Press Release

By Kaye Leah Sitchon, Pilipinas Popcorn — Baguio City bursts with life as a multicultural city and center of local art in Northern Luzon. Because of the city’s artistic culture, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Baguio as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in October 2017. Since its declaration, creative tourism flourished even more with works of art ranging from paintings, sculptures, crafts, woodcarving, folk art expressions, weaving, silver craft, tattooing, and other artisanal art. So, in celebration of Panagbenga 2019, why not go on an art pilgrimage in Baguio City? Be sure to include these Creative Hubs in your itinerary!

Tam-Awan Village: The Garden in the Sky

Photo by Ilya Batuev/Wikimedia Commons

This art nook has long been known as the center of arts and local artists which is why it is fondly called the Artist’s Village. Anyone who visits here will surely experience the unique blend of indigenous artistic taste with the intricacies of the craftsmanship of Cordillerans. The quaint village features 20 nipa huts that highlight highland architecture, recreating the traditional Cordillera community. These huts house paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. Chanum Foundation, Inc. in 1998 founded Tam-Awan Village. They are located at 366-C Pinsao Proper, Baguio City.

Arko ni Apo

Photo via Arko ni Apo Facebook Page

Arko ni Apo is owned by renowned sculptor, painter, art entrepreneur, and educator Ben-Hur Villanueva and his family. In Ilocano, the gallery’s name is translated as “Ark of the Lord.” It is here where people are connected to the works of up and coming Baguio artists. These various forms of art can be anything from paintings, watercolor, mixed media, digital print, acrylic on canvas, and more. Visit Arko ni Apo at Tacay Road, Pinsao Proper, Tam-Awan, Baguio City.

VOCAS: Victor Oteyza Community Art Space

Photo via VOCAS Facebook Page

At the highest floor of the La Azotea Building is VOCAS – an art gallery that also includes the organic restaurant, Oh My Gulay. If you think about it, this is rather a treat for your artistic senses since it brings the best of two worlds: art and food. VOCAS is owned by National Artist for Film, Kidlat Tahimik, otherwise known as Eric de Guia. This art space is made unforgettable by the half-galleon installation that intertwines with an antique Filipino home. Kidlat Tahimik created the haven in honor of Victor Oteyza who is one of the thirteen modernists that ushered Philippine modern art after the Second World War. VOCAS hosts art events and cultural performances. They are located at 108 Session Road, Baguio City.

Ili-Likha Artist Village

Also conceptualized and created by Kidlat Tahimik, Ili-likha Artist Village is an avenue of artists for environmental advocacies. According to Sunstar, Kidlat created the space to “make a social profit and give life to the artists.” “Ili” means “village” while “likha” means “to create,” so everything you would see here awakens awareness through art. From the outside, it looks like a massive tree house, but once you get inside, it is a whole new perspective. You will see art made out of wood carvings, junk scrap, tv frames, old bikes, window frames, old bottles, sculptures, and other trinkets. One of the best parts about this place are the kiosks that serve great food with the friendly prices Baguio is known for. Ili-Likha is located at Upper Assumption Road, Baguio City.

PasaKalye Artists at Bookends Bookshop

Photo by Derek Dumasi/Facebook

PasaKalye draws people in through an art experience that is like no other – they create art on the spot. If you visit them at T. Claudio Street, near UCPB building at the heart of Session Road, you can ask to have your portrait drawn right there and then for a minimal price. This is one of their ways to making art accessible to the masses PasaKalye puts on the spotlight artworks like wire sculptures, tattoos, photographs, and paintings to the beat of the drum, literally.

BenCab Museum

Photo via BenCab Museum Facebook Page

The BenCab Museum is a 12-gallery art sanctum showcases the collections and works of Benedicto Cabrera, Philippine National Artist. As stated in their website, “The Bencab Museum is committed to the promotion of the arts, and the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment, as well as the culture and traditions of the Cordilleras, as an expression of the artist’s gratitude to the country that nurtured and inspired an artistic career that continues to grow, mature and fascinate.” From tribal artifacts, indigenous crafts, to visual art and a quaint cafe called Cafe Sabel, BenCab Museum should definitely be part of the itinerary. They are just fifteen minutes away from Baguio at Km. 6, Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet.

Beyond art galleries, museums, and art villages, Baguio City also prides itself with metal crafts, weaving, and woodcarving. To witness just how beautiful these intricate art forms are, there are a number of places you would not want to miss.

For weaving, head over to the Easter Weaving Room or Narda’s. At the Easter Weaving Room, you get to see loom weaving in action. Each piece reflects the colorful culture of the Cordilleras. Other products are available too like traditional tablecloths, wall decor, placemats, bags, clothes, kitchen utensils, accessories, and jewelry. The Easter Weaving Room is located at No.2 Easter Road, Guisad, Baguio.

Narda’s, on the other hand, was established by Narda Capuyan in the ’70s. She started weaving blankets from recycled acrylic yarns which then led to bringing back Cordillera Ikat – the tradition of tying and dying threads before weaving. Narda’s has won numerous awards and has reached countries abroad through boutiques and specialty shops. They are located at 151 Upper Session Road, Baguio City.

When it comes to silver crafts, Pilak is one of the first stores to specialize in this which started in 1977. Also, for woodcarving, the best place to go is at Asin where woodcarving shops of Hapao woodcarvers are seen side-by-side.

With so much artistry in Baguio through its Creative Hubs, you will surely experience the best art pilgrimage imaginable. So, make Baguio your muse this Panagbenga 2019 and allow the Creative City to bring out the artist in you!