How an Ex-Rockstar Cooks Using Live Fire on His Rooftop in Baguio City Philippines

Baguio Mountain Man is the next go-to food destination in Baguio. Amidst all the tourist attractions in the popular summer destination in the Philippines, Chef Chavi’s rooftop kitchen is a hidden oasis for travelers who want an intimate encounter with Cordilleran cuisine cooked using live fire.
After his excursions through the deep mountains of the Cordilleras, Chef Chavi decided to put up his restaurant to share his newfound knowledge of the seemingly simple but complex dishes and cooking techniques of the locals that he met along the way. Join Erwan Heussaff and the FEATR team as we experience a meaningful dinner especially made for us by Chef Chavi and his wife Millie.
Special thanks to:
Chef Chavi Romawac
Millie Kesner-Romawac
Jump to:
(0:00) Intro
(4:38) Cooking Process
(14:38) Taste Test
(19:00) Outro
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The Fat Kid Inside Studios
Erwan Heussaff - Founder
Kashka Gaddi - Content Producer
Eamonn Quizon - Cinematographer
Edel Cayetano - Story Producer
Harold Singzon - Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod - Story Producer
Kleo Balares - Editorial Producer
Hans Rivera - Multimedia Producer
Julius Rivera - Camera Operator
Steven Sune - Editor
Lorraine Santos - Editor
Dana Blaze - Editor
Ivan Christian Cocjin - Editor
Martin Narisma - Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos - Content Manager
Chester Velasco - Production Assistant
Kevin Amponin - Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac - Colorist
Sofia Paderes - Graphic Designer
Kim Manuel - Graphic Designer
Roanne Salvacion - Accountant
Donalyn Aranda - Accounting Assistant
Interns:
Patricia Beatrice Te Seng
Alyssa Gwyneth King
Social Media:
/ featrmedia
/ featrmedia
/ featrmedia
/ erwan
/ erwanheussaff

[@shepz03]

Felt like I was watching a Netflix Special! Great content, flow and musical scoring! Sana ma feature pa yung ibang chefs/ cooks/ locals out there who are working hard to preserve the heritage of traditional Filipino Cuisine!

[@featrmedia]

🙌

[@shernghye]

Agreed! The Netflix food documentaries came into mind while watching this.

[@SeaOfLuv]

Agreed, very cinematic. The lighting brought out the beauty and essence of the province and the mountain. I’m hungry.

[@asgarddubai9682]

100% agreed

[@bonntinforever]

Featr is bringing out the best of our culture. Young generation from our country should watch and support this initiative. Through this, we can strengthen our Filipino cutlure and oneness as nation.

[@igasworld]

OMG, I grew up in that neighborhood-Lualhati Compund! I remember hearing the Romawac siblings jamming on that same roof deck. My friends and I would run up that steep, narrow driveway to listen. I must say, Session Road band was definitely part of my childhood growing up in Baguio. And when we left for the States, one of my prized possessions was their first album. Glad to come across this video and see Manong Chavi as a rock star in his roof deck kitchen!

[@remreyes]

Now I'm getting more curious on Baguio Mountain Man's cuisine. From Chef JP, Ninong Ry, and now FEATR is recognizing his way of cooking. Way to go, Chef Chavi.

[@roldanbiscocho9515]

Feature production always slaps! You can tell that these people behind the camera are real filmmakers and story tellers.

[@lcxaalcx9548]

I was worried that some of our foods might not be to your liking since we mostly flavor things 'simply', but you guys were in good hands with Baguio Mountain Man. I'd say he represents the titos/uncles during events that stay at the backyard doing their magic in cooking.

[@tianmaeztro4213]

Iba ung atake ni Baguio mountain man sa pagluluto sobrang inspiring... 😍

[@killshot888]

This man is putting Cordillera on the map for sure.

[@jedalmeida2541]

huh? do you even read books?

[@aydapadistudio]

Grabe, kaya pala ang familiar ng mukha ni sir - sa Session Road pala sya! Thanks for doing a solo feature on Chef Chavi, such an inspiring person.

