This year’s Ibagiw: Creative Festival 2025 continues its tradition of celebrating Baguio’s artistic soul.
Now on its eighth year, the festival once again shows how heritage and innovation can move side by side. Even as technology changes the way we live, the heart of Baguio’s creativity remains rooted in its stories, people, and culture.
The festival runs from October to November, with activities happening all over the city.
One of the highlights is the Gastro x Art Creative Crawl, a showcase that brings together two things Baguio does best: good food and meaningful art. Selected culinary spots partnered with visual artists to offer visitors a unique experience where each dish is paired with pieces inspired by local narratives, traditions, and creative expression.
We joined the Creative Crawl on November 16 at Gypsy by Chef Waya, located at #6 Quezon Hill Road, Baguio City.
The cozy space turned into an intimate venue for art appreciation and storytelling.
Chef Waya introduced the featured artist: Leonard Aguinaldo and shared more about his journey as an artist.
Some of his pieces on display included Taduk, Bindiyan, Bay-yog, We Sell in the Market, Add to Cart, and several others that reflect everyday life and the cultural identities we often overlook.
Chef Waya also presented the special menu prepared for the event:
- Binaud – Mixed heirloom rice rolls with ground pork, etag, sayote, pickled onions, scallion oil, and bignay balsamic vinegar.
- Sinursur – Catfish with taro, coconut milk, chilies, and dudumen rice cracker.
- Lang Ay – Pork hocks with kiniing, pinuneg, tomato, and ginger broth.
- Inandila – Ominio rice, latik, and guininub salt.
- Ternate Lemonade – A refreshing drink with its signature vibrant color.
The evening brought together members of the media, bloggers, friends, and fellow artists. It was a warm reminder of how events like this help keep Baguio’s creative spirit alive one shared meal, one artwork, and one story at a time.
