Baguio remains one of my favourite holiday destinations in the Philippines. Its unique climate and scenic mountainous terrains are a welcome change from the daily hustle and bustle I experience in Manila and Cebu.
The unique climate isn’t all Baguio has to offer. A short drive from the city centre lies the private Museum of Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, more commonly known as the BenCab Museum. This is a gallery that showcases the rich culture of the region through its art, food, and its integration with the natural surroundings.
It not only showcases the work of the internationally renowned Filipino artist BenCab. It also showcases the work of other prominent Filipino artists such as Leonard Aguinaldo and Arturo Sanchez Jr.
On the morning of my visit, I took a taxi directly from my hotel to the Museum. I was taken on a short drive through the tight, winding more isolated streets of Baguio.
I was almost tempted to pull the taxi over several times on the way there. On the same street as the Museum, you will find one of the centres of the cities woodworking industry. Their workshops are full of beautiful handmade furniture plus many other smaller sculptures, ornaments, and other household goods.
Arriving at the BenCab Museum
After a short drive down the secluded Asin road, you suddenly come across the BenCab Museum. I was first taken aback by how the modern architecture of the four-story Museum integrates with its surroundings almost seamlessly.
The interior of the building was also just as impressive. The modern design compliments the mix of contemporary art and antique wooden carvings found throughout the Museum. The space inside is well-lit thanks to the large panes of glass used throughout the building
The galleries themselves are full of hard-hitting engaging works. With a mix of contemporary almost surreal paintings and collages, mixed with spiritual, ritualistic artefacts from the region’s indigenous ancestors. Filipino art and crafts have been seamlessly mixed with thought-provoking contemporary works to create an engaging experience for visitors. It’s hard not to get lost in the Museum.
BenCab Museum: Eco-ambassadors
After leaving the gallery you can check-in at the cafe which offers quality food made on the premises. The cafe overlooks the breathtaking exterior of the estate.
The Museum, typically buried in a soft mist is set upon terraces that houses a makeshift farm situated next to a beautiful garden and pond. Towards the rear of the property is an Eco-walk surrounded by a river, weaving its way through the property.
The modern features of the property have been perfectly integrated with the natural landscapes surrounding the property. The terraced gardens also pay homage to the terraced farms found throughout the region.
The BenCab Museum is truly a fascinating place. Mr BenCab has achieved his goal of spreading the appreciation of the countries art scene by bringing the arts to the people. His establishment also offers a renewed appreciation of our natural surroundings.
BenCab Museum Details
As mentioned, I had taken a taxi to the Museum. The driver had suggested that he waits for me outside the Museum, but I mistakenly refused. I underestimated how difficult it would be to get a taxi back to my hotel as the Museum is in quite a remote area. I had also gone during a busy time so there was already a long line of people waiting for a taxi.
In the end, I managed to get a ride on the jeepney which follows Asin road. Jeepneys passing by the Museum are fairly irregular so if you are on a tight schedule I recommend you pay special attention to your transport from the premises.
The Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry is at 5:30 pm). BenCab Museum is closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day.
The standard entry fee is P100, students and senior citizens pay P80 if a valid I.D. is presented. The Museum is able to offer special rates for group bookings made ahead of time. You can reach the Museum via a jeepney, the Baguio terminal is found near the Baguio market A taxi ride is also a low-cost means to get here due to its close proximity to the city centre. It may be worth arranging a pickup time with the driver, as it may be hard to find another taxi when you leave.
For more information, you may call (+63 74) 442.7165, email bencabartfoundation@gmail.com, or visit bencabmuseum.org.
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