POCKET performers found center stage at the Ibagiw Festival.
Busking has been catapulted as one of the highlights of the Ibagiw Festival with “Sunsets at the Courtyard” session held daily at the Old Diplomat Hotel.
Ibagiw organizers in a statement said: “Baguio is rich in talent. While the city has been named a Unesco Creative City for crafts and folk art, Baguio has long been a hub for artists of various media. One of the largest talent pools in the city is the incredibly varied group of performing artists in the city, and recently, busking has been a go-to outlet for the homegrown talents.”
Busking also increased with the closing of Session Road on Sundays where performers were given a space to share their art.
Regulations for street performances were advocated by the city years ago to balance artistic freedom as well as city laws.
An ordinance was passed on its first reading which drew mixed reactions from the community.
The ordinance, which was penned by former Councilor Leandro Yangot, required artists to secure a permit with a corresponding fee of P350 a year.
Busking is a general term used to refer to street performers who play for voluntary donations.
Busking has been an incredibly popular outlet for musicians all around the world for centuries since it’s a great way to get publicity, earn some cash, and to practice their craft.
“With the growth of independent artists in the city and country looking to make their presence felt in the scene, it’s clear to see why a lot of these aspiring artists have taken to the streets to express themselves,” Ibagiw organizers added.
Performances begin at 3 p.m. and are open to the public up until the closing weekend of the festival. (With Angela Torres/Ibagiw documentation team)