I don’t want to turn my column into a travel guide, although I do travel around the country quite a lot. However, this time I chanced upon a couple of remarkable spots up north, in the adjacent towns of Lagawe, which is the capital of ifugao province, and Kiyanan, which is the historical site of Yamashita's surrender. Though their other neighboring town, Banawe, is more popular for its rice terraces, these two towns can also boast of some interesting sights.
Finding attractive and out-of –the-ordinary architectural structures in far flung places like this always comes as a pleasant surprise.
Traveling north and looking for a pitstop for a decent breakfast, I happend on a sign of "The Gazebo" along the main road. Following my instincts and my tummy, I found a well-planned garden restaurant, well integrated to its landscape. This oasis of sorts is owned by a young couple, Jonathan and Rowena Tocyap. They had created a simple, rustic setting, complete with soothing music and filling meals, to give customers full sensory satisfaction.
Fed and rested, I asked the couple if they knew a fine place for an overnight stay. Without hesitation, they directed us to her sister’s house upon a nearby hill overlooking the Ibalao river.
The house is built on limestone rocks that were integrated into the design. Glass doors and windows allow a wonderful view of the surrounding plains and the river. The main door, as well as inner doors are intricately carved, thick panels of wood that highlight Ifugao craftmanship. Local baskets, carvings, and weavings are tastefully placed about the rooms. Beds and seating are built into the rocks, thus maximizing use of space as well as a proper integraton of forms. The use of rough-hewn wood lends the feel of a cozy mountain cabin. This fascinating retreat is the residence of the Drs. Toto and Tess Kalugdan. Being very much involved in the promotion of tourism in their province, they decided to allow visitors to share the comfort and beauty of their home.
Filipino mountain architecture has that rustic, cozy ambience to it. The use of pine and other natural wood is prevalent. Building on rock and over rolling terrain is often a must. Decorating with tribal crafts is common. But creating something new and extraordinary out of all these givens is what makes a structure stand out. The Kalugdans’ home is one of the stand-outs.
All those who support and advance Filipino designs deserve a second look. We need more of these concepts in every region in the country, to highlight the local talents in the respective communities. The Ifugaos are known for their wood carvings. The Bicolanos take pride in their weaves. The people of Zamboanga do great metalwork. All we need are people who could appreciate and showcase these skills and find diversified uses and applications for them. It ought to be a matter of pride for us to use these local art objects in adorning our own homes and offices. I just wish that there could be institutions to help our craftsmen promote their creations here and abroad. I hope for them to be able to pass on their skills to the next generation of Filipinos. Because if not, an important part of the true Filipino will be be driven to extinction.
Promoting Filipino architecture and crafts is not just a matter of pride. It should be a survival instinct.
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