As someone who can effortlessly spend an entire day watching the director’s cut of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, getting lost in epic Dungeons & Dragons campaigns from Critical Role or Dimension 20, or admiring the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Elden Ring (despite dying from Malenia’s blade more times than I’d like to admit), I have always been drawn to the magic of medieval fantasy. There’s something enchanting about the clashing of swords, the warmth of tavern revelry, and the intricate lores of kingdoms long past.
I’ve often wondered what it feels like to step into a world like that. Ren Faire PH has been on my radar since its first run last year, but fate had other plans—I had to miss it. So, when I heard the news about this year’s Ren Faire and a friend who also missed the chance to attend last year invited me to join them, I knew this was my chance. Without hesitation, I said yes.
And so, before the Friday sun greeted us, we found ourselves on a journey from Manila to Baguio, with the anticipation bubbling like a bard’s first song of the night.
For the unfamiliar, a Renaissance Faire or Ren Faire is an event that brings the medieval and Renaissance eras to life, offering an immersive experience where fantasy lovers, history enthusiasts, and role-playing communities can revel in a time long past. Attendees often dress in themed outfits, join in interactive activities, and enjoy lively performances—all while being held outdoors.
Ren Faire PH, however, is more than just a re-enactment of fantasy and history. It is the first-ever Renaissance Fair in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. And what separates it from the rest is that Ren Faire PH blends the medieval and Renaissance periods with a touch of Filipino culture and history. This year’s event ran from March 14 to March 16, each day boasting its own theme. I attended Day 1 and Day 2 only, with every step through the gates feeling as if I were transported to another realm.
The Igorot Stone Kingdom, this year’s venue, was an inspired choice. A sign bearing “Ren Faire PH 2025” greeted us at the entrance. Banners and flags placed throughout the area, along with the stone-laden landscape, added a raw, old-world charm. Beneath all of this, one thing became immediately clear—it wasn’t just an event but a gathering of kindred spirits, all eager to celebrate the worlds we so often dream about.
The activities were spread across different areas, each offering something unique. From the castle side, where D&D and Magic: The Gathering tournaments and tattoos from a mambabatok were taking place, to the terrace area where archery, LARPing (Live Action Role-Playing), and horseback riding were held, there was no shortage of adventure—you’d never get bored. Everywhere I turned, performers and merchants alike were clad in costumes and ren faire outfits, fully committing to the immersive experience.
One of the activities that caught my eye was having your photo taken using a camera obscura. How beautiful is it to experience having your photo taken just like how it was done back in the old days?
Reaching the Merchant Market was a challenge for those unaccustomed to steep climbs—especially for someone who cannot even reach 10K steps on a daily basis. However, the effort was extremely rewarding, as there were a lot of handcrafted goods inside. And if you got hungry, you could find food stalls around. Whether it was Minute Burger, Fatboy’s Grill House, or even vendors right outside the gates, food was always nearby to satisfy your hunger.
Beyond the events, I also learned about the beauty of “trinket trading.” Attendees exchanged small trinkets or keepsakes—from crafted tokens to simple flowers—with each trade bearing a quiet yet meaningful connection. Among the trinkets exchanged, I even saw items like Salonpas and Katinko, proving that humor and camaraderie flourished just like in most fantasy tales.
For me, one of the biggest highlights was the Queen’s Stage, where the dynamic between the hosts Nio Infante, Erwin M, and Miyu Tamesa kept the energy alive throughout the day and night. Their chemistry was infectious, and their dedication to themed costumes elevated our experience even further. Nio’s Disney-inspired Hades cosplay on Day 2, complete with LED-lit hair made from recycled materials, was quite the show-stealer!
It’s easy to say that the Queen’s Stage was the heart of the ren faire, as performances from artists like Backstreet Bards, Maria Song, and Adamanta filled the air with melodies that reminded you of the courts of old. The Battle of the Bards was another spectacle, where performers dueled with music from Epic: The Musical.
As the sun began to set, the night festivities began. The energy shifted from daytime revelry into something more intimate. A drinking challenge tested the volunteers and their ability to handle liquor by drinking five bottles of San Miguel Light. Not long after, Burlesque PH captivated the crowd with their themed dance for the night. And when the fire dancers took the stage, their flames illuminated the night.
Costumes weren’t mandatory, yet nearly everyone embraced the ren faire spirit. Day 1’s Pre-Colonial theme had several attendees draped in handwoven textiles, garments adorned in gold, and outfits fit for island royalty.
Meanwhile, with “Gods & Mortals” as the theme for Day 2, it was just as equally breathtaking. Cosplays from Hades, Zelda, and even Elden Ring characters roamed the grounds. But it wasn’t just the attendees who brought the event to life—there were also the hosts, performers, and even merchants who were fully committed to the theme, adding layers of authenticity to the already immersive experience. There was even someone who cosplayed as a sunflower!
One of the most unforgettable moments was going inside the Igorot Gold Mine—a dimly lit tunnel that, for a fleeting moment, made me feel like I was traversing a dungeon straight out of a fantasy quest. And when the fog rolled in on Day 2, slowly enveloping the stone pathways, it felt as if the world itself had shifted. It was an ethereal, dream-like transition that only deepened the magic of the moment.
As the final hours of my journey at Ren Faire PH drew near, I found myself unwilling to leave just yet. Even as I rested my feet from the endless walking and climbing, I knew that this was more than just an event. Though the venue wasn’t completely closed off—since there was a viewing lane for visitors of the Igorot Stone Kingdom itself—there was a separate line and queue for the guests who came for the fair. Moreover, they were carefully guided by marshals in neon green vests. For me, the whole ren faire experience remained undisturbed.
There was something profoundly heartwarming about seeing people from all walks of life go on their own adventures to reach the ren faire. From Cebu, Isabela, and even abroad—knowing that people came together, bound by their shared love for fantasy and history—the Ren Faire PH community wasn’t just welcoming. It was alive, growing, and thriving.
And whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fantasy lover, or simply someone looking for a unique immersive experience, Ren Faire PH offers something magical for everyone.
For just its second year, Ren Faire PH has already left an unforgettable mark on so many—just like me. And as I walked through the gates one last time, holding the trinkets I received and the wares I purchased while replaying the memories in my mind, one thing is certain…
This won’t be my last Ren Faire.
Because somewhere beyond the rolling fog and the banners held high, the kingdom still stands, waiting for its gates to open once more.
And when it does, I’ll be there—ready to answer the call.
