Out of Town Blog
Baguio’s Beloved Mile Hi Comes Back as a Cultural Haven
BBZ Group revitalizes Baguio’s iconic space, transforming it into a center for food, art, community, and tradition.
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines, — The historic Mile Hi complex inside Camp John Hay is making a comeback after being nonoperational for six years, as part of efforts to revive the lively spirit of the once-vibrant Baguio landmark.
Baguio’s Beloved Mile Hi Comes Back as a Cultural Haven
Luigi Nuñez, CEO of the BBZ Group of Companies, has partnered with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) to revitalize the Mile Hi complex, aiming to make it a popular destination in Baguio that benefits both the local community and tourism.
Nuñez says this partnership is not about business expansion, but cultural preservation. “The most important thing I’ve learned here is that Baguio is not just a place, it’s a people. There’s a quiet strength in the way locals live, create, and care for their environment. You can’t replicate that. You have to respect it. You have to immerse yourself in it,” he shares.
The Mile Hi area is set to be revitalized with fresh energy and purpose. This transformation begins with the recently launched Mile Hi Grill, complemented by three exciting new concepts: In-Bento Yakitori and Ramen, the local favorite Hay & Co. Coffee, and the much-anticipated return of the beloved Mile Hi Diner.
Treading a different path, Nuñez places emphasis on culture before commerce. He envisions the new Mile Hi as a hub for local arts, crafts, and culture, where Cordilleran creativity and culinary heritage take center stage. “Yes, commercialization brings growth, but it must be rooted in authenticity. We’re building a place where visitors can learn about Baguio, not just consume it,” Nuñez says.
Mile Hi’s restoration honors the original structures in the area, creating new spaces that celebrate local artists, makers, and farmers. It is envisioned as a weekend market where Baguio’s farmers and artisans can sell directly to the community—no middlemen, no overpricing—just honest trade and authentic connections.
Although the contract is short-term, its intent is long-lasting: to generate momentum, encourage the community’s return to Camp John Hay, and establish a foundation for a deeper, more permanent transformation.
With this endeavor, the BBZ Group offers a renewed sense of pride, purpose, and possibility—for the people of Baguio, and for generations who remember what Mile Hi once was. “In a world rushing to modernize, perhaps the bravest thing we can do is protect what makes us truly unique,” Nuñez muses. “I would like everyone to rediscover Baguio with a fresh perspective, experience its charm and people, appreciate the culture and celebrate the unique Filipino heritage of the north. We can’t wait to welcome you all at Mile Hi.”
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Baguio’s Beloved Mile Hi Comes Back as a Cultural Haven
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
