Ibagiw Gastro x Art Creative Crawl is a culinary and artistic journey in Baguio City

BAGUIO, Philippines – The morning began with a feast for both the palate and the eyes: a perfectly poached egg draped in silky hollandaise atop sautéed mushrooms and spinach, nestled on a golden potato rosti.

A beautifully poached egg with hollandaise atop sautéed mushrooms and spinach, paired with a fresh salad drizzled in tangy strawberry vinaigrette—a Highland Brunch delight at Canto Bogchi Joint. Mia Magdalena Fokno/Rappler

Fresh greens drizzled with tangy strawberry vinaigrette complemented the rich flavors, while mixed root and rice chips — ube, taro, cassava, and beetroot — offered a colorful crunch.

A refreshing Gumamela Gin Fizz paired with vibrant mixed root and rice chips. Mia Magdalena Fokno/Rappler

The meal ended with a slice of creamy ube cheesecake, paired with a refreshing Gumamela Gin Fizz, made from hibiscus blossoms picked from the garden.

A decadent slice of ube cheesecake, the perfect sweet ending to Canto Bogchi Joint’s Highland Brunch experience. Mia Magdalena Fokno/Rappler

This wasn’t just brunch; it was a sensory journey at Canto Bogchi Joint, one of the highlights of the Ibagiw Creative Festival’s Gastro x Art Creative Crawl.

A family affair: The soul of Canto Bogchi Joint

Carlo and Dimps Blanco, the visionary couple behind Canto, have built more than a restaurant — they’ve created a space that reflects Baguio’s unique blend of heritage, creativity, and innovation. From their earliest days cooking for family and friends, their love for food has blossomed into a thriving business beloved by locals and visitors alike.

CANTO Bogchi Joint transforms into a gallery of creativity, featuring the works of Dulthe Munar, Hermie Bruno, and Cara Bruno, blending culinary delights with artistic brilliance. Mia Magdalena Fokno/Rappler

“We wanted Canto to be a place where people feel at home,” Dimps shares. “A place that celebrates Baguio — not just in the food, but in every detail, from the decor to the music to the art on the walls.”

For the Ibagiw festival, Canto’s Chef Oyo curated a Highland Brunch menu that celebrated the region’s agricultural bounty while offering a modern twist on classic flavors. “We love collaborating with local artists and creatives,” says Carlo. “Food and art both tell stories, and when they come together, they create something magical.”

Art in focus

The exhibit, curated by Jessica Faye Marino and Herson Arcega, featured works from three artists, each with a deep connection to the Cordillera and a distinct voice in the art world.

HERMIE and Cara Bruno, joined by their son Timothy, in front of their artwork, a testament to their family’s shared passion for creativity and culture. Mia Magdalena Fokno/Rappler

Dulthe Munar, an architect and sculptor, had wood and metal as his chosen mediums. His unique approach involves using only typhoon-felled wood scraps, turning what might have been discarded into stunning works of art. Among his creations are intricate clocks, such as his piece Prometheus, which features sculpted wings, and functional yet artistic lamps, like his steampunk camera lamp. He also crafts miniature “katam,” or wood planers, that are both nostalgic and ingenious. His experiments with mixed media crafts transforms his work into coveted pieces, blending functionality with artistry in a way that resonates with collectors and admirers alike.

Cara Bruno, a painter known for her vibrant depictions of nature and humanity, displayed works that invite reflection. “I paint what inspires awe,” she shares. Her latest pieces, a departure from her signature florals, delve into the complexities of human faces and emotions. “Art should remind us of the beauty around us—and within us—even when it’s hard to see.”

DULTHE Munar poses with his masterpiece Prometheus, a clock crafted from typhoon wood scraps, showcasing his ingenuity and dedication to sustainable art.

Hermie Bruno, Cara’s husband, explored the struggles and triumphs of Igorot farmers through textured figurative paintings. Using limited resources early in his career, Hermie began incorporating canvas lint into his work, creating a rugged, tactile aesthetic. “Texture adds depth,” he explains. “It’s like life — it’s not smooth, but it’s full of character.” His art pays homage to the Cordillera, its people, and its enduring spirit.

Gastro x Art: A city’s creative pulse

The Gastro x Art Creative Crawl is a cornerstone of this year’s Ibagiw Creative Festival, an annual celebration of Baguio’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City. This year, the crawl bridges two pillars of creativity: gastronomy and art. It showcases not only the region’s agricultural bounty but also its deep well of artistic talent.

From traditional Cordilleran dishes with a modern twist to desserts inspired by local paintings, the crawl is an immersive experience for the senses. Visitors can enjoy food and drink menus tailor-made for the festival while exploring exhibits from local artists, all in settings that reflect Baguio’s unique character.

So, the next time you find yourself in this mountain city, don’t just visit for the views. Visit for the stories — stories told in every brushstroke, every bite, and every warm conversation over a Gumamela Gin Fizz.

Participating restaurants and artists

The Gastro x Art Creative Crawl showcases a stunning array of collaborations:

Amare La Cucina: Artists Jordan Mang-osan and Gilbert Alberto
The Gallery by Witchcraft: Claire Jaun-Torres and Edgar Banasan
L’Atelier Du Grain: Marlyn De Lazo Bulayo
Rebel Bakehouse: Clinton Aniversario and Roby Carantes
Oh My Gulay: Pinsel and Julius Lumiqued
Gypsy Baguio by Chef Waya: Joey Simsim and Mayat-an Handicrafts
Chaya: Leonard Aguinaldo
Mountain Man: Carlo Villafuerte
Le Chef at The Manor: The Mighty Butans, Francis Aying, and Irene Bimuyag
Curious Coffee Co.: Roland Bay-an, Johnny Bangao, and James Mang-osan

The festival runs until December 8, 2024. Explore the crawl and discover the stories behind every dish and every masterpiece. – Rappler.com