DOT Chief, Diplomatic Corps to grace “Creative Hub” opening

DEPARTMENT of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, members of the Diplomatic Corps, UNESCO representatives and Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) officers are expected to attend the opening of the “Baguio Creative Hub” of the Baguio Creative Council on February 10 at Malcolm Square as part of this year’s Panagbenga Festival celebration.

DOT - Cordillera regional director Venus Tan said the project will showcase the Summer Capital’s rich culture and creativity.

Tan added it will also be some sort of a coming out party for Baguio’s inclusion as member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network, the first Philippine city to attain such status.

Councilor Elmer Datuin, Panagbenga executive committee chair, said the activity slated from Feb. 10-24 will be devoted in showcasing the “bestof-the-best” folk arts and crafts products of the city in keeping with the festival’s theme, “Celebration of Culture and Creativity.”

Cultural dances, poetry readings, and other presentations will also be conducted during the duration of the exhibit.

Datuin added the project will be jointly funded by the city government and the DOT.

It will carry the theme, “Creative Baguio”, and will serve as a “temporary exhibition showcase of the best artworks in crafts and folk arts of the city and the Cordilleras”

bringing together “Baguio and the Cordillera’s artists and artisans in their various disciplines and creative expressions, art pieces and installations in one venue.” The Baguio Creative City official logo will be unveiled during the program as done by National Artist for the Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera or BenCab. Gaby Keith