This binatog stall is one of the many small and low-key shops in Baguio City that give color and a certain uniqueness to the city. It's home-grown shops like this that makes Baguio what it really is.
I remember reading an essay years ago where the writer refers to two separate cultures in Baguio with regards to its commerce:
1. organic Baguio
2. manufactured Baguio
𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 refers to businesses that are imported into the city. Think of the likes of Jollibee, McDonalds, Starbucks, KFC, Greenwich, National Bookstore, Ace Hardware, etc. These aren't unique to Baguio. You can find them all over the country.
On the other hand, 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼 refers to shops (big and small) that were born and raised in Baguio. Think of the likes of Good Taste, Jack's Restaurant, Rose Cafe, Katipunan Restaurant, carinderias at the Slaughterhouse compound, Bookends, BooksNook, CID Educational Supply, Luisa's Cafe, the stalls at the public market, etc.
This small binatog stall in a corner of the Maharlika Livelihood Center is part of 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗼. Shops like them are the heart and soul of the city.
