Fatboy’s Grill House: A ‘restobar’ that feeds me warmth and memories
by Lyndee Buenagua | June 1, 2024
An old-looking building with probably lots of memories in it — that’s what I thought. Little did I know, I’d also spend my memories in this very own building.
Looking for a place to eat is definitely hard, but as a student here in the north who’s actually from the south, looking for a place I could call home is even harder. Fortunately, I found An Cuenco, the owner and landlady of Fatboy’s Grill House, actively searching for their next housemates just exactly when I was lost and homeless in Baguio City. Maybe it’s really meant to be, I thought.
The home she’s talking about is the building of Fatboy’s that has an architectural exterior of aged brick and dirty white wood which holds a warm and inviting interior. The building itself already gives me a probinsya vibe, which I liked, being a proud probinsyana myself. Behind it are the majestic mountains of Benguet, completing the picture of a really aesthetically pleasing and calming atmosphere. As a fan of old buildings and nature, I just smiled and imagined myself living with such scenery. I thought to myself, I’d reach my goal of being academically inspired just by looking at these beautiful mountains.
Located at №14, Loakan Road, Greenwater Village, although a bit far from the town proper, Fatboy’s charm certainly outweighs its distance. Hence, without any hesitation, I accepted the challenge and became an official “Fatgirl housemate,” as what our landlady affectionately calls us.
As I first took a step inside the building in 2022, I was greeted by a restaurant staff’s smile. The first meal I ordered — a combination of pizza, pasta, and chicken — was a delicious welcome. Eating with me together were my siblings, who were sitting beside my piled belongings.
After eating, I met our landlady, whose home was shockingly right inside the restobar. Then, there, I realized that it was a three-story building with three different worlds: a home for a family of four, a home away from home for several students, and a temporary home for those who wish to have a taste of the place’s delicacies. And a year ago, another home was added: a photography studio.
First floor: A home for those who wanted their presence to last forever through a photograph
The city is famed for its picturesque landscapes and heritage houses. These spots are usually filled with tourists waiting to get the perfect photo. Here at Fatboy’s building, the first floor has transformed into a home where you can strike a pose in various interesting and equally pleasing backdrops. But it’s more than just taking a picture of the studio’s backdrops; the studio itself is already worth taking a picture of. Well, actually, the whole building itself. My phone gallery is a testament to its aesthetic corners.
According to Cuenco, the building has already been granted a heritage status in the city due to its history. It also began as a hotel, eventually evolving into the multifaceted building it is today.
Second floor: A home for those who wanted to taste their food
The restobar, meanwhile, is where the locals, tourists, and dormers like us gather to eat whenever we crave mouthwatering dishes such as pizza, chicken, grilled meat, and even refreshing and alcoholic beverages.
While it can get really noisy, it has become a comforting soundtrack for me. I’d know it’s Friday if I hear lively sounds of singing accompanied by guitars or drums. I’d also get to know there are people celebrating for their triumphs or special occasions, getting their hearts broken, or any other reasons when I hear laughter, cheers, and even sounds of drunken people singing mindlessly. It feels nice though, as I get to hear different voices and sounds. I get to hear their stories and feelings, even through their outbursts.
Third floor: A home for those who wanted to have a “home away from home”
And of course, the dormitory on the third floor, serves as a home for more than 20 students and working individuals who are from all corners of the country.
While not perfect as a home, living here is personally great to me to the point that I won’t really mind paying thousands of pesos if it means that I’d have a comfortable queen-sized bed where I could imagine sleeping beside my loved ones, a comfort room with a bidet and hot shower that makes me not lazy to take a bath, a spacious lounge where I could get motivated when I see my roommates eagerly studying, and a kitchen big enough to host dance parties while cooking.
Aside from its amenities, the true gem of this home is the community I met. As a student studying at the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB), it makes me happy to be able to connect with fellow UPB students. I’d sometimes knock and ask for help from my seniors, or even walk together to go to school. Simple but meaningful.
Hence, this Heritage Month, living in a place that is already considered a heritage makes me full. It feels even more nice that my memories of my college journey will also be part of this heritage. Fatboy’s may just be a common restobar in the city, but for me, it’s a home — a home where my families could be those who take their photos on the first floor, or those who drink alcohol until midnight while singing the most heartbreaking song on the second floor, or those who collectively panic whenever there’s a power outage or turtle-paced internet connection on the third floor.
I am so full, thanks to Fatboy’s for feeding me literally, and figuratively.
