BAGUIO CITY — Organizers of the proposed Baguio Horror Festival are dropping the horror theme. They will instead hold a “Fantasy Festival” following a dialogue with city officials, residents and other stakeholders.
Main organizer Carl Paolo Corpuz said the proposed festival will focus on literary arts, local folklore, mythology, pop culture and fictional characters.
“The discussion was focused on how to properly implement a festival that is inclusive for the people of Baguio,” Corpuz told ABS-CBN News.
He said the event will no longer be associated with horror and will instead highlight literary arts and community activities.
Organizers also said they have removed the “Baguio as a Horror Capital” branding that previously appeared on the event’s website.
According to the organizers, the phrase was intended as a literary theme for horror enthusiasts and was not meant to propose officially branding Baguio City as a “horror capital.”
Any horror-themed conventions, meanwhile, will be proposed as private indoor events for enthusiasts rather than public street activities, organizers said.
Magalong rejects ‘horror capital’ branding
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier rejected efforts to associate the city with a “horror capital” identity.
“Never will I allow this city to be called a horror capital,” Magalong said during the dialogue at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall.
Magalong said Baguio has spent decades developing and preserving its identity and character.
He also urged organizers to tone down graphic masks and other elements that could be inappropriate for a public event.
At the same time, the mayor said Halloween gatherings could still be held as long as these remain within appropriate and respectful boundaries.
Magalong later met with members of the Baguio Diocese clergy led by Most Rev. Rafael Cruz, DD, Bishop of Baguio.
The meeting followed the diocese's presentation of its position on the proposed festival before the city council. The group also discussed other community concerns, including school violence and anti-corruption efforts.
City council to review proposal
The proposed festival remains subject to review by the Baguio City Council.
The council has referred the matter to the appropriate committee, which is expected to prepare a report and recommendations on the proposal.
Council members are also submitting their respective positions, while organizers are preparing a more detailed event plan and public safety guidelines for the council's consideration.
City officials said the discussions could also help establish guidelines for future public events in Baguio.
From horror to fantasy
For organizers, the proposed rebranding is intended to shift the focus of the event toward fantasy, literature and creative expression.
“This is not simply about changing a name or a theme. It is about taking responsibility as event organizers and helping establish standards that can make similar public events safer, more enjoyable, and more meaningful for everyone,” the organizers said.
The proposed Fantasy Festival will still need to go through the city's regulatory and approval processes before it can proceed.