2025 IMPAKABSAT FAIR: Experience ‘batok’, pottery and more of Cordillera’s finest

Baguio City, Philippines – IMPAKABSAT has once again opened its doors to public, this time at Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, bringing together the best of Cordillera, from indigenous artistry, to upland cuisine, heirloom craftsmanship, and cultural soul.

IMPAKABSAT at a glimpse

IMPAKABSAT is derived from the initials of Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apyao, Benguet, plus the chartered city of Baguio, and capped with “kabsat”, an Ilocano term meaning brother or sister, symbolizing camaraderie.

Held in 1991, the first IMPAKABSAT was conducted as a response to aftermath of the 1990 Luzon earthquake that wreaked havoc across the region, with Baguio City suffering the most destructions. The event gave local producers and artisans a platform to recover, reconnect and rebuild, paving way for economic revival.

After over three decades, IMPAKABSAT evolved into the premier cultural and trade exposition of the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera.

IMPAKABSAT 2025

Now on its 33rd edition, IMPAKABSAT 2025 carries the theme “Flavors and Colors”, featuring wide array of Cordilleran products from over 34 exhibitors in the region.

The regional fair officially opened on Wednesday, July 2, with a ceremonial gong performance called “Pattong di Gangsa” to set the tone for the event.

Visitors cannot only browse and buy products but they can also experience the Cordilleran tradition firsthand.

Master Weaver Marcelino Bumilac demonstrated Ifugao’s traditional backstrap weaving technique on July 4. On Saturday, Sagada’s pottery artist Siegrid Anne Bangyay will host a live pottery session titled “ClayPlay.”

Kalinga tattoo artists, Aprilyn Sagmayao and Vanessa Ba-od, are at the site until July 6 to share the art of traditional tattooing or “batok”.

The fair will wrap up on Sunday, July 6, with a cultural closing program called “Naksheng.”

‘Shop and Win’

As a simple reward to those who support local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, shoppers who spend at least P5, 000 at the exhibit can claim a special prize at the event secretariat.

IMPAKABSAT is your chance to experience and explore what the Cordilleras have to offer.

The trade fair opens daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until July 6 at Level 2 Grand Wing of Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas Center.

For more information and the complete list of Cordilleran products being offered, visit https://bit.ly/33rd-impakabsat or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IMPAKABSAT.