Broadway Musical in Baguio City: Jesus Christ Superstar

Only a few of us are given the privilege to watch high caliber theater stage productions in New York and London.
Most of us can just dream to experience the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber-- I am one of those who are not presented with that opportunity.
But it has always been a dream of  mine to walk inside Broadway and see the Phantom of the Opera performed live.
It has always been my dream to see them perform live- but I have to be honest- I am not able to afford a trip to New York, not able to afford tickets even if they visit the Philippines because usually you would have to spend Php7,000 or more just to get a ticket, have a place to stay in while waiting--and that is already the cost of my monthly rent.

And so after hearing that the group Open Space composed of  Karlo Altomonte, Emerald Ventura,  Ethan Ventura, Eunice Caburao, Ryle Danganan and other members have decided to present excerpts of famous Broadway shows like " Evita", Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera--I made it a point to spread out the world in my social media profile and found time to watch them perform live in CAP John Hay.

I have heard that a Broadway trained artist was going to join them, Ms. Lissa Romero De Guia and I know that this is once a in a lifetime chance to experience--what fortunate New Yorkers experience every day.

The Cast:
Ian Paolo Acosta
Eunice Caburao
Jeff Coronado
Ryle Danganan
Adrian Esplana
Gemma Gonzalez
Emerald Ventura
Josef Ventura
Lissa Romero De-Guia

Famous Broadways shows they paid tribute to:

Phantom of the Opera
Evita
Cats
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat
Sunset Boulevard
Aspects of Love
Tell me on a Sunday

The Review:

I am no expert when it comes to discerning if a certain production stage is superior in quality, but this review will be a product of an honest observation of the musical production.
I love supporting these kinds of endeavor because I truly appreciate people who are giving their best in upgrading the level of artistry in the Philippines.

While, yes- in an honest review I felt that the production stage lacked a lot of elements like stage design- I have to give it to them for performing with their heart.

You can feel it- the passion in every performance- while they lacked the facilities and the budget- they were able to get the attention of the audience.

I especially love the performance of Jeff Coronado, the way he performed the last songs in Jesus Christ Superstar was truly amazing-- he was like a rockstar and you can feel the presence in the stage.

The performance of Lissa Romera De Guia was also notably high class. You  can be sure that she is well trained- with her proper command of the stage and timing. Baguio is blessed to have someone like her grace our stage.

We need to support endeavors like this, the efforts of Karlo Altomonte and his collaboration with Ethan Ventura for the musical production is commendable.

The City Government of Baguio should notice shows like these--how I wish universities would allow them to have shows for every semester-- some of the singers like Jeff Coronado and Ian Paolo Acosta came from the SLU-CCA glee club-- you can see the raw talent-- if only they are given the chance they deserve.

A lot of teenagers do not understand the value of these kinds of shows in Baguio--I just felt really blessed that I was able to experience it...for P250 pesos ( a friend bought the ticket for me ^__^) I got this wonderful experience for free.

The performances of the women like Eu Caburao and Emerald Ventura was also commendable-- the quality of their voices--- is simply astounding.

Verdict:

While there is so much they can improve on, like the design of the stage, and the quality of the speakers-- I have to give them a positive score for impressing the crowd.
I would have loved it more if they included other colors or pictures in the stage so that the audience will go into a trance like state--

They could add a bit more movement in the stage--a full use of the stage I should say- but for the first of its kind this musical show was surely one of the best performed in Northern Luzon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152750858784606&set=vb.523809605&type=2&theater


Some of the songs that were performed made me cry... you can feel the passion in their voices. I hope they will bring this to a smaller stage so that the people can really feel the intensity--they could also shorten it for just 45 minutes with intense performances to leave the audience in awe.

But all in all..it was truly a treasure to watch them.

We should be thankful that these artists are giving their time to provide Baguio and opportunity to see and feel high caliber shows.

I know some councilors watched the show--and it is with fervent hope that they understood the need for shows like this to continue.

Thank you for University of Baguio and for the other sponsors of this wonderful experience. I am hoping they will have more shows in the future.

We need them here in the Philippines.

If you have the time please catch more shows created by this group. Stay updated https://www.facebook.com/KarloMarkoAltomonte

or you can also visit https://www.facebook.com/BaguioCommunityEvents for the latest updates on artistic events here in the city of Baguio.

