Our visit to Joseph's in Baguio was nothing short of magical—a perfect celebration of my wife's birthday and our six years of marriage. Nestled within the historic Laperal White House, which intriguingly was featured in the 2010 Philippine horror movie White House, the restaurant exudes an old-world charm that instantly captivates.

As we stepped into the beautifully decorated mansion, we were greeted by a cozy atmosphere adorned for the upcoming Christmas holiday. The warm glow of festive lights danced off the elegantly set tables, and a soothing loop of solo violin music played softly in the background, setting a romantic tone for the evening.

The staff welcomed us with genuine smiles, their friendly and accommodating nature making us feel immediately at home. They guided us to our table, where we began our culinary journey with the Duo of Duck—a delightful bowl of confit duck leg, seared duck breast, and tender white beans. Sharing this dish was a perfect start, and the complimentary focaccia bread that accompanied it was simply divine—soft and fresh inside with a perfectly crunchy exterior.

For the main course, I indulged in the halibut fillet served with julienned vegetables and a carrot and ginger sauce. The fish was cooked to perfection—tender and flaky. While the sauce was flavorful, it was a tad overpowering for my taste, but it didn't overshadow the overall excellence of the dish. I hope they consider toning it down just a notch. My wife savored the truffle cream pasta and tenderloin, both of which were exquisite and showcased the chef's remarkable skill.

Dessert was a highlight we'll cherish: Molten Chocolate Cake with vanilla bean sauce, seasonal fruit, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. As we cut into the cake, it oozed warm, rich chocolate—an indulgent finale that was both comforting and decadent. In a heartwarming gesture, the staff sang "Happy Birthday" to my wife and presented her with extra ice cream. Though we were delightfully full and couldn't finish it all, the gesture added a special touch to our celebration.

The evening was made even more memorable with a tour of the mansion. We explored the beautifully preserved upstairs, where bedrooms have been transformed into private dining halls. The master bedroom, featuring a stunning fireplace, was particularly enchanting. The historical elegance combined with the festive decorations made every corner of Joseph's feel like a scene from a classic holiday film.

The ambiance was intimate and relaxed, making it an ideal setting for a romantic date or special occasion. The entire experience, priced at around 4,500 PHP, was indeed on the higher side, but it was worth every peso for the unforgettable memories we created. We're already planning our return visit to try their renowned Beef Wellington, one of my all-time favorite dishes.

Our evening at Joseph's rekindled our love for Baguio and for each other, reminding us why this city holds such a special place in our hearts. If you're looking for a place that combines exquisite dining with historical charm and a touch of romance, Joseph's in the Laperal White House is the place to be.