July is officially here.
Therefore, it is the perfect time to celebrate a rich cultural heritage. We honor the vibrant traditions and deep unity of the region’s six provinces—Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province along with Baguio City.
In addition, this month offers an amazing opportunity to honor local indigenous communities. Their skilled craftsmanship brings everyday necessities to life.
These beautiful creations include woven cloth, rattan baskets, and traditional Batok tattoos.
Consequently, if you want to dive in and support these incredible creators, here are a few must-visit spots.
Ililikha Artist Village
To begin with, this place is like the eclectic, treehouse arts space of your dreams.
It is proudly owned by the legendary Father of the Philippine Independent Cinema and National Artist for Film, Kidlat Tahimik. What makes it so charming is how every bit of art is beautifully mismatched.
For instance, you will find rainbow-tiled stairs and walls made out of colorful old bottles. Inside, there is also a cozy, Filipino-centric cinema showcasing independent films. Even the wooden furniture has its own unique character. It can feel like a lot for the senses at first.
One of the many creative statues inside the cinema is a woodcarved figure of Lapu-lapu and Marilyn Monroe. In 2022, a group of student creatives was lucky enough to stumble upon Kidlat Tahimik himself, who openly offered a cinema tour where he explained his sentiment on the said figure.
Si Lapu-lapu, that’s us, Filipinos. And this Marilyn with her famous windy skirt beeing woosh away— ‘yan tayo sa Western.
We’re Shooing away the americans. Dahil itong art na meron tayo ngayon ay sa atin. Hindi galing sa kanila ‘yun.”
says Kidlat Tahimik.
This figure only proves that even way back, our creativity has been engraved in our Filipino-being.
Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Craft
Next, for world-class textiles, you can head over to Narda’s main store on Upper Session Road in Baguio City. Visitors can catch both classic and fresh designs there.
As per Narda, it was a common phrase that she hears a lot from women in Benguet.
If you give me some of that yarn, I can knit some things [and sell them to you].”
Then came the generations of weaving.
Today, Narda’s daughter, Lucia, is keeping her mother’s eco-friendly legacy alive. She is constantly pushing boundaries as the Research and Design Manager. For example, she launched Narda’s Naturals to focus on sustainable fibers and plant-based dyes. Furthermore, her innovative collaborations even won a prestigious World Crafts Council award in 2021.
This success proves she is taking the brand to a whole new level.
Mandëko Kito
Finally, don’t miss this fantastic artisan market in Baguio City. The name literally translates to “let’s sell” in the Ibaloi language. Notably, it was established in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The main goal was to jumpstart crucial support for local craftspeople and artisans. As a result, it serves as a wonderful hub to discover and support creators from all over Baguio and the wider Cordillera Administrative Region.
Marge Gomez, one of Mandëko Kito’s pioneers and a dedicated crafter, shared her insights on the marketplace’s socioeconomic impact.
She added that through this, people have discovered the artisans and learn more about their capabilities. It also gives them as craftspeople and artisans, an opportunity to connect with and promote one another.
This is the nice part of Mandëko Kito – you meet us, you can talk to us, and you can buy directly from us,”
Marge shares.
Indeed, every woven thread, hand-carved piece of wood, and traditional tattoo carries a deeper meaning. These items hold the stories, resilience, and sacred traditions of the region’s indigenous communities.
When we support these local artisans, we are directly investing in their livelihoods. We also ensure the survival of their incredible, eco-friendly crafting techniques. These sacred methods have been passed down through generations, and they must continue to thrive in the modern world.
Ultimately, championing their work is a powerful way to honor, preserve, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our shared heritage.
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