A Different Baguio Experience

Went to Baguio last weekend for a quick overnight trip with husband and my in laws. I often go to Baguio and do the usual thing (which is basically just eat and sleep), but this trip was different. First of all, we had to plant a tree (yes an actual tree... a mahogany seedling to be exact) in my cousin's name since he was a little peeved he wasn't invited to the trip, so this was his "i forgive you if you do this" card. The Manor at Camp John Haywas very accommodating. I love the place because it's so cozy but I love it even more now because the staff really went out of their way to address our unusual request. They got their head gardener to come with us to plant our tree by the entrance of Manor Suites. Which is pretty cool cuz if the tree does survive the cold weather (cuz head gardener Ronald told us Mahogany trees can't survive cold weather), it'll be in plain sight of everyone who ever stays at Manor or Manor Suites. So thank you Manor!

if this little baby survives, it'll be the only mahogany tree in all of Baguio!

 Anyway, the reason I enjoyed Baguio this time more than ever was because we discovered the hidden museum of BenCab!

It's tucked away in a labyrinth of streets in the heart of Baguio. It's all very rural then in the middle of it all is this modern structure that kind of takes you by surprise. Inside it's doors is 4 floors of art that I feel was visually, perfectly arranged and laid out. It was all very easy on the eyes. Not at all overwhelming like what I feel when I visit most museums. There were other works of other artists but it felt like it blended well with most of BenCab's creations. One of my favorites was one of many "Sabel" pieces. I heard that Sabel, is BenCab's muse. Which you can certainly see there since most of his paintings are of the infamous Sabel.  It's one of the first pieces you'll see when you enter the museum.

32 Variations on Sabel

To top it all off, besides all the wonderful art, the land surrounding the museum is absolutely gorgeous. He bought most of the land around I guess so he has more inspiration to paint or sculpt or whatever. He has a house, a pond, a meditation area, a greenhouse and a huge garden. At the bottom of the museum is Cafe Sabel (again with the muse!) where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee and marvel at the vast expanse of land surrounding you. 

Here we are looking down on all of BenCab's inspiration

 That's his house on the far right. His land goes all the way up to about half the mountain.

I shall leave you now with some of my more favorite pieces. Both from BenCab and other artists featured at the museum. 

Another Sabel piece

and another...

 Samu't Saring Kaanyuhan by Raffy Napay 

 A cool idea for a blank wall... (all are sculptures by BenCab)

This freaked me out. See the child in the middle with it's eyes open?

 Don't remember who this is by. He used mixed mediums on canvass which was cool.