BAGUIO FIL-CHINESE GROUP TO UNVEIL KISAD CHINOY MURAL

May 18, 2024 Community Billboard

ALMOST DONE. The Baguio Chinoy Mural which shows the culture of both Chinese and Filipinos in the Cordilleras is about to be finished by Chino Chow and Edmund Andrada with help from fellow artists and vloggers. The mural, measuring 200 feet by 14 feet will be unveiled on Wednesday.

Photo by Leandro Yangot

BAGUIO CITY

The Baguio Fil-Chinese Community will unveil the Baguio Chinoy Mural at Kisad Road this Wednesday. BFCC ExeCom chair Peter Ng said that artist Chino Chow and Edmund Andrada are about to finish the 200 feet by 14 feet
mural that show the cultures of the Filipinos, particularly Cordillera, and Chinese, their forebears. “I am a Filipino first and foremost although I have Chinese blood,” said the hotelier owner of Hotel Supreme.

Chow’s work show two dragons “midflight” meet and in between are a male and female performers, panda and lion
dancers. They are joined by Cordillerans in their traditional wears who carry the dragons midflight. Ng said the mural work, which is to be done in a month’s time, “will be a tribute to the city’s creative effort as well as a depiction of the rich heritage of the two cultures.”

Chow, son of the late Tahong Bundok member Norman, said that the FilipinoChinese Heritage: The Chinoy Mural Painting is a “captivating artwork (that) serves as a living testament to the profound connection between our two
cultures, celebrating the shared traditions, customs, and values that have enriched our lives for generations.” He said in his speech during the start of work that it is “a captivating story, a tale that transcends borders and unites us in admiration.

Picture a scene where the graceful movements of a Chinese opera actress and the powerful strides of an actor captivate audiences with their timeless performance, weaving tales of love, honor, and resilience.” “Amidst the mesmerizing spectacle,” Chow said “the streets come alive with the rhythmic beats of the dragon and lion dance, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and the indomitable spirit of our people.

The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the dragon’s scales evoke a sense of awe and wonder, uniting spectators in joyous celebration.” The dragons and the actors are “accompanied by a beloved symbol – the panda, representing peace, harmony, and friendship. Alongside them, we see the natives of the Philippines, eager to lend a helping hand, carrying the dragon’s majestic frame with reverence and pride.”

Chow added that the mural painting “is more than just a work of art…” and “is a testament to the enduring bond
between our two cultures, a reminder of the beauty that emerges when we come together in unity and mutual respect. Let us cherish this moment as we celebrate the rich tapestry of the Filipino-Chinese heritage and look forward to a future filled with harmony, prosperity, and cultural exchange.”

Chow worked with Andrada as his chief collaborator as well as with members of the Sin Agi and Baguio Educators Arts Guild. They worked late afternoons due to the heat at the area earlier in the day. They also invited fellow artists as well as Chow’s fellow content providers or vloggers in finishing the mural. Councilor turned artist Leandro Yangot, Jr. praised the Fil-Chinese community for the artistic effort and will be a contribution to the artistic endeavors of the city.

Pigeon Lobien/ABN