Learn about the programme and activities
When and Where
February 13-24, 2026
Baguio, the Philippines
Located in the The Cordillera mountains in central Luzon (the highest mountain range in the Philippines), Baguio City is a colorful, multicultural city full of diversity.
As part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Baguio's artistic culture ranges from handicrafts and folk art expressions to woodcarving and weaving.
The city and region are inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, with a uniquely rich history and tradition.
Arrival in Manila
Welcome dinner and introductory briefing to the workshop. You will get to know Chiara, Ed and Stefano, your fellow participants and discover more details on the itinerary.
Trip and arrival in Baguio
Morning: Depart by bus for a 4-5 hour trip to Baguio.
Afternoon: We will visit the town, meet our local guide and familiarize with the surroundings.
Evening: We will meet with local photographers for photography discussion and insights.
Cultural Festival Introduction
Morning: Meeting with a local anthropologist who will provide an overview of the cultural festival, its significance, and traditions.
Afternoon: We will start exploring and photographing aspects related to the festival preparation.
Evening: Group editing and discussions.
Festival Preparations (Full Day)
We will spend the entire day capturing behind-the-scenes moments as the organization for the festival unfold. Specifically, we will focus on the setup of the parade floats and the flowers design.
Evening: Group editing and discussions.
Festival Preparations (Full Day)
Full day dedicated to photographing the ongoing setup for the festival. We will continue capturing the energy of the dancers, costume designs, and float decorations as they take shape. In this day we will be photographing arrangements of dances and costume fittings.
Evening: Group editing and discussions.
Trip to the Cordillera
Depart for the Cordillera mountains from Baguio. Our final destination will be the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is a stunning example of an ancient agricultural landscape carved into the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao. We will visit traditional villages and immerse ourselves in local culture and practices. We will explore for two full days scenic landscapes and photograph the unique traditions of local people thanks to our guide.
We will return to Baguio in the evening on the second day.
Dance Parade (Full Day)
We will dedicate the day to photographing the Street Dance Parade. This is one of the key moments during the Festival as local dancers invade the streets practicing traditional performances. Countless contingents surrounded by the crowd in all their energy and color.
Evening: Group editing and discussions (optional).
Float Parade (Full Day)
We will spend the day photographing the colorful parade floats., capturing the intricate details and craftsmanship of these creations. Each float represents a unique meaning and we will look not only at the parade, but also at the final competition and how the most beautiful float is crowned.
Evening: Group editing and discussions.
Final Editing & Wrap-Up
Morning and afternoon: The full day will be dedicated to photo editing and final adjustments. We will review your shots, sharing advices on how to create meaning through sequencing, to prepare your images for a final presentation.
Evening: The day will conclude with a wrap-up session where you will have the opportunity to discuss your experiences and share your story.
Return to Manila
Travel back to Manila for the return journey.
End of the workshop.
Language: English
Price: €2650, to be paid in full at once.
Maximum number of participants: 15
OUR ACCOMMODATION
What is included
Accommodation in Baguio in a traditional house featuring a full kitchen, shared bedrooms, and common areas. This includes also lodging for the Cordillera trip.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily.
Transportation to Baguio, within the city and for the Cordillera trip.
Festival Accreditation for access to all related events and activities.
Local Guide to provide insight and guidance throughout the trip.
Meet-ups/Events with local photographers and anthropologists, including hosting sessions and discussions.
What is not included
Flights to and from the Philippines. You’ll need to arrange your own travel to and from the country.
First-night accommodation in Manila is not covered, so you’ll need to book a place for the night before heading to the workshop.
Insurance is not included, but it’s strongly recommended.
Lunch
The workshop fee does not include transport, accommodation or ground expenses other than those organized.
Terms & Conditions
By registering for the workshop, the organizers are released from any liability. Any damage to property or people occurring during the photography trip will not be attributable to them, and they will also not be responsible for any theft, damage to third parties, and/or personal injuries.
It will be the individual responsibility of each participant to take out their own medical-baggage insurance for medical assistance abroad and for any damage to their luggage during air transport, as well as the potential purchase of trip cancellation insurance.
To register for the photography workshop, the full payment of the fee is required, which is necessary to cover the expenses the organization must incur prior to departure. In case of trip cancellation, the deposit paid at the time of registration will not be refunded unless the cancellation of participation is communicated in writing at least 1 month before the departure date.
We reserve the right to cancel this event in case the minimum number of participants has not been reached. In the unlikely event of cancellation, participants will be given at least 1-week advance notice and a full refund.
Every participant has to bring their own equipment (camera, lens, tripod and laptop).
The photography workshop includes the continuous and constant presence of the instructors, who will be available to answer questions and address various needs of the participants.
• The daily schedule during the trip may be modified by the instructors on-site if deemed necessary and in the group's best interest, for example, depending on weather conditions or other unforeseeable events.
• By registering for the photography workshop, all the above clauses are accepted.
Email us at cordilleraworkshops@gmail.com