When you think of Baguio, the smell of pine trees, the bustling night market, or the taste of that strawberry taho are probably the first things that come to your mind. For decades, people have sought refuge in the City of Pines to escape the summer heat, but something has changed lately. Yes, the floating flowers of the Panagbenga festival are still attracting thousands of tourists in February, but there is something different in November. Have you heard of the Ibagiw festival?
It’s not just an event for tourists, but an observance that celebrates the very reason why Baguio was designated the very first UNESCO Creative City in the Philippines. Ibagiw is derived from the term moss, which is an adaptation of the term used by the indigenous people of the Cordilleras, the Ibaloi, for something that stays firmly rooted on the ground. If you’re looking for a reason to visit that goes deeper than just a few snapshots at Mines View, this might just be it.
A Different Kind of Chill in November
Baguio in November is a sweet spot. Crisp in the air, holiday lights are just about to twinkle, and the city feels like it exhaled. Unlike the high-octane energy of the Flower Festival, Ibagiw feels more like an invitation to sit down and create something. The month-long festival creates galleries out of public parks and hidden cafes.
For many lowland travelers, however, the ride up is half the fun. A Manila to Baguio bus remains the classic way to reach the highlands, especially now with the luxury sleeper options, where a five-hour mountain highway ride would breeze by just about. You catch a late-night ride from Cubao or Pasay and wake up just about the time the fog rolls over the Cordilleras, just about perfect timing for the morning rituals of the festival.
Why Art is the New Night Market
We all love scoring a great deal on some ukay-ukay, but what Ibagiw wants us to know is that the real treasure of Baguio is its hands. During the celebration, the Mandeko Kito artisans’ market, which is an Ibaloi term for let’s sell, is the hotspot. This is no ordinary souvenir shop. We are talking about handwoven fabrics that take weeks to complete, silver jewelry crafted with ancient techniques, and wood carvings that have mountain tales to share.
What makes it cool? It’s the access. You might find yourself having a cup of coffee in a small café and realize that the person next to you is a National Artist or a world-class weaver. The festival demystifies the walls between the artist and the spectator. You don’t just look at the artwork; you look at the process.
The Gastro X Art Creative Crawl
Perhaps one of the most interesting features that has been added to the festival is the Gastro X Art Creative Crawl. If you are a foodie, then you should consider this your playground. Restaurants have teamed up with visual artists to bring you an immersive experience. Just imagine eating a dish of pasta inspired by Cordillera while surrounded by murals that reflect the ingredients you are eating.
It’s a clever way to see the city beyond the tourist traps. Each of the locations on the crawl has a different atmosphere: some are hidden away in old heritage houses, while others are more contemporary and located in the heart of the city. It’s like turning your lunchtime into a cultural scavenger hunt!
Have you ever eaten at a place that’s like a history lesson? That’s the aim of this place!
Is It Replacing Panagbenga?
Not at all. Panagbenga is the grand, loud, and colorful spectacle we all know and love. But Ibagiw, on the other hand, is for the traveler who wants to slow down. It’s for the traveler who wants to get a glimpse of the soul of Baguio, not just the show.
While Panagbenga is about the blossoming of flowers, Ibagiw is about the blossoming of people. It’s a bit more indie, a bit more raw, and arguably, much more Baguio. It’s the difference between watching an action movie and an acoustic set. Both are good, but the latter stays with you a bit longer.
Conclusion
So, has the Ibagiw Festival become the new cool reason to visit? If you are someone who appreciates authenticity and tradition and prefers to take things easy on your travels, then yes, it certainly is. It’s a month-long love letter to the Cordilleras that feels both modern and traditional.
The next time you plan on visiting the highlands, perhaps you might want to bypass the summer season. Wait for the moss to grow green on the streets and for the artists to occupy the streets. Bring your heavy sweater, book your bus ticket, and get ready to experience Baguio from a completely different perspective. After all, is it not time for us to fall in love with the city for more than just its weather?
