That Thing Called Tadhana Filming Locations

Among the best Filipino road trip films we have, Antoinette Jadaone’s 2014 romantic comedy film “That Thing Called Tadhana” always comes to mind. And for all the good reasons.

In the film, Mace (Angelica Panganiban) and Anthony (JM De Guzman) go on a road trip while unpacking their baggage and slowly deepening their bond. Most of the film is comprised of their conversations, which engage us in digging deep into their characters.

However, we cannot deny that one of the reasons why this film became a smash hit is due to the setting of the film. Most scenes in That Thing Called Tadhana were filmed in Baguio City and Sagada, Mountain Province.

To be honest, I also became interested in going to Sagada because of the film. It’s a good thing I was able to visit the place twice before the pandemic hit and once just last year! Let us take a look at several places that served as the filming locations of this blockbuster hit.

That Thing Called Tadhana Filming Locations

BenCab Museum

That scene where Mace and Anthony stood in front of a painting, talking about love and life? Yep, that was at BenCab Museum. This is where Anthony takes Mace to unwind after a long ride to Baguio. They explore some art pieces while getting to know each other better. It’s not just a scene filler; it marks the start of Mace finally breathing a little after the weight of her heartbreak.

BenCab Museum isn’t just any museum. It’s the home and gallery of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera. It has contemporary art, indigenous Cordillera artifacts, and a tranquil farm and garden outside. You get a stunning view of the forest-covered valley, especially from Café Sabel at the lower level. Whether you’re an art lover or a quiet wanderer, the place slows you down best. It’s also less crowded than central Baguio, which helps if you’re trying to do a little soul-searching like Mace.

To commute to Bencab Museum from Baguio City, you can take a jeepney bound for Asin Road from the jeepney terminal near the Baguio City Market. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from anywhere in Baguio City for a more direct route. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes.

Cafe by the Ruins

After a trip to the BenCab Museum, the couple found themselves at the Café by the Ruins. This cozy cafe was one of Mace and Anthony’s stops. It’s where they get coffee and have one of their many deep, reflective conversations. At this point in the story, they’re warming up to each other emotionally, but neither of them is ready to say it out loud yet.

An iconic place in Baguio, Café by the Ruins is cozy, earthy, and full of soul. Its warmth, rustic embellishments, and artsy aesthetic make it a go-to place when in Baguio City. The original café was built on the remains of a World War II structure, hence the name. The vibe here is perfect for those rainy afternoons when you want to write in your journal or sit silently with someone who gets it.

If my memory serves me right, the original cafe (probably the exact location where the scenes above were shot) was partially burnt in 2017. Hence, the current interior of the Café by the Ruins is not the same as the scenes in the film. However, it is chic and cozy, with a touch of the remnants of the original cafe. To get to the cafe, you can just walk from Burnham Park.

Bohemian Cafe

Bohemian Cafe was one of their spontaneous stops in Baguio. You’ll catch glimpses of the café as they chat about their relationships while listening to acoustic music and drinking alcohol. Like what was seen in the film, Bohemian Cafe has that old-Baguio charm, with its dim lights, vintage interiors, and music that sounds like someone’s about to confess feelings. It’s perfect for late-night talks about life, love, and exes who didn’t pop the question after so many years.

To my knowledge, the Bohemian Cafe has already closed. However, it’s great to see it immortalized in such an iconic film.

Gaia Cafe

After meandering around Baguio City, the couple headed to Sagada in the Mountain Province. One of the spots they stopped by was the Gaia Café. In silence, the couple felt each other’s warmth, physically and emotionally.

Gaia Café is perched on a cliff in Ambasing, Sagada. It has wooden interiors, vegan options, and a balcony with breathtaking views of the lush Cordillera mountains. The building’s made of wood and glass, with big windows that look out to pine-covered hills and rice terraces.

The first time I visited this café, my companion and I had to walk quite far to get there. It was a bit of a trek, but the views of the town along the way (and the scrumptious food that greeted us at the end) made every step worth it.

Kiltepan Peak

Ah yes, the scene. That moment at Kiltepan Peak when everything falls apart. The screaming into the sunrise, the need to let it all out, the heartbreak carried by the wind. It’s the emotional high point of the film. It’s raw, loud, and painfully real. Kiltepan Peak was Sagada’s most iconic sunrise spot, with blankets of clouds, golden light, and all the feels. From here, you’ll see a valley of clouds slowly lift, revealing rice terraces and forested mountains.

I was privileged to visit this peak during my first trip to Sagada. On my following visit, I was told the area had been closed to tourists due to an unfortunate incident. However, recent updates I’ve seen online suggest that it may have reopened to visitors. This must be my sign to head back to Sagada again!

If you’re now allowed to go, though, head there early. Don’t forget to bring a thick jacket, as it can get quite chilly up there.

Session Road

During the Baguio part of the film, you’ll catch glimpses of Session Road in between scenes. It’s that stretch where Mace and Anthony wander around, talking and quietly catching feelings. With its mix of cafés, thrift shops, bookstores, and the soft chaos of city life, Session Road becomes the perfect backdrop for two people figuring things out together and apart.

In real life, Session Road is the heart of downtown Baguio. It’s busy, a little noisy, but charming in its way. Grab a cup of strawberry taho, browse for secondhand treasures, and let the scene unfold around you. If heartbreak had a setting, this just might be it.

That Thing Called Tadhana Quick Facts

Where can I watch That Thing Called Tadhana?

You can watch the film online via streaming sites like Netflix, YouTube, and iWantTFC.

Is there a sequel to That Thing Called Tadhana?

Fans of the film have been clamoring for a sequel. In separate 2018 news articles, both De Guzman and Panganiban have confirmed that a sequel is already in the works. Jadaone, the film’s director, said she would love to work on its sequel, but it must be under the proper conditions. I guess we have to wait to see if the sequel to That Thing Called Tadhana comes to fruition.