March 29, 2024

The Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective Inc. (Bacci), in partnership with the University of Baguio, opened the 5th edition of “Mandeko Kito” (let’s sell) artisan fair.  

Hosted by the UB at its Centennial Hall, the Mandeko Kito is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until July 3.

Bacci president Raymundo Rovillos said “Mandeko Kito” was conceptualized and launched in June 2020 to provide city crafters and artists a platform or an avenue to showcase the best of their products and help ease the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to the sector.

Now on its fifth staging, Bacci added two new attractions for the artisan fair, which are the art weave and a contemporary visual art exhibit so that aside from being a market for creative products, the public can also enjoy viewing other arts and crafts.

The art weave conceptualized by Twinke Ferraren is a tapestry of life and the arts where weavers and artists work together for its realization.

Ferraren said weaving is the central part and driving force of her career in fashion, as weaving always captivates and inspires her.

 “The value of Philippine textile for me is not only in its traditional and historical significance, but also in its artistic quality as behind every piece of fabric is a long and tedious process and these hand woven textile also carries the stories of artisans and their community,” she said.

On the other hand, the “Binhi: A Contemporary Visual Art Exhibition” showcases the works of 13 Baguio seasoned and upcoming artists, that include three sculptures and 17 paintings.

Rovillos expressed gratitude to their partners for the Mandeko Kito, which is among the events for the promotion of Baguio City as a Unesco Creative City.

The Bacci plans to bring the Mandeko Kito during the “Ibagiw” Festival in November and expand it to other crafts that are usually not given much attention such as the metal and silver crafts. – Carlito Dar