The Bencab Museum

“You might as well ask an artist to explain his art, or ask a poet to explain his poem. It defeats the purpose. The meaning is only clear thorough the search.” - Rick Riordan

The Bencab Museum has within it various galleries of art collection by Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, otherwise known as Bencab. A prominent painter and printmaker, he received the Cultural Center of the Philippines Award for the Arts (1992) and his contribution to the growth of Philippine Art granted him the recognition National Artists of the Philippines for Visual Arts (2006). He was labeled as ''arguably the best-selling painter of his generation of Filipino artists''.

When the Philippines was struck by a devastating earthquake back in 1990's, he helped out by initiating programs such as the ArtAid workshop for traumatized children, and a fundraising art auction they titled "Artquake." His input was also crucial in the foundation of Tam-awan Village, "a sanctuary for local artists who wish to take part in arts and culture".

The museum is located just 6 kilometers from the center of Baguio City. You may take a cab and tell the driver to take you there as they are already familiar with the place. There are passenger jeepneys near the Baguio City Market heading to Asin Road. When you arrived at the museum, you may choose to have the cab driver wait for you (they might suggest it themselves) due to the scarcity of transportation going out of that area.

Since the Museum is built on a headland, you will be welcome by a neighboring view of the garden and surrounding mountains at the balcony.

The Cordillera Gallery is where the artist’s collection of tribal artifacts and indigenous crafts of the northern Philippine highlands is on display.

Some of the artifacts include Bulul or ''rice god'' which the people of Ifugao are highly known for. It is a human figure that serves as a representation of the ancestor, carved from Narra (pterocarpus indicus) wood and are usually made in pairs (male and female). Created mainly as guardians of the granary, the making includes certain rituals by a Mumbaki (priest) from the selection of wood, sanctification with a pig's blood up until the giving of offerings.

I found this one extremely interesting as it seems alien-like to me. I would sometimes wonder if their forefathers might have been in contact or visited by civilization, not of this world.

Also on display are lime containers made of bones called Tabayag. The lime is actually one of the ingredients used in betel nut chewing (nga-nga). The first time I laid eyes on them, I was impressed and how deeply I admire their intricacy. I felt a sense of loss knowing that this kind of craft is slowly vanishing.

They featured bamboo carvings as well and mind you, I can't stop staring at this particular piece while contemplating how painstaking it must have been to make something so detailed. You will truly appreciate the artist for his persistence and workmanship.

My friend told me that this artwork is called a Mandala. They say that Mandala means ''circle'' and is used as a spiritual tool representing ''wholeness'' and ''oneness with the universe''. Mandalas may also be created by individuals to symbolize their journeys through life and every color has its own meaning. Red for strength, high energy, and passion, Blue for emotional healing, inner peace and meditation and Orange for creativity, transformation, self-awareness and intuition.

The Ode to the Flag Gallery shows the evolution of the Philippine flag from when the Katipunan was founded, the uprising against Spain and the United States, up to our independence. I perceive it as a tribute and a reminder of our patriotism and heroism.

I was also able to see limited edition prints from the original watercolors of World War II Soldiers in the Philippines created by Dan Dizon on his childhood recollection of the war. He personally experienced the atrocities in his hometown and was inspired by his father both in art and his patriotism to the country. During that time, some Japanese officers noticed his talent and encouraged him to draw. They would even provide the art materials he needed and would pose for him in their uniforms and firearms.

These artworks caught my attention because the ''Eye of Providence'' (the all seeing eye) is included in them. It is a representation of the eye of God watching over mankind (divine providence). Even as a kid, I'm so fascinated and obsessed with this symbol that I have the ''Eye of Horus'' tattoo at my back. 

The Erotica Gallery speaks for itself. 

This one reminded me of Mushu, the dragon in the Disney animated film, Mulan.

Here are other fascinating artworks from the galleries.

I was fortunate enough to have a photo taken with Bencab during my visit. It's incredible knowing that behind his fame and success, I sense the humility and simplicity.

A Graffiti Wall outside the museum.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and they're closed on Mondays, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission to the Museum:

General: PHP 100.00

Students and senior citizens with valid ID: PHP 80.00

Special rates for student groups with prior arrangement.

Note:

1. Guided tours of the Museum and Gardens may be arranged at the reception.

2. Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Museum. Food and drinks are permitted only in Café Sabel and may not be carried into the galleries or other areas.

3. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Museum.

4. Still photography for personal use is permitted. No flash or tripods allowed. Videotaping is permitted in the lobby only. No photographs or videotapes may be reproduced, distributed, or sold without permission from the Museum.

5. Sketching is permitted in the galleries (pencil only, no ink or paint) with sketchbooks no larger than 8 1/2 x 11 inches (21.6 x 27.9 cm). No easels, stools, or sketching while sitting on the floor is permitted.

For more information, you may visit their website: Bencab Museum

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