The high life in the City of Pines
Baguio City has long stood as the country’s seasonal escape.
Across generations of travelers and weary urbanites, the Philippines’ famed Summer Capital has been offering a pine-scented pause from the lowland rush, serving as a refreshing sanctuary of winding roads, crisp mountain air, and space to breathe.
Today, however, the City of Pines is becoming an address of choice for those ready to trade that temporary indulgence for a year-round life in the highlands—one that Brittany is bringing to life through Bern Baguio.
Lifestyle at altitude
Rising along Outlook Drive, Bern Baguio is a four-tower enclave that creates a new lifestyle at altitude. Anchored on design-led architecture and distinctive amenities, this complex promises something priceless: Peace, sophistication, comfort, and privacy set amid lush, towering pine trees across the undulating terrain of Baguio City.
“Bern captures the essence of refined living. It is more than just a residential address; it is a destination where exclusivity, comfort, and lifestyle come together,” said Brittany group head Eda Tambologan.
And soon, that promise will start to rise.
Last month, Brittany held a commencement ceremony for Eiger, the first of four towers of Bern. This signals the start of construction on this sold out tower, an early show of market confidence in what is shaping up to be one of the city’s most anticipated addresses.
The ceremony featured elements drawn from Baguio’s rich culture and landscape: A toast of traditional chocolate de batirol, the presentation of pine saplings to be planted on site, and the ceremonial turning of the first soil where Eiger will rise.
Warm reception
On the sidelines of the commencement ceremony, Tambologan, along with Joshua Cabungan, division head for Bern, shared that Brittany’s first residential development in Baguio City continues to be received warmly by investors and homebuyers, both local and foreign.
They revealed that majority of local buyers are from Central and North Luzon, drawn by the project’s lifestyle appeal and prime location, near some of Baguio’s famed cultural landmarks and dining destinations. Interest from foreign buyers, mostly Japanese, has also been notable, pointing to Bern’s international sensibility.
Tambologan said Bern’s natural appeal is enhanced by the unobstructed views of the city’s mountainous terrain, along with its peaceful setting and cool climate—qualities that have long defined the charm of Baguio City.
Natural advantage
To translate this natural advantage into architecture, Brittany tapped WOW Architects, a Singapore-based firm renowned for designing some of the world’s most exclusive resorts.
The design drew inspiration from Baguio’s landscape, expressed through pine cone-inspired forms, flowing curves, and cantilevered balconies that maximize views, light, and mountain air.
“Eiger is inspired by an organic pine-cone form to create unparalleled interaction with Baguio’s nature,” said Brittany Planning head Ar. Gether Angelo Quintos. “Residents will experience the cool breeze and scenic views from cantilevered balconies while surrounded by the scent of pine trees. The development maximizes mountain vistas, including views toward Mines View Park, while integrating sustainable features such as natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and the retention of existing pine trees.”
Complementing this is a suite of amenities designed to elevate mountain living. These include rooftop fire-pit lounges and heated jacuzzis with panoramic views, a forest trail within a central garden that leads to Coffee Project Bern, and wellness oriented shared spaces.
Signature Units
Unsurprisingly, this has fueled strong demand for Bern.
And nowhere is this more evident than in the sold-out Eiger Tower, which offered studio to three-bedroom cuts, with prices ranging P17 million to P40 million. Units here are targeted for turnover by end 2027. Currently, Brittany is offering units in Bern’s second tower called Niesen.
According to Cabungan, the bigger cuts in Eiger were the first to be taken up, prompting Brittany to introduce a limited collection of what they call “Signature Units”, expansive residences designed for discerning buyers seeking greater space in the highlands.
Located at the topmost floors of the towers, Signature Units will offer cuts of up to 120 sqm. The plan is to have two to four of these units to a floor, ensuring even greater exclusivity in your private mountain retreat.
“Research firms are all saying that the leisure and luxury markets are really good right now, so we wanted to capitalize on that. We wanted to leverage that. We want the market to know that Brittany has a very good luxury development here in Baguio,” Cabungan concluded.
