Baguio Creative Cities Network

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

11/07/2026

FROM THREADS OF TRADITION TO NATIONAL TREASURE: THE INSPIRING STORY OF GAMABA AWARDEE AMPARO BALANSI MABANAG

In the municipality of Paracelis, Mountain Province, where the traditions of the Ga'dang people continue to be passed down through generations, Amparo Balansi Mabanag dedicated her life to preserving the artistry, skills, and cultural knowledge of her community. Through threads, beads, and traditional designs, she became a recognized bearer of Ga'dang heritage, reflecting the creativity, identity, and cultural expressions of her people.

Born on October 5, 1953, Amparo Balansi Mabanag grew up in Paracelis, Mountain Province, immersed in the customs and traditions of the Ga'dang community. At the age of 14, she began learning the intricate arts of Manu'bak (traditional beadwork) and Ameru or Ammero (traditional embroidery) under the guidance of her aunts, Gayawwa Gumanab and Guidol Balansi. Through years of practice, patience, and dedication, she achieved exceptional mastery of these traditional crafts, preserving the artistic expressions and cultural identity of the Ga'dang people.

For decades, Amparo continued practicing her craft while attending to farming and family responsibilities. Her exceptional skill in Ga'dang beadwork and embroidery earned her recognition as a Manlilikha ng Bayan, honoring her mastery of traditional arts and her contribution to the preservation of Ga'dang cultural practices. Her works reflect the designs, techniques, and cultural values of her community.

Amid changing times, Amparo remained committed to safeguarding Ga'dang traditional arts. Through cultural demonstrations, teaching, and the sharing of indigenous knowledge, she has contributed to the appreciation and transmission of Manu'bak and Ameru traditions, helping sustain awareness and recognition of these important cultural expressions among future generations.

In recognition of her exceptional mastery and dedication to preserving Ga'dang traditional arts, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared Amparo Balansi Mabanag as one of the 2023 Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees through Proclamation No. 427 dated December 15, 2023. Established under Republic Act No. 7355, the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan recognizes Filipinos or groups engaged in traditional Filipino arts whose skills have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence and whose contributions help preserve and enrich the country's intangible cultural heritage.

Amparo Balansi Mabanag's journey reflects the importance of safeguarding living traditions through dedication, skill, and cultural responsibility. Every carefully embroidered motif and every meticulously placed bead carries the artistry, knowledge, and identity of the Ga'dang people. Her lifelong commitment serves as an inspiration for future generations to value, preserve, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines.

07/07/2026

Pastel Beyond Borders: Philippine Pastel Communities Unite in a Celebration of Art, Collaboration, and Creativity

The Philippine pastel art community reached another milestone with the opening of Pastel Beyond Borders: A Collective Exhibition of Pastel Communities – Year One at the Gateway Gallery, Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City. Officially launched on July 4, 2026, the exhibition runs until July 17, 2026, bringing together artists from across the country in a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and artistic excellence.

Organized by The Travelling Pastel Project (TTRAPP) in partnership with the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation, Canson, and Pulp & Pigment by Ifex, the exhibition is more than a display of remarkable pastel artworks. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the growing movement to make pastel art more accessible throughout the Philippines.

A Movement That Goes Beyond Art

Founded in 2025 by artist Julius Legaspi, The Travelling Pastel Project (TTRAPP) was born from a vision of bringing pastel art to communities across the country through free workshops, mentorship programs, collaborative exhibitions, and cultural exchanges.

What started as a grassroots initiative has quickly evolved into a nationwide movement, connecting artists from different provinces and fostering a supportive network where learning, creativity, and friendship flourish. At its heart, TTRAPP believes that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location or background.

Communities Connected Through Pastel

One of the exhibition's defining highlights is the gathering of pastel communities from different regions under one roof, each showcasing its unique artistic voice while celebrating the shared language of pastel.
Participating communities include:
• Alaminos, Pangasinan�• Amadeo, Cavite�• Baguio City�• Cabittaogan, Ilocos Sur�• Dingalan, Aurora�• Ifugao�• Obando, Bulacan�• Porac, Pampanga�• Rizal�• Talavera, Nueva Ecija

Together, these communities demonstrate that creativity knows no boundaries and that art continues to build bridges among people, cultures, and places.

Baguio's Artists Take Center Stage
Representing the Summer Capital is Art Heals, led by Jingle Melan Ku Marquez, whose advocacy continues to promote art as a tool for healing, wellness, and community engagement.
Joining the Baguio delegation are artists from various art organizations and independent practitioners:
• Fredi Agunoy – Salonpas Artists / Aurora Artists�• Edmund C. Andrada – Independent Artist�• Rochelle Bakisan – Pasakalye Group of Artists�• Geraldine J. Ku – Ulap Gallery�• Jingle Melan Ku Marquez – Art Heals / Honorary Member, Pasakalye Group of Artists�• Dulthe Munar – Salonpas Artists�• George Rosales – Independent Artist�• Angelica C. Rosalin – Pasakalye Group of Artists�• Bren Subido – Art Show Philippines�• Wreigh Jann C. Tamayo – Independent Artist

Their participation reflects Baguio City's enduring reputation as one of the Philippines' premier creative hubs, where artists continue to inspire one another while contributing to the country's vibrant visual arts landscape.

