Ili Ay Cordillera: A Sensory Overload Of Art, Music, and Culture

Baguio City has its charm for artists, artisans, musicians, and culturists. This is one of the many reasons why it seems easy for some to make Baguio their new home. In 1996, this what Karlo Altomonte experienced. When he recalled that specific time of his life, he simply said, “I came for a vacation and never left. So, I am on a very extended vacation.”

Karlo is a theater and film actor, a director, playwright, composer, and photographer. When he came to Baguio, he put up the theater group called Open Space Productions. They stage plays, not just in Baguio. They’d go on tour in different cities and provinces of Ilocos and the Cordilleras, and would also conduct workshops. The love for art and the craft is something the group is most passionate about. So, when The Manor at Camp John Hay approached Karlo to work with them about putting an event together, the idea of featuring the rich culture and art of the Cordilleras and the Ilocos region came up.

Why “Ili Ay Cordillera”?

During the early discussions about the proposed event, The Manor showed Karlo an area they used to call “The Igorot Park.” They asked him what they can do with the space. At that time, he said that he liked the thought of having a “dap-ay” (a place of meeting) emanating in the middle of everything. He said that this was something “so Cordilleran” leading to the idea of putting together a village. This is how “Ili Ay Cordillera” came to be.

Karlo explained that “a lot of tourists in Baguio come up but do not have the chance to actually visit the other provinces of the Cordilleras. So,  let’s give them a sneak peek into what life is in the Cordilleras.” It is because of this purpose that the event was conceptualized. Naturally, it was easy for them to call it, “Ili ay Cordillera.” In Kankanaey, that phrase literally translates to “Cordillera Village.” It is that sense of village life that “Ili Ay Cordillera” aims to have its guests experience.

Things To See and Do at Ili Ay Cordillera

For people get to know and have a first-hand experience of the region’s way of life, the village features the Farmers’ Market, the Smokehouse, Carvers Shed, Weavers’ Hut, and the Artisan’s Corner. At the Farmer’ Market, visitors can get access to organic produce mostly from Benguet. It is als0 at this market where new innovations in farming are introduced, innovations like aquaponics. Aquaponics combines raising fish and soil-less growing of plants. These two are integrated into a symbiotic environment distinct from the aquaponic cycle.

The Smokehouse features the best of Cordilleran cuisine and a fusion of this in contemporary dishes. This is made possible through Chef Chavi Romowac and Pil-od of Farmer’s Daughter restaurant. For sure curious palates will be able to try village life staples like pinikpikan, pinuneg (blood sausage), kiniing (cured pork), and kinuday (smoked meat). These ingredients are then used to create new dishes. It is through culinary creativity that culture is preserved and shared. As Karlo puts it, “culture is a living thing, so it evolves.”

The Carvers’ Shed highlights the woodcarving skills of the Ifugaos, while the Weavers’ Hut brings together weaves from Abra, Kalinga, Benguet, and Ifugao. Of course, the Artisan’s Corner is one other must-visit with Baguio’s modern and traditional artisans and craftsmen. Visitors will see modern influences that are still rooted in the culture of the place.

Aside from the permanent structures, Karlo mentioned that they also have special events. Usually, on weekends, local musicians come and perform as well as other performing artists. Workshops are also held. Local artisans put together modules so they could share the technology with the community. People could enroll in basketry, weaving, and carving workshops.

Ili Ay Cordillera and Baguio as a Creative City

Right now, the Ili is like a blank canvass. “We’re open. We really function like a village and a very welcoming village at that. So our friends from the community can come if they have ideas. It’s not just about what we offer, it’s also about saying, ‘Hey, we have the venue here, maybe we can work something out.’ So anyone any artist (and) any artisan, if they have ideas that they want to try out here at the village, they are welcome to do so.”

“Baguio, with our without the UNESCO declaration, is a creative city,” Karlo stresses. “It has always been a haven for artists, whether local or Baguio-born, from neighboring provinces or migrants alike.” As a UNESCO Creative City for Folk Arts and Crafts, it is important to keep having future endeavors focus on crafts as an art form. Projects should aim towards developing that particular sector. “It is the artisans from Asin, in Easter Weaving, and many more that need a little push,” he says.

Reaching out and bringing in these craftsmen was sort of what Ili Ay Cordillera did. They went out there and specifically invited local craftsmen and artists to showcase their work. Karlo explained that this is not just another project of The Manor. “This is their way of forwarding their social responsibility efforts.” The artisans at the Ili are there for free so the village is a contribution to forwarding Baguio as a Creative City for Folk Art and Crafts.

With so much going on and even more to come, Karlo Altomonte invites everyone to the village at The Manor at Camp John Hay. He invites everyone saying, “Who knows what awaits you here? It’s always a sensory overload. There will always be something to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, and to feel. If you would like to have a little bit of experience on the way of life of the people of Montañosa, visit Ili Ay Cordillera.”