BAGUIO CITY - Travelers and tourists are looking for more than just the usual tourists spots, and the Department of Tourism in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recognizes this change.

"Tourism and travel has changed paradigm," Ma. Venus Tan, the regional director of DOT CAR said, referring to the assumption that tourists of today are looking for experiences aside from tourist spots.

“Travelers now no longer stay in a hotel, looking for 4-star, 5-star. They are looking for experiential destinations,” Tan added.

In Baguio, tourist destinations do not disappoint travelers who are not only looking for wonderful views, but also a rich Cordilleran experience.

A cultural heritage village in Pinsao, Baguio City is one of them.

Tam-awan Village offers a beautiful view of the Benguet mountains, as well as the richness of the Cordillera culture and arts.

Tam-awan is an Ibaloy term for vantage point.

"Isang place upang maipakita ang tradisyonal na kultura ng Cordillera," Jordan Mang-osan, the president of Chanum Foundation said.

(It's a place where we can showcase traditional Cordilleran culture.)

The place mimics a traditional Cordilleran village with huts originally from Cordilleran provinces. Tourists can go inside the huts to experience it and appreciate artworks hung inside their walls.

“Nakaka-amaze lang siya kung paano ginawa at saka amazing lang talaga iyong works nila," Charmane Cejano, a tourist from Cebu, beamed.

(It's amazing how they built the place and their works are also amazing.)

There are daily cultural presentations where tourists can learn the traditional dances of the Cordillera.

When lucky enough, visitors can witness an Igorot traditional thanksgiving ritual called the canao.

“We are doing this to help our young generation learn, not to forget the tradition of this locality,” Daniel Dalilis, a shaman, said.

“Iyong kultura nila, iyong arts nila, mga painting. Nakita mo naman kahit sa kubo nila naiiba ang design. Kaya marami kang matutunan dito,” Neilo Rodriguez, the president of Calbayog City Visual Arts Association said.

(Their culture, their art, their paintings. You can see it in their houses, the design is really different. You'll really learn a lot here.)

Another is a food community at Assumption Road named Ililikha or creative village which offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Designed by renowned artist and filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik 8 years ago, it is known to be a place where artists and foodies converge.

“Basically it is a bunch of artists and people who are passionate about what they do and we gather as one community here and try to offer people something new besides Jollibee," Mathhew Nicols, a restaurant owner, said.

Eleven food stalls can be found in the four-storey, irregular-shaped building.

Aside from the food that are mostly Cordilleran-inspired, the place is a masterpiece in itself. Walls are made out of bottles and driftwood. From the roof to the floors, everything is filled with art.

With places like these, tourists can enjoy the country's summer capital not only for the weather and popular tourist spots but also for a rich experience of Cordillera culture and arts.