Creative industries law ups support to Pangasinan artists

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Five resident-artists and around 110 students take part in this year’s Anakbanwa Arts Residency Program in the province, which is one of the gains of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.
    Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia, who authored the law, also known as Republic Act 11904, said the law boosted support for the creative industry.
    He said the arts residency program is fully-funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and provides opportunities to artists nationwide.
    “It’s about giving creatives (artists) platform to be able to showcase their works, promote not just artworks and creative pieces but also the district (where they belong to) to boost our tourism,” he said in a phone interview Monday.
    The arts residency program in the province’s fourth district started in 2021 with three participants. The number of resident-artists rose to five the following year.
    De Venecia said the move to propose the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act started during the pandemic when a lot of artists lost their jobs.
    Citing Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, the lawmaker said the creative industry contributed around PHP1.6 trillion to the domestic economy in 2022.
    Materials produced by this year’s Anakbanwa Arts Residency Program participants can be viewed at the MacArthur House in Dagupan City from Dec. 3, 2023 to Jan. 19, 2024. -- PNA
 
 

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Skilled artisans sustain Baguio’s silver craft

 Arts and crafts

Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Over 40 years in the business of hand-crafted silver and sustaining one of the things this city is known for have become the driving force of Pilak Silver Shop amid challenges.
    Rommel Marcelo, the 47-year-old manager of the family-owned business, said the craft shop is the lone surviving homegrown brand that creates its own designs.
    “Baguio’s silver craft is generational, from the grandparents, to parents, and then to the children who soon dip their hands into the business in preparation for their eventual management,” Marcelo said.
    The Pilak Silver Shop traces its roots in the mid-70s, when Marcelo's parents, Romeo and Preciosa, opened the Aloha Souvenir Shop at Mines View Park.
    In 1977, the couple discovered the potential of silver as a jewelry line of business, and shifted to everything silver, eventually changing the shop’s name to Pilak, the Filipino word for silver.
    In an interview with the Philippine News Agency in 2018, Preciosa said former First Lady Imelda Marcos helped promote Baguio’s silver products to foreign countries through the National Cottage Industry Development Authority.
    In the past years, Marcelo said the city’s silver craft industry went through challenges, especially the competition with imported machine-made items that are much cheaper.
    But instead of giving up, the younger Marcelo accepted their limitations in terms of handcrafting and invested in the strengths that kept them going -- the skills of the artisans who transformed silver into works of art.
    “When all seemed hopeless due to the emergence of imported machine-made silver that took the silver market by storm, we continued.  We know that some of our works cannot be replicated by machine, so we concentrated on those works and placed them up front in our product presentation, with the end goal and hope that the market would continue to appreciate our works Fortunately, it did and it helped us sustain the craft, and our livelihood,” he said.
    “Saying enough, let us close, is not as easy as it seems, especially if your workers have become part of the family, and you know that their enthusiasm continues to grow,” he added.
    With only Pilak having a physical store that makes designs using locally mined silver metals, and with local talents expressing themselves through their classic designs, the number of artisans working for Pilak grew from 15 pre-pandemic to the current 40.
    “It was surprising that after the pandemic, the number of our crafters grew to 40. A lot of them are home-based, especially the older ones who continue to display their artistry through us,” Marcelo said.
    He said the oldest crafter for Pilak is about 80 years old, while most are in their 60s and 50s.
    Five of them go on duty at the workshop and allow visitors to see the actual process of hand-crafting silver. 
    “There are small handcrafters who continue to share their talents and whose interest in creating handcrafted items never waned, which was the reason we never closed shop amid the many challenges. The talent is becoming scarce with few getting into the business and existing ones closing or shifting to imported machine-made items. But Baguio being known for handcrafted silver is a continuing driving force that makes us continue to provide a venue to showcase the products of the crafters,” he said.
Moving forward
Taking after his father’s artistic talent and his mother’s entrepreneurial skills, aside from actually helping out in the shop as a little boy together with his older sister, Marcelo is now in command of Pilak.

“I design and delegate the desired output to the crafters, knowing fully well their expertise and capabilities.  During product prototyping, it is usually a back-and-forth of ideas and approaches until we come up with the final design. Pure collaboration between me and the crafters,” he said.

Marcelo said managing the shop has always been his full-time job since he graduated from a Management course, eventually moving to overall management and going into product development and prototyping.

He said Baguio’s inclusion as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization site for Arts and Crafts, with hand-crafted silver inluded, is also helping Pilak sustain the city’s silver craft industry.

Marcelo said the hand-woven fabric industry in the Cordillera is eyeing the inclusion of silver in their wearables, providing another opportunity for the hand-crafted silver to live on. (PNA)

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Bontoc photo contest winners get cash prizes

