Ibigaw’s Creative Crawl: Where food and art collide at Gypsy Baguio

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – There’s a comforting warmth that greets you at Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya.

It’s not just the aroma of simmering soup or the inviting glow of the interiors — it’s the palpable sense of community and creativity that fills the air. On November 15, as part of the Ibagiw Creative Festival’s Gastro X Art Creative Crawl, this culinary haven offered an experience that nourished both body and soul.

Ibagiw Creative Festival: Where food meets art

Running from November 8 to December 8, the Ibagiw Creative Festival is Baguio City’s flagship celebration of art and culture. This year, the Gastro X Art Creative Crawl elevates the festival experience by blending gastronomy with visual and performing arts. Participating establishments craft menus inspired by Cordilleran heritage, showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty and culinary traditions.

Imagine pairing a rich, smoky soup with a surreal painting or savoring ice cream inspired by the highlands’ fruits while admiring baskets and bags made of wild bamboo. This year’s theme is a celebration of the Cordilleras’ essence: a meeting of tradition, creativity, and sustainability.

Gypsy Baguio: Bohemian dining with Cordilleran soul

At the heart of today’s crawl is Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, a restaurant that seamlessly integrates global flavors with local ingredients. Chef Waya’s decision to bring her culinary expertise back to her hometown reflects her commitment to fostering community through food. Alongside her partner Margo Flores, she transformed a charming old house into a vibrant dining space that feels like home — but with a gourmet twist.

Gypsy Baguio’s menu for the Gastro X Art Creative Crawl is a love letter to the highlands:

• Kiniing and Binatog Soup: A smoky, creamy concoction that highlights the local smoked meat tradition.
• Bu-o Mushroom and Chong-ak Rice Arancini: Crunchy on the outside, earthy and umami-packed on the inside, these arancini nod to both Italian and local rice traditions.
• Pinikpikan Rillette with Bignay Wine Geleé: A refined take on the Cordilleran classic, paired with a tart, fruity jelly made from local wine.
• Strawberry Tapuey Ice Cream with Green Pinipig Crisps: A dessert that captures the sweetness and simplicity of Baguio’s natural produce.

Chef Waya’s creations are not just meals — they’re stories told through flavors, evoking both nostalgia and curiosity. “Food should tell a story and bring people together,” Chef Waya shared. “Here, we aim to do both by celebrating local ingredients and the people who produce them.”

The art in the crawl: Tradition meets innovation

The Gastro X Art Creative Crawl isn’t just about food. It’s also a showcase of Cordilleran artistry, featuring talents like Rovilyn Mayat-an and Joey Simsim, who weave tradition and innovation into their crafts.

Rovilyn Mayat-an, the creative mind behind Mayat-an Handicrafts, draws inspiration from her Benguet roots. Her intricately woven baskets, crafted from rattan and wild bamboo, reflect the beauty and resilience of Cordilleran heritage. Each piece tells a story of sustainable craftsmanship and cultural pride.

Meanwhile, Joey Simsim, an Ibaloi artist, captivates audiences with his impressionistic and surrealist oil paintings. His works delve into the ephemeral beauty of childhood, blending nostalgia with a hint of melancholy. Simsim’s artistry is a testament to the introspective depth of the Cordilleran soul.

Celebration of Baguio’s creativity

As I sipped on the smoky warmth of the Kiniing and Binatog soup, I couldn’t help but marvel at the thoughtfulness of it all. The Gastro X Art Creative Crawl is more than a gastronomic and artistic experience — it’s a reflection of Baguio’s heart. Here, creativity is not just an individual endeavor but a communal celebration.

With each dish and artwork, you’re reminded of the Cordilleras’ rich heritage and its ever-evolving identity. The festival encapsulates what makes Baguio special: a city that celebrates its roots while welcoming the world to its table.

And there’s even more to explore. Amare La Cucina will showcase the works of solar artist Jordan Mang-osan and painter Gilbert Alberto, while Canto Bogchi Joint features dynamic pieces by Dulthe Munar, Hermie Bruno, and Cara Bruno. Over at Mountain Man, expect bold creations from Carlo Villafuerte. With more establishments and artists in the lineup, the Gastro X Art Creative Crawl promises an unforgettable smorgasbord of food, art, and culture.

Stay tuned and keep crawling — the Ibagiw Creative Festival has just begun. – Rappler.com