Sage Restaurant: Baguio City

Sage Restaurant opened in 2013 and has gained a good reputation in Baguio City.

After hearing it from friends, my sister and I had to try the place out- here is a verdict of our experience of Sage Restaurant.

Owner: Arlene Alcantary Sy
Location: 95 Military Cut-off, Baguio City
Tel No. 442-2954/09175944205



Ambiance & Concept Design

Sage gets an A++ grade when it comes to the ambiance, it was a really cool place to be. It reminded me of a cute restaurant in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

The design is Victorian style inspired, it was feminine and fresh. The colors had been carefully chosen- they obviously took the time.to decorate the place.

In fact it is the cutest restaurant in town- I have been too a lot of restaurants in the city and so far this is the most feminine and most charming so far.

The Staff:

In all honesty, I love the staff service of Sage... they were more than willing to accommodate our needs and I love it that they smile.

Perhaps it is the mood of the place, or their training I am not really sure but they were more than willing to assist us.

We asked so many questions about the owner, about the comfort room, when did Sage start, what food they will recommend, can they take our photos, can they take the photos of the restaurant and they obliged.

Sure, this is something that a normal staff would do, but I will use the word Good Vibes-- the current staff had this.

( April 2014) Of course, I don't know how the next staff would be- but on April of 2014 we had the best staff service.

The Food:

We ordered beef salpicao, pasta with garlic bread. I got the stuffed chicken with  corn and then we tried the Kani Salad and ordered the Chocolate Cheesecake.

 For our drinks we ordered San Mig Light ( thank goodness there's beer) 

Then we got the candy inspired iced drinks tapos Avocado shake.

To be honest, this is where Sage failed, the  most important thing in a restaurant is the food. While I 100% applaud the presentation--the taste not so much.

I believe we expected too much considering the meals are priced at P100 and above. The food was well presented, it looks clean and well polished and it arrived on time.

While we enjoyed the beef salpicao, we cannot say the same for the pasta. It tasted generic, the stuffed chicken tasted like embotido and not chicken and the Kani salad--was overpowered by the Mayonnaise.

The Kani Salad of Hodori Restaurant is  still the best for me...the food serving was also very small, this place is not for people who are extremely hungry.

The avocado juice tasted bland, and the other drinks that we ordered--well--they lacked taste.

Fortunately, the chocolate cheesecake saved the day- it tasted heavenly, if it were not for the cake I would have deemed the food tasting experience a failure.

I would suggest that the owner get a more experienced cook--  I mean the plating was really beautiful and artistic but clients will go back to a certain restaurant because of the taste of the food.

I believe they could also increase the amount of serving--- it will increase their chances of getting loyal customers.

What I like about them:

The comfort room was really clean, this is an important part of any restaurant. In order to win the trust of clients your comfort room has to be really really clean.

We loved the fact that Sage staff took the time to sing a Happy birthday song to my 11 month old nephew, we love that they took the time to give him a birthday song on the background. You just don't get this treatment with other restaurants.

I would recommend Sage to clients who want to experience-- a new ambiance and for dating couples but it is not really suited for clients who are really searching for a meal that will hit the spot.

A review is a review.

I will give Sage the rating of B-.

For further information about Sage:

Go to:

https://www.facebook.com/sagebaguio

If you like me to give an honest feedback review for your restaurant, please feel free to leave a message on the comment section and I will schedule one for you.

Alternative Schools: The Entire World is a School

When I was in College I was fond of joining protests against Tuition Fee increase, don't get me wrong I know the value of protesting for your rights a student and there are certain policies that have been created successfully because of the help of tuition fee protests.


While I value the courage of people to talk and protest, with the kind of world that we have--we need to much more than shouting in the streets.

It has come to a point where peaceful people power protests are no longer effective. This is  the age of " creativity" and also the age of people having less attention span.



And because of that there is a need to recapture the attention of the world--not by revolution using the old way.
The old way is shouting and cursing in the streets- the old way is involves hate and curses for the government and politicians, the old ways is going up the mountains to shun away other people in the community...the old way is picking a weapon and using it to end a life.

