The Baguio City government, in partnership with the Council for Baguio Creative City (CBCC) and the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc. (BACCI) will stage IBAGIW 2020: the 3rd Creative City Festival from November 6 to 30, 2020 in various venues in the Summer Capital. The festival hopes to revive and rekindle the love for the Baguio that its residents know: a haven for culture, art and nature.
With the pandemic having a profound impact not only on its citizens’ health and wellness but also in the local economy, the festival invites everyone to hope for a better future and to take the first steps to bounce back. With its theme “Breathe in Baguio,” it calls for reclaiming the longing to breathe, after being choked by this pandemic.
The festival starts on Nov. 6 with a Grand Opening and Press Conference at the newly renovated Baguio Convention Center. These events will be livestreamed as well through social media as in-person participation will be limited subject to local health protocols.
Breathe in Culture and Art
With art and local culture as one of the festival’s centerpieces, several events and activities will be happening all throughout the month of November, showcasing the creations of local artists, artisans and craftsmen.
- Contemporary Arts Exhibit at the Baguio Convention Center, Nov. 7 – 29
- Mandeko Kito: An Artisans’ Fair at the UP Baguio Oblation Grounds, all Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 7
- Crafts Competition at the Baguio Convention Center, Nov. 14 -29
- Woodcarving Competition and Exhibit at the BenCab Museum, Nov. 14 – 29
- Art in Sunshine Park at the Sunshine Park, Nov. 21-22, 28-30
The culture of the Cordillera will also shine at the various cultural events all throughout the festival. Indigenous dances will be performed to the sound of gongs, while chants will echo all throughout the various venues to appease the spirits.
The culture of weaving takes center stage with the launch of Children’s Story Books on Cordillera Weaving and Learning Toolkit at Museo Kordilyera in UP Baguio on Nov. 20.
Breathe in Creativity and Nature
This year, the festival introduces Jasjas: the Creative and Nature Crawls. Named Jasjas which is Ibaloy for “breathe,” each module is an invitation to breathe in creativity in all forms and get inspiration from nature. Four (4) modules are available every Saturday and Sunday starting Nov. 7 and can be booked through accredited local tour operators.
Each module offers an in-depth look at local cultural and nature sites, as well as introduce new and interesting sites. These creative and nature crawls hope to foster creative and nature tourism that is assuredly safe and low-volume, in the city of Baguio.
Residents of Baguio will also play a big role in the Garden Competition which aims to recognize the most creative and beautiful gardens found in the city.
Breathe in Inspiration
All the competitions will culminate with an awarding ceremony during the Anido Artists/Artisans Night on Nov. 30. The festival will be capped with a night of celebration and thanksgiving featuring a traditional ritual and cultural performances at the Baguio Convention Center.
For more information and updates about the festival, check the Baguio Creative City page on Facebook.