One of the highlights of my short trip to the Philippines is visiting one of its popular destinations: Baguio City. It's known as the summer capital of the Philippines due to its cool climate. Situated in the highlands at an elevation of around 1,500 meters above sea level, Baguio stands apart from other cities in the country, where the weather is generally warm. To give you a comparison, the temperature in Baguio during summer averages between 18°C to 23°C, while the neighboring city experiences temperatures of 23°C to 30°C, which is quite similar to Singapore.
The coldest months in Baguio City are from December to January, with temperatures dropping to around 9°C, earning it the title of the summer capital of the Philippines. During the summer season, tourists flock to the city to enjoy the chilly weather, offering a refreshing escape from the warmer lowland areas where they live.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to experience the coldest months, but that’s fine because I could still feel the difference in temperature compared to Singapore.
While in Baguio, I visited one of its iconic spots: the BenCab Museum, dedicated to the works of Benedicto Cabrera, who was awarded the title of National Artist in 2006. The museum is located in Tuba, a 15-minute drive from the city center.
The drive to the museum was quite a challenge due to the curving and undulating roads, a characteristic feature of this city, often referred to as "zigzag roads."
The museum is conveniently located along the main road, making it easy to find. To enter, we paid a $3.50 (₱200) entrance fee, which grants access to a four-level art gallery. The gallery features a variety of local artists and includes a wide range of artwork, from paintings to sculptures.
There are 12 galleries within the building, but I couldn't find any specific information on the total number of pieces, as the artwork is regularly rotated. However, I would estimate that there are at least 1,000 pieces on display at any given time.
The ground floor is dedicated for the reception desk, souvenir shop, and
But as we descended to the lower floors, every corner of the space is populated with a piece of art. And What I observed is that the painting features a specific theme while some paintings depict the modern tradition that are prevalent here in the place. While the sculptures are meant to showcase the ancient tradition and their woodworks during those times.
One of the most impressive parts of the museum is the double-level wall where sculptures are displayed under the natural light from a skylight. I believe this section of the museum was carefully planned, as the natural lighting and the way the shadows are cast make the space feel dramatic.
Among the galleries in this museum, the most intriguing is probably the Erotica Gallery. The pieces displayed here are not suitable for children, as they feature a variety of artwork with erotic themes.
There was a gallery dedicated to the traditional wooden sculptures of various indigenous tribes from the area. It’s fascinating how they depict human figures and the unique ways in which they are positioned. There are plenty of indigenous tribes in the province of Benguet but the primary are Ibaloi, Kankanaey, & Kalanguya.
One of the reasons I visited the BenCab Museum and immersed myself in the various artworks was to find inspiration for my digital art journey. Although it differs from traditional art styles, it is here that I discovered a newfound motivation to seek a distinct style that resonates with me in my artistic endeavors.
There is a specific gallery that features the traditional dresses worn in ancient times. They are indeed beautiful and quite elaborate.
After exploring almost all the galleries, we headed to the lowest basement level to visit the fish and duck pond on the side of the building. I was deeply amazed by the sustainable practices they implement here. They grow their own vegetables and take care of livestock as well. This spot in the museum allows me to feel at one with nature and experience the serenity that this place offers.
In conclusion, my visit to the BenCab Museum was a truly enriching experience, offering both artistic inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the local culture. The blend of traditional and contemporary artworks, along with the beautiful natural surroundings, created a serene atmosphere that resonated with me. I left the museum motivated to explore my own artistic style and incorporate the lessons learned into my digital artwork journey.