This has been done before in history, countless of times. And while some revolutions have created certain positive effects--this method has remained ineffective in solving our current problems--we are still ruled by capitalists, and even those who protest against it are still under the rule of the government and corporations--even those who protest Capitalism use mobile phones and purchase products of corporations they claim to hate.


After College, it is safe to say that I have been able to see other forms of learning that universities or a diploma or Masteral degree will not be able to provide.
Sure,  there are ideas that we can get inside the school- sure--there are researches that we could use for our daily life--I am not removing the fact that current learning methods are also effective and has contributed in the way people think and live.

But I am also claiming that a University degree or Master Degree is not everything. After 5 years of being away from any Institution or school--I have come to learn more---using alternative schools and by meeting teachers from different walks of life.

After graduating I began to see that there are so many teachers, in fact...everything in the surrounding is truly a teacher if you observe carefully.
In fact I would be bold as to say--perhaps I have learned more about life if I did not spend that much time in school---just by merely walking in the streets you can gain perspective about hundreds of things that are not even presented to you in school.

One of life teachers that I have met are Community Artists...not those who are just focused on painting something that is subjective to them and putting them in art galleries. I am focusing on people who have lived a totally different life.

People who despite not having any degree--are able to appreciate their life daily--people who are able to create masterpiece out of trash, people who are able to calm their minds and solve their problems without the use of medications, psychology or any other existing solution that media provides.

People have forgotten how to interact well with their surroundings, while we have countless research about plants and animals--while we have scientific names for them--we are unable to truly connect with them.
You don't understand a  plant by merely discussing its scientific name--you begin to understand plants by learning how they should be planted, you get to know plants by using them when you cook, when you make something out of it--you don't understand an animal by discussing its bodily components--you get to know them once you learn how to value the life they have sacrificed in order that a human body could be nourished.

You don't understand a mountain by mainly looking at it inside a book...you have to conquer it, to touch what the substances that are within that mountain.

You don't understand human beings just by looking at their doctorate titles,  you begin to understand them when you hear how they discuss what they have always wanted to be--if they had the freedom to choose.

Learning how to play the guitar is not just about training inside your room and memorizing...you truly learn how to play the guitar once you start sharing the music with other people.

The world is an eternal classroom--let us not waste focusing on the hate, of what went wrong, of what cannot be done, let us not focus on whom we can blame--but on what we can do, what we can contribute, what we can change, what we can start--what we can create.

3 reasons that will make your Panagbenga Festival visit worthwhile

Thousands of Filipinos go to Baguio just to experience the Panagbenga Festival, but only a few people really understand the essence of the event.
In the recent years, the Panagbenga Festival has been so commercialized, it seems that the theme " Nature" and " Sustainability" is not met.
The Flower Parade instead of showcasing real creativity-- is filled with 90% advertising, only 10% of the remaining original theme and Igorot culture remains in the festivities.

Instead of experiencing the beauty of the Pine trees or having the chance to see the fantastic flowers and vegetable produce of Baguio and La Trinidad, most tourists are stuck in traffic.

There is hardly any beauty to be found in the yearly Market Encounter found in Burnham Park, the stalls are just filled with common "tiangge" or Made in China products, while the Session in Blooms regardless to say lacks character and originality-- common Fast food chains and restaurants take over the place-- its as if the stalls in SM City Baguio just went down- to offer the same thing that people all over the Philippines have already tried.

While this is a depressing thought, not everything should be depressing about a tourist visit to Baguio, after all the City of Baguio still has some of the best artists the world has seen.

Here are 3 ways to make your Panagbenga Festival visit worthwhile:

1. A chance to meet and see the works of Baguio artists


Needless to say, without the Baguio art community-- Baguio would be nothing.  Only the Baguio artists who continue to inspire creative works in the city remain as the only thing that will make a Baguio resident proud of their culture.
 Surprisingly, the city has yet to honor the efforts of various Baguio artists that continue to uphold the dignity of the city.


Vocas Artists and newly founded artist groups are the stronghold of the Baguio Community. Why?
Because without their creative thinking--there is hardly anything you would want to tour in the City that was once called the City of Pines..

In order to appreciate Baguio artists-- you need to visit some of the best artworks that they have created with combined efforts all over the city.

