Taste, see, create: Gastro x Art Creative Crawl blends food and artistry in Baguio
BAGUIO, Philippines – The crisp November air in Baguio always carries a sense of excitement, but this year’s Ibagiw Creative Festival brings an entirely new kind of magic.
Imagine sipping a cocktail infused with mountain botanicals while admiring a bamboo art installation, or savoring a cheesecake infused with the essence of Sagada oranges. That’s the vibe of the Gastro x Art Creative Crawl.
The Crawl, part of Ibagiw’s month-long celebration, invites participants to explore the city through its food and art. Each stop offers exclusive dishes and exhibits that reflect the spirit of the Cordilleras. It’s a deliciously thoughtful way to experience Baguio’s creativity.
Where Baguio meets Europe
First stop: L’Atelier du Grain. Opened earlier this year, this bakery brings a taste of Europe to Baguio. Founded by chef Didier Derouet, the shop specializes in artisan breads and pastries, incorporating local ingredients to add a distinctly Cordilleran touch.
Their standout dish is the Rhubarb Cheesecake, featuring a Sagada orange zest crust, passion fruit glaze, and minted strawberry coulis. It’s a dessert that feels both adventurous and comforting – a sweet ode to Baguio’s mix of tradition and innovation.
The Gallery by Witchcraft
The next visit is The Gallery by Witchcraft, owned by Jackson and Cristina So, located right above L’Atelier du Grain. This restaurant blends high-quality food with the city’s artisan distilling scene. Their Ibagiw menu reads like a love letter to Cordilleran flavors, with dishes such as Kiniing Chicken Fillet paired with a strawberry balsamic salad and upland rice.
The Coffee-Rubbed Roast Pork is a must-try, its smoky flavor perfectly balanced with mashed sweet camote. Then there are the drinks – crafted from Witchcraft’s small-batch whiskey, gin, and beer, all made in Baguio. The Kiniing beer stands out, a subtle reminder of how local ingredients can shine in unexpected ways.
The space itself is equally inspiring. On display are bamboo creations by Edgar Banasan, a Kalinga craftsman whose works marry traditional craftsmanship with modern design. His bamboo musical instruments, including those in his new Bend Beyond collection, are both functional and playful, offering a glimpse of Cordilleran heritage reimagined.
Artists in focus
The Crawl is as much about art as it is about food, featuring talented artists whose works echo the spirit of the highlands:
- Marlyn de Lazo Bulayo: Her acrylic and mixed-media paintings honor Cordilleran life and the quiet resilience of its people, reflecting the beauty of her roots with warmth and strength.
- Claire Jaun-Torres: A Swiss-Filipina painter based in Baguio, Claire’s vibrant abstract pieces draw from her upbringing in Ilocos Sur and her travels in Europe. Her Kalagaw series evokes nostalgia for summers spent among colorful landscapes.
- Edgar Banasan: Renowned for his bamboo craftsmanship, Edgar’s instruments transcend functionality, becoming cultural artifacts that tell stories of Cordilleran wisdom and sustainability.
More to explore
The Gastro x Art Creative Crawl continues to showcase Baguio’s vibrant culinary and artistic scene, including:
- Amare La Cucina, featuring the works of Jordan Mang-osan and Gilbert Alberto.
- Canto, presenting the dynamic artistry of Dulthe Munar and Hermie and Cara Bruno.
- Rebel Bakehouse, collaborating with Clinton Aniversario and Roby Carates for a bold mix of flavors and visuals.
- Oh My Gulay, exhibiting the whimsical creations of Pinsel and Julius Lumiqued.
- Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya, partnering with artists Joey Simsim and Mayat-an Handicrafts, blending handcrafted artistry with globally inspired dishes.
- Chaya, highlighting the intricate works of Leonard Aguinaldo and pairing Japanese-inspired cuisine with meaningful local art.
- Mountain Man, collaborating with artist Carlo Villafuerte to offer a unique fusion of traditional Cordilleran flavors and contemporary art.
- Le Chef at The Manor, showcasing creations by The Mighty Butans, Francis Aying, and Irene Bimuyag, combining fine dining with local artistic expressions.
- Curious Coffee Co. at G1 Lodge, featuring the artworks of Roland Bay-an, Johnny Bangao, and James Mang-osan, providing a cozy ambiance where coffee culture meets Cordilleran artistry.
The Crawl runs through December 8, with every stop offering something worth savoring. It’s not just about the food or the art – it’s about the way these elements come together to tell a story of Baguio’s creativity and culture. – Rappler.com