⌛ Tam-awan Village, Part 2

The village proper occupies 2.2 hectares, with its nine houses laid out to approximate how an actual mountain village would appear. These houses have a storied history. The Chanum Foundation brought over the first three of the Bangaan, Ifugao huts they acquired after saving them from probable neglect and deterioration after being abandoned. They were carefully taken apart, shipped and reconstructed all over. The acquisitions eventually grew to the present number, two of which are from Kalinga, differing only in shape and size. One of these is among just a few original houses remaining in the entire Philippines.

The Ifugao hut is an architectural masterpiece in itself. Built without the benefit of nails or any other hardware, it relies on the accuracy and precision of its connecting joints. Made from thick, sturdy pinewood slabs to withstand extremes of weather and the rough mountain terrain, it is cool in the daytime and keeps its inhabitants warm at night. Aside from the roof, for which cogon grass and other materials are used, the house is enduring and can last for ages.

Yet these are not the only reason visitors from far and wide trek to Tam-awan. Culture vultures with a taste for the ethnic can find an array of such items for sale at the Café Gallery, in one of the huts assigned for the purpose. Framed artworks by resident artists adorn the walls, beaded necklaces and other trinkets hang from pegs, woven clothes, souvenir shirts, and sweets. One might even be lucky to chat with any of the artists who happen to drop by while savoring a steaming mug of brewed highland coffee, or gazing admiringly at the paintings all around.

The village also offers a host of other activities year-round. Visitors can stay for the night in most of the huts, which are provided with beddings in the case of occupancy, for a given rate. The larger huts can accommodate 10 persons at most, while six are comfy in the smaller ones. Conferences, seminars and workshops can also be held in the area, with its abundance of native plants and animals that provide a close-to-nature backdrop. Eco-tours and guided tours are conducted, winding one’s way along the endless maze of paths that snake around the mountainside. Toss a coin into the wishing well, and hope it lands into the bamboo perched upon a rock.

There are demonstrations of craftsmaking and livelihood programs, such as printmaking, basket weaving, rice wine making, drawing and painting workshops, and solar drawing, a unique artistic innovation used by Cordillera artist Jordan Mangosan. With the aid of sunlight on a magnifying glass he burns beautiful, intricate designs onto paper, wood and other media. It is also a venue for concerts and cultural shows by local and guest musicians, dramatic groups, and independent filmmakers, as well as martial-arts exhibitions such as of the truly Filipino arnis.

A visit to Tam-awan would be an unforgettable as well as an entertaining and enlightening sojourn indeed.