TAYLOR SWIFT-INSPIRED BISTRO HOUSE IN BAGUIO

April 26, 2025 Community Billboard

CORNELIA STREET BISTRO – Owner Jerold Tolding introduces a Taylor Swift-inspired bistro house that offers lyrics on the walls, Swift-themed drink menu, and music playing throughout the day .The shop is located at No. 3 corner Navy Base Extension, Saint Joseph Village, Baguio City.

Hadji Mhor M. Sara / UB Intern

BAGUIO CITY

Cornelia Street Bistro located at No. 3 corner Navy Base Extension, Saint Joseph Village is making waves to Swiftie fans. This fast rising popular café brings pop superstar’s artistry to life through music, ambiance, and creative drink offerings. Inside the café, visitors will find a cozy, homelike interior filled with Swift-inspired décor, including song lyrics on the walls And a Swiftie-themed drink menu, and Swift’s music playing throughout the day. The café’s signature drink line includes “Swiftie Drinks” and “Enchanted Drinks,” paying tribute to her most beloved songs.

Jerold Tolding, the owner and a lifelong Swiftie, shared that the café is not themed in the typical sense, but rather “inspired by the emotions and storytelling in Taylor Swift’s music.” The idea was born out of his deep admiration for Swift’s discography, starting from high school when he first heard Teardrops on My Guitar. “I grew up listening to her, so it’s all about her artistry not her image,” said Jerold Tolding, owner of Cornelia Street Bistro. The café isn’t just a haven for fans—it’s also a growth pace for its staff. Darwin
Nieva, a junior barista, shared that working at the bistro has been a valuable learning experience:

Customer Aira Benito, a proud Swiftie, expressed how much the café means to her. “Parang nafi-feel ko ‘yung fantasy ko about Taylor Swift dito. It’s like a comfort zone for fans who can’t go to concerts or buy albums. This is where we feel closer to her,” she said. Named after Swift’s emotional song “Cornelia Street,” the bistro is not just a café but a safe space and community spot that welcomes everyone—Swifties and non-Swifties alike. “People say it a heartbreak song but like a sad song for couples or in love but for me, it’s a song of hope,” Jerold concluded. Cornelia Street Bistro House is an example of how culture and music can coexist. This restaurant offers a well-balanced combination of atmosphere, taste, and fandom, whether you’re a Swiftie or just looking for a comfortable place to relax.

Hadji Mhor M. Sara / UB Intern