Three parks in Baguio City will serve as open-air stages for music, theater, and cultural performances from Nov. 27 to 29, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy art while strolling or relaxing, the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) said Thursday.
Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said the proposed venues are Burnham Park, the reflection pool area at Wright Park, and People’s Park. The performances will be open to the public, without VIP sections, special seating or formal speeches.
“We want that parkgoers or those passing (by) see the performances, stop for a while, listen or watch, and relax without the need for them scheduling their time for it,” Ganongan said.
Planned presentations include performances depicting Baguio’s history, from the American colonial period and World War II to the city’s evolution, presented through Cordilleran and Baguio cultural traditions.
Activities may include mini concerts, theater productions, orchestral performances, and solo piano recitals.
“We want to give value to the experience of traveling to Baguio by giving them these performances which they will not be able to see anywhere else,” she said.
The program may also include workshops, introducing audiences to traditional performing arts, such as the footwork of Apayao dances, hand movements in Benguet dances, and techniques for playing gongs.
Ganongan said the initiative aims to bring art beyond conventional performance venues and make it accessible to a wider audience.
The DOT-CAR is also looking to institutionalize its “Art in the Park” event, which focused on visual arts and crafts during its first two years and featured authentic native delicacies and dishes from Cordillera provinces.
“We hope that people get to love Baguio more and visit more often,” Ganongan said.
She added that the department continues to support activities that promote tourist destinations, in line with its mandate. (PNA)