By Christy Mae F. Che-es-Pangesfan 

BONTOC, Mountain Province - In a stunning display of artistic prowess, the winners of the Reel-siliency Contest and Mobile Photography Contest were awarded certificates of kecognition and kits here recently at the municipal capitol. 
    The activity was initiated by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in collaboration with the Office of the Municipal Mayor Information Unit. 
    The Reel-siliency Contest invited local video-making enthusiasts to showcase their skills in creating immersive digital storytelling.
    Participants were urged to craft captivating narratives that reflected the theme of National Disaster Resilience Month 2023 which is “BIDAng Pilipino: Building a Stronger Filipino Well-Being towards Disaster Resilience.”
    Klipperson Africano emerged as winner of the Reel-siliency Contest, impressing judges with his entry titled "Road Work Ahead: Building Resilience Towards Landslides."
    A cash prize of ₱8,000 was  set for him.
    Coming in second with a cash prize of ₱7,000 was Alwin Hans Tomas while the third spot was claimed by Earl Maverick Ola with ₱5,000 prize.
    The competition also featured a People's Choice Award, allowing the public to vote for their favorite entry.
    Charies Bayden's entry, "If we always helped one another, no one would need luck," garnered the People's Choice Award with ₱1,500 prize.
    Meanwhile, the Mobile Photography Contest focused on the art of capturing resiliency using mobile phones.
    With the rise of social media and mobile technology, this contest sought to recognize the potential of every individual to become a storyteller through a single photograph.
    The first prize in the Mobile Photography Competition was awarded to Glaydelinne Morareng with her entry, "Challenge us young generation to be disaster prepared," with ₱5,000.
    Kashi Wangdali emerged second place with ₱4,000 prize while the third place winning ₱3,000 was Genalyn Camajen.
    Camajen also emerged as the winner of the People's Choice Award with cash prize of ₱1,000.
    Contest judges were Bendahara Beau Macliing and Dennis Brayl Likigan from the Provincial Information Office and Clienteast Van Totanes from the Philippine Information Agency – Mountain Province.
 

 

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Abra tribe keeps 'dyeing' art alive

'DYEING' ART -- Participants of Lakbay Aral in Peñarrubia, Abra show their naturally-dyed shirts. They were taught by Luis Agaid Jr., son of the Father of Natural Dye and member of the Itneg-Illaud tribe that helps preserve their natural dyeing and hand embroidery heritage. (Photo courtesy of CARD-MRI Hijos Tours)

By Hilda Austria

PEÑARRUBIA, Abra – Agkulol, the art of natural dyeing using materials from nature and the hand embroidering using designs or characters unique and patented by the tribe, continues to be preserved and promoted by the Itneg-Illaud tribe in this town's Barangay Namarabar.
    Luis Agaid Jr., son of his namesake and renowned Father of Indigenous Natural Dye Luis Agaid Sr., said preserving their tribe’s heritage brings pride and livelihood to the people in their community.
    He said they are still using the indigo plant in dyeing along with other organic materials such as barks of trees or leaves of medicinal plants such as lagundi (chaste tree).
    “Sa natural dyeing versus synthetic, at least alam mo na ang ginagamit ay medicinal plants. Mas matibay talaga ang synthetic pero ‘di alam ano mga ginagamit na chemicals (In natural dyeing, at least we know that we are using medicinal plants. Synthetic dyeing is more long lasting but we do not know what chemicals they are using),” he added.
    Agaid said the use of the indigo plant as natural coloring for clothes and textiles was passed down to them by their forefathers who initially used the plant for medicinal purposes.
    “Ang mga ninuno namin gamit lamang noon itong indigo para sa katawan, panggagamot at iba pa po. Ang indigo ay medicinal plant. Ito iyong ginagamit sa alipunga dahil antibacterial ito (Our forefathers used indigo as medicine for their bodies, among its many uses. Indigo is a medicinal plant. It was used to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infection because it has antibacterial properties),” he said.
    Indigo was eventually used as a coloring material when weaving textile to make clothes.
    "Ito ay pinreserve at ginamit na pangkulay dahil sa paniniwala po nila ito ay galing sa Kabunian na binigay sa tribu noong unang panahon (It was preserved as a coloring because they believe it comes from Kabunian [deity] that was given to our tribe from ancient times),” added Agaid, whose family grows indigo plant in their 10-hectare land.
    He said there is a high demand for natural dye from indigo overseas, especially in European countries.
    This demand, he added, has helped them not only to preserve their heritage but also provide them with livelihood.
    “May demand at may mga bumili at plan na gawing anti-bacterial soap and food processing someday with the help of the Department of Science and Technology (There is a demand for the plant and there are buyers planning to make it as an antibacterial soap and in food processing with the DOST's help),” Agaid said.
    Among the organizations helping them in their advocacy is the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions Incorporated (CARD-MRI Inc.), he added.
    As the women of the Itneg-Illaud tribe, they specialize in hand embroidery using unique and patented designs and characters in their abel or cloth.
    Josephine Mina, one of the hand-embroiders, said among the characters they are known for are the lizard, frog, a man, and a woman, which have different meanings in their tribe. These designs are embroidered into vests, boleros, and coats, among others.
    The group also sells their products in trade fairs and via social media (Revival Dye), and lets tourists visit their village to personally see how the products are made.
    CARD-MRI Hijos Tours, a travel tour company that offers home-stay heritage tours across the country, said community-based trips that involve immersion in these villages help safeguard both their tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
    Accredited by the Department of Tourism, the company recently held a "Lakbay Aral" tour in Abra and Vigan City for media practitioners from Pangasinan, Bulacan, and Tarlac, in which they interacted with members of the Abra tribe, among other activities.
    “The focus is not the typical travel leisure; we are an interpretation company. Hijos tours dig deeper on how this information makes sense to the travelers and to CARD members,” said the company's deputy director Raffy Antes.
    “We do (a) more interpretation approach not much on leisure travel but fun and meaningful experience making sense of the story of our heritage,” he added.
    Other activities include the visit to the empanada-maker where tourists prepare and cook their own empanada and drive the kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) at Calle Crisologo in Vigan City.
    The company currently offers tours in Laguna, Baguio, Leyte-Samar, Iloilo, Davao, Legazpi, and Abra-Vigan, with plans to expand in Mindoro and Tawi-Tawi.
    Minnie Alcaide, one of the participants, said she enjoyed the trip as she got the chance to know more about the Itneg-Illaud and other communities in Vigan City. -- PNA
 

