“Art is all about heart. It’s all about how we feel and what we would like to convey to humanity. I feel that when I did this, it was inspired by the different craftsmen that I met while living here in Baguio.
My sister once told me that art is not a luxury. She said, it is actually essential in our living. It comes in many forms: music, dance, poetry, culinary, design, fashion, sculpture, and painting. Everything we do is a form of art.”
The heartfelt reminiscence was spoken by Jeannie Yniguez, the interior designer and developer of the new Artisan Suites at The Forest Lodge, during the culmination of the 2024 Ibagiw Gastro x Art Creative Crawl on December 2, 2024. Her words served as the narrative to the night’s tasteful finale.
What distinguished this culminating crawl was its emphasis on the art of interior design that created a unique sense of place in all four Artisan Suites.
“I call this the Artisan Units,” Yniguez said as she talked about the project. “It was inspired by my living here in Baguio. I just want to bring the experience of coziness and hominess…just to inspire…What you see in this room will touch us in so many ways — an experience that I invite you to explore tonight,” she added.
Through the curation of Rocky Acofo Cajigan, the suites transformed into a vibrant gallery showcasing the works of Ibagiw artists: The Mighty Bhutens, a spirited collective of mosaic artists based in Baguio City, and Francis Alingcayon, a modern surrealist artist raised in the City of Pines.
The Mighty Bhutens are celebrated for their vibrant tile mosaics guided by the Bathala Na philosophy, an approach inspired by the renowned artist Kidlat Tahimik. They embrace a playful and spontaneous mindset in their artistic endeavors, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural landscape of the Cordilleras. Their artistry extends beyond mosaics, often leading them to explore unconventional.
Francis began experimenting with forms and colors, arranging them to convey a cohesive concept. Primarily working with acrylics, he constantly evolves his style to incorporate mixed media, focusing on surreal patterns of infinite boxes. This approach allows him to think outside conventional limits and view life from diverse perspectives. His whimsical images combine 3D and 2D elements, resulting in dynamic compositions filled with imaginative creatures. His art delves into psychological narratives, exploring dreams, imagination, and altered states of consciousness.
For the culinary epilogue of the Ibagiw Gastro x Art Creative Crawl, Le Chef presented a menu that captured the essence of the Ibagiw Festival. Weaving Indigenous ingredients highlighting the fresh produce of the Cordilleran highlands, the chefs featured the earthiness of native rice and the sweetness of the Cordilleran fruits in the canapes, entrées, and desserts.
Le Chef offered Pass-Around Canapes: Hummus with Watercress, Buffalo Cheese with Rhubarb Puree, Cordillera Vegetable, Baguio Parsley Salad with Tomato, Coriander, and Chives; Baguio Mushroom Spring Rolls, Cordilleran Vegetable Lumpia with Cacao Vinegar, Salmon (Kiniing) with Citrus Salsa, Grilled Chicken & Mountain Vegetable Skewers, Watercress Soup Chilled topped with Garlic Chips; and Avocado, Mountain Rice & Watercress wrapped in Rice Paper.
The Le Chef buffet stations served Spinach & Mushroom Cappelletti with Tomato Basil Sauce, Braised & Roasted Lamb Leg with Rhubarb Salsa and Horseradish Cream, and Bagnet Baguio – Le Chef Style.
Finally, the culinary experience ended with a dessert menu that was as festive as Paskong Pinoy that creatively put Cordilleran flavors forward: Sweet Potato Ube Mini Tartlets, Puto, Bibingka-Cordilleran Style, Bontoc Rhubarb Pie, and Sapin Sapin.
The Ibagiw Gastro x Art Creative Crawl has successfully put Baguio City on the map for elevated dining “sensorial” experiences that fuse art and culture. The words of Ms. Venus Tan, Co-Chairperson of the Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC), say it best. “Baguio deserves more. Our artists and crafters deserve more… It works.”
Through the collective efforts of the culinary and art communities, the Crawl has garnered significant acclaim and continues to open new doors for the city.