Not every artist in Baguio is mentioned in newspapers or documentaries, not everyone has been given the chance to get their names known like Ben Cab or Kidlat Tahimik-- but it does not mean that their work is not valuable, or that their work does not inspire countless of visitors in Baguio every year.

Where to go: Ben Cab Museum, Illy Likha art resto cafe ( Assumption Road),  Anito Bar& Cafe ( Mines View Park,  Tam-Awan arts village.

When we talk about Baguio artists, we are also talking about poetry slam artists-- fortunate guests who arrive in the right time would be able to hear some of the best poetry slam artists in Baguio perform their award winning poems in Mt. Cloud Bookshop.



Mt. Cloud Book shop is located at Casa, Vallejo a century old hotel in Baguio City.

When we say art, we also consider the efforts of theater performance artists such as Rey Angelo Aurelio and Dumay Solinggay who collaborate with Japanese artists and artists from all over the world--to produce one of a kind stage plays not only in Baguio but the entire Philippines.

People who want to see them perform live, could try their luck by hanging out in usual places where artists hang out like Assumption  Road, La Azotea, Anito Bar Cafe , Mt. Cloud bookshop, SLU CCA and U.P Baguio.

2. Baguio Musicians


Ever heard of Power Puff Corn? The Edralins?  the band Session road? well there is certainly more of this amazing talents in Baguio.

Although this people are not usually featured in TV shows like Darryl Shy or the Metamorphosis dancing group, you can be sure that lots of them still exist in the city of Baguio.

 Baguio is complete with every musician you can imagine, this is the home of theater performer, singer and composer Karlo Altomonte and the group Open Space.


This is also the home of John Gaerlan, a classical music artist who is also teaching music lessons at the University of Baguio.

Open Space is just one of the best theater and singer performers that can be found in Baguio-- they are composed of some of the best singers the country has seen.

If you feel like being entertained by classy and sophisticated voices-- go to  the Forest House and catch Ethan Andrew Ventura and wife  doing a memorable performance.

Some of the best musical groups still perform in some of the best bars and restaurants in Baguio. If you want to hear them sing, try your luck at Casa, Vallejo ( Hill Station) Ki'Kan bar ( former Ayuyang Bar at Gov. Pack road)

Ki'kan bar features some of the best folk singers in town, if you feel like hearing some of the best bands in Baguio try Ki'kan-- you won't be disappointed. If you just want laid back romantic music, you can try Duyan Bar owned by Brix Tan.



The Baguio music scene is still alive, and there are still noteworthy bands that people can check out.

Did I forget to mention this is also the home of the brilliant University of the Cordilleras Chorale and Orchestra?

During the Panagbenga Festival, Baguio musicians often come together at an event called " Baguio Music Festival", it is a free public event that is usually set on John Hay grounds near Techno Hub.

Have a picnic with the family while listening to brilliant artists..

3. Baguio Environmentalist Groups

Despite the deteriorating natural beauty of Baguio, some dedicated groups in Baguio are working hard to restore the former glory of Baguio.



There  are certain groups that are set on creating Eco-Forest parks that will benefit the people of Baguio in the long run.

This groups are highly active and continue to encourage residents and people outside Baguio to plant trees and more.

Some of the more prominent figures will include Michael Bengwayan and his FB group a Tree a Day, there is also another active community group by Sonn Fernandez called Save the needy Now.

 People who want to involve themselves in creative and environmental projects can add them up on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Atreeaday/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/463627880409008/

 If you feel like planting, or visiting private forest parks in Asin and Badiwan Habitat in order to help out and feel nature for a moment while in Baguio then this are the key people to contact.

Another forest park is being created called the Badiwan Habitat, it is still in the works. In the future it will be useful for so many people not only in Baguio.

Fruit bearing trees and amazing artworks are set to be created in Asin and places near Baguio. People visiting in Baguio could one day plant trees and place their names on it. One day sooner than expected people could actually dedicate trees for dead loved ones.

Groups such as this are getting more and more creative when it comes to making sure that the trees of Baguio will remain standing.

Remember the group that protested SM City Baguio for planning to cut 182 trees? well the members have been spread out all over the country to help spread out what they have learned about real environmental advocacy.

What to check: Asin Forest Park
Badiwan Habitat

https://www.facebook.com/groups/495279257193181/

https://www.facebook.com/libinganpark?ref=profileit.