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Media, artists slam Baguio gov’t ‘censorship’ in art

STUDENTS doing chalk art along Seassion Road, Baguio  City on a Sunday.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – Journalists and local artists raised a howl against this summer capital’s new policy prohibiting chalk art with political undertones at Session Road on Sundays.
    They said this infringes on freedom of expression.
    In separate statements, the Kordilyera Media-Citizens Council (KMCC) and the local chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called the restriction “censorship.”
    First, the KMCC statement released May 12:
    “The Kordilyera Media-Citizen Council (KMCC) has no other words to describe the Baguio City Tourism Office's policy prohibiting any artwork that is an “expression of political views and portrayals that negatively question or express opinions about social and political issues” on the Session Road Sunday Promenade but censorship. It is not only an outright attack against freedom of expression but an affront to a place that holds a title as the first member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Philippines.

“We are highly concerned by the statement of City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo, that such policy promotes “safe creative expression” and its effort to define what are “socially and culturally accepted norms” by setting the restriction. Contrary to his belief, the prohibition is reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi State and Marcos’ Martial Law. He should likewise be reminded that the Anti-Subversion Law has long been repealed.

“Promotion of “safe expression” means respect for one's thoughts and perspectives. It should go beyond color, race, religion, and political beliefs. This arbitrary imposition not only limits creative ideas, but also denies the existence of social realism in the arts and its vital role in shaping public opinion and social discourse.

“It is a policy that cultivates apathy instead of concern, a regulation that puts artists and art enthusiasts in a vacuum, a place devoid of care. Further, implying that political exercise in art form is socially unacceptable betrays the legacy of great artists like Juan Luna, and social realists Neil Doloricon, Antipas Delotavo, Ang Kiukok, Jose Tence Ruiz, and Baguio’s Santi Bose. Even National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera or BenCab, also of Baguio, has dabbled in politically relevant works. Many of the younger artists of note like Mideo Cruz, Sari Dalena, Pio Abad and our very own Kawayan De Guia, Rocky Cajigan, and the late Rene Aquitania are also very political in their works. To deny politically relevant artworks is to deny the growth of the artists who take part in the chalk art.

“We in the media and civic organizations also tolerate bloggers who are almost extreme in their views in an effort not to curtail the freedom of expression. We ask Mapalo to do the same for the Sunday Session Road chalk art.

“We likewise call on Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the city council to look into this matter.”

(The KMCC is a media self-regulation mechanism initiated with civil society. It is a forum for media and community issues and for citizens to air their grievances to matters relating to media reportage. It provides an avenue for individuals or institutions to give their side to published or broadcast stories, and for communities to make their voices heard).

   ***

NUJP Baguio-Benguet also reminded city officials the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and “ensures the right to hold opinions and ideas and share them without the state interfering.”

“We acknowledge the city government’s mandate to regulate activities and conduct during the Sunday closure of Session Road. However, officials should remember that regulation should not trample on fundamental human rights,” it said in a statement on Thursday, May 11.

“The policy, restricting political views, infringes on these rights, considered the heart of all freedoms. It is censorship, plain and simple,” the group added.

   ***

The Session Road Sunday Pedestrianization, which the city suspended after the Panagbenga because of some complaints from the buskers, resumed last May 7. The guidelines, released last week, include rules for busking, chalk art, and showcasing arts and crafts, an article by Rappler reporter Sherwin De Vera said.

Citing the rules set for the chalk art, the city’s information office said: “Expression of political views and portrayals that negatively question or express opinions about social and political issues are not allowed. Graphic or literal suggestions and expressions of subversive acts or movements will not be tolerated.”

The guidelines also prohibit “images promoting corporate brands or institutions, and political affiliations” unless they are part of a thematic showcase permitted by authorities, said the Rappler report.

In 2019, Magalong reportedly ordered Session Road’s closure every Sunday to encourage residents and tourists to walk and reduce pollution.

The road’s closure also provided a venue for local business start-ups to promote their products and for individuals to showcase and improve their drawing skills, the report said.

 

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24 chosen finalists in Montanosa film fest

By Janthrize Andanan

BAGUIO CITY -- Eighty-seven locally-made films by local filmmakers were submitted to the Montañosa Film Festival 2023.
    Out of 87 submissions, 24 were chosen as finalists for the three categories namely: documentary, narrative and mobile film.
    This was the third staging of the event with the theme "Divergence + Convergence" aligned with the city government's vision of interwoven creative and tourism sector to maintain Baguio as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art. 
    In support to the activity, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong issued executive order 24, series of 2023 declaring the whole month of March as Montañosa Film Festival 2023 in Baguio.
    Cinema Rehiyon @ Montañosa Film Festival is a nine-day event from March 25 to April 2, 2023 showcasing selected short and full-length films by local filmmakers. 
    The month-long Montañosa Film Festival was launched March 1 at SM City Baguio, Sky Garden. 
    The festival and opening gala will start March 25 at the SM City Baguio followed by the Montañosa Filmmakers Homecoming, open forum as well as  launching of Cinema Rehiyon Best of the Regions on March 27.
    There would also be film talks, mentoring and workshop for the filmmakers scheduled on March 29 - March 31, 2023.
    Outdoor film screenings are also scheduled from March 29 to 31 at the Malcolm Square People's Park with Sinemusikain (film, food, music fair) at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park.
    There are also other events such as outreach program, school caravan, workshop, and other programs in partnership with the Cultural Center of The Philippines, Vivistop Baguio, and the Cordillera School of Digital Arts that will be launched alongside the celebration. –

