Art converges in Baguio City for 4th Tam–awan International Arts Festival
MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of National Heritage Month, Chanum Foundation in Baguio City offers the staging of the 4th Tam – awan international Arts Festival (TIAF 4) dubbed as Jewels of the Cordillera focusing heirloom jewelry, accessories and traditional tattoo art.
The event is in tandem with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in celebration of the National Heritage Month highlighted in May, Baguio City has been chosen as a venue to highlight traditional, culture and heritage along with Apayao, Batanes, Cebu, Dapitan, Manila and Sarangani.
TIAF 4 is aimed to encourage us, to appreciate, nurture and take action in preserving our gift of heritage and history, TIAF events are set on May 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 and it is in this light that we invite you to be our partner in promoting culture and arts.
Art Groups from all over the Philippines will be joining the five-day festival with contingents from Tabuk, Kalinga, Abra Province, Romblon, Binangonan Artists, Pampanga Arts Guild, Grupo Biag (Vigan Artists), Bacolod, Laguna, Dumaguete, Batanes, PAEA and GSIS Team, Pangasinan, University of the East Students and University of Iloilo.
May 15-16 a workshop for cordilleran bead making, traditional and modern tattoo, and Tam-awan village artist’s workshop is scheduled for participants given by Conception Chaong and the delegation of teachers from Karao, Bokod, Benguet.
Official opening ceremonies are set on May 17 (Friday) with a traditional canao followed by a press conference.
TIAF 4 will be graced by South African Ambassador - Her Excellency Agnes Nyamande-Pitso, Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert and NCCA executive director Emelita Almosara. South African Ambasador Pitso is set to give a talk on South African Jewelry while University of Baguio Professor Ikin Salvador will speak on Reinventing Traditional Tattoos of the Cordilleras.
On May 18 Saturday, Ambassador Delia Albert will give a talk on “Mountains of Gold: Mining in Baguio-Benguet a Historical Perspective†which will give light on the rich mineral industry of the highlands paving the way for the surge in creation of fine jewelry.
Kalinga elder, Natty Sugguiyao will also share her talk on re interpreting beauty†the Kalinga tattooed women and the Aliwadog – Kalinga heirloom beads with Mary Grace Pocais. Sonia Daoas will follow with her talk on Traditional Cordilleran Accessories and Designs with a Fashion Show of Cordilleran Accessories and Native wear.
NCCA legal counsel Trixie Angeles will likewise empower artists with her talk; Art and Copyright laws in the afternoon.
The evenings of the TIAF 4 will be highlighted by performances from international groups led by contingents from the Republic of China as well as groups from all over the Cordilleras.
On Sunday, May 19 Ken Esguerra of the Ayala Museum will share a talk on Excavated Gold jewelry of the Philippines. Traditional closing ceremonies will follow at noon.
