Art Gallery, August 2013
For almost four years of stay in Baguio, I have often heard about the BenCab museum from friends or other travel blogs. I never had the time to visit great places within the city because most of my time is devoted to academics (just joking). For certain reasons, I made my way to the roster of Humanities 2 that opened up an opportunity to visit the museum before I leave Baguio (hopefully).
(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013
My artsy side does not often come naturally. It’s usually impulsive and at times, dormant. Due to my extensive exposure to science, my perspective shifted to complexity and symmetry. I knew I needed to join this trip not only for the extra points but also for the restoration of my lost interest in art.
One look at the museum, I knew that it’s gonna be great, but hot, day.
As soon as the doors were opened for us, few paintings were already waiting for us. They were large, just like a mural. The planning of the museum was impressive for they categorized the paintings, this way, it’s better to look at them by their similarities.
I noticed that most of the works are inspired by the Cordilleran culture. This may be due to the geographical location of the museum and/or Ben Cabrera’s fascination of Indigenous People’s culture. From weaved cloth to pottery, it became a depiction of the once thriving culture.
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| (c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013 Culture depiction at its finest. |
(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013
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| (c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013 Pottery (it's for sale, I think) |
If only our tour guide’s voice was louder and clearer, it would have been great. I could only stare at paintings without knowing which is which. The precision and undefined boundaries of the paintings impressed me the most.
(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013
(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013
On the other side, abstract paintings were abound. It was really hard to discern what the artist wanted to depict in the paintings. In the end, it leaves the viewer something to ponder on. This left me questions dancing in my head which I held on for some time. But for the record, abstract paintings are constant reminders of that sometimes, imperfections are perfect.
(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013
 (c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013 |
| What's that? :D |
It may look odd but I enjoyed staring at the paintings in the Erotica Gallery. At first, the idea of erotica, for me, was absurd and harassing. But upon integrating the human body to art, the definition became clearer. To me, before, it should be talked of privately, but somehow this notion changed. It’s fascinating how the human body is being portrayed and given importance to. In my opinion, the artist may be a fan of Freud.
 (c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013 |
| Erotica miniatures. |
This trip, somehow, uplifted my interest in art. I wasn't supposed to join this activity for the load of requirements waiting to be accomplished. At the end of the day, the time that I intend to devote to my requirements, gave a much better consequence in return. The experience and the bonding was worth the sacrifice.
(c) Arianne Gamboa | 2013
From Baguio City:
Take a Public Utility Jeep that is bound for Asin Hot Springs. The terminal for these is located in the public market. Ask for directions (this is vital). From there, ask the driver to drop you off at BenCab museum. It is not hard to notice for the said building has a modern design that differs it from the surrounding environment. Make sure to bring enough money for there is an entrance fee plus there is a cafe resto inside that provides a scenic view.
From BenCab Museum:
Wait for jeeps that pass by the museum. The fare is Php 28.00 (as of now) for one-way back to Baguio City. If you have an afternoon to kill, head a bit further (ride a jeepney) until you've reached the Asin hot springs. Along the way, there are numerous resorts (Riverview, Palm Grove, etc.) to relax upon.
Enjoy!
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