ENTACOOL, a Baguio creative festival, came from the kankanaey word “entaku,” meaning let us all join, and the word “cool” to refer to the cold climate here in the highland.

The whole community comes as one, as we celebrate our beloved Baguio City as a designated Unesco Creative City (since 2017).

We reassert this prestigious title given to us through various presentations and activities that speak of world-class creative through the collective efforts of the City Government of Baguio, Department of Tourism, Department Trade and Industry, University of the Philippines, BACCI and Unesco, on November 10 to 18, we reassert this prestigious title given to us through various presentations and activities that speak of world-class creatives.

A commemorative event showcasing the works artisans, at the same time providing economic opportunities for everyone.

Crafts found in the city such as wood, silver, bamboo and weaves were showcased.

A “Creative Communities” talk by Carlo Mercado, founder and President of the Creative Council of the Philippines, on the building and nurturing of creative hubs, clusters, and communities to accelerate creative economy growth and inclusive development was very informative and challenging.

This personal experience was indeed a blessing as I rediscovered our culture, and have met and learned from different personalities, and talented artists who truly inspire.

I was lucky to have witnessed a few of the many festival activities that have transpired from the past days.

Cultural dances, songs, and sound of gongs still linger.

Kudos to the University of Baguio and University of Cordilleras’ (Peejay Natiola) exceptional performances, and documentation by Ronald de Leon, Jerome Bagni, Fredgie Louis Aquino, and Emmanuel Nigel Dacasin.