Itogon Mountain Village Builds a Home for Love Above the Clouds

ITOGON, Benguet – The imposing mountains are the first thing that captivates visitors at Itogon Mountain Village. This three-hectare property in Barangay Loacan has evolved from a modest family café into a premier mountain destination, boasting cabins, an event venue, and a non-sectarian chapel, all designed to offer nearly 360-degree views of the Cordillera landscape. The Bernabe family's vision was simple yet profound: to create a retreat where people would choose to leave the city for the mountains, believing the natural scenery itself would be the primary draw. What began with a small team and a limited menu at Café Stella soon gained traction through social media. The unexpected surge in visitors necessitated significant expansions, including an upgraded kitchen, commercial equipment, and increased staffing. As demand for private event bookings grew, the family expanded further, leading to the development of cabins, the Chapel of the Mountains, and Montesierra, a dedicated events space. A core principle guiding the development of Itogon Mountain Village is the preservation and celebration of its natural environment. The architecture prominently features glass walls, seamlessly integrating the surrounding mountain vistas into the interior spaces. Buildings and roads have been thoughtfully designed to work around existing trees, with the family even opting to preserve a mature tree in the middle of a road. "This is the yamang lupa (natural resource) that made us come here," explained lawyer Rish Bernabe, a family member involved in the project. "So we really have to preserve it and celebrate it." The Chapel of the Mountains exemplifies this philosophy. With its wooden pews facing an altar framed by glass, pines, and distant slopes, the space allows the landscape to become an integral part of the experience. The chapel is intentionally non-sectarian, clarifying that while it can host symbolic ceremonies for legally married couples, it is not accredited by the Roman Catholic Church for sacramental weddings, respecting diocesan rules. Beyond its architectural harmony with nature, Itogon Mountain Village is committed to fostering local economic growth. The family works with local suppliers, utilizes local produce whenever possible, and invites local artisans and cultural performers to participate in events. This approach aligns with Itogon's broader tourism initiative, which aims to promote the municipality's landscape and culture, emphasizing environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, and local employment. While the rugged mountain terrain presents unique construction challenges, it also contributes to the destination's distinct charm. The village doesn't feel as though the mountain was flattened for development; rather, it appears to have negotiated with the terrain. For generations, Itogon was known for the gold beneath its mountains. Itogon Mountain Village, however, encourages visitors to look up, to appreciate the pines, the ridges, and the expansive views, making the mountains the most significant element in the room. The distance from the city, once a potential hurdle, is now recognized as an integral part of the destination's appeal, offering a profound escape and a reconnection with nature.