WOODCARVING IN PUGO, LA UNION

Woodcarvers from Ifugao has migrated to other twns and provinces because of the lack of wood in
their hometown to carve. The Ifugao woodvcarvers are innately outstanding in their craft but some
are limited to traditional designs though these saluting Indians already have a market in Manila and
abroad, Pugo La Union 19 September 2007 north of Manila. REUTERS/STR (PHILIPPINES)
PHILIPPINES OUT

Reference: Atsaka (2007,September 19). Philippines – Woodcarving in Pugo, LA Union. Flickr.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/1488176142/in/photostream/
"32 Variations on Sabel" (2008)

Artist: Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera

This large painting, which features more renditions of Sabel, welcomes the museum’s visitors
at the patio a few steps away from the entrance. It showcases his distinct style of bold, free-
flowing brushstrokes and the clever use of abstraction. BenCab is known to portray Sabel on
his works—a homeless, wandering woman he often saw in Bambang, Manila during the
1960s.  
"Portrait of a Man from the Philippine Cordillera" and "Portrait of a Woman
from the Philippine Cordillera" (2004)

Artist: Gregory Raymond Halili

Gregory Raymond Halili’s watercolor and gold dust on paper is rendered carefully given its
intrinsic details. The artist himself painted this using a large magnifying glass, so he can focus
on its details despite being small in size.
"Japanese Pioneers in Baguio" (2004)

Artist: Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera

Apart from Sabel, one of the themes in BenCab's works is life during the Japanese
occupation. This acrylic-on-canvas painting portrays the first Japanese who married an
Ibaloi woman in Baguio. It is said that the actual pictures used in the work came
from the little boy in the picture, the son of the couple. 
"Tradition and Religion" (2004)

Artist: Jordan Mang-osan

Jordan Mang-osan is popular for his “solar drawings,” where he employs the use of sunlight
and a magnifying glass to creatively render his intricate works onto wooden boards. He is
self-taught and known to preserve and show Cordillera culture through his works.
"Love Positions" (1970)

Artist: Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera

Behind closed doors in a corner of BenCab Museum's second floor is Erotica Gallery, which
contains paintings, drawings, and sculptures depicting eroticism. This includes BenCab's
"Love Positions," which illustrates the many ways of showing erotic love.
"Lily for Georgia" (2009)

Artist: Julie Lluch

Known for her sculptures and monuments made of terracotta and bronze, Julie Lluch refers
to her use of these media as gratifying and sensual. Apart from being one of the most posted
works on social media, "Lily for Georgia" speaks of feminism, which is true to the award-
winning artist’s advocacy. Lluch is also part of various movements and groups on feminism in
arts and culture.
"Sabel ‘67"

Artist: Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera

This 55-by-50-centimeter work is BenCab's first painting of Sabel. Unlike "32

Variations on Sabel," this take on the mysterious woman is rendered in a darker tone and
tighter strokes.
"Huwag Mong Damdamin ang mga Bagay Dahil ang mga Bagay Ay Walang
Damdamin" (2011)

Artist: Lynyrd Paras

This straightforward and clever oil-on-canvas work by Lynyrd Paras reminds the viewer to not
sweat the small stuff. Paras is known for his palpably intimate works, most of which feature
faces superimposed with thought-provoking text.
"Untitled" (1960)

Artist: Jose Joya

The Maestro Gallery features BenCab's personal collection of works by masters in Philippine
art. This includes National Artist for Visual Arts Jose Joya, who was the pioneer of abstract
expressionism in the Philippines. He was also known for heavy impasto strokes in his works.
"Pintado" (2005)

Artist: Luis E. Yee, Jr.

Luis E. Yee, Jr, also known as Junyee, pioneered site-specific art installations in the
Philippines about environment and ecology. True to this advocacy, he always uses found
objects in his works. "Pintados," which makes use of recycled wood, is Junyee's
interpretation on how indigenous culture strives for modern civilization.
Reference: Zedrick A,(2019, June 16), 10 Must-See Masterpieces at the BenCab Museum, spot.ph,
https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/the-latest-arts-culture/78069/must-see-at-the-bencab-museum-baguio-
a4329-20190606?fbclid=IwAR3l5ED-n9DsJnB0iGn6Dt64gjsoATiJalEzOpE89lddeRUbaK1OYiiR1fk