A sanctuary for Filipino artists in Baler

One drives to the remote site along a winding one-lane road carved through the hillside. Another route, we were told, was via speedboat. But the weather was uncooperative and an approach by sea would be too risky. From a vantage point at the top of the hill, we saw firsthand how the foam-tipped waves hurled themselves against the massive rocks and coral, furiously spitting spray.

“This has always been one of my favorite spots. As a grade school student, my friends and I would bring a cooking pot of rice and walk to get to this place.” It was a visibly relaxed and smiling Senator Edgardo Angara who welcomed us to Dicasalarin cove in Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora.

The occasion was the inauguration of the Artists’ Village, and from the striking scenery, it was apparent why it was apt to build an artist’s refuge exactly in that area. With a sheer cliff on one side descending to a white sand cove, and the vast blue waters of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the shoreline on the other, the isolated inlet was wild yet peaceful, unsettling but beautiful.

Senator Edgardo Angara cuts the ribbon with BenCab, Virgilio Almario, architect Jose Danilo Silvestre, F. Sionil Jose, Mexican Ambassador Tomas Javier Calvillo Unna, architect Ed Calma and UP professor Ruben Defeo

The Artist’s Village is first of its kind in the Philippines and probably the whole of Southeast Asia. “The goal is to create a stimulating environment where artistry can flourish,” says the senator. The arts are clearly close to his heart. As author and sponsor of the laws creating the National Museum, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Natatanging Manlilikha Award which bestows honor on the Filipino folk and traditional artists, Angara has done much to promote arts and preserve indigenous culture in the country. After having served as president of the University of the Philippines (UP), he also continues to maintain close ties with the academe.

This latest project, Angara says, will be a collaborative effort with the most esteemed members of the academe, artistic and cultural scene. “We envision this to be an artist’s sanctuary; a center for workshops and artistic retreats.” However, he shares that what will make the village distinct is that it “will embrace artists from the widest sweep of creative disciplines. The program will initially involve painters, sculptors, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, dancers, musicians, poets and writers, then eventually expand into the fields of film, photography, fashion, food, furniture and even the new media of the Internet and mobile technology.” 

Ramp leading to the longhouse: The stones found at the site were used in the construction

Rightfully, guests at the opening included the most formidable names in Philippine arts and letters. Three national artists — F. Sionil Jose, Virgilio Almario and Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera — were in attendance along with the former director of the National Museum Corazon Alvina. The academe was represented by Professor Ruben Defeo of the UP Office of Cultural Initiatives, Dean Mary Ann Espina of the UP College of Architecture and UP Los Baños artist-in-residence and curator JunYee. Prize winners like Pampango sculptor Norman Tiotuico and architect Ed Calma, winner of international awards in design, were there, along with gallery owner Silvana Diaz among others.

 Also present at the event was Mexican Ambassador Tomas Javier Calvillo Unna. Angara revealed that he is supporting scholars from UP to study the galleon papers in Mexico. Likewise scholars will be sent to train in heritage conservation architecture.

 But what, exactly, is the impact of an artist’s village such as this? “One of our aims is to try to elevate art to the level of fundamental need,” installation artist JunYee starts to explain. “More than a mere source of livelihood, a ‘hanapbuhay,’ art is a calling. It is a discipline where the artist should be mature enough to project himself in his own way, while constantly seeking to grow and evolve.” The artist’s village, he believes, “will serve as catalyst for soul renewal.” Through lectures and workshops, it will be a venue for the established set of artists to exchange ideas and provide guidance to the younger groups. Our discussion veers towards the philosophical implications and ethical issues in art, and it is Professor Ruben Defeo who is able to succinctly define the importance of art in nation building: “If technology provides information, art grants us soul and conscience.”

National Artist Bencab takes a photo of the Dumagat dancers.

 To serve as an inspiring gathering place or “longhouse” for artists, a distinctive new structure designed by architect Jose Danilo Silvestre has been built. “It was important that the context and genius loci or spirit of the place is embodied in the architecture,” says Silvestre who describes the building design as “contextual architecture.” He elaborates, “In a contextual sense, you want to make sure that what you design resonates with the surroundings. If you were look at the media agua support and canopies for example, reflect the geometry of the trees. You could say that it is sort of an abstract translation of the physical environment. In a way it is very Filipino. It isn’t a traditional nipa hut but there are manifestations of what a nipa hut used to be.”

The lowest level of the structure is meant for a workspace; a middle floor is also a multipurpose area suitable as gallery space, more formal exhibits and conference area; and an artist’s loft at the top floor is meant as a lounge area for more informal gatherings. The 600-square-meter, P12 million wood and stone structure is designed “to bring the outside in. The space extends into the surroundings.” 

Good friends and soul brothers: Sen. Angara with Mexican Ambassador Tomas Javier Calvillo Unna who is supporting scholars from UP to study the galleon papers in Mexico.

The village will also feature an open-air amphitheater, sculpture garden and workshop, and an outdoor stone circle for poetry readings and the like, inspired by the indigenous dap-ay. Respected Filipino artists will be invited to design cottages, and to preserve the character of the site, there will be special environmental sustainability features like rainwater collection, wastewater management, renewable sources of power and energy-efficient lighting systems.

“Not 20 feet away is a carpet of tropical forest. We are surrounded by two mountain streams that originate from a waterfall,” says Senator Angara who has explored the area extensively. Truly, this is a haven where “every artist can dip his brush in his own soul and paint his own nature into the pictures.”

The isolated inlet in Baler, site of the Artist’s Village is wild yet peaceful, unsettling but beautiful.