TOURISM OPEN HOUSE FEATURES CORDILLERA ARTS EXHIBIT ON WORLD TOURISM DAY

September 30, 2023 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The Department of TourismCordillera (DOT-CAR) hosted on Monday (September 25) an open house in celebration of World Tourism Day and National Tourism Week with the theme “Tourism
and Green Investment.” The tourism open house featured an arts exhibition showcasing the majestic bamboo works of Edgar Banasan and the beautiful colors of the Cordillera in the wood works of Eden Cawang.

Also on display are the statues of the “Banga” and “Bulul” of Joel Buyagao. The Banga commemorates the successful attainment by the Province of Kalinga of the Guinness World Record for the largest banga dance. The Bulul symbolizes Ifugao rice god or guardian spirit. National Artist of the Philippines for Film Kidlat Tahimik with DOT CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan and Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Gladys Vergara opened the art exhibit. Ganongan said that they came up with a creative hub within the tourism complex so that visitors can have a memorable and meaningful experience.

“We want to really view tourism as the bridge, the visitors come and tourism really bridges them to connect with traditions, to really connect with people, with culture, so that they will also discover
creativity in every destination that they go to.” “If everybody will really create something even small
things, then all this will really become big and really reinforce our positioning as a UNESCO Creative City,” Ganongan said. As part of Tourism Week, the provinces will be conducting Art in the Park featuring the unique Cordillera culture. A tourism forum and exhibitions will also be held in
the province of Benguet.

(JDP/DEG/Raeneil InocencioSLU Intern -PIA CAR) (Photos: SLU Interns)