the times when indeed it was a hill station,” owner and chef Mitos Benitez-Yniguez explains the challenge of creating the restaurant’s fabled menu. “Spanish and Mediterranean food for Spanish colonial times, American colonial when it switched over, Filipino with a twist reflecting our mestizo roots. And basically, I like to introduce certain dishes from my travels around the world. Hence, some entries are North African, some European, Sri Lankan, Thai curries—whatever was inspirational in my travels and the taste of their local food.”

The curtains in swaths of grey and burnt-sienna fabrics are by Jiro Estaniel.

The interior décor of Hill Station Baguio harks back to the American colonial period: painted in all white, with high ceilings and exposed wooden beams in natural tones. This time around, the space has a spruced-up look, with the ceiling redone in a deep shade of taupe. The drapes around the restaurant were designed by interior designer Jiro Estaniel in swaths of grey and burnt sienna fabric. The upholstery of the dining chairs, in a similar color palette, was suggested by fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan.

The buntings hanging on the wooden beams are called banderitas.

There were also multicolored buntings hanging from the wooden beams, called banderitas. Installed by the waitstaff and some bakers from the kitchen every summer for a festive touch, Mitos explains the process of seasonal changes in the restaurant’s look:

“When the monsoon season begins and it starts to pour—usually around July and August—we change the look to classic off-white curtains to brighten up the entire floor. At Christmastime, the restaurant’s look changes again, and we set it up with vintage Capiz shell lanterns in diamond shapes for a totally festive look.”

Hill Station has an extensive collection of black and white photographs by important artists.

The restaurant has a view of a pocket garden right in the midst of Baguio central.

By Emmanuel Hamoy

Cebu’s glitterati came out in full force for Butch Carungay’s 50th birthday bash at EdenClub. It was a fun-filled night overflowing with Pol Roger, trivia games whilst traipsing the light fantastic.

Butch Carungay and Janice Lin.

Gerry Laperal and Lotte Delima-Edwards

Romero Vergara and Oj Hofer

Mary Anne Aboitiz, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth, Frances Siao and June Alegrado

Maris Holopainen and Carlo Cordaro

Janine Taylor and Mary Anne Aboitiz

by Oj Hofer

With the Year of the Wood Snake underway, understanding the significance of lucky colors can help align us with its energetic flow. Rooted in Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, the year’s fortifying shades—emerald green and carmine red—offer mindfulness and good intention attracting luck, and fostering personal growth.

Emerald green, associated with the Wood element, symbolizes renewal, clarity, and inner peace. In the year of the wood snake, its dynamic energies will empower and inspire you, fostering growth, renewal and wise transformations. The hue is ideal for moments of self-reflection, study, or creativity. Wearing or incorporating this shade into your space enhances balance and mental focus.

Carmine red, linked to the Fire element, embodies passion, confidence, and vitality. This year, which according to the Bazi Four Pillars Chart, has a lack of metal, earth and fire elements, it will bring balance and the propitious energies. It’s perfect for professional meetings, decision-making, and moments requiring assertiveness as a splash of red can energize and embolden you throughout the day.

Stella Macartney vegan Leather tote

Stefano Ricci silk tie with paisley print

To fully harness their benefits, use these colors in a contemporary, mobile context; through clothing, jewelry, bags and accessories. Alternate between these two potent tints based on your needs. For example, wear green for calmness and clarity when you are going into stressful and mind challenging meetings or appointments. Choose red when you are going into places or situations where you need courage and motivation such as fashion galas, elite socials, prestige affairs, VIP gatherings and so forth. 

Saint Laurent crepe de chine mules

Optionally, you can also choose to wear these colors inconspicuously in small details, such as a garnet or jade bracelet, or a ruby or emerald pendant and earrings set. Men can wear a burgundy or forest green tie or pocket square, or casual polo shirts with poppies or with botanical prints, or jade and garnet jewelry. Doing so can subtly align your energy with the year’s vibrational flow.

Jan Leslie emerald bracelet

Daily Mood Cuff Links with red tiger’s eye tubes

The use of colors is more than just aesthetic choices or preferential picks. Colors can serve as energetic tools, reminding you of your good intentions and keeping you mindful of you daily motions. Effecting an optimistic mental state in the wearer, they can effectively shield you from negativity while fostering prosperity and emotional balance. Thoughtfully incorporating them into your wardrobe and surroundings ensures that you move through 2025 with confidence and the right intentions.

Embracing emerald green for tranquility and carmine red for strength are intentional, mindful choices that have the power to transform your energy and shape your path forward. May you have the best of luck in navigating through Year of the Snake with harmony, energy, and the power to attract good fortune.