Baguio City is so much more than just the Panagbenga Festival. Get to know the real community.

Just Do It!

As the facts slowly emerge, what the public has learned is that the bus was full of adventurous people in the prime of their lives. Among those who died were artistic souls who sought to connect their art with the real world. As young as they were, they had lived their dream. (A bus full of dreamers- GMA network)

The death of comedian actor " Tado" Jimenez along with 13 other creative souls while riding a bus for the purpose of a nature trip got me thinking.

Everyone seemed to think this was a tragic thing to happen, but death is everywhere- it can happen anytime, even the actor Tado was quoted saying pag oras mo na oras mo na kahit nasaan ka.

Tado was one rare Filipino celebrity, he is involved with a lot of advocacy especially environmental projects and the latest was with Dakila, a group he founded along with artist friends.

Ironically this was also the project that would claim his life.

I am not saddened because like I have said death is everywhere, it can happen while you are peacefully sleeping in your room.

In fact, I felt it was a poetic thing...to die while going on a nature trip with people who have creative souls...
To die while in a state of peace and rush at the same time...

In the past, my life was just a routine... I go to the office as a call center agent and work from Mondays to Saturdays.

The only recreation I have is trips in the bar, late night drinking sprees or going to the mall after my shift and drinking expensive coffee-expensive coffee that tastes just like any other cheap coffee.i

I get  my monthly salary just like every worker in the world, but the sad part is that I feel no gratification in buying clothes, gadgets or appliances--this was not the life I have envisioned--no gadget can make me happy for a long time--brand new shoes are just impressive for several minutes--after purchasing them the rush suddenly goes away.

In fact, I barely had anytime to live at all; I don't even notice how beautiful the sunrise or the sunset is because I am always tired. I don't have the time to talk to friends, did not have the time to play with pets, did not have the time to smell the flowers in the parks and gardens in the city...

While I did have good friends and good experiences while working at this environment--i felt empty.

Most of the time I just cry in my room, asking why I am in this situation and am there no other way to live my life- i had to wake up and fulfill my duties at work--but I don't know why I do this things--all my money goes to paying bills--every  month bills come and they increase and the cycle does not end.

Perhaps, that same wish led me to my current life...deep inside I wanted to be just like Tado or people like him...

I remember asking the universe to give me an awesome life...to allow  me to meet awesome people. I cried in desperation for all of this...and got them...the process was swift...the process involved great journeys...

People like Tado who join Fun Runs for a Cause, tree planting projects, who trekked on top of Mt. Pulag, who explored places  that some can only dream of- people who can just travel anytime--anywhere--people who trusted life..- people who chose their work and projects because they love doing it--they did things because they believe in them.

A life of integrity, creativity, balance and truth...

I want to be able travel from North to South..east to west... places in Mindanao fascinates me..exploring caves and  trying out experiences that cannot be bought by money.

I wanted to be free, while money is undeniably important--I don't want money to become my master--Life should not be about constant worrying of electrical bills, rent bills, water bills--there has to be some way to get out of my sad state.

It should not be lived impressing parents or others i--because this is your life--in the end you will not be able to blame anyone if you have not enjoyed it.

You need to do everything that you can to make sure that the life you are having right now--is based on your own will and decisions--that is the only way you will be able to justify it.

The death of these creative souls reminded me of my journey together with Baguio artists and several artists based on Singapore and Japan way back 2012.

We took the bus, there were around 27 people in the bus...despite coming from different backgrounds and having different jobs--we all had one common goal.--to enjoy life!

We took that bus ride and journeyed for 5 straight days to various places, we camped out and just set up bonfires and the artists shared their artworks to the community. Art should not be placed inside museums--art should be lived.

Perhaps, if it was our bus who fell down the mountain...I would still say the same thing...death is everywhere, death is not a sad thing--because I know that if it were our bus who fell down there-- we each would die without any regrets.

For how will we die with regrets when everyday our life revolved around bonfires, cooking pinikpikan, drinking brewed coffee, dancing to our hearts content--doing projects that we love to do--how will we die with regrets when we have poured out our hearts to the people we love even if they have rejected us.

How can we die in vain, when we have experienced being with kindred souls...people who have accepted us despite our weirdness...despite the fact that we can't offer much on the material aspect of things...?

