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.
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 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.
The Crawl is as much about art as it is about food, featuring talented artists whose works echo the spirit of the highlands:
The Gastro x Art Creative Crawl continues to showcase Baguio’s vibrant culinary and artistic scene, including:
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
