A Little Taste of Cordilleran Art

Here’s a inspiring sample of Cordilleran art. Just in to show some works you can expect at the Bencab Museum  which I wrote about yesterday. It’s just a sample, as I’m making a mental note to write about them individually someday.

Beautiful stuff. Works here are from Jordan Mang-Osan, John Frank Sabado, and Tamawan artists. They were personally inspired and nurtured by the man himself.

 

Ben Cabrera: National Artist

Ben Cab in Baguio

Tucked away in the folds of Mount Asin is the Bencab Museum, the most modern art gallery/museum I’ve seen in the Philippines. It was created by national artist, Ben Cabrera, to serve as a gateway for art lovers seeking art from the region. It’s become a one- stop s source for inspiration because it has not just art, but breathtaking views. Oh did I mention that the food was good too? I recommend the Sate.

When we got there, the first thing we did was gasp. The museum is on the sloping side of a mountain making for great views all around. They created a setting that’s very idyllic- like how a native Filipino house should be. It has a nipa hut in the middle of a lake and lush greens. This is the kind of place that just makes you want to sit and take in the now. Moments after, we were invigorated and soothed. Ready to take in the art. 

Dive in to Art

The art that’s displayed there is infused with the feeling of the region. Words cannot describe how beautiful everything was. Most works took inspiration from the Ifugao way of life, how they dress, their customs, and the challenges they face.

Unlike lowlanders (most city people), the people of the mountains of Cordillera escaped Spanish rule. So their cultures were relatively untouched until the American occupation. Thus they are fiercely loyal and protective of their heritage. Their art reflects it.
And I tried to embody that ferocity.

 

Looking Fierce in My P35 Tsinelas 

Bencab Museum is on Km. 6 Asin Road, a brief 20-minute drive from the center of Baguio City

Some photos were color enhanced for consistency. Original photos by Foxy Yambing.

Baguio Back in the Day

I visited Baguio last year with my good friend Foxy and other lomo friends to celebrate the LCA’s 25th birthday.  I learned quite a bit about it.  A historical rumor goes to explain how Baguio was built because the top ranking US official of the time was so annoyed by the country’s tropical climate, he wanted to move the capital elsewhere. Baguio, having an elevation of 1500 meters, became the prime target. That’s why Baguio is now known for being the summer capital of the Philippines.

The Americans had quite the grand plan for Baguio. They had it designed by the preeminent architect/city planner of the 20th century, Daniel Burnham. His famous works include Washington D.C., Chicago, and Manila. If you look around those capitals, you’ll find it laden with classical influences. Burnham took a lot of inspiration from Greek and Roman styles and wanted everything to be grand. Burnham envisioned the city with a healthy population of 25,000 people but as of 2010, Baguio residents are numbering 301,000 up. Maybe that’s why the nippy air has disappeared. Without the wonderful cold weather and the airiness, Baguio has become just like Metro Manila.

Still, if you look closely, you’ll find there’s still some magic to the mountain.  Hidden in the congestion and overpopulation, are spots of fun. Like PNKY Café and Inn – a bed and breakfast with personality, Oh My Gulay Bar and Resto, and Bencab’s Museum. If all else fails, there’s always ghost hunting.

Photos care of Foxy Yambing.