Tam-awan Village, Garden in the Sky: Baguio City, Benguet

I have been visiting Baguio City regularly but never had a chance to visit this wonderful Tam-awan Village. I usually stroll at the city proper and enjoy the scenery there. On my _th visit in the city, I made sure that I included on my itinerary a visit to this wonderful village. I just wanted to immerse myself with the village of the locals. Also to appreciate the works of local artists. 

Chilling at the lobby!

Tam-awan Village is located in Pinsao Road owned by artist Ben Cabrera along with other artists and taken care by Chanum Foundation Inc, founded in 1998. It is uniquely blends indigenous aesthetics and exquisite Cordilleran craftsmanship with an artist's concept for a village adapting to Baguio City setting.  

Jan Belocura and Edwin Macadaeg

Rice Guardian Spirit

The installation is a representative of the Cordilleran rice guardian spirit, usually placed in the fields to protect the precious crops of the mountain tribes.

The 6-feet installation piece made of steel aims to stress the co-existence of past traditions in the modern time, serving as a reminder not to forget the culture our forefathers have made.

In some parts of the region, it is believed the spirit of our peoples ancestors reside in the rice god, which is revered and taken cared of by the members of the community. 

The modern interpretation of the traditional bul-ul is intended for the protection of the Tam-awan Village and all those who will walk through these paths.  

Dukligan (Ifugao Hut)

The fertility hut is such that it is where a married couple resides after a year of inability to produce a child. The shaman performs a ritual offering to male and female bulols. The couple will then stay in the hut for a month or so. If after this period expires and still they are unable to produce a child, the man has the right to find another woman, although the marriage is still in effect. 

The cycle is repeated and then the woman may now find another man. The purpose of which is to determine who among the couple is infertile. 

The village is so relaxing. You can really immerse yourself with how the locals live. It is a great place wherein you can appreciate art. Just make sure you got those strong knees to go uphill, otherwise you will just sit there and take a rest. This place is great enough for those who love to stroll. Uphills and downhills, but no worries, the cool breeze will help you not to feel tired. Visit this place and you'll definitely love it. 

Learned new dialect! :)