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Baguio Art Month on

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- The Summer Capital's celebration of Art Month goes full throttle as the Sin-Agi Artists steps on the gas on its art workshops at the Baguio City National High School and an art exhibit at The Manor at Camp John Hay.
    Local journalist Pigeon Lobien said the workshops enter this weekend their second week for the Baguio Educational Art Festival with literature and theater on center stage at the BCNHS library. Facilitators for the literary workshop are Luchie Maranan, Frank Cimatu and LA Piluden.
    For fiction writing, Maranan will handle the workshop as the translator of the late Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Hundred Years of Solitude. She is Baguio-born and bred who graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1981 (AB Humanities in Comparative Literature).
    She is at present the vice chairman of the Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera. Maranan has edited books and co-edited anthologies and her works have been anthologized as she continues to write English and Filipino poetry, creative nonfiction and children's stories.
    Piluden is a creative writing fellow in various national writers' workshops hosted by the UP, Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas. She writes and has published fiction and nonfiction as a member of the Ubbog Cordillera Writers' Group.
    The UP Baguio professor writes a column for the Baguio Chronicle. Cimatu is the managing editor of the Baguio Chronicle and is a two-time Palanca Awards winner for poetry.
    University of Baguio professor Roger Federico will tackle theater. Federico is a community theatre practitioner who in 2017 was the only participant to the Young Audiences program held in Okinawa, Japan. In 2020, he was a visiting student scholar to Flinders University in South Australia.
    Federico recently earned his Master of Arts degree in Theater Arts from UP Diliman. On Wednesday, Sin-Agi convenor Leandro Yangot and chairman of the art festival will lead a three-month long show at The Manor with Filipino Swiss artist Claire Jaun Torres.

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“Harvest of art, fruit of excellence”

CULTURAL NOTES 

Richard Kinnud

The Cordillera region and possibly other parts of the country especially the nearby zones and their people spread throughout the world has been abuzz by the latest feat of Kalinga province – two Guinness World Records. 
    It is especially so that the records relates to “gangsa” and “banga”, two cultural icons that ethnic groups can easily relate to.  It is especially distinctive as it happened in a single occasion, no less than the provincial fiesta which was styled as itself a cultural icon of the place. 
    The province got the “largest gong ensemble” and the “largest banga dance” performed during fiesta earlier this week to celebrate the 28th anniversary of founding of the province from the division of the then Kalinga-Apayao by virtue of a law signed on Valentine’s Day of 1995. 
    The “gangsa” (gongs), which is called by some similar terms in other local languages, have been symbol of happiness, sharing such joy, and call for others to join up.  It is beaten in different rhythms indifferent ethnic groups but it has similar impact, the signal to bond with one another in happiness especially through dancing on the center grounds. 
    Recently, the gong has been used as the symbol for the call to unite in the creation of an autonomous region in the Cordillera.
    The “banga”, on the other hand, is a unique feature of native dancing of the Kalinga ethnic groups.  But surely it is something that people can relate to in traditional cooking.  It can even ring a bell to those involved in the processing of gold.  Thus, the banga can symbolize abundance.
    Also associated with the founding celebrations is their Bodong Festival named and the advertisements contained the hashtag #lumin-awa.  Bodong and lumin-awa are local terms that connote peace, recovering or getting better, and developing not just as individuals but as a people.   These are aspirations that ares shared not only by those who just celebrated their fiesta but by many peoples and thus can easily connect to the celebrations.
    Thanks to today’s digital world that such feat garnered by the province of Kalinga was not only witnessed by those physically present at where it was performed but even by those who are connected online.  It has also given the occasion to be shared many times over and to whoever might be interested not just at a particular point in time but at anytime in which it can be played in digital platforms.  For sure, those physically present got experienced it better but still, witnessing it over the net has thrills.
    The accomplishment could not have happened at a better time as incidentally, the month of February is the National Arts Month.  The presidential proclamation that declared this month as such pointed the particular provision in the constitution that says arts has to enjoy the patronage of the State as they are  “historical and cultural heritage and resources” that needs to be “conserved, promoted, and popularized”
    The theme for Arts Month 2023 is "Ani Ng Sining, Bunga Ng Galing " or in English ““Harvest of Art, Fruit of Excellence.”  The gathering of people to play the largest gong ensemble and the largest crowd dancing with pots over their head is in certain terms not just difficult and demanding, but it surely is a harvest of the natives’ art and a real fruit of excellence.
    This corner greets Kalinga, the officialdom and its people warm congratulations.  And a meaningful Arts Month commemoration/celebration to all!

