April 2009 trip
I can’t recount how many times Ive been to Baguio and Benguet last year, my colleague even said, ” Aakyat ka na naman? Parang mall mu lng ang Baguio ah! Pack and go, and the next day ur back”. haha Of course, my heart was captured by the Cordilleras! Maybe for some it’s “just Baguio” but for me.. Baguio is timeless..It’s voted as one of top choices of photographers as their favorite destinations for photography in the country as per one famous TV show last year.
So after my hiatus..and crying over this website because I can’t access it..I’m now back… and I decided to start it with the Baguio series..
Tam-awan Village is located in Pinsao Road owned by artist Ben Cabrera along with other friends and cared for by the Chanum Foundation. With the aim of providing access to indigenous culture to those who have not had the chance to explore the Cordilleran interior, Chanum Foundation, Inc. started this artists’ village in 1998 with three salvaged authentic huts from Bangaan, Ifugao Province. Some of these huts can be rented out (Php500 per person per night). 
Now, it is home to Bugnay Gallery, Village Gallery, Dap-ay Luggong Hut, View Deck 1 & 2 , Alang hut, Kinakin hut, Dukligan hut, Fertility hut, Batad Hut, Anaba Hut, Art installation under the Ugnayan Bridge, and Gazebo Cafe. 
Upon entering the living museum, I was greeted by the Alang hut on the left side, just one of the Ifugao huts on display. 
Climbing up the stairs, my attention was caught by a bamboo bridge with hanging installation and a man-made pond turned wishing-pond.
Ugnayan bridge
an art installation
about the art installation: the poor condition of the working class of Xerox Paper
I wandered around the upper part of the village to find the Ifugao huts tucked in lush greenery. 
the sign at the lady's cr meaning "babae"
Then headed towards the center of the village where one can see more artworks by Cordillera artists… 
You may purchase artworks on display by one of the many well-known artists or simply have your sketch for Php 100 by some artists there, I highly encourage you to donate as well. 
I was only able to take home the cheapest masterpiece (2 sketches worth Php100) by 2 artists. One can sit and have your sketches done by the artists (# of sketches depends on the availability of the artists). Photographing the artworks is prohibited by the way.
solar paintings
I can’t afford the artworks but knowing that it’ll help the foundation will surely be worth it, it’s cheaper than those artworks sold at art galleries in the malls. The solar drawings are really impressive, it’s an artwork where artist uses the rays of the sun to burn patterns on wood.
I also tried the Tam-awan salad at the cafe for Php95. The art cafe also offers Cordillera art pieces, souvenirs and wines made from the Mountain Province.
inside the art cafe
Tam-awan salad
proudly Philippine-made
I initially planned on staying at one of the huts for Php500 overnight but I had to see the rest of Baguio which is quite far from the village. The rain poured exactly as I exit the village. I run towards Arko ni Apo, owned by world-renowned artist Ben Hur Villanueva, which is just a few meters away…
via ride a jeep —> Ride a Quezon Hill-Tam-Awan jeep
via taxi —> give directions for Tam-Awan Village, Pinsao Proper .or Long-long via Tam-Awan from Kayang Street, Baguio City Market.
Chanum Foundation Inc.
Tam-awan Village, Pinaso Proper, 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Phone: +6374 446 2949
Entrance fee :
Student : Php 20
Children and Senior : Php 30
Adult : Php 50
THEpinaysolobackpacker normally stays at:
Bayden Powell in Baguio, they have cheap dormitory style rooms for Php300.
website: http://badenpowellinn.i.ph/
Located at #26 Gov. Pack Rd., Baguio City 2600, Philippines. (just below SM Baguio along Andoks , entrance to Ayuyang Bar).
Telefax: (074) 442 5836
Phone: (074) 442 8177
Manila Numbers: (02) 721 7818 and (02) 250 6018
Email: badenpowellinn@gmail.com
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Gael Hilotin
About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo traveler, a dream chaser and a student of life. Her (mis) adventures are documented on this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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[...] thepinaysolobackpacker Oct 01 2010 TrackBack Address. Number of View: 9My 1st solo trip was in Baguio and Benguet and my last visit was during Panagbenga 2009, yet for the nth time that I’ve been [...]
Gael!
Free ka sa April10-11? Pulag tayo. Game?
sigh..sayang..gusto q pa naman umakyat ng Pulag…huhu I’ll be out of the country, backpacking for a few weeks. =(
via Baguio ang daan to Pulag di ba? hehehe. Plan ko rin mag Baguio that weekend. Pero minus the Pulag
Where do you stay sa Baguio? Can you recommend a place?
Hi Nina! Baden Powell po, just below SM Baguio, kahilera ng Andoks, yung my entrance to Ayuyang bar. I only stay there though coz their dorm style room is cheap and it’s walking distance to Session Rd, but they also have bigger better more expensive rooms but I hvnt chcked or tried those, kuripot aq eh.
pls chck nlng: http://badenpowellinn.i.ph/ Yup, Baguio to Benguet is the most famous route to Pulag.
This is the 2nd occasion I have come across your blog post in the last couple weeks. Seems like I ought to take note of it.
Reviewing your Baguio posts =)
Ganda ng cover pic, di ko pa naabutan na misty yang Tam-Awan eh. =)
May Php300 rooms pala sa Baguio? Got to check that out next time