Baguio City Escapade

This is my second blog about my trip to Baguio last year. I had to divide what I wanted to write about into two separate posts because combining everything into one blog would have been too lengthy and possibly overwhelming for readers.

By the way, I’m glad that my blog has consistent readers, most of whom are from outside the Philippines. I have no idea why, but it’s nice to know that people find my blogs worth reading. I hope that whatever people read here adds value to their lives, whether by informing or entertaining them. I know that short-form content, aka reels, and photo dumps with minimal captions are popular these days, and I enjoy posting them on my Facebook page, Bloom Cebu, too. Still, long-form content, like blogs, is something I find deeply satisfying as both a reader and a writer.

Now, going back to my trip to Baguio, I’ve already covered the place where I stayed and some popular spots in the central part of the city. I’ll still be featuring a few more places within the city proper, but in this blog, I’m highlighting Tam-Awan Village, a well-known art center in the City of Pines. It’s still within the city, though a bit farther from the areas around Session Road that I previously explored.

Here's a text coming from the village about the history of the place: 

HISTORY

During the years when the entire City of Baguio was still grazing land for large herds of cattle, Pinsao, location of the Tam-awan Village was one vast pastureland. A spring beside Tam-awan is the source of a body of water that once served as a watering hole for cattle. Thus, the place became associated with chanum, which in Ibaloi, means water. Adopting the name to symbolize its vision, Chanum Foundation, Inc. views its role to be as nurturing and life-giving as the spring in Tam-awan Village.

More than a showcase of indigenous craftsmanship, the foundation envisions the Tam-awan Village as an ideal venue for art and cultural activities aimed to enhance the appreciation of Cordillera life, its culture and its history.

Uniquely blends indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Ifugao craftsmanship with an artist's concept for a village adapting the Baguio setting.

I went to Tam-Awan Village because I felt it had so much to offer in local culture and arts, which I’m very interested in. I was not disappointed and was truly amazed by every corner of the village.

It was drizzling when I visited, but it was all good. It was cold and wet, but I was thankful that it wasn’t raining heavily. The weather was good enough for me to explore the entire place, which, by the way, is built on rising terrain.

TAM-AWAN VILLAGE HISTORY

The Chanum Foundation, Inc., founded in 1998, began to reconstruct Ifugao houses in Baguio with the view of making a model village accessible to people who have not had the chance to travel to the Cordillera interior. Building on the land near an abundant spring, the foundation started out with three knocked-down huts transported from Banga-an, Ifugao. The village now has seven Ifugao huts and two Kalinga houses. Using the original materials and adding only new cogon roofs, traditional artisans reconstructed the houses and laid them out resembling the design of a traditional Cordillera Village.

Among the fascinating sights in the village is the reconstructed Cordillera village, showcasing traditional Ifugao huts, which are very different from how huts are constructed in other parts of the Philippines.

I did not know that visitors could go inside the huts, so I didn’t get inside any of them. Still, I was able to get a good look at the interiors. Also, it might have been better that way since I was the only one around most of the time, and being inside these huts felt kind of creepy.

Even though it was broad daylight, the huts provided good shade, making them noticeably colder and much dimmer inside. Recently, I saw a post on Threads where their camera suddenly shifted focus to a dark spot inside the hut. lol I wouldn't want that to happen to me. 

                                    Pinikpikan Soup with Kinudlay at the Tam-Awan Village Cafe

                                             I love these artsy signs on the café’s restroom doors.

Right across from the café is a craft shop and sketching area, where an artist can do a live sketch of you for a minimal fee. I didn’t let the opportunity pass and had my sketch made. It was kind of embarrassing, funny, and interesting to have your portrait drawn live. It was also another first for me in Baguio. I’m not showing you my portrait, though, because I look haggard AF. Haha!

This is another fascinating part of the village: its mirror installation. The conceptual art installation by artist Mark Tandoyog invites visitors to reflect upon themselves. It's a bit creepy, so I didn't stay long after taking photos in the area. 

Not far from the mirror installation is this giant dream catcher. 

I don't know what you call these vegetables in your area, but in the Philippines, we call them sayote. These are among my favorite vegetables because of their nutritional value and how easily they blend into different vegetable dishes. These two had just fallen to the ground. I would have wanted to pick them up, but I wasn't sure if that was allowed, and I didn't have time to cook them while I was in Baguio.

Another artsy painting in the bathroom. I love how whimsical it is! Look at that frog just sitting there. LOL!

Another captivating part of my day at Tam-Awan Village was witnessing this group of local dancers showcasing a traditional courtship dance called Dinuyya (or Dinuya). It consists of rhythmic movements that mimic the movements of birds. Traditional musical instruments, such as gongs, accompanied the dancers as they gracefully moved their bodies.

I planned to include my experience on Session Road, but I guess that’s for another post since this one would be too lengthy. Some people don’t include Tam-Awan Village in their itinerary, but I feel it’s worth visiting. To each their own, but I prefer exploring places where I can experience art and culture in one go. If you ever find yourself in Baguio, set aside a day to visit Tam-Awan Village.

Until next time. 

love lots,

Tin