THE best of artisans will be competing for top spots at the Ibagiw Festival competitions.
After deliberation from festival organizers, 32 artisans will face each other in four categories of expertise aimed to inspire a new generation of craftsmen and women and folk artists.
Finalists for back-strap weaving are Benita Naces and Carenia Amsawen, both from Paracelis, Mt. Province; the MontaƱosa Weavers Association of Sagada represented by Rose Wangdali, John Rae Guimbungan and Maria Kinggingan of Ifugao; Lily Bimuyag, Divina Calingayan and Benita Balangto; and Antonia Dagoyen and Catherine Domigyay.
For the basketry competition, finalists are Johnny Bangao and Mason Maleptey; Rovilyn and Romeo Mayat-an; Henedina Lota Bacani and Eric Arguelles; and Randy Gawwi Bulayo, Pelin Ekin Contales, Jason Domling, Minda Catong Ciano and Mary Joy Tabanda.
Submissions were judged for originality and innovativeness of design/concept, aesthetic value and design feasibility.
For the woodcarving competition, artists Clinton Anniversario, Edralin Galuten Matchok, Charles Aliguyon Gano, Christopher Atiwon, Alex Ognayon, Adriano Binwag Mahiwo and Randy Lang-udan made it to the finalist circle.
Finalists for the metalcraft competitions are Lito Malaggay, Jenny Timbol, Rommel Marcelo, Clinton Anniversario, Pamela Lefeber, Bongbong Sanchez, Marla Sylvanna Navida Soriano, Tara Lalaine Natividad and Ayna Luisa Galang.
The finalists will create their entries on site beginning November 11, 2019 and have seven days to finish their entries, which will be exhibited from November 18-24 at the Dominican grounds now known as the Baguio Heritage Hill and Nature Park.
Each of the eight finalists in the different categories will be awarded an honorarium of P5,000 except for those in the metalcraft category who will be receiving P8,000.
All finalists will be provided back-strap loom, assorted threads (for textile weaving), a knife, metal skinning plate, and primary raw material (bamboo for basketry), six assorted chisels, one rubber mallet, one small ax (for woodcarving) while metalcraft participants will provide their own respective materials and tools.