A haven for artists and art lovers at the ‘Creative City’

There must really be something in Baguio City’s air that stirs the imagination of those who breathe it.

In 2018, the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” was designated as a “Creative City” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). This city in the mountains of North Luzon indeed boasts of a rich and thriving artistic culture.

From visual arts and local crafts to woodcarving, metal craft, weaving, tattooing and other forms of folk art expressions, this part of the country seems to have it all.

There are a lot of places for artists and art enthusiasts alike, such as filmmaker and writer Kidlat Tahimik’s colorful and eclectic art space and health food establishment, Ili-Likha Artist Village; BenCab Museum, which houses the masterpieces of national artist Ben Cabrera as well as his collection of indigenous Cordillera art and works of other Filipino masters and contemporary artists; Tam-awan Village and its entrancing Ifugao and Kalinga huts where you can purchase artworks by local artists and even get your portrait done by on-site artists; Woodcarvers’ Village; and Baguio Botanical Garden to name a few.

The city is not found wanting when it comes to good eats either.  There’s the famous Cafe by the Ruins, the vegetarian-friendly Oh My Gulay, Choco-laté de Batirol and Forest House.

Baguio City is even home to the Philippines’ largest selection of draft beer, Baguio Craft Brewery. It offers 21 craft beers on tap and food made from the freshest local ingredients from the Cordillera.

It comes as no surprise that many are drawn to settle at the City of Pines.  With its cool climate comes an abundance of inspiration that certainly fuels one’s ingenuity.

A project of long trusted property developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc., The Pinewoods Golf and Country Club and Residential Estates, lets you have a piece of this artsy haven.

The 220-ha masterplanned country estate is comprised of classic American colonial-style homes as well as townhouses and condominiums. It will also feature the Pinewoods Hotel, which promises first-class service all the way, whether you’re booking a standard, luxury room, or suite.

The Pinewoods is designed to be your haven at the country’s “Creative City,” where you can breathe in the fresh and cool Baguio air while taking full advantage of the inspiration that luxurious mountain living can bring.

(Sources:  Philippine News Agency, gobaguio.com, Inquirer archives)