How will you die with regret when we have experienced conversing with each other from 8pm to 9am in the morning...without stopping--because we have just enjoyed each other's company too much...?

The people I met whether they come from Baguio or any part of the world are individuals lived their lives outside the expectation of the world.

Many of my friends have traveled to more than 40 cities and more than 15 countries--despite not having any material things to boast about in life...

I call them the Just Do it people.... people who are brave enough to let out their inner soul and people who told life. I am here--Let's make this life an eternal party!

The person I have become was a totally different person 5 years ago...it seems amazing now that I am not even afraid to die--and that I know deep inside that people like Tado have lived their lives content and with no regret...

A lot of ideologies will tell you to avoid loving yourself too much--but then if you cannot love yourself…you will not be able to love anybody else... a lot of teachings will tell you to forget who you are and what you feel...a lot of teachings will tell you to sacrifice at the expense of yourself...

I say those are all lies...listen to you...Just Do it!

How Baguio Artists can help save the image of Baguio City

In the recent years there have been a lot of changes in the city of Baguio, most of the city parks and forested areas have been removed and most of the open spaces have been converted into private spaces reducing the number of tourist spots people can visit.

A lot of tourists are saying that Baguio city is no longer what it used to be, it has slowly become a bustling city without any clear direction.

Areas like John Hay and Burnham Park is slowly being converted into private areas and people are being charged before they can enter areas that were once free for public use.

Because of this there has been a steady decline in the number of tourists coming in and out of Baguio, the number of people visiting the city during the Panagbenga has also declined due to the inability of the city government to provide efficient services and interesting events to make sure that the visitors will deem it worthy to visit the city.

Because of this the role of the Baguio artists has increased, if there is one thing that can save Baguio tourism that is the creativity and originality of Baguio artists.

 People are always looking for new information, the next best thing and Baguio has yet to learn how it will provide this to the people.

Understanding the Baguio Art community and what it has to offer?

If there is one thing that will separate Baguio from other provinces in the country, it is the level of artistry that the place can offer.

Baguio inspires a lot of people to take an interest in writing, poetry, painting and other ways to express them because of the inviting atmosphere.

It is easy to get inspired in a city that has pine trees and fog in the afternoon.  

The people of Baguio live in one of the most romantic cities in the Philippines.

When we speak of the Baguio art community we mean to say the street artists and the trained artists in the city of Baguio.

This will also include the theater performers and the dance performers who continue to make Baguio interesting.

Baguio does not have the natural resources that other places can offer; we do not have vast oceans and beaches that people can visit.

We cannot compete with other provinces when it comes to natural resources, but what we can promote is the level of creativity that the Cordilleran culture can offer.

Poetry Scene in Baguio:

Unknown to many people here in Baguio, a group of writers and poetry slam artists are  active in providing shows that feature poetry slam artists' performance for relevant issues here in the city of Baguio.

One of the frequent supporters of these kinds of events is Mt. Cloud Book Shop owned and managed by Padmapani L. Perez.

Poetry slam artists like Jennifer Carino, Rey Gelo Aurelio, Dumay Solingay, Jessica Faye Marino, Pryce E. Quintos and many others frequent the area.

Almost every month a poetry slam competition is being held in Mt. Cloud Bookshop. Students and people from all walks of life are invited to listen to the poets deliver their lines.

The topic will change every now and then, on several occasions there has been a focus on HIV awareness.

Poetry slam artists of Baguio have taken the time to create poetry pieces that provide information and expression of what HIV is.

The idea is to spread awareness to reduce the stigma and to remove the prejudice against HIV patients with the help of poetry and stage performance. 2nd Scarlet Letters from Baguio is one example of how poetry can be used to spread awareness.

It is a a poetry slam for HIV-awareness co-organized by the AIDS Society of the Philippines and the Baguio Writers Group, co-sponsored by CHILD and Hill Station.

In order for art to be useful in society, it has to be able to bridge the gap between imagination and reality, it has to be useful, and it has to be able to move people to act.

There have been times wherein the poetry slam contest focused on inspiring people to love nature and plant trees.

It is with the belief that there are many ways to spread information; poetry is one way to move the people into action.

Poetry slam artists are just one sector of the Baguio artists moving to help Baguio better, a small group that is not yet given ample attention by the local government.

