Students from A&J e-Edu, one of the best ESL schools in Baguio, went to experience local art and discover highland culture in Tam-awan village last weekend. Despite the stormy weather, the students braved the wind and rain to mingle with the local artists. They watched the performance of the native Igorot dance “kanyao”. According to one of the students, it was a very enriching experience.  “It feels like stepping into another world”.

Aside from viewing the different art exhibits, they had their portraits sketched by resident artists. The A&J students were served with “tapey”, the Cordilleran version of the traditional rice wine. They also viewed the numerous exhibits by different artists from the Cordillera Administrative Region and from other parts of the country. “Culture and Art go hand in hand, After this immersion, I feel more connected to the people of Baguio” Henry, the Vietnamese student manager commented.

There has been an influx of students from different ESL schools in Baguio who prefer to visit cultural heritage sites and art museums such as Tam-awan Village, Bencab Museum, and Kalinga, and Calle Crisologo in Vigan etc. instead of the usual tourist destinations. This has shown that foreign students who study English in various ESL schools in Baguio are also very much interested to discover and appreciate the culture and traditions of their host country. This has also helped the local economies to thrive and showcase their art and heritage.

Baguio City has a rich highland and ethnic culture that makes it an ideal place for artists all over the Philippines to commune and gather. The increase in the number of foreigners, visiting local museums, art and cultural centers, is a sign that we are no longer just citizens of our own countries restricted by geography and laws but instead transformed to a more prestigious role as global denizens.