BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – In Baguio City, it is said that to be a warrior is to be an artist, and to be an artist is to be a warrior.
It’s no secret that Baguio City is a sprawling space for artists and the arts. Over the decades, National Artists like Kidlat Tahimik and Ben Cab brought Cordillera art to the nation’s consciousness – a testament to the prolific creativity born in these mountains. But what people might not know is that it’s also a destination for athletes training for mixed martial arts, muay thai, boxing.
In this episode of HOMESTRETCH, show host Pató Gregorio sits down with athletes Ed ‘Landslide’ Folayang and Islay Bomogao to find out why combat arts thrive in Baguio. Meantime, Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong gives us the lowdown on the city’s tourism and urban revival that aims to transform the city into a livable, inclusive, and creative Baguio.
HOMESTRETCH aims to tell the stories of people that inspire us with their struggles and triumphs, and the places that help define our spirit as a nation.
Co-presented by Rappler and Duckworld, HOMESTRETCH is hosted by sportsman and tourism advocate Pató Gregorio.
Watch on Sunday, January 12, at 8 pm on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook accounts. – Rappler.com