When you hear Good Shepherd, what is the first thing that goes through your mind? I bet it’s pasalubong or souvenirs. From Tagaytay to Baguio, everyone’s favorite pasalubong stop is Good Shepherd, known for its various food products made by the Good Shepherd nuns, from bread, to cookies, to jams, and their best-selling ube products. The convent also runs a social enterprise that financially supports student workers and empowers local farmers.
The good news is that the Good Shepherd Cafe has opened, located just a few steps away from Baguio Cathedral! Independently owned by entrepreneur Robhie Pantaleon, the cafe has the full blessing of the Good Shepherd Convent, and uses its well known products as ingredients for their offerings.
As a Baguio local, the cafe sparked my curiosity. The scent of coffee and freshly made bread immediately hit me as I found the familiar purple color associated with the Good Shepherd. It had a modern minimalist exterior, with an array of goods like flakes and crinkles, honey, ube-infused pastries, chocolates, and more. These are locally made and displayed for all to see, with the proceeds going to causes like scholarships and cancer care.
Renovations were still ongoing inside the cafe, but there was a space outside for people to leisurely sit and enjoy the fresh air. And while customers weren’t allowed on the second floor, we definitely felt the warmth and homey vibes just by ordering our food and taking a look at the cafe’s interiors.
An assorted box of personalized half-dozen pastries
There were various freshly made pastries on the opposite side of the pasalubong racks, and I just had to try them out. My mom used to bring home peanut brittle, ube halaya, and on a cheat day, Baguio longganisa, and the offerings at Good Shepherd Cafe reminded me of those precious memories. The first three pastries I had incorporated those nostalgic flavors.
I also ordered the classic meat bun, the sweet pain au chocolat, and a unique offering called a katsuobun, which had bonito flakes on top, with the sausage cradled by the bread beneath it and a sprinkle of chicken floss. The pastries were consistently light, with savory undertones, while the meat fillings and toppings of the dishes were cooked to perfection. Aside from the pastries and local food treats, the Good Shepherd also served cakes for anyone with a sweet tooth, and coffee which ranged from light and milky, to dark and strong.
All in all, the cafe definitely did Good Shepherd justice by serving a wide variety of good quality food while reflecting their namesake’s mission by supporting local advocacies. If you’re in Baguio and you’re in the mood for a cafe experience that highlights local products for a cause, then check out Good Shepherd Cafe at Session Road in Baguio City.