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Overview

Quote:

It’s only a year that has passed since I last visited yet Baguio’s artists’ haven, the Tam-awan Village has undergone some changes that took me by surprise. The place was decorated in the theme of harvest festival or “Ani” in local terms. A man on top of a carabao, or water buffalo, made of straw and local materials greeted us at the entrance of Tam-awan, but the warm welcome came from the tourist guide waiting for us at the top of the steps. His name was Roniel and he was only 15-years-old. He helps out in the Chanum Foundation, the organization that oversees Tam-awan Village and promotes the indigenous customs of Cordillera. Only over a decade-old, the Tam-awan Village boasts seven Ifugao h...Read More

It’s only a year that has passed since I last visited yet Baguio’s artists’ haven, the Tam-awan Village has undergone some changes that took me by surprise. The place was decorated in the theme of harvest festival or “Ani” in local terms. A man on top of a carabao, or water buffalo, made of straw and local materials greeted us at the entrance of Tam-awan, but the warm welcome came from the tourist guide waiting for us at the top of the steps. His name was Roniel and he was only 15-years-old. He helps out in the Chanum Foundation, the organization that oversees Tam-awan Village and promotes the indigenous customs of Cordillera. Only over a decade-old, the Tam-awan Village boasts seven Ifugao huts and two Kalinga huts which were transported from the Cordillera region to Tam-awan where locals and tourists could view the houses and be educated of the culture of the tribes of the northern Philippines. These houses are available for rent to tourists who would want to spend a night in the artsy Tam-awan Village. Roniel brought us to the various huts and the view deck 1 where the coast of the western part of Luzon could be distinguished. “Tam-awan” means, literally, 'vantage point' because locals can see the whole landscape from the village’s location. Along the way, we saw a giant dreamcatcher which served to protect the entire village. We glimpsed a weird-looking tree and our guide told us that it was called the fern tree, with hook-like sprouts on its head. The marsh-like trunk was used to carve the fertility idol. What’s new with Tam-awan was the portrait-sketching which was located at the square where the galleries and the coffee-cum-souvenir shop could be found. Don’t miss to sit for a portrait and all the artists present will sketch your face. Tam-awan is maintained by the Chanum Foundation. Founded in 1996, the foundation took the lead in reconstructing Ifugao houses in Baguio and created a village that will provide travelers a glimpse of the tribal life. Its role is to nurture and care for the Tam-awan Village as a venue for art and cultural activities to enhance appreciation of the history, culture, and life of the Cordillera people.

Quick Tips:

Tam-awan is not very accessible by public transport, although there are a number of taxis that pass by, they come sparingly. It is better to let the cab wait at the entrance. It is a bit of a steep climb from the main entrance to the activity area. Thus, if you plan to go there, wear rubber shoes or slippers as it might get slippery at times. It is always wise to check the weather in Baguio to know the kind of things you need to bring along. Trust Baguio to offer cheap clothes when you forget to bring your jackets during the cold months or if you’ve left your summer clothes during hot season.

Best Way To Get Around:

Tam-awan Village is found in Pinsao Proper. If you want to commute by taking a jeep, look for the one with the sign Quezon Hill – Tam-awan Village or Long-long via Tam-awan which you can find parked at Kayang Street near the Baguio City Market. If you want to go by taxi or Tamaraw FX cab, direct the driver going past the Lourdes Grotto to Quezon hill to Pinsao Proper. Going to Baguio, it is more comfortable to take a bus from Manila (either Cubao or Pasay station along EDSA) than to drive a car. Since it’s a six-hour journey for a non-stop trip, you’ll find that you can save on time when you travel at night. Once in Baguio, there are so many taxis that can take you around. Don’t worry, most of the drivers are friendly and do not charge higher than the usual rate. But still, it is safe to be always careful. Read Less

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Tam-awan Cafe

Restaurant | "Tam-awan Coffee Shop"

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Sipping hot, locally-brewed coffee in a roomful of paintings and native displays is an experience that is not common in urban Manila. Tam-awan Village’s coffee shop is beautifully located at the heart of the art haven near the open court. Greeting visitors on both sides of the door are solar drawn sketches of mountains and rice terraces. There’s a secret behind those paintings—each frame hides several images of women. If you want to take part in this mind-boggling art, try unlocking the mystery behind these paintings to satisfy your curiosity before you attend to your gustatory needs. The coffee shop also offers meals that have egg, red rice, meat, and a hot beverage for less than US$2...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 23, 2007

Tam-awan Cafe
Tam-awan Village
Baguio

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Baguio (General)

Attraction | "Ani Festival"

Quote:

Ani, in Filipino, literally means “harvest”. Filipinos, since time immemorial, puts emphasis on their association with their land. And, with the Philippines being a tropical and agricultural country, harvest time has always been a cause of celebration. Since locals get to experience the dry season with cracked land and brown plants, a rich harvest is something every family in the countryside looks forward to. The northern part of the Philippines has always been the country’s rice granary. Even the rugged mountains of Luzon have been transformed to steps of rice paddies which are more popularly known as rice terraces. The Dingras town in Ilocos Norte celebrates the Ani Festival every March wi...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 23, 2007

Baguio (General)

Baguio, Philippines

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Tribal Huts

Story/Tip

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There are nine tribal huts erected in different vantage points in Tam-awan Village. Seven of those are from the Ifugaos and two are from the Kalinga tribe. These huts were few of the remaining tribal huts and were transported to Tam-awan Village where these huts will be maintained and their culture preserved. These huts are rebuilt by traditional artisans with the original materials, save for the roof with added new cogon roots. The huts were spread out in Tam-awan to resemble what a traditional Cordillera village looks like. Ifugao houses, like the Dukligan and the Anaba hut, are built without nails. Made of hard wood, the hut is elevated to about shoulder level with four posts. The posts ...Read More

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Portrait Sketching

Story/Tip

Quote:

It must have been my day because six artists were lounging at the sketching area waiting for anyone to avail of their services when I passed by. I inquired how much it would cost to have my portrait sketched and they just pointed me to a small box at the counter. “Just a donation,” they replied. I sat down for about 15-20 minutes and they started sketching my portrait. These artists, namely, Ged, Patrick, Alfonso, Alfred, Buddy and Bay-an, are regulars at the Tam-awan Village. They have been perfecting their craft and promoting the Filipino culture through their artists’ eyes. Each of them have different interpretations of my face as they focused more on the character and the aura they perce...Read More

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Nature, faith and art

Story/Tip

Quote:

Tam-awan is Baguio’s melting pot of nature, faith, and art. Many artists from various parts of the country go to Tam-awan as if it is an artist’s mecca. You’d find a figure of a fertility idol carved on a fern tree’s stalk or a Bulol on a post at the view deck. Human body parts are also carved on posts and doors of tribal huts. Try standing at the clearing in front of the coffee shop and bask in the beauty surrounding you: greens and reds from trees and plants, various images that depict the beliefs of the native folks, and paintings and sculptures that are beautifully hand-painted using various artistic mediums. Such harmony has always been a way of life of the ancient tribes in the region t...Read More

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Baguio Journals

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