UNESCO Creative Cities in the Philippines

Originally published March 2024, updated November 2025

The Philippines now has five cities that are part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Dumaguete City has been designated Creative City of Literature, while Quezon City was named Creative City of Film, following its application to the UNESCO Creative City of Film Network in 2023.

Previously, Iloilo was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2023, while Cebu was given the title of Creative City of Design in 2019. Baguio City was the first Philippine city to join the UCCN network, having been named a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017.

Where to drink in Baguio City: Cozy craft beer spots

NOTE: Originally written on October 2023. Last updated on January 2025.

The mere mention of the City of Pines immediately brings to mind images of hot chocolate, brewed coffee, ube jam, strawberry taho, and a lot of other iconic eats. Baguio City is an amazing destination for foodies, with a sheer variety of artistic homegrown restaurants to choose from serving all types of cuisine. In the past few years, Baguio has become a destination for beer lovers as well.

Food Trip: Where to eat and drink in Baguio City

Baguio City has always been one of the country’s top destinations during the Christmas season. The cold, chilly breeze, Christmas lights, scenic spots, and great eats make the City of Pines a favorite among those based in Manila and the rest of Luzon looking for a quick getaway for long weekends and holidays.

Unique Airbnb stays around the Philippines

When it comes to leisure staycations, accommodations are the most important factor to consider. Camping and glamping have become more popular among families looking to spend time outdoors after months of being cooped up during the pandemic era.

In fact, there’s been an increase in demand for unique sleeping quarters like treehouses, camper vans, farm stays, and more catering to leisure travelers who want to experience something new. Data from Airbnb shows that searches for unique homes has exploded in the past three years, creating potential earning opportunities for hosts.

Hike to Mt. Yangbew & Mt. Kalugong in Benguet

If you’ve traveled to Baguio City, you’ve probably already been to the typical tourist spots like Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Session Road, BenCab Museum and the Strawberry Farm. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure relatively near the city, Mt. Yangbew and Mt. Kalugong in nearby La Trinidad offers two pleasant hiking trails accessible from Baguio City. The trails are beginner-friendly and easy to navigate even for newbie hikers and solo travelers. They’re bike-friendly too!

Road Trip Guide: Baguio – Sagada – La Union

Sagada is a scenic town nestled in the Mountain Province in Northern Luzon of the Philippines. For those coming from Manila and the rest of Luzon, it’s one of the best destinations you can travel to purely by land (no air or sea travel involved). The roads leading up offer the most spectacular view of mountains and cliffs. Once you get there, you can enjoy the cooler climate because of its high elevation and soak in the well-preserved culture of the Cordillera region.

Baguio by Big Bike: Ride Along Motorcycle Tours

For riders, travel is usually more about the journey than the destination. Sometimes it doesn’t matter where you go. Just hitting the open road, soaking in the beautiful scenery as you drive off into the sunset is an epic adventure in itself.

Whenever I travel to a different province, I try to rent a motorcycle. Usually, it’s just whatever run-down model I can get my hands on. I’ve ridden solo in many beautiful island destinations like Batanes, Bohol, Siargao, Siquijor and Cebu. On my own faithful Yamaha Mio Fino, the farthest I’ve driven is from Manila to Bicol.

But it’s not everyday that you get to ride on the expressway up to Baguio on a Harley Davidson. Oh yeah, baby! Achievement unlocked! Seriously, just sitting on this bike gives you instant 1000+ Astig Points.

Continue reading “Baguio by Big Bike: Ride Along Motorcycle Tours”

Dinosaur Hunting in Baguio

A lot of images come to mind when you think of Baguio. Pine trees, strawberries, boating in Burnham Park. Dinosaurs… Dinosaurs?

Yes. We found ourselves face to face with these prehistoric monsters in Dinosaurs Island. The unique attraction is situated in a valley between forested mountains in the town of Badiwan, Tuba, Benguet, about 15 minutes from Baguio City.

Continue reading “Dinosaur Hunting in Baguio”

Ili-Likha Artist Village in Baguio

From above, the broken tiles decorating the stairway resembled a rainbow. Old wine bottles jutted out from the cement wall in an odd pattern. Right behind a computer workspace, the sunlight streamed through a wall revealing quirky cutouts and glints of colored glass. Everywhere I looked there was something vibrant, colorful and interesting.

I mentally tried to digest everything as I went trigger-happy shooting every beautiful detail I could. There was a lot to take in. Continue reading “Ili-Likha Artist Village in Baguio”

The Tasting Room at Baguio Craft Brewery

What’s that? Beer brewed in Baguio City inspired by the five realms of Ifugao Mythology? Shut up and take my money!

Xavierbier, which launched their flagship line in 2014, is one of the newest microbreweries to hit the craft beer scene. Their line of Mythic beers represent five realms: Pugaw (Earthworld), an India Pale Ale; Kabunyan (Skyworld), a Wheat Beer; Dalom (Underworld), a Brown Ale; Lagud (Easternworld), a strawberry beer; and Daya (Westernworld), a German Lager.

Continue reading “The Tasting Room at Baguio Craft Brewery”

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