The 2018 Baguio Creative Festival Is Here!

Following Baguio City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts in October 2017, the first Baguio Creative Festival officially opened on Nov. 10, 2018. The opening ceremony was witnessed by local officials and guests during a cool Saturday evening at the Dominican Hill and Heritage Center. It officially kicks off a week-long celebration of creativity with different events all over the city which will run until Nov. 18.

Prior to the opening, media were treated to a preview of the Dominican Hill and Heritage Center as one of the creative spaces to visit during the festival. The Baguio Creative Festival is a public-private partnership between the Baguio LGU, the Department of Tourism, and the Baguio Arts and Creative Council, Inc. (BACCI).

The Dominican Hill and Heritage Center will be open to the public from Nov. 11 to 18, 2018. Entrance is free and opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Dominican Hill As A Creative Space for Entacool 2018

Using Dominican Hill (also known as the old Diplomat Hotel) as a space to showcase the work of local artists was foremost in the minds of local organizers. Councilor Mylen Yaranon said as much during the media briefing. According to her, this historic place was the first thing they had in mind when they were planning for the festival.

This property which was formerly owned by the Dominicans is now owned by the city. For the festival, one part of the building was spruced up to house an art gallery of paintings and other works of art as well as an audio-visual room. In some parts of the structure, various art installations also by young, local artists are also on display for the duration of the festival.

Newly-minted National Artist for Film, Kidlat Tahimik also has his own outdoor art installations at the side of the building. It features his whimsical brand of art that makes use of found objects juxtaposed together into an eye-catching masterpiece.

Aside from the gallery where the Kulay ng Siglo exhibit is on display, visitors can also take a peek in some of the rooms in the building. Artists conceived and set up their own works of art, each with their own themes and intended messages.

Upon entering the building, visitors will immediately see the work of Maela Jose, a Tinatik installation up in the ceiling. Paintings made on the spot by artists from the Pasakalye Group of Artists can also be seen all around the first floor of the building.