Ifugao’s Momon: Saying it (love) with meat

Richard Kinnud

According to some people, the most delicious meat in Ifugao is the momon.  It is cooked without any add-ons except some salt but together with its broth, it is said to surely satiate every tongue.  In the local idiom, the folk would say “liklikdona di bagang” (it will circle through the neck).
    The momon is the process of betrothal in the Ifugao tradition.  This would probably explain why it is considered as ‘most delicious’; it encompasses the institution of love.  In the town of Hingyon, the rite primarily involves the bequest of an animal offering from a lover to his lady, or to be more accurate, to her family and community circle. 
It usually happens after a period of courtship although there are instances when a man can initiate the momon even without actually wooing the lady.  It starts with the honag, a process by which an emissary (referred to as mun-gawi and usually an experienced man in family life) is sent by a lover to the woman’s parents/parties to make known the intention to tender the momon. 
    If the proposal is accepted, then a day is set for the occasion.  (It is those instances when a man simply instructs a honag that rejection are often experienced.)
    In olden times, the social status of the woman determines the elegance of the momon.  For the nawotwot (poor), a duck would be enough.  For those of higher status, a pig is fitting.  In Ifugao terms, the sizes of pigs range from in-inlum (youngest), hinbonglayan, maonom, mabinohlan, mawalo, and maoppatan (largest).  The ideal scale for the momon is the maonom but many would settle for the mabinohlan, and the maoppatan is labelled as mahangaan (considered as beyond what is required) but still a few would go for it. 
    Typically, the animal is butchered at the home of the man’s family and properly processed with its internal organs removed.  The practical reason for this is for those who took part in the butchering and witnessing to have something to partake for dish after the bulk is sent to the lady’s home. 
    When possible, the meat would be packed inside a hukup (a woven container from bamboo and rattan materials) together with moma (areca nuts) and hapid (betel leaves).  If the meat is too bulky, then the hukup, moma and hapid will have to be carried separately.
    It is the responsibility of the mun-gawi to bring the momon to the lady’s place.  This cannot be delegated.  Strictly speaking, the mun-gawi should be the one to carry the hukup but he can call on companions to help him especially if some distance is involved.  Also, if the place of the man is too far to where the momon should be brought, say it involves a travel of more than half a day the animal may not be butchered.
    Upon reaching the destination, the mun-gawi will present the hukup to the lady’s family. 
    Usually, this occasion is witnessed by neighbors and immediate family circle.  The animal offering will then have to be processed according to tradition.  One of the lapa (front limb) of the pig will go to the nun-gawi (past tense form of mun-gawi).  It would look now as if it were the compensation for the effort. 
    The two hukpit (hind limbs) are set aside for the pahing, a system of sharing the meat to closest of kin which also serve as the ‘announcement’ that a momon has been tendered.  The rest of the meat will be processed for cooking for everyone present to partake except for the nun-gawi who is expected to have already made his exit from the occasion after doing his role of presenting the momon.
    From then on, the man who sent and his lady are pronounced nuntubi (engaged).  Inside the lady’s home, the hukup is hanged just above the door to symbolize the engagement.  The man is however prohibited from seeing his lady in the immediately following days or until after he estimates that all of the meat has already been consumed as he is not allowed to partake of his bequest already brought to the lady’s home.  This period of engagement is a time for observation that may or may not lead to the perfection of marriage.  Relatives of each party can give their objection before any marriage rite that would pronounce the lovers as himbale (direct translation: of one house).  If for any valid reason there is an objection, the nun-gawi will be called upon to preside the dissolution of the engagement.
    In other towns of Ifugao, the practice of momon may differ as described earlier.  Some practices would allow that those who brought the momon will partake of the meat.  In other towns, the practice is grander as more pigs maybe required.  The essence though is the same: the announcement of the proposed union of two souls, or to be more lyrical, the sharing of the institution of love to family and community.
    A witticism said that in present society, when a woman is said to be getting married, what is often asked is,     “Buntis ba?”  And indeed, it often happens that a momon is afforded only by a man after his lady got pregnant.  In this instance, the function of the momon is no longer a proposal but for information.
    Even with this, still, momon is one of the cultural practices that passed the test of time even with the growth of Christianity and foreign religions and even with the progression of intermarriages with non-Ifugaos.  I wonder though how long would the momon continue to taste as one of the most if not the most delicious meat.
               ***
Allow me to end this week’s piece by greeting all readers a Happy Valentine’s Week!
 

 

 

 

 

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Artworks by 75 autism students on exhibit in SM

BAGUIO CITY – Sixty artworks by 75 autism spectrum students are being showcased at ongoing exhibit at SM City here.
    City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, councilor and person with disability advocate Arthur Allad-iw and Dr. Myrna     Cabotaje, former DOH Secretary, enjoined the public to take a moment and appreciate the incredible talent and creativity displayed in the Beyond the Spectrum Art Exhibit.
    The exhibit which started on Monday, Jan. 23, and will run up to Feb. 28, is in line with the commemoration of Autism Spectrum Awareness and Consciousness Month and Down Syndrome Awareness and Consciousness Month in February.
    Artists whose works are being featured in the exhibit have been diagnosed with autism and their works reflect the unique perspectives and experiences that come with this condition.
    The arts featured in the exhibit are works of students with special needs from the St. John Paul II Learning Center Inc.
    “It is important to remember that autism is a spectrum, and every individual with autism is unique,” said Magalong.
    “This exhibit is a testament to the diversity of perspectives that can come from this diagnosis, and we hope it will serve as an inspiration to all of us to see the world in new and different ways,” the mayor added.
    “We hope that this exhibit will inspire conversation and raise awareness about autism, and it will encourage us all to be more inclusive and understanding of those who live with this condition,” he said.
    The mayor said that by appreciating the art and talents of individuals with autism, ‘we can help break down stereotypes and misconceptions and create a more accepting and supportive society for all.’
    According to Bea Garma, school principal, the students started their respective artworks from September to December 2022.
    “Their works are based on their abilities, behavior and each art they draw has a nearby story, so can’t be rushed,” said Garma.
    Proceeds from purchased artwork will be used to fund the education of those children on the autism spectrum.

