Tam-awan Village at 25: A Journey into Cordilleran Culture
Students perform traditional movements of arms and footwork of the Kalinga dance while playing the music during weekend performances to augment their allowance for college needs.
By: Nonnette C. Bennett
High up in the cool mountain air of Baguio City, Tam-awan Village celebrated its 25th year as a living showcase of indigenous Filipino culture in 2023. Founded by the Chanum Foundation in 1996, this cultural enclave has become a sanctuary where art, heritage, and nature converge. Its silver anniversary coincided with the 13th Tam-awan International Arts Festival from October 4–8, 2023, themed “Ajowanan Kaugadian”—traits and practices passed on by our ancestors.
Cultural lifeways of the mountain peoples is a common theme of many artworks preserving the color and weaving patterns in the details of the painting.
A Village in the Clouds
Tam-awan is more than an art gallery or café—it is an experience. Visitors step into a recreated Cordilleran village, complete with traditional huts perched on slopes, surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountain views. The air carries the scent of pine and earth, while pathways wind through bamboo groves and flowering plants. It feels like stepping into another time, where the rhythm of life is slower and deeply connected to nature.
Traditional basketry is applied to the contemporary backpack or sangi that is exhibited at the art gallery.
Festival of Arts and Heritage
The five-day Tam-awan International Arts Festival transforms the village into a vibrant hub of creativity. Guests can wander through art exhibits, listen to the resonant beat of gongs, and join workshops led by indigenous and contemporary artists. College students, dressed in authentic Kalinga attire, perform dances that tell stories of ancient courtship and festive weddings, inviting audiences to join the tayao, a communal dance that bridges cultures.
The atmosphere is festive yet intimate—paintings hang beside woven fabrics, laughter mingles with drumbeats, and the aroma of local delicacies drifts from the café.
UGNAYAN gallery showcases artists from other parts of the country to share their social impressions.
Food and Souvenirs
No visit is complete without sampling Tam-awan’s café offerings. Warm cups of Cordilleran coffee pair perfectly with native rice cakes or sweet ube treats, while hearty meals feature mountain vegetables and traditional flavors.
The souvenir shop is a treasure trove of handwoven fabrics, baskets, and beadwork. Each item carries the touch of local artisans, sustaining livelihoods while preserving heritage. Shell necklaces, woven scarves, and bamboo crafts make meaningful keepsakes for travelers.
A Living Heritage
For more than 25 years, Tam-awan has been a home for artists and culture bearers, a place where traditions are not only preserved but lived. Its huts, landscapes, and performances invite visitors to immerse themselves in Cordilleran life—whether through art, dance, or simply sitting quietly to watch the mist roll over the mountains.
Tam-awan’s silver anniversary was not just a celebration of the past; it was a promise of continuity. As the gongs echo and dancers sway, the village reminds us that culture thrives when shared, and heritage endures when embraced.