[@jaysonchan8348]

Was born and raised at Baguio. Have watched Chef Chavi did gigs at Camou Bar owned then by the late Paul Telias back in the early 90's. Great to see Chef Chavi on a new career. I hope to try the rooftop deck dining one day

[@kgonzales2606]

I watched this because I knew Baguio Mountain Man from Chef Jayps and my siblings and I are talking about visiting his RoofTop Kitchen. After this, I scrolled back and watched older videos. Wow! This channel really evolved. I thought Erwan was just doing fun cooking videos with guests (vibe wasn’t different from other YT channels). I’m happy to be mistaken. I really appreciate yung visits sa other provinces, featuring local cuisines and sharing people’s stories, lalo na yung promotion din ng culture and ecotourism. Or kahit sa city lang but presenting ordinary people who excel sa ginagawa nila. I super enjoy your videos, I am binging! Yung editing and the research that goes with each video are 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻. I like that I am learning something new.:) Sana mag-collab kayo ni Nadine and present vegetarian Filipino cuisines and syempre push harder on taking care of the environment- make people see kung gano kaganda at ka-blessed ang Pinas sa natural resources which gives us wide varieties sa mga pagkain natin. As a Filipino abroad, lalo akong nae-excite umuwi sa atin. Thank you!💗

[@lissafoster]

I’m in awe of the chef’s cooking and musical skills and showcasing the local ingredients of the Cordillera region is just amazing. Thank you for being proud of our heritage

[@timhenares9863]

I enjoyed watching this. It reminds me of other popular food vlogs, with carefully crafted videos showcasing excellent dishes and demonstrating a lot of respect for the culture and stories behind the food and people. Kudos to Featr!

[@featrmedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@sephgoesplaces]

I am a Cordilleran and I feel ashamed that I did not get to explore more of the Cordilleran dishes before my taste bud went international. Thank you, Erwan for this documentary. Something that inspires me to explore more of my Region given the chance to be back home.

[@iramaesamoytauro9832]

The establishment of the story here is just on point. It really made me feel like the Cordillera is more than its scenic views and cold air. This video showcased history, cooking techniques, and Cordillera's food and local ingredients. Definitely gave me a reason to visit the place again. I cannot put in words my appreciation for this video. I am now looking forward to having an unusual rooftop experience. This video really made me put out my first ever comment in KZbin. FEATR did a really great job here.

[@dynomite7062]

I rarely comment on KZbin but this.. this is quality content. Keep it up FEATR!

[@featrmedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryceljoyc.mamagat9850]

Super cool and relax ni Chef Chavi pero when he talks about his craft and shows it, grabe ang passion and talent. Way to go, chef! Soon the world will hear, see and taste your food. Sure yan!

[@applejoyydeo4619]

thank you so much FEATR for featuring my hometown BAGUIO CITY and all the hidden gems Baguio has to offer especially the cordilleran cuisines.. Im currently living here in the UK and watching all this vids of Baguio makes me wanna go home🤗🤗 FEATR is underated youtube channel always making great and worldclass content. Kudos to the whole team of FEATR

[@wilmeralbatin54]

Ang impressive ng cinematography ❤

[@rainebuquid2299]

Everything was wonderfully done! It made me want to go to Baguio to have a taste of all those foods! Thank you so much FEATR! This is one of the reasons why I am always glued to your channel! Love you guys so much! ❤️

[@patriciapatajo8705]

I don't know why but I got goosebumps from watching this. Really well made and edited and I liked the story behind each dish..just makes me wanna seat with them in the table and taste everything huhu. I always love Featr contents. Kudos to the whole team!

[@featrmedia]

Thank you so much 😀

[@christianmellina1228]

Finally! I waited for this. I knew that this documentary video would give him the recognition he deserves. Thank you, FEATR, for this episode!

[@immersedtv4704]

The kind of vlogs im always excited about featr has always been so informative and culture nourishing. One of the few who really values filipino food and forward, chef chavi and chef jayps! ❤

[@parzival8299]

Been following the journey of Chef Chavi from Chef JP's vlog way back pandemic period and it's nice to see him getting this recognition. That Rooftop Deck Kitchen was at the back of my head for over a year now hopefully one day I can eat to that place. Protect baguio mountain man at all cost. ✌🏻

[@kuyasie1399]

👌

[@sadcore]

Chef Chavi is in his elements when he is in own turf i hope he continues his passion for the cordillera food gastronomy and never stop promoting it all the great ingredients comes from those farms and mountains that the manileños enjoy i hope the pinoy food vloggers taste what Baguio Mountain Man has to offer and experience his roof top kitchen

[@moonriver866]

I am an Ilocano from La Union and I know Baguio and the Cordillera, I am also a cook so as I can relate to this art. Excellent Job for Lakay (The Baguio Mountain Man) this is Gastronomy! Thank you FEATR

[@salvadorabaya2369]

From Session Rd to the Rooftop Kitchen, Chef Chavi's journey well told by a Great Story-teller! Love this content!

