Ili-likha Artist Village: Baguio's Creative Food Park
May 28, 2019
Baguio’s love for art has been known to many. From its colorful Panagbenga festival to its thriving art scene, it is not hidden that Baguio gives importance to its cultural heritage more than anything else. Although governed by multiple construction building sites from condominiums to malls, this food park community still fought its way to the top to not just present good food but to deliver a work of art for the tourists and locals.
Ili-likha Artist Village is a food community located in Baguio’s CBD or just Session Road. In the middle of this developing city, Ili-likha tries to stand out amongst its competitors by leveling up the game. Its concept creator and owner, Kidlat Tahimik (yes, he is a National Artist for Film), made this establishment to promote the prosperous nature and culture of Baguio. We had the chance to catch him when we dined in. He was so humble that he’s willing to answer questions. Although it was created back in 2014, Kidlat still sees this “work of an art” as still a working progress. When asked if how did he manage to create this out-of-this-world idea, he just said: “My mind works in different ways.” Kidlat wasn’t an architecture himself. So, he just let his mind do the creative work and voila. Ili-likha was born.
We visited this establishment more than five times already. Aside from its crazy architectural design, we were also amazed at how great their food is. We are avid customers of Balbacua at Urban Kamote Restaurant. One thing why we always go back to this place is that their price is very budget friendly. But even though that’s the case, they also do not fail with the food’s quality. We tried several things from their menu including their famous Balbacua, Bellychon Meal, and Baked Blueberry Cheesecake. All of the mentioned meals are extensively large in serving and provides the solid Baguio-local taste. If you do not know what does Baguio local food taste, then go and try Ili-likha now.
When we dine here, we always order their Katsudon (P75), Shogadon (P75), Pork Tapa Meal (P89), and Soy Garlic Wing (P75). For the incredibly cheap prices that they have, they already offer a full meal that includes a bowl of healthy red rice. Surely you won’t need to eat at fast-food restaurants in Baguio if you have these meals, right? No need to review them one by one because they all taste good. There are just times when these meals are a little bit salty than the usual. However, the few slices of cucumber and tomato do a pretty good job of balancing the meal.
We also pair it with either a Tamarind Shake or Salamagi Cooler (P60) and their well-known Iced Coffee Jelly (P75). Both are perfect for quenching the thirst after a long day of touring Baguio. But if you opt to drink a nice cup of coffee, I would recommend their French Pressed Coffee (P45) paired with any slice of cake.
Cafe Cueva is another restaurant that we’ve tried. They are located on the ground floor of Ili-likha. It’s okay to be lost inside. You will always find your way back. We tried Grilled Porkchop with Salsa (P95) and Pinikpikan (P95). Both meals were nicely done and had a lasting taste in our mouths. I loved how Pinikpikan’s coconut sauce complement the meal well. They also have smoothies and Pica Pica perfect for a group of people who just wants to chill in.
Knowing Ili-likha that goes beyond what’s imaginable, there’s a new addition to their many sorts of astonishing ideas. They built this huge movie theatre inside the form of a ship. Amazing, right? We were toured inside by Kidlat Tahimik himself! I wouldn’t want to go into full detail about the story of this theatre. You may want to go there by yourselves and see this beautifully-made work of art.
We keep on going back to Ili-likha because for us it’s more than just your usual restaurant. It gives you a foretelling on how others can be so creative in expressing themselves. Wandering around Ili-likha feels like you’re in a children’s book about engkantos and diwata. It surely is a reflection of Baguio’s culture and love for the art.
We only tried two restaurants. And there are more to try! Go and get lost in this masterpiece!
Ili-likha Artist Village is located at 32 Assumption Road, Brgy. Kabayanihan, Baguio City. Once you locate China Bank Savings along Session Road, go left and straight. You would be surprised to meet an enormous art there.
Schedule: Open daily from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
0 comments