A SPACE built by artists is found in the heart of the city, as a testament to ingenuity, excellence and craftsmanship.
The quaint shop with mixed and matched pieces set up by visual artist Marlyn De Lazo Bulayo, at the Ili-Likha Artists' Wateringhole at Assumption Road, offers a unique collection of crafts with a coffee shop to make browsing more relaxing.
Bulayo opened the shop in the middle of the pandemic in a show of support to the resilience of talent in the time the world is unsure but with a resolve to champion arts, culture and heritage.
"I recognized how crazy to open a business during this economic collapse and I presumed that businesses won't go well; but when we were renovating both the cafe and the craft shop, me and my family channeled our creativity through it. We bonded during the execution of our arts and design, we are deeply invested in what we are doing knowing that it is going to be tough," Bulayo quipped.
Works at the shop are crafted by local artisans, culture bearers and the Kullaaw collection is presented to the public as it conveys to the creative community the shop is ready to support and promote works which encourage creativity.
"There is also a community within Ili-likha where we were encouraged, supported us, sometimes just hanging, sipping coffee, and exchanging ideas, despite the craft shop not doing very well, I think the message would be there is still hope that things would be better the soonest, that this crisis will bring us, the artists and craftsmen and the community together and facilitate a collective spirit of endurance," Bulayo added.
The Kullaaw collection is also working in partnership with HAPI Heritage Arts Academy of the Philippines Incorporated, founded by Dr. Katrin de Guia, with community based projects and workshops.
"By buying at the shop, you validate its existence and support its mission and vision of creating a source of revenue for crafters who cannot afford having a brick and mortar shop. The craft shop is composed of a group of individuals who would like to sell what they do out of love and passion, it takes crafters to another level or true appreciation and sustainability," Bulayo said.
The collection includes weaved bottles, keychains, crocheted bags, weaved face masks, embroidered patches, necklaces, hand painted shirts, owl dream catcher, macramé art, minimalist watercolor bookmarks, all one of a kind items which brings joy in each purchase.
The coffee shop, Kapi Kullaaw, aims to change the coffee culture of Baguio and offers a creative environment while working.
"The coffee shop is not only a small business, it is also a work of art, where family and friends work on it collectively. I hope our community would come over and enjoy the artistic ambience, support our small local businesses, if they do, they are not only supporting our dreams but also helping us win the battle against pandemic," Bulayo adds.
Drinks are prepared by local barista, Yang dela Cruz, who has a passion for coffee and is always working on new concoctions to offer with a house blend nearing its launch soon.
Kapi Kullaaw has Vietnam drip coffee from local farmers from Vietnam and Cambodia and a wide mix of local coffee varieties from the region.
Bulayo is a visual artist, born and raised in the Mountain City of Baguio and grew up with memories at the public market with local women carrying water pails atop their heads for delivery to nearby homes.
The contrast of temperaments in the Cordilleras is seen in her work which gives a peek at the guarded beauty of the mountain haven.
The Bulayo works show images of strength and the powerful character of subjects, their beauty and femininity as seen in their natural surroundings.