Bennett: Session Café

Saturday, February 11, 2012

SESSION Café and Restaurant was Chinese- Filipino restaurant located at the corner of Felipe Calderon Street and Session Road from July 23, 1953 to 1985.

The restaurant was established and owned by 33-years-old Baguio born Jaime T. Tong. For more than 32 years of operation, the business establishment became an institution as the favorite watering hole of politicians, mediamen, businessmen, and professionals.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

An e-mail message during the 2009 Baguio Centennial Year celebration read: “You’re not from Baguio City if you haven’t been to SESSION CAFÉ.”

Manong Jimmy ceased management of the restaurant when he died on December 11, 1981.

Wife Romana “Romie” Tong took over the management with the assistance of their daughter Rose Marie after the founder’s death. The restaurant business continued for four years until 1985. In 1985, the building and lot were sold causing the relocation of the restaurant.

Rose Marie re-opened the Session Café in 1987 in Lower Diego Silang St. When the 1990 earthquake struck and as all businesses were affected, Session Café was not spared. Although it continued, by August, 1993, Baby Tong was constrained to shut down again.

The hub of the local media was gone but the institution lives on in the memory of many who lived and continue to live in Baguio.