[@kikogomezbmx]

Grabe! everything about this video is so good! Ramdam mo sa ibuduran ng kaluluwa ko ung food and passion pati ung editing and all!

[@marcelinobalaso7598]

What a great reflection of our Cordilleran culture, keep it up Chef Chavi. It reminds our millenials that we have our own native cuisine that can be made artistic and palatable for our taste ...

[@janzeddrieck5801]

Yes man, always loved the story telling. Hits different when it’s your hometown

[@BeastOfBothWorld]

Unpopular opinion, cordilleran food can easily be turned into gourmet dishes because of its simplicity and taste. not much salt, sugar and "magic sarap". just the taste of what the earth can offer.

[@KnH07]

Yan kaya di sikat ang cordilleran food kasi di daw masarap.di daw gaya sa lutong kapampangan na elaborate at exquisite. Yan sng sabi ng isang kapampangan na napunta at nakatikim dito. E sa amin iba ang aquuired taste namin.

[@manculture6905]

AMEN TO THAT BRA

[@sprikitik9719]

​@@KnH07 magmula Nung nagstay Ako sa Australia dun ko lang narealize napakaaalat talaga ng pagkain natin. Sana maging available dito din mga food Dyan na walang mga seasoning at healthy.

[@KnH07]

@@sprikitik9719 ang iba kasing pagkaing pinoy lalo yung mga ulam, pinakuluan, nilagyan ng pampalasa syempre may asin o patis nakasama. Tinanggal sa kalan, ginisa, nilagyan ng toyo, syempre, may asin din yan at nilagyan din ng betsin syempre monoSODIUM glutamate o di kaya, e magic sarap,edi may hslong asin rin.edi talagang maalat. Isa ang ilocano cuisine sa salt laden foods alam ko yan kasi katabi ng cordillera region ang region 1 at 2 ns ilocano dominated areas. At naiimpluwdnsyahsn na rin ang maraming taga cordillera ng ibang lutong ilocano. Isa sa trademark ng oagjaing ilocano ay ang sawsawang maalat. Ang nakakabahala ay ang ibang pilipino ay kapag hindi maalat sy hindi daw masarap. Pansinin ninyo. Mas napaparami ng kain ng kanin kapav maalat ang ulam. Nakakatanggal kasi ng alat yung kanin. But the sodium is there.

[@ChowChannel00]

Nah

[@euphoria1698]

wow!!!! literally appreciate chef chavi's passion with this featr... hanep sa feature! ❤

[@mahilmagdasal8534]

I started following Chef Chavi's YT channel having watched him a few times in Chef JPs channel. Kudos to his rustic cooking!

[@jreymusic7761]

The BEST from FEATR so far.. this segment is hard to beat !!!💯💯💯

[@marjorieberro7778]

This episode was really a joy to watch! Nicely produced!

[@jlisondra18]

I can say this is one of the best episode! great content FEATR!

[@siapnoid]

Great production, it gives justice to the passion and dedication that Chef Chavi puts totally his dishes. Bravo!

[@pauloquirante3820]

This episode is so nice. I always felt the Cordilleras has so much to offer. Thank you Baguio Mountain Man for sharing your culture!

[@RDLACHICA]

Unbelievable diligence. Thank you erwan for this valuable lesson on cordillera cuisine by the mountain man. Another master featr!

[@maraantonetteudarbe1397]

Wow! We just went to Baguio last month and when I saw this video I wanna go up in the Mountains again. Very educational and one of a kind video. Thanks FEATR! 😊

[@krazykrem]

Ang galing ng concept nila! Everything in the Cordilleras is really art! Also hands down to Featr for this, sobrang nabibigyan nila ng justice yung culture and art so it radiates through the video to the viewers. Galing!! 🙌🏼

[@PaoMauMahal]

heart and soul in a well-crafted video. the featr team must have been extra inspired covering this story. food is indeed chef's kiss.

[@maiamschief9117]

This is so much a feast for the eyes as much as it whets the appetite to taste, to travel, and to feel the mountains it's almost spiritual. I've been to Sagada so many times and love the food. I would love to see all of the Cordillera and partake in this feast. This #FEATR content must go global. 🙏🏻💖

[@armanferrer7100]

A must-try! Incredible food + great company + personalized intimate dinner! Cant wait to be back soon!

