MANILA, Philippines - Personal traditions and habits are hard to break, especially if you are in Baguio City. Those who spent many childhood holidays in the city surely have precious memories there. Most likely, those memories would involve going to favorite spots in Camp John Hay, basically having great times with family and friends.
One spot worth revisiting is the commercial complex known as Mile Hi Center, which continues to be a destination for fun and leisure. It is not impossible nowadays to overhear parents telling their kids how often they went to this establishment in their youth. Until now, it remains a crowd-drawer with its variety of products and restaurants on offer.
These days, frequent Baguio visitors can be seen trooping to Mile Hi to relive the experience while the newbies explore every shop and diner to create their own memories. Observers will be tempted to wonder how this place, fondly attached to people’s memories of the old commissary, managed to stay relevant and exciting.
Joel Juan, store operations manager of the Fashion Rack designer outlet in Mile Hi, offers an explanation: “The items that people see here are out of the ordinary. Customers are given a variety of choices as to which store they would choose to buy from, what items they want to purchase, and which food outlet they would want to dine in or take out from.”
He shares that even guests of Mile Hi Inn, located also in the center, are thrilled to stay there. Juan says, “Because of our selection of stores and restaurants, the Mile Hi Inn’s guests no longer have to go far or to downtown Baguio. It is also very convenient for them since the stores and outlets are a few minutes’ walk to anywhere within the camp.”
Supermarkets and groceries at the Mile Hi Center include Camp Souvenir, JRG Handicrafts, Mana-Manna, and Jaira’s Souvenir. For those with food in their minds, there are Mr. Beans, Haidan Teahouse & Restaurant, Little John’s, Carlo’s Pizza, Mile Hi Diner, Everything Nice Cake & Bakeshop, Brother’s Burger, Tender Joe Steakhouse, and Dencio’s.
Fashion Rack has proven to be an attraction in itself at Mile Hi. After all, the store outlets impress with their stocks and prices. The outlets currently open are Sportmart, Nike, Adidas, Wilson/Everlast, Segue, Camp Sole, 250 Deals, Bijoux Terner, High Tide, Designer Rack, Mango, and brands such as Levis, Dockers, Salsa, and 7 For All Mankind.
“Fashion Rack was borne out of the concept of having a location that featured various brands from different categories at discounted prices. We have a combination of outlet products that are only available in these places, as well as products that are priced lower than those found in the local market,” he explains.
Add to these the unique offerings of Mile Hi, and one gets a truly rewarding leisure experience. The center is housed in a building constructed in 1910, with old oak board flooring that carries the mark of the old burn stamp of the American lumberyard.
“How could you resist shopping and dining in this kind of ambiance? Fresh air, pine trees, the works. We are proud of the original, first-rate items on sale here,” he concludes.
With all these offerings, Baguio’s countless visitors will only be too glad to know that their traditions and habits will continue for years to come.