BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) officially opens the Art in the Park Baguio 2024 exhibit to the public with an opening program on Friday, November 29, at Sunshine Park.
The Art in the Park Baguio has long been part of the month-long celebration of the Ibagiw Festival.
The opening program was graced by cultural dance performances and music performed by local artists as well as ceremonial toasts and messages.
DOT CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan acknowledged and thanked the artists who participated in Art in the Park.
“The art in the park was conceived with you, the artist, in mind to provide a platform where you can showcase your art, connect with the public, and celebrate your creativity,” Ganogan expressed.
“Each year, Art in the Park engages both locals and tourists, visitors, through various creative activities helping to sustain Baguio’s vibrant cultural energy and reinforcing the city’s role as a hub for creativity,” Ganongan added.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong likewise shared a message, noting, “We are now celebrating cultural pride, social cohesion, and at the same time, the economy as well, and under its core is the word creativity, and amidst us today we see art in its diverse form.”
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda further highlighted that “art is the language of the soul- it is the means by which we express our humane nature, the means by which we can say that we are truly human beings.”
Creative Economy Council of the Philippines Founder Polo Mercado emphasized in his keynote address how intentional art is.
“Art isn’t easy. Every brush stroke is a decision, and every angle, every color, every detail demands care and attention- but that’s what makes it so powerful,” Mercado stressed.
“Baguio is one of the luckiest cities in the Philippines because it has an abundance of well-maintained parks… and Baguio parks are more than just green spaces, they are living and breathing canvases and opportunities for creativity, waiting to captivate and to be captured by creative minds,” Mercado added, underscoring how parks are also a form of art.
The program featured a ceremonial toast by the city officials and representatives of regional government agencies.
For his closing remarks, Baguio City Congressman Marquez Go articulated the transformative role of creativity in shaping our journeys.
“Each piece displayed this afternoon here tells a story of vision, of passion, struggle, and triumph- it is through the hands of artists that ordinary becomes extraordinary, and we as spectators are invited to reflect, feel, and question the world around us,” Go said.
The exhibit showcases stunning thought-evoking art installations, paintings, and images. On the other side of the park, guests can also buy from local arts and crafts vendors who have their booths set up on the stage. By Heleina Taeza
