WITH the City of Baguio now recognized as one of Unesco’s Creative Cities, members of newly created committee on creative economy led by Department of Tourism (DOT)-CAR Director Venus Marie Tan and Department of Trade and Industry-CAR Dir. Myrna Pablo convened and formed groups tasked to undertake the launching and sprucing up of Baguio’s Malcolm Square for the launching of a Baguio Creative Hub starting February 17.
The committee members agreed that this year’s conduct of Panagbenga flower festival will highlight the Baguio’s distinction as a Creative City with a pavilion at the square with at least 25 booths displaying the high-end arts and crafts created by Baguio artists and craftsmen. The committee also agreed that said booths will be curated to ensure their quality and originality.
Architect Aris Go who offered his free services presented a conceptual design of the pavilion and booths that is itself an art installation that will be launched at the square. The logo of Creative Baguio with a Unesco seal to be designed by National Artist Ben Cabrera will also be unveiled during the launching.
The creative showcase will also include displays of weaving, sculpture, metal crafts, artworks, food and books. A coffee bar will also be provided by DTI within the pavilion to promote Cordillera’s Arabica coffee.
Other programs supporting the city’s Creative Economy is also being deliberated upon by the city’s cross section.
The Bencab designed logo will also be used in welcome signages placed at major roads leading to Baguio including TPLEX and MacArthur Highway according to Dir. Tan who said that she is already coordinating with DPWH.
Attended the Creative Economy committee meeting were UP-Baguio Chancellor Raymund Rovillos, Writer Laida Lim Perez of HABI Philippine Textile Center, sculptor Gilbert Alberto, entrepreneur Rommel Marcelo of Pilak, Architects Aris Go and Marian Concepcion, Jovy Ganongan of DOT and City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente.
Other activities and events may be included as Mayor Mauricio Domogan is set to review the planned launching this February which also coincides as the country’s National Arts Month.
I like the song “Another one bites the dust” by the rock ‘n roll band Queen but it often reminds of people leaving this world whenever it is played. An artist friend who is also the most senior of the Tahong Bundok art group, Bayard Aquitania finally laid down his brushes and joins his creator.
The info was shared to me by another pioneering member of the group Roland Bay-an who is now considered as master by the younger Pasakalye artists. I have known the Tahong Bundok as the most active group prior to the formation of the Baguio Arts Guild in the mid 80s.
Also gone to the great atelier in the sky were Teodoro Caja, Brando Cumpio, Darnay Demetillo and Ding Torio. Artworks outlives its creators unlike inventors that most of their work are often replicated, modified and outdated. BAG pioneers Roberto Villanueva and Santiago Bose with fellow UST BFA graduate Larry Bugayong may now be watching over our shoulders as we strive to keep Baguio’s artistry up and going.
Still on the arts, independent films or the so-called Alternative Cinemas are playing crucial roles in the Philippine movie industry as we commemorate and celebrate RP’s 100 years of cine in Country.
The NCCC National Committee on Cinema supports the 3-year celebration (2017-2019) with various film related events as this is one rare opportunity in film viewing experience where one can interact with film directors, actors and other creative talents in said industry.
Frank Cimatu who is chosen as the public relations officer of Baguio’s Creative Council suggests we popularize “Creative Baguio” as the new brand of the city.
#CreativeBaguio #BaguioArtSpace.