Bencab Museum is home to an eclectic group of visual artists who combine traditional and contemporary styles.
Image: Yoorekka
In November 2017, Baguio City was finally recognized as a local arts and crafts center. It was named one of 66 Creative Cities designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Baguio City is the first city in the country to join the international Creative Cities Network, and rightly so.
The Summer Capital’s local arts and crafts scene manifest Cordillera’s rich culture of the Cordilleras, from its hand-woven fabrics to its silver craft and wood sculptures. To better appreciate beautiful spots in Baguio City as a creative city, here is a guide to important art museums in Baguio City you can visit.
1. Ili-Likha Artists’ Wateringhole (formerly Ililikha Artist Village)
Ililikha’s interiors are a sight to behold and are Instagram-worthy.
Image: Kathrina Ferrer
The brainchild of renowned independent filmmaker and Baguio resident Kidlat Tahimik, Ili-Likha Artist Village is literally a hodgepodge of different artistic styles. Built like a treehouse, it houses several small food establishments which serve healthy and affordable snacks and meals. Aside from food stalls, Ili-Likha also has five specialty stores: Hapi Kullaaw, Anthoniuz Floral Design, Char Bar, Idyanale Corner, and The Living Room. The artistry can be seen from the one-of-a-kind décor of mosaic tiles and broken bottles to the display of local artworks and even the food.
Indie films have also found a new haven in Ililikha with the new cinematheque called Balanghai ni Ikeng. The new movie house follows the same design philosophy of the artist village.
2. Tam-Awan Village
Address: Long Long Benguet Road, Baguio City, Pinsao Proper
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Works of art by Jordan Mang-osan, famous for his pyrography, which uses the sun’s rays to etch onto the bamboo.
Image: Tam-Awan Village Website
Even before BenCab Museum was established, Tam-Awan Village had already become a center for the arts and local artists; thus, it is also called an artists’ village. Authentic Ifugao huts were relocated here to recreate the atmosphere of a small village. There is an art gallery and a coffee shop inside the premises, and visitors can also stay in one of the huts for that village experience.
3. Pasa-Kalye Artists: Street Art at Its Best
Location: Bookends Bookshop along Tomas Claudio Street, Salud Mitra, Baguio City
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Bookends Bookshop)
Pasa-Kalye artists can do on-the-spot pencil sketches for you.
Image: Writer
Head to Bookends Bookshop to encounter Baguio artists where Pasa-Kalye artists hold the fort. Most of the time, their sketching sessions are dedicated to raising funds for beneficiaries and communities, so you get to help out as well. You can have your portrait drawn for a minimal fee or buy a one-of-a-kind painting or other works of art.
4. Easter Weaving Room
Location: 2 Easter Road, Pinget, Baguio City
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Expert women weavers at work at the Easter Weaving Room.
Image: Easter Weaving Room, Inc. Facebook page
Easter Weaving Room is a century-old institution established by Episcopal missionaries. Initially established as a school where young Igorot girls received an education, it also taught the girls the traditional art of loom weaving. To this day, loom weaving is kept alive by the Easter Weaving Room. Visitors can see how women who have become experts in art weave the colorful clothes that reflect Cordilleran culture. If you want to bring home some of the weaves, there is also an extensive store with different kinds of products made of hand-woven cloth.
5. PILAK Silvercraft and Gift Shoppe
Location: 37 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City (across Botanical Garden)
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Different kinds of silver crafts on display and for sale
Image: Seer Gee
Silver craft became a thriving business in Baguio right after the mining boom in nearby Benguet province. Even during its early days, the silver craft was already in demand in the international market. PILAK is one of the first stores established in Baguio in 1977. This craft spot in Baguio City has retained its classic designs throughout the years but has introduced new techniques in line with current fashion trends.
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Whether you are an art aficionado or casually appreciate works of art, a visit to Baguio won’t be complete without including BenCab Museum in your itinerary. This art museum in Baguio City houses the permanent collection of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab) in several galleries and exhibit areas. Art shows and exhibits of up-and-coming artists are also held here.
Collection of rice granary gods (bulul) of the Ifugao
Image: Writer
Aside from contemporary art, BenCab also has an extensive collection of indigenous artifacts and crafts, such as rice granary gods (bulul), carved objects, furniture, and weapons used by Cordillera’s headhunting tribes found in the Cordillera Gallery. The museum also has an outdoor collection of native houses surrounded by a small organic farm.
The museum is located in Tuba Benguet and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while it is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission fees: PhP150 for general admission, PhP120 for students, and PhP100 for seniors and people with disabilities.
With a culture steeped in history and the arts, it’s not surprising that Baguio reflects the creativity of its residents and their love for their traditions. When you visit, carve out time from your itinerary to learn about the city’s culture and arts!
Discover more art spots in Baguio by visiting Yoorekka Magazine!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions. For now, keep safe!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on February 23, 2018.
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