Ifugao holds first-ever ARTS AND FASHION FAIR this July 17-19

Lagawe, Ifugao - A bold step toward promoting its culture and identity, the province of Ifugao is set to host its first-ever arts and fashion fair on July 17-19, 2025, with the theme “Celebration of Identities through Arts.” 

Titled “Intertwined: Ifugao Arts and Fashion Fair,” the three-day event will bring together local artists, artisans, and cultural performers at the Provincial Capitol in Lagawe to showcase their talents, all inspired by the province’s rich cultural heritage. 

Among the highlights of the event include a local art exhibit, cultural ride competition,  trade fair and local finds,  cosplay competition, workshops on painting, photography, cultural demos on weaving, carving, and display of traditional wear, among others. 

The cultural event is made possible through the collaboration of the Mayoyao Artists Guild (MAG), a SEC-registered organization founded in 2023; G&G Events and Lagawe Multi-purpose Development Cooperative; the provincial Department of Trade and Industry; Ifugao Creatives; and PLGU Ifugao. 

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Jonaida Bogwana, president of MAG and vice president of Ifugao Creatives, shared that the event is open to all local artists in the province, with an aim to augment their income through their creative works. 

“It’s very inclusive sa lahat ng creative..open sa halos lahat ng local artists ng Ifugao, and I hope maka-benta kami. Yun sana ang isang goal namin na matulungan din namin sila. Na through their arts, meron silang livelihood. Hindi lang siya pang-exhibit, and then they bring it home. Eto sana is for selling, para naman makatulong din sa kanila,” Bogwana relayed.

Another highlight of the fair, according to Bogwana, is the Layag ng Habi III: Intertwined Heritage, a cultural fashion experience and runway that honors the Ifugao roots while embracing bold, new expressions of Cordilleran identity.

Bogwana described the Layag ng Habi as an Ifugao version of Kalinga’s Laga Fashion show. 

The organization president hopes the fair will be a turning point for the Ifugao creative community, giving local talents a reason to stay and grow in their own province. 

“….sana it will be an eye-opener, makita ng mga people na marami tayong creatives dito sa Ifugao. Sana they will be given the support that they needed din para mas maraming mag-try and mag-grow na creative dito sa Ifugao. And that hindi nila kaylangang lumabas ng Ifugao to start their creative journey—sana dito mismo sa amin, mag-start na sila to discover yung mga talents nila, passion nila. That they will be given that platform to grow,” she concluded.