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Creative events, arts, pushed in Baguio schools

BAGUIO CITY -- City officials urged public and private schools here  to conduct creative activities like arts and music lessons in their institutions to provide alternative activities for pupils and students to cope up with Covid-19 pandemic.
    Under resolution 562, series of 2022, city legislators said creative activities will boost self-confidence and self-expression of pupils and students.
    During the Scout Official for a Day (SOFAD) regular session on Nov. 7, the SOFAD Council adapted the proposal of SOFAD councilor Ralph Gwyneth T. Sapdoy requesting all public and private schools in the city to conduct creative activities like arts and music lessons in their respective institutions.
    Article XIV, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution, provides that arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State.
    The State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.
    The body said arts and music are vital in child development and whether they are exposed to arts and music in schools or through private and community classes and lessons, the benefits of these are said to be incredible.
    The council said arts and music exposure do more than provide creative outlets for kids as it provides mental, emotional and educational benefits. -- Dexter A. See
 
 

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Students highlight Mt. Province Tourism sites in painting tilt

            STUDENTS prepare materials for a painting contest at provincial plaza in Bontoc depicting tourist sites in Mountain Province. 

 

Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Provincial Tourism Office sponsored a painting competition depicting tourist attractions in the province last Nov. 12 at the provincial plaza here.
    Some 16 high school students from around the province participated in the contest that was dubbed Art in the Park Part II. It was a sequel of Art in the Park for Mountain Province similarly conducted by the PTO last Sept. 27.
The Regional Office of the Dept. of Tourism provided logistics while Davies Paints delivered the paints that were used. The remaining paints in the first Art in the Park was utilized in the Art in the Park Part II.
    It was emphasized during the briefing just before the start of the on-the spot painting that the activity aims to raise awareness among the young people on the tourist attractions around the province for them to help in promotion of the same.
    First Place was garnered by Ben Wadwadan Jr who painted the Maligcong Rice Terraces. He is from the Bagnen National High School. Second placer was Elmar Aspilan, a student also from the same school.
    It was a grand slam for the Bagnen National High School as the 3rd placer, Lizette Batnag, is a student of the school. 4th placer, Kyree Gasmeπa, is a student of the Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School while the 5th place was secured by Febiane Laguitan of the Bagnen National High School.
    The 1st prize was P5,000, 2nd - P3,000, 3rd – P2,000 and 5th was P1,000. Other participants were given consolation prizes of P300 each.
    Aside from Bagnen National High School and the MPGCHS, other schools represented were Besao National High School, St. James Hi School, also in Besao, and the Sadanga National High School.
    Board Member Donato Danglose, the Chairperson of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Tourism of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, caused the allocation of funds for the prizes and the meals of the participants.

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House panel okays Baguio special high school for arts bills

PARTICIPANTS join “Art in the Park”  2022, an  event collaborated by Baguio Environment and Tourism offices,  Pasakalye Group of Artists, and DOT-CAR. The event is part of the iBagiw festival held at Wright Park to  promote creative tourism and encourages interactive participation in arts activities in  Cordillera particularly visual arts, music, dance among others. The event started  Nov. 23 and ended  Nov. 26. -- Neil Clark Ongchangco

By Gaby Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- The House committee on basic education and culture has approved a bill that seeks to create a special high school for the arts in the Summer Capital.
    Baguio Rep. Mark Go refiled House Bill (HB) 974 that seeks to establish the Baguio City High School for the Arts.
    The bill seeks to nurture the creative talents of young artists and support the city's long-standing heritage of folk arts and crafts. This bill was passed by the House of Representatives in the 18th Congress.
    The bill would support the city's commitment to uphold its creative and cultural traditions and provide sustainable livelihood to its local artisans.
    Baguio became the first Philippine city to be inducted into the Unesco Creative Cities Network in 2017, which recognizes cities with rich cultural heritage, and that recognize creativity as a major factor in their urban development.
    Once signed into law, the school will be administered and supervised by the Department of Education, in close coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The NCCA and CCP will provide policy direction and technical assistance to the school through the DepEd-Cordillera Administrative Regional Office and Baguio City's Schools Division Office.
    Go said the approval of HB 974 will be a significant milestone for Baguio, a city that is known for its strong cultural traditions and highly values its creative industries. He added that a formal academic institution focused on the arts would help ensure long-term sustainability in the creative sector in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
    The City of Pines is home to a bustling creative tourism and artistic community and counts National Artist Benedict "Bencab" Cabrera and famed director Kidlat Tahimik as long-time residents.
    "The city has been recognized by the global initiative for its crafts and folk arts expressions which not only showcase indigenous talents, but also provide sustainable livelihood to many residents through the city's local trade and creative tourism economy," Go said.
    "Culture and the arts are essential to the holistic development of society. As such, it is important to inculcate in the youth the value of the arts, to give them an avenue for their creative pursuits, and to introduce them to real world opportunities in the creative sector."
 

