Add Mandeko Kito To Your Christmas Traditions

If you’re looking to experience one of Baguio’s most beloved Christmas traditions, Mandeko Kito should be at the top of your list.

Traditions, Christmas, Baguio and markets all go hand in hand, 

Since the start of the pandemic, Mandeko Kito is Baguio’s first homegrown and curated fair. The name literally means “Let Us Sell” and so with clear intentions the market is a spectacle for the senses, with crafts, music and food all on show. With a combination of established and emerging artists, traditional and contemporary craftspeople and artisans, Cordilleran and fusion foods there is so much to see and do. 

Aside from selling their wares, artisans are more than happy to share their process. These tales enrich every purchase. It’s this engagement with the craftspeople that really set Mandeko Kito apart, deepening the appreciation of both product and culture.

This year’s edition centers on continuity and renewal, bringing long term partner merchants with first time marketeers with both innovative and traditional products, allowing those attending the market to find the perfect christmas gift, something for themselves or a unique pasalubong that comes with a story. Close to 30 artisans, makers, and creative enterprises, combining both long-time partners and new collaborators will fill the tables at Scout Hill, Camp John Hay. These include representatives of Baguio’s UNESCO Creative City for Folk Art pillars such as weaving, woodcraft, and silversmithing, allowing everyone the chance to take home something purely Baguio.

All products are locally made and handcrafted, perfect for thoughtful holiday gifting. Visitors can find handwoven textiles, basketry, jewelry and accessories, woodcraft, crystals, pottery, natural care products, slow-made home goods, resin works, paintings, toys for children, and curated food and beverage products inspired by local culture.

Created by the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Mandëko Kito champions sustainability, conscious consumption, fair livelihoods, and the preservation of traditional knowledge.

 Mandeko Kito formed around genuine desire to champion the creative industry, and Baguio’s business community has bought into that passion as well, providing support in the form of promotions, funding, and in-kind contributions. For the previous eight years Mandeko Kito has been held in institutions such as universities ( SLU and UP Baguio) and Baguio Convention Centre. With a focus on sustainability this year they have partnered with Camp John Hay, to grant the sellers a larger platform and cater to a wider number of visitors.

There is more to do than just buying at Mandeko Kito, the opening ceremony will feature cultural performances and live music and busker slots are still available, and there are immersive exercises where you can come and learn new skills.

Running from December 5 to December 22, Mandeko Kito is a great place for your thoughtful Christmas gifts, with many of the partner artisans will present limited-edition holiday products such as Christmas ornaments, curated gift sets, textiles, and home décor that are all locally handmade and culturally inspired.

If you are a Baguio local, Mandeko Kito should already be a part of your Christmas traditions, as it  is a celebration of who we are as a community. Supporting it means uplifting our own artisans, preserving our culture, and passing on the value of local craftsmanship to future generations.

If you are looking for events in Baguio this December, make Mandeko Kito part of your itinerary. It’s a unique space to experience the creative community, support local livelihoods, and bring home meaningful, handcrafted pieces that tell the story of Baguio, the Cordilleras, and importantly the stories of our artists themselves.

Mandeko Kito opens on 5th December and runs through to the 22nd (Friday – Monday)

Scout Hill at Camp John Hay

Entry is free, but you will want to bring money to spend 🙂

About the author

Josh is a Baguio resident who has long made Mandëko Kito part of his Christmas traditions including getting a tattoo from a Mandëko Kito artist during the UP Baguio edition in 2023.