Tam-Awan (meaning vintage point) Village used to be an unknown place in Baguio. But with various visitors talking about this place in their websites after their visits, Tam-Awan Village is slowly gaining popularity as a tourist destination in Baguio City.
Located at Pinsao Proper, Tam-Awan Village is home to many works of art, courtesy of various artists who use a variety of mediums. The village’s feature include accomodations in authentic Ifugao huts, a venue for conferences, seminars, and workshops, crafts and souvenir shop, eco-tours, cultural shows.
Tam-Awan Village is owned by the Chanum Foundation, an organization founded in 1996. It is their aim to bring village models of the Cordilleras to Baguio. The village started with three knocked-down huts transported from Bangaan, Ifugao. Now, it boasts of several Ifugao huts and even Kalinga huts. Pinsao Proper, the location of Tam-Awan village was one vast pasture land. The word “chanum”, which means water in Ibaloi, was associated with a spring which served as a watering hole for cattle in the area before.
The huts were reconstructed by traditional artisans, without the use of nails and hardware. The huts are compact and simple. Roofs are made of reed and cogon.
Tam-Awan is a venue for art exhibits and workshops to foster a deeper understanding, respect and pride in the cultural heritage of the Cordillera people.
On a personal note, I’ve been to Tam-Awan Village before. The souvenirs are great but some are costly. However, it’s all worth it knowing that the money will be used to help the foundation achieve its goal.
The art works are unique and beautiful. My favorite is the work of one artist where he uses the rays of the sun to burn patterns on wood to create a picture (solar drawing). Other mediums include acrylic on hemp, textile paint and sand art, wood carvings, pastel on HMP, watercolor on paper and much more.
While you are there, the artists will also offer a portrait sketch as a souvenir and then you can donate whatever amount you want. I had my portrait drawn by three artists.
To get there, you can get a taxi and give directions for Tam-Awan Village, Pinsao Proper or if you’d like to ride a jeep, ride a Quezon Hill-Tam-Awan jeep or Long-long via Tam-Awan from Kayang Street, Baguio City Market.
I suggest you go there with hiking sandals or boots as the trail can be slippery. I think the best time to go there is in the morning and before sunset. Tam-Awan boasts of a great view of the South China Sea.
The entrance fee is 20 pesos for adults and 10 pesos for children.
Kindly click on the images to view their descriptions at my flickr page 
Thanks… (more pics in my next entry)
And yes, I went to Vigan
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Technorati Tags:
Cordillera, Ifugao, Tam-Awan, BaguioCity, Baguio, huts, Travel
Yay! As usual great pics you have there..
I grew up in Baguio City,but never been to “Tam-awan” though I heard that its beautiful but never got the chance to see it my self.Thank you for posting pictures here,spiced up my day here in a snowy country.Keep up the good work.
haha. nag-post rin sa wakas.
nice pics of Tam-Awan. can’t wait to get to Baguio.Ü keep blogging
akala ko kung saan na napunta ang sayote. hehehehe! ayus yung banyo shot! naughty pero cool!
hehehe,. ive been to Tam Awan, just last week,. it was owesome,. hehehe,. ive seen Chrsitine Bersola-Babao’s pic with her little baby,. that was a great work of art,. plus they have cool tourist guides,. ive met one,. named mitch,. the cute girl,. hehehe., love to visit the place again,. see yah again baguio,.
sid of Albay!
Tam-awan is beautiful! I hope continued efforts are made to preserve and showcase it; and for people to patronize it, too, so that such efforts will not be in vain. From my Jan 2005 visit, I can still remember this reminder posted inside the comfort room: “If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the sweetie.”