Gala Pinoy Redux

First, another excuse (remember the first one?). I got neck-deep in work during the latter part of the week last week after relaxing at Astoria Boracay (we’ll get to that in the future).

Now we return to regular programming.

After our quick trip to the Mines View Park, Trish and I headed to the BenCab museum. Okay, we passed by SM Baguio first but there’s no story there so we fast forward.

The BenCab Museum is a museum owned by National Artist Ben Cabrera, better known as BenCab. Many of his works are displayed there, but there’s more to the museum that bears the artist’s name.

“Bring Me to Your Holy Mountain, to Your Dwelling Place” by Kiggao Rossimo


Detail of the “Bring Me to Your Holy Mountain…” by Kiggao Rossimo

Also on display are works by Ifugaos, up and coming artists, as well as those created by other institutions in Philippine art.

One of the ‘bulol’ displayed at the museum. It’s a rice granary god venerated by Ifugaos to ensure an abundant harvest and protection from calamities.

“Saint Joseph”. From a copper engraving made by Laureano Atlas in the 19th century and handprinted by Imelda Cajipe Endaya in 1980. The museum has a collection of prints from old engravings.

How to Go to the BenCab Museum

“Mask” by Gerry Leonardo. From the museum collection called “Through the Palette’s Eye”.

Information on their website says that you can take a jeepney to Asin from the Baguio market, which is a 15-minute ride.

But lazy travelers that we are, Trish and I hailed a cab (seems like there are too many cabs in this post) at SM then went straight to the museum. It’s quite a long ride that passes by winding roads, so be patient and don’t panic–the cabbie’s not going to kidnap you.

The museum’s easy to spot. Its facade bears the name of the artist and it is unique compared to the regular houses you’ll see along the way.

Entrance Fee to the BenCab Museum

A detail from Arturo Luz’ “White Templates”

The entrance fee’s at P100 for regular folks, while it’s P80 for students and senior citizens. Student groups also get special rates upon prior arrangement with the staff. Unlike stuff at the Mines View Park, you can’t haggle on the price of entrance fee, unfortunately. ;)

Can You Bring a Camera to the BenCab Museum?

“Cordillera” by Ramon Orlina.

The photos on this post should have made it obvious by now, but yes you can. Flash photography is not allowed though, so leave your 200-watt flashes and umbrellas at home.

Detail from Ramon Orlina’s “Cordillera”.

Notes on the BenCab Museum’s Design

A view of the garden below.

The museum’s design is definitely well-thought of. Artworks are organized into themes and artists throughout its three floors. There’s no way but down until you’re finally led to the garden below.

But before you take pretty photos of the flowers at the garden, there’s a cafe waiting for you at the bottom floor! Grab a snack first and sample their coffee (brought to you by Cafe Sabel). Their coffee’s great by the way, so be sure to check it out.

Cafe Sabel’s Benguet iced tea.

The Benguet iced tea’s refreshing too even if you’re literally chilling up in the mountains. However, I didn’t quite enjoy the spicy Ilocano pasta as it was all spice and nothing else interesting for me. It would be great if they could infuse more interesting flavors there. But duh, it’s called spicy Ilocano pasta in the first place, so why complain?

Cafe Sabel’s Spicy Ilocano Pasta.

Which brings us back to the museum’s design. It’s indeed well-thought of because once you’re through appreciating all the artworks, you’ve nothing left to do but think, wait, I’m feeling hungry. Strange but true. Great art can induce severe hunger pangs.

Just chillin’ up the mountains–literally.

So let’s stop right here for now (and sing this song while we’re at it). Aren’t you bored yet? Just wait until Friday (I promise!) for my next post about our dinner at Oh My Gulay.

Graffiti at the museum entrance.

And while I still have your attention, why don’t you join me at Facebook, Twitter and Plurk? Cool people do that. And they leave comments too. Are you cool enough? *grin*