WHEN it comes to visiting historical landmarks, enjoying a cool climate, or visiting haunted places, Baguio City is at the top of the list.
However, the popular city also has a vibrant and colorful art scene evident with its museums and some tourist destinations featuring works by local artists.
BenCab Musuem
The museum showcases the works and collections of Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab).
“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,” the museum said in a statement on their website.
The museum has a total of 12 galleries highlighting not only the work of BenCab but also other artists as well. Its Cordillera Gallery boasts a collection of tribal artifacts and indigenous crafts of Northern Philippines.
The museum also hosts exhibitions and art shows every now and then. During my visit here, the artist was staging an exhibition Artist Proof. The project was a partnership between BenCab and Maoooi Carpets in celebration of the 20th year of Abitare Internazionale. Artist Proof showcases BenCab's artwork on Moooi Carpets.
Tam-awan Village
The Tam-awan Village offers its visitors a blend of “indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Cordilleran craftsmanship with an artist’s concept for a village adapting to Baguio setting.”
The village was founded in 1998 by the Chanum Foundation, Inc. when it began the reconstruction of Ifugao houses. According to the village, it had the “view of making a model village accessible to people who have not had the chance to travel to the Cordillera interior.”
The village showcases a variety of huts that are found in villages of the different tribes in Northern Luzon. From Ifugao, they have huts from Bangaan, Anaba, Batad, Dukligan, Kinakin, and Nagor. Their huts from Kalinga are from Luccong and Bugnay.
The village also showcases artworks and exhibits by local artists in some of its galleries.
Baguio is not all about the cool weather, haunted places, or historical landmarks. The city also has a vibrant art scene that is worth visiting.