[@EsEs-sv1qd]

This is such a wonderful video. It made me want to be closer to my Filipino roots, esp coming from the north regions . Thank you for shining light into northern Philippine cuisine esp for the Baguio region ❤

[@sijampoykolokoy]

I want to appreciate the passion of the mountainman. You can feel his heart in every dish he prepares. Grabe

[@franizmtechnology2737]

another quality content. thank you FEATR team and Erwan for featuring Baguio Mountainman. Chef Erwan and Chef Chavi! kudos! you guys rocks! 🤘

[@chrisb7789]

Saw chef chavi sa mga sinaunang vid ni chef JP, d pa sila friends nun nag kasama lang sila sa "favorite kitchen" ni chef JP. Then nakita ko ulit sya sa "Pinasarap" then sa ilang vid na ni chef JP at ninong Ry. Hanggang sa sumikat na talaga.. I'm a chef for 8yrs and now inaamin ko si chef chavi ang ginagaya ko for almost a year now. Grabe yung passion nya sa field and culture nya. Muka syang madali, pero hindi talaga! Thank you for this FEATR! Napaka angas!

[@amxlxn]

love this episode! tagos yung pagka genuine ng mag asawa

[@happyimhealthy]

I was blown away just by watching the preparation and manner of cooking. I literally wanted to jump in and taste the food, so inviting. I can't help but nod my head as a sign of approval thinking how much wealth the culture of the region has. This is something to be proud of as a Filipino. Awesome!

[@carlodurian3730]

Wow! About time the Mountain Man gets featured... he deserves a wider audience

[@carlo859]

Your food vlog video was amazing! I was hooked from the start and didn't even realize it had been 20 minutes long. Your presentation, narration and editing were superb, making it so enjoyable to watch. Chef Chavi's passion for cooking and exploring new flavors really shone through in the video. Great food vlog video.

[@guamboy75]

Thank you for sharing these stories and helping preserve traditional indigenous Philippine cuisine.

[@senaqsn]

wow, grabe! thank you for another awesome viiid. huhu the passion from all of them's so inducing.. inspiring others to have a purpose and a vision. aaaah!

[@mariam-de4nv]

Glad that your family is empowering cordillera culture through your cooking. I enjoyed watching the authenticity of the process. Makes me want to go back home and try your cooking and meet your family. Mabuhay kayo amin. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 from pinay of Seattle.

[@basha1st349]

A Cordilleran working here abroad, thank you Erwan for your contents coz we already know where to go on our vacation. As always, the cinematography at it’s finest.

[@pixiecole6082]

Wow, this is just amazing! There is really passion in there. 🙌🏼

[@LynC.]

wow❤ yan ang dapat tinatangkilik nating mga Pinoy.

[@redespique5308]

I remember when i was in Kuwait working in a restaurant and i worked with another filipino who is a native panggalatok. He knows how to cook really and so delicious of ilocano dishes. I told him that i know some ilocano dishes even i am pasigueno and i want to learn more filipino dishes. He advised me that if you want more traditional dishes, try to visit the mountains in Cordillera region and i will know more some dishes that i never seen or tasted before in NCR if i decided to comeback to PH. This video proves it. Thank you. I think there is no shortcut ways cooking those dishes. I love it!

[@thegratefullifeofvermonand2848]

Finalllyyyyyyy! Chef Chavi!!! What an episode!

[@zachserna1771]

Ala Chefs table! Impeccable videography and story telling...yet orig pinoy twist!!!

[@peterlylefoz7175]

I don't know why i'm crying. God the passion of this man!

[@wormchampion9893]

Superb documentary! Baguio mountain man is like a firebender whenever I see him in Chef JP and Ninong Ry's videos. Through this video I have learned a lot about him and his family. Thank you FEATR!

[@ralphparayno5752]

Passionate & Sincerity from Mountain Man + Quality crew of FEATR ♥️

[@lcxaalcx9548]

I just have no words for this production team Featr! Napakahusay niyo!

[@gigicueno3693]

Agree. I so love this video. Super love actually. ❤❤

[@annabellefagcangan8234]

Love this episode. Thank you FEATR. ITS SO GREAT TO BE FROM BAGUIO CITY.

[@jin0075]

One of the best, if not, the best food documentary that I've watched done in the Philippines.

[@yamiackerman965]

straight out of chef's table, truly amazing content

[@karenbalbin3345]

Video contents and presentations are getting better and better. Thank you for showcasing local dishes such this. Looking forward to see more. Excellent job to the whole team 👏👏👏💯👌

[@archielynaradanas8593]

Ang ganda ng pagka film.. I really love it ❤️❤️❤️. Hope I could go back to Baguio and I will not miss this resto.. KAKAIN TALAGA AKO DITO..

[@sarahmaeordiz3747]

The chef's cooking style was artistic!! My most fav content here in this channel!