Honoring Champions of Philippine Art

The opening ceremony was graced by respected personalities whose contributions have shaped Philippine art and art education:
* Fernando Sena, acclaimed artist and known as the Father of Philippine Art Workshops
* Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo, President, Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation
* Fernando "Nandy" Amorsolo-Lazo, Vice President and Executive Director, Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation
* Tina Lejano-Velasco, Co-owner and Co-founder of KaRetela
* Dr. Nick Cruz, Founding Advocate of Baliwag City ICO and the Lety Art Program
* Jo-i Alvarez, Founder and Creator of Forget Me Not: Mindful Gifts
* Grandier Gil Bella, Faculty Member, UP College of Fine Arts and Director of the Philippine Pastel Artists
* Dr. Mary Ann Venturina-Bulanadi, Associate Professor, University of Santo Tomas
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Their presence underscored the exhibition's growing significance in promoting mentorship, artistic excellence, and cultural exchange within the Philippine art community.

Beyond Borders, Beyond the Gallery

True to its name, Pastel Beyond Borders transcends geography. It is not simply an exhibition—it is a movement that connects artists, communities, and generations through creativity and shared purpose.
Every artwork tells an individual story, but together they weave a larger narrative of collaboration, inclusion, and hope. As the inaugural edition of what is envisioned to become an annual tradition, Pastel Beyond Borders: Year One celebrates not only the beauty of pastel art but also the enduring friendships and communities that continue to grow through it.
In every stroke of pastel lies a reminder that art has the power to unite people, inspire hearts, and create meaningful connections that extend far beyond gallery walls.

05/07/2026

Mess while in a state of ideation at my

28/06/2026

Art for Everyone

What started as a collaborative art market three years ago has evolved into a mega exhibit with over a hundred participating artists and a thousand plus various works now on exhibit at SMCity Baguio. From conservative brushworks to modern approaches like abstractions, mixed media to ink printing and use of upcycled mediums, the also reflect multi-generational art encounter as it involves masters and neophytes alike.

22/06/2026

Ballet Baguio Soars at National Choreography Competition, Bringing Home Top Honors

In a celebration of creativity, discipline, and artistic vision, Ballet Baguio emerged as one of the standout institutions at the 2026 Association of Ballet Academies Philippines (ABAP) Emerging Choreographers Competition, earning multiple top awards and special recognitions at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater on June 21 in Taguig City

The Baguio-based dance institution brought home two first-place awards, one second-place finish, the prestigious Tony Fabella Emerging Choreographer Award, and a scholarship grant to the 2026 Manila Dance Prix—an achievement that underscores the growing influence of Cordilleran artists on the national dance stage.

At the heart of Ballet Baguio’s success was Artistic Director Jacqueline Go Ramon, whose choreography showcased both technical sophistication and imaginative storytelling.

Her work “Aerodynamic” captured First Place in the Adult Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category. Inspired by the synchronized precision and breathtaking aerial formations of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the piece transformed the mechanics of flight into a dynamic dance language. Through sweeping formations and tightly coordinated movement, dancers Yesha Alimondo, Quisha Babas, Phoeboa Buen, Jade Mestito, Lara Namoca, and Keri Villegas embodied the discipline, trust, and unity required of elite aviators.

Ramon also earned Second Place in the Senior Small Group Neo-Classical Ensemble Category for “The Waves Obey Her,” a work rooted in mythology and the enduring power of the sea. Performed by Jiyana Maymaya, Alana Azarias, Alea Bai, Andrea Ducusin, Clea Go, Angellyn Lorenzo, and Theona Subala, the piece drew inspiration from warrior-like sea nymphs whose legends echo through Philippine waters. The choreography blended fluidity and strength, creating an evocative portrait of feminine power and nature’s force.

For her outstanding contributions in neo-classical ballet, Ramon was additionally honored with the Tony Fabella Emerging Choreographer Award, one of the competition’s highest distinctions recognizing artistic excellence and innovation.

Meanwhile, Ballet Baguio Ballet Master Gabriele Alinio claimed First Place in the Adult Small Group Contemporary Category for “Sleepless.” The contemporary work delved into the emotional turbulence of insomnia, portraying the spiraling thoughts, anxieties, and restless energy that accompany a sleepless night. Through expressive movement and raw physicality, performers Yesha Alimondo, Quisha Babas, Phoeboa Buen, Simone Co, Angellyn Lorenzo, Jade Mestito, and Keri Villegas brought the work’s psychological landscape vividly to life.

The success of “Sleepless” extended beyond the competition stage, earning Ballet Baguio a scholarship grant to the 2026 Manila Dance Prix, opening new opportunities for artistic development and national exposure.

For Ramon, the awards represent more than individual achievements.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our choreographers, dancers, faculty, families, and supporters who continue to believe in the power of dance and artistic excellence,” she said. “We are honored to represent Baguio City and the Cordillera region on the national stage.”

The accomplishments of “Aerodynamic,” “The Waves Obey Her,” and “Sleepless” highlight Ballet Baguio’s commitment to cultivating original Filipino choreography while nurturing dancers capable of excelling across classical and contemporary forms. More significantly, the victories signal the growing presence of regional dance institutions in shaping the future of Philippine performing arts.
Founded to advance excellence in dance education and performance in Northern Luzon, Ballet Baguio continues to provide opportunities for young artists to develop their craft, tell compelling stories through movement, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Baguio City and the Cordillera region.

As the curtain fell on this year’s competition, Ballet Baguio’s artists left the stage with more than trophies and citations. They carried with them a powerful message: world-class artistry can flourish far beyond the country’s traditional cultural centers—and the mountains of the Cordillera continue to be a place where creativity takes flight.

11/06/2026

On ideation mode on for the