Lovers of the Cordillera unite for an art exhibit.
Artists Roland Bay-an, Patric Palasi, and Glo Abaeo have collaborated for “3 in 1: Brewing Identity” at Luisa’s Cafe, bringing together their love for the region through visual art.
Patric Palasi uses the vibrance of acrylic for this exhibition, utilizing his signature coffee sketches as a base. “I sketch the images with coffee, then wait for it to dry and apply the acrylic,” he said. Known for his distinct use of coffee as a medium, Palasi showcases a refreshing use of color, drawing with coffee and finishing his pieces in standout hues.
Culled from memory and his journeys in the Cordillera, Palasi paints images of the highlands, ranging from traditional homes to agriculture and celebrations. He makes everyday scenes stand out through a combination of red streaks, bursts of yellow, and vibrant greens. With over two decades of experience, Palasi has a soft spot for the unconventional and maintains an advocacy to preserve built heritage throughout the mountain region, making his masterpieces unique. He is a self-taught artist who is famous for using Benguet Arabica and Barako coffee on his canvases.
The exhibition opened Saturday, May 16, 2026, and is organized by the Ibagtit artists with the participation of the Pasa-Kalye Group of Artists.
Glo Abaeo, a photojournalist and visual artist, combines her passions as a homage to the region she has explored. Putting down her camera, she takes to the canvas to show the beauty of tradition, culture bearers, and the heritage of the nooks and crannies she has visited through her years of work and research. As an explorer of the mountains, Abaeo has traveled extensively, collecting images from gatherings, festivities, and rituals, as well as daily scenes of communities. Her archives teem with the rich voice of the Cordilleras, ready to be displayed on her canvas.
Roland Bay-an is famous not only for his subdued Ibaloy imagery but also for his prolific artistic spirit, creating masterpieces with a speed and passion that the youth often envy. Bay-an is an Ibaloy born in the 1950s in the city. He once waited tables at the now-defunct Dainty Cafe, where he met bigwigs whom he cajoled and served until he decided to become a full-time artist.
He has been honored and is among the Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio.
Bay-an is known for his depiction of Ibaloy celebrations, gatherings, and portraits, rendering paintings that feel cast in slow motion on canvas. He utilizes muted tones with the occasional use of colors from local weaves. Bay-an is lovingly called “master” by a cohort of mentees who come to him for support in the arts. Whether offering words of wisdom or an encouraging critique of their work, the senior artist encourages art production at every chance.
The exhibition, 3 in 1: Brewing Identity, runs until June 16. By Maria Elena Catajan