It is with the hopes that by featuring the works of various Baguio artists' groups we can help Baguio get recognized for the talent that it has to offer to the world.

More contributions of Baguio artists are waiting to be discovered, each of this groups will be tackled extensively in the coming weeks.

Mt. Cloud bookshop where the informative poetry sessions are being held is located at Casa Vallejo Plaza, DPS Compound Access Road, Baguio City in 2600 (074) 424 4437

…to be continued.

                                                                                                                              

Baguio artists Community Update: The Art of Joyful living

Baguio Artists Community Update:

Baguio is said to be the melting pot of ideas of the North, and Baguio artists alongside with international artists who visit the place yearly help make this statement convincing. However the local government has yet to notice the impact that Baguio artists provide.

It was said once that the originality and creativity of the Baguio artists would be able to save the tourism industry of the city.

The art community has spread and a new generation of Baguio artists has risen, the local media is not able to give ample focus on this event but it does not mean to say that they are not worth noticing.

A lot of people are still unaware of the latest news about what is happening in the circle of Baguio artists and this article will serve as a guide for people who want to understand the art community of Baguio deeper.

A group of travelers has come to Baguio; this group is composed of artists coming from Japan, Turkey, Belgium and various parts of the Philippines.

The group has travelled around the Cordillera region to share the Mikusano Mitakara or what they call as the message of “The Three Joyful Treasures of Living”.

They first started their journey together with Baguio artists Rey Angelo Aurelio, Dumay Solinggay and Hector Kawig at the University of Baguio.

On the 24^th of November they proceeded to the Ifugao State University in Lamut, Ifugao and stayed there for 3 days to share the art of joyful living to university students and anyone who was willing to listen.

Shigemi Iida, is considered to be the leader of the group, he comes from Sua, a town found in the mountainous regions of Nagano, Japan, about 6 to 7 hours northeast of Tokyo. He has travelled around the world to share this precious knowledge for ordinary people, along with the aim of rediscovering ancient traditions of the communities that he has visited.

Shigemi Iida has trained several Bangui artists including Del Devendra the art of healing through the hands. This art of healing is called “ Tanagokoro” which literally means “ heart palm”. They believe that our hand is rooted from the chest, where the heart is found. In order to be able to heal and share energy with one another there is a need to touch each other through massage.

Apart from the healing methods that they have shared with Baguio artists, they have also included several poetry concepts that will greatly benefit the poetry slam artists of Baguio.

This group of travelers who have visited Baguio believe that “Poetry is God, according to Iida Sun as noted by Dumay Solinggay ( Florenda Pedro), “ A poet can make words dance, thus he acts through words.”

Baguio artists and international traveling artists from various parts of the world were able to bond for 21 days and share their knowledge and culture with one another. During the 21 days they were also able to perform a prayer ritual at the Igorot Park for the Yolanda victims.

They have invited people to light a candle and send positive wishes for the people who have been affected by the super typhoon.

The Art of Joyful living contains how to live a life of passion without the need for negativity. It encourages people to say thanks and feel gratitude even for the simple things in life.  It is living in the present moment and focusing on a giving and open environment.

It discourages negative words; it focuses on teaching people to free their minds of worry.

The lesson that these travelers have left behind will be passed on by Baguio artists to the community of Baguio. 

An inspired oriental way of living has been passed on; the energy of life as they call it or Chi is the focus of this learning.

After 21 days of learning with the traveling artists, our very own Baguio art community is set to spread this positive energy in various activities and events all over the city of Baguio and beyond.

The three treasures of joyful living, the MikusanoMitakara, are tense, Mashinai and Chinomichi. They are essential knowledge that exists almost in all ancient traditions in the world. “This world is a crazy world. But I have a crazy hope.

We all have crazy hopes”, Iida-son feels that if thirty percent of the world’s population knows about MikusanoMitakara and would recover their ancient traditions, a change will occur in our consumerist global society.

They had their last culminating activity at John Hay Bell-Amphitheater; they provided free healing massage and performed together with Baguio artists a moving theatrical piece. 

People from different walks of life were able to take part in this activity and will take the inspiring lessons anywhere they will go.

The traveling artists are set to come back next year for an even more extensive sharing and learning process with the Baguio community.