[@arnigarcia]

This episode is special. Love this! ❤

[@MomsTradition]

Wow Awesome video. Love it Featr 🤩🤩

[@sampaguita12345]

enjoying this ! unique, amazing dishes

[@adriannejohnmontemayor3672]

Thank you for featuring Chef Chavi! ❤

[@yhang018]

This could be featured in Netflix documentaries. Kudos to Erwan and the team. Great content as always. Recommended to all! 🙌🥰

[@carlalejandrino8069]

yow! kudos to all the Featr staff!! you are all so damn talented! from documenting, angles, editing daaaamn!

[@maryannesantocildes1075]

So happy that you featured Chaviiii omg

Now this is QUALITY content! Got hooked on this Baguio Series, very well done. from Video editing, Transition, extreme close ups (can almost smell and feel the heat) captions and Audio. I'm hooked. Galing man, Great work! can't wait for the next ones. Subscribed and Shared with Family and friends. Mabuhay!

[@louisedailisan3610]

The cinematography, content quality & food is on point

[@thenextpage910]

I did not notice the time when I was watching this, great story and ofcourse the featr presentation was superb!

[@SeaOfLuv]

Wow, this is one of the best episodes of Featr.

[@victoriaflores9539]

Very interesting. Each time I watch your vlog, I feel like entering into a different space in time because you expose us to a lot of new discoveries which, unbelievably are within the bounds of our country. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@gildartsclive5323]

Quality content talaga at pinag-isipan, hindi gaya ng iba na basta may ma content lang .

[@clothysantos3352]

Amazinggggggg👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻yum yum yummmmmyyyy🤗gusto ko matikman yan

[@noecarmelotes1001]

Thank you for sharing who Mountain Man is.. He's always featured in Chef JP's and Ninong Ry's videos but I didn't really knew who he was until today. Being a 90's kid listening to their songs and now this.. Awesome Mind Blow!!!!🤩🤯🤩 Very nice editing and story telling as always from the FEATR Team!! Hope to see more of this kind of content where we the viewers learn things about our country, specially food content and their history.. 😊 Thank you!

[@lutongkanto]

One of the episode so far.. Good job FEATR👏👍💯

[@surferbuoy4690]

Beautifully done! kudos to the team

[@thecarlob_007]

Ang ganda ng pagkakagawa ng episode (well most of your episodes to say the least).

[@marshallmakarunggalajr]

the production itself gives a Filipino nostalgic feeling, pure talent to capture that phenomena and transform to a video. what a masterpiece

[@conniemw4886]

Another awesome video!❤Good job everyone!

[@Rain_0_0]

I love this episode. Culinary if combined with culture, the result is elegant and wholesome. Good job sir for a wonderful episode! Keep it up po.

[@rbnstr08]

Best regards to your mom Vicky. We were batchmates in STC. I hope to treat my children and grandies this month April 2023 - if I can afford it 😁 - we're 8 adults, 5 young kids ages 1month old and 4 16, 12 and 2, 8 year-olds.

[@Ride_XP]

Beautiful feature on a deserving chef (and his family). So glad to see him get his due! We consider him and his family dear friends. I first worked with Chavi on an indie KZbin series called Lasa Cordillera in 2019 where he was one of our main guides and resource people, then from 2021 to the present with Chef JP. It’s amazing to witness his rise now and how he’s used everything he’s learned on those journeys. In my experience shooting with him, Chavi can be counted on 1. to work harder than anyone and 2. Always know what to cook to comfort a hungry and tired team at the end of the day. Ang sarap talaga niya magpakain!

[@michellesolis6019]

Nobody does features like Featr! Awesome job guys!

[@elbeanklayne7723]

eyy baguio mountain man!! I've been waiting for this! to showcase the native foods in our land mountain province especially baguio city..

[@carolyndavid1959]

I’m so I love with the natural ingredients hardly using unprocessed once yet very fresh! I want to try this place once I’m back home…. San Diego USA 🇺🇸

[@reese0526]

Finally baguio mountain man on FEATR!! this is a nice crossover and I hope you'd do a kitchen collab in the furture

[@jonathansavella9629]

Thank you for featuring Ilocano chefs proud to be ilokano . There’s a lot of ilokano heritage chefs has to offer hope and please continue to explore more Ilokano delicacies go deep and you will find more treasures 🙏👌

[@pitsmamba7749]

igorot sa isuna brad han nga ilokano

[@shortandcut]

This is a beautiful episode what a pleasure to watch this.

[@romelyndelacruz4121]

So proud of you Chef Chavi 👏