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Baguio honors Ibaloy artist Roland Bay-an

Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY – The city government of this summer capital led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong presented a Certificate of Lifelong Recognition and Appreciation to Baguio-born Ibaloy artist Roland Bay-an during the flag-raising rites at City Hall on Monday, July 25.
    The certificate states: "For his enduring and unparalleled dedication to Cordilleran visual art with his signature 'slash and dash' style that continuously inspires and rejuvenates individuals who come face-to-face with his masterpieces. And so with his commitment in helping the city government in his personal capacity as well as his leadership in organizing other artists to share their God-given talents, thereby immensely contributing to the city's efforts in sustaining its status as a Creative City."
    In her introduction, Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Celia Brillantes said Bay-an was born and spent most of his youth in Barangay Trancoville, where he discovered his talent for drawing in Grade 3.
    When he was a third year high school student at Saint Louis University, his teacher asked him to join an art contest, something which he did not enjoy since he believes that an artwork has its own unique beauty and value that should not be pitted against other artworks.
    "His loving mamang (mother) instilled in him and his siblings the values of humility, respect, doing good and being good at all times and most of all, being content with what they have. These are the values that he still practices up to this day," Brillantes said..
    She said Bay-an is the second of four children of poor parents. His manang (sister) Teresita, 12 years his senior, worked at an early age to help make ends meet. He and his younger siblings, Robert and Peter, also learned to work at a young age.
    Bay-an worked his way through secondary school as a waiter at the then Dainty Restaurant, where he spent his free time drawing and painting when there were few customers.
    The absence of art materials at the restaurant taught him to experiment and be resourceful — important traits that he shares to his young students up to now.
    "If a material is capable of producing color, go on. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover the various aspects of the material in your canvas," he advised his students.
    Except for his father who was musically inclined, Bay-an does not remember anyone else in the family with any artistic inclinations. He remembers seeing his mamang beaming with pride whenever she would hear praises for his work and his manang Teresita crying whenever his paintings were sold.
    Not being able to go to formal art school, Bay-an honed his craft under the tutelage of local artists Bayard Aquitania, Santi Bose, Darnay Demetillo and other pioneers of "Tahong Bundok," one of the city's original art groups.
    He is currently with the Pasakalye Group of Artists formed by bookseller and art patron Maricar Docyogen, who gives him a venue to share to others what he knows and allows him to continue honing his craft as an artist, Brillantes said.
    "At 69 and many sold artworks later, he is still the same person: a man with a quiet, unassuming presence but with an endless passion for what he loves most — painting.
    He is still a shy mangu Ibaloy who prefers to be on the sidelines and reluctant to speak in front of a crowd like this. He has turned down so many offers, including a stint in Paris, because he wanted to avoid the limelight," Brillantes said.

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2 Baguio artists, 3 others show work in NYexhibit

ARTISTS IN NEW YORK --  Five young Filipino artists – Julien Borromeo, Junro Aborka, Calvin Galang, Baguio boys Emarnel Pasana and Justin Zambrano, all members of Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) Project – showcase their work at a week-long arts exhibit in New York in observance of the United Nation's declaration of World Autism Awareness Month this April. Jose Jacinto Morales, former Department of Foreign Affairs Baguio Consular Head and now with the Philippines Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York, said their artworks were shown at the Guggenheim Museum on April 2, 2022. -- Joseph Zambrano

BAGUIO CITY – Five young Filipinos, two of them from Baguio who are members of the Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) Project, are showing their talents in a week-long fashion show and arts exhibit in New York, United States of America (USA).
Jose Jacinto Morales, former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Baguio consular head and now with the Philippines Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York, said in a press release sent to Baguio media that “artists in the autism spectrum from Baguio City and Aklan who are among the beneficiaries of the Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) Project, showcased their artworks in a fashion show and exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum in New York on April 2, 2022.”
    He said the artworks of the children will also be exhibited in the lobby of the New York Philippine Consulate Office for a week beginning April 4, 2022.
    The trip of the six-member delegation composed of Julien Borromeo, Junro Aborka, Calvin Galang, Baguio boys Emarnel Pasana and Justin Zambrano, and coordinator Hiyasmin Zambrano is part of the observance of the United Nation's declaration of World Autism Awareness Month this April.
    Two of the delegates came from Aklan, two from Baguio City, and one is New York-based.
    Dubbed "Yakap Sining" Art Exhibit and "Fashion Hope," “the event aimed to not only raise awareness of autism but also raise funds so that more individuals on the spectrum can avail of the 'art as a therapy' program of the project, according to Morales.
    “This year's New York partner, the Guggenheim Museum became the venue in providing an opportunity for persons in the spectrum to showcase their talent and promote inclusion,” he added.
    During the fashion show, paintings on denim sewn into bags and coats were shown. The exhibit will also show paintings of other FAAB members who were not able to join the trip.    
    Morales also said the project not only aims to use arts as a therapy for autistic (AU) individuals to help them express themselves better, improve their socialization skills, and advocate for themselves but also develop their inclination to arts as a possible source of income for them.
    In a message he delivered in New York and shared by his father to the Baguio media, Justin said: “Our hearts are so full, being with all of you and witnessing our artworks featured in this very prestigious Guggenheim Museum. Your being here tonight gives us hope that Ma'am Linda Borromeo, Ma'am Lisa Sobrepena, and the rest of the board members, volunteers, and supporters of Autism Hearts Foundation (AHF) will be able to get more help and keep getting stronger so that they can help more people like me, like us back home in the Philippines, have a fighting chance in this world.”
    Justin said “growing up, our only solace and safe space was our family, but when ma’am Linda and AHF came, our lives became more colorful like the artworks that we do. We are blessed that we can stand in front of you tonight. But there are more back home who do not have voices.”
    He also said “they are powerless and pitiful. We want to help them too so that they become less of a burden to their families and the community,” Justine said.
    The two-week trip will include a visit to the AHF Center in San Francisco before the group returns to the country on April 12. – Liza Agoot/ PNA

