BAGUIO
CITY - Elevating
one’s lifestyle is a goal shared by many Filipinos. For some, this means being
able to afford a life of leisure. For others, it’s simply about stepping out
and stepping up. And where else to get that proposition than in Baguio?
Baguio, lodged in the middle of a
highland and integrated into natural landscape, is an aesthetically unique
place; a haven for artists that spurs creativity and inspiration; and a mecca
of diversity where people are unbound of expressing themselves through art,
music, and collected works.
It is true that to be able to
know how rich a culture is, and how manifold a community is, one needs to
experience its facets, meet its locals, and just embrace its oral history.
Baguio has always been that place
I visualized to be settling in one day. It provides more than a patch of green.
Consistently back and forth, I consider the place my second home. Just
picturing the heap of opportunities ready to chance puts me in rapture. Even if
I decide to put down roots and build a house, I won’t shed things–to put it
flatteringly. In fact, the surroundings tell much of my personal histories–the
clutter, an inventory of freedom travels and food eaten (whether in its
strawberry shortcake or Pinikpikan reiteration).
The point is this–Baguio is
spectacular in photos and to experience it is exponentially better.
Cultural identity &
advocacy for change
#Espasyo envisions Baguio as a
city of flourishing cultures depicted in all art forms. A network of community
volunteers, visual artists, musicians, and performers coming from all walks of
life drawn together by sincere aspiration, rediscovering Baguio has been a
quest.
They believe that it is
imperative to revisit and celebrate Baguio not only as a tourist destination,
but also as a forerunner of the creative industry in the country which
translates to added economic benefits to the city in the long run.
On September 7, Rose Garden was
filled with arts and people who’re passionate about it, and who’re disposed to
its importance towards the city’s cultural identity empowerment. With the help
of the Baguio community and some organizations, the event was a success.
Espasyo’s
Communications person Calypso Alaia said that providing value to the
city’s local talents and the creativity they can bring is important.
“Artists in
Baguio, using different art forms can redeem Baguio. When people create, they
get inspired, and inspiration can defeat negativity; it creates a stronger and better
community”, she added.
Dance performances, instrumental
humming, poem delivery, cosplay, and fashion showcase are some of the
activities on the event.
The moment my taxi ride pulled
over, skim past the shanty ukay stores,
the scene hit me with exhilaration –how lucky I was to witness an ingenious
idea happen before my eyes.
You may shiver through an image
of these youth in Benguet native costumes gamboling in an Igorot descant
accompanied by cheerful observers. Tailing them are performances from
independent, and University student groups. Watching them makes Baguio an
exciting prospect for a journey, both eye-opening and entertaining.
Being in the middle of a
flamboyant crowd can sometimes become too lively (a euphemism for noisy), so
wandering around the area helped me found my inner peace and a grateful heart (thus
the ‘cryptic’ Feels like home, song title). I also get to take photos of dogs
in costumes and cosplayers channeling their character heroes.
The organized chaos of chalk art
near the dancing floor fountain was a prolific treat to anyone. I instantly
became Picasso that day, as I hastily draft my attempt to do an abstract piece,
but failed. Getting your hands dirty in calling for art is always a seal of
satisfaction.
By providing support to our local
artists who play significant roles in propagating culture, Baguio could become
one of the most character-driven city in the country, if not the most. So, give
Baguio the chance in spite all the cheesy stereotypes it may or may not
deserve.
If you want to learn more about
humanity, Baguio is the best place to watch it unravel. (Louie dela Vega/FOCUS)
Hey, you know what’s not actually a new thing, and that people can all stop going crazy about? It’s having camera on your phone. I mean, getting excited about it is a bit like getting excited about ordering spaghetti with meatballs, or playing a song off your laptop which factually is one of its many functions.
Phone control. This app allows you to monitor every activity of your child’s phone. It will forward outgoing and incoming SMS messages, photo taken, contacts, phone calls and location of the device. And you can do this without even noticing by your child because it doesn’t have an icon seen on the phone. 