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March is Montanosa film festival in Baguio

Arts and Crafts

Jessa P. Samidan 

 Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong issued Executive Order No. 10, series of 2022 declaring March 1-30, 2022 as MFF – the first-ever independent film festival for the Cordillerans in Baguio City.
     This year’s MFF activity will carry the theme, “Mindset Change for Climate Change.”
     Pre-event activities started August last year up to February this year with event coordination, call for entries, promotions and marketing, selection and awarding of grants as well as a filmmaker’s boot camp. Production of films in competition during the period ready for presentations during the festival.
     Activities lined-up for the month of March include several workshops such as: film appreciation, acting for film, story development and scriptwriting, cinematography, directing, production design, lights and sounds, production management, pitching, as well as release and distribution.
     A Film Camp and Filmmakers’ Forum are yet to be scheduled including a movie caravan particularly drive-in cinema, pop-up cinema, movies at the lake, horror movies, plus a Sagada and Ifugao film camp.
    Film screening of the competing entries will also be done in March. Categories area Narrative (10-12 minutes), Documentary (10-12 minutes) and Mobile Phone Short (3-5 minutes).
     Other films to look forward include Cine Luzviminda – Philippine regional films, Cine Montañosa – films from the Cordillera region, and experimental films. There will also be international films to showed from Southeast Asian regional short films and the European film section.
    A music and food fair are included in the list of activities before the closing and awards night.
     The MFF is privately-driven activity with support from the city government while the Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC) is designated as co-presenter and lead implementer for the festival.

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Mandëko Kito 4: All about creative disruption

by Liezl Dunuan

BAGUIO CITY’s premier artisans market, Mandëko Kito, returns this Nov. 19 for its fourth run.
    As part of this year’s Ibagiw 2021 Creative City Festival, the market will operate from Friday to Monday, starting Nov. 19 until Dec. 13. 
    A total of 58 artisans, crafters, and food entrepreneurs will be participating this time at Berkeley School Baguio.
    Compared to its June 2021 run, the number of participants nearly doubled. 
    Mandëko Kito, when it was first conceptualized by the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc. (BACCI) in June 2020, was a pro-active response to the needs of artisans and crafters who were heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
    It brought together both established and new creative entrepreneurs and showcased high-quality locally made products. 
    Since then, it has helped participating entrepreneurs sell their products and earn even during these challenging times. It also proved that when given the opportunity, artisans and crafters can level up the quality of their products while at the same time, come up with new and innovative products for the market. 
    Starting this run, the artisans market sports a new logo with quite an interesting backstory.  The new logo of Mandëko Kito represents boldness of vision and tenacity in action. It is based on the controversial “barrel man” souvenir item from Baguio City that spurred rupture – various interpretations and myth-making, and much like what Mandëko Kito is trying to do – encourages disruptive imagination and innovation.
    The logo and tagline ‘Encouraging Innovations, Disrupting Imaginations’ were designed and conceptualized by award-winning agency Gigil, the all-Filipino owned agency, and the only Philippine agency to win gold in both Campaign Agency Of The Year (AOY)’s Philippine Creative Agency of the Year and Indie Agency of the Year and the lead creative behind the logo design, JR Bumanglag is from Baguio City. 
    This run which is a part of the Ibagiw 2021 Creative City Festival features several new innovations for guests and visitors to enjoy. Along with bringing home some of the best crafts and locally made products, guests will also enjoy several art installations by three creatives, namely visual artist Olie Olivete, crochet artist Adel Guia, and artist Marge Gomez.
    Another exciting feature is Vivistop, a creative hub for children, teens, and adults where they can tinker with 3D printers, laser cutters, and button makers and learn how to design and create while learning at the same time. They will occupy the basement area at Berkeley School during the event.  
    At Gallery Ninety, located within the school grounds, another Baguio artist will be holding his first solo exhibit. Architect Dulthe Munar and his exhibit is a true demonstration of innovation, by using local and ordinary materials and turning them into extraordinary works of art. 
    Another purpose of this event is to mobilize support from other important stakeholders such as the government and the private sector. Government support comes from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), coming in the form of event support and technical assistance for selected creative businesses. The private sector is not far behind with Converge ICT Solutions as another major event partner and connectivity sponsor during the event.
    Mandëko Kito 4 will be at the Berkeley School Baguio, 30 C.M. Recto St. Brgy. Saint Joseph Village, Baguio City, from November 19 to December 13 (Fridays to Mondays). For more information, visit Mandëko Kito | Facebook or @mandekokito on Instagram.
 
 

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