Tam-awan Village: A Garden in the Sky

This village is located in the north of Quezon Hill in Baguio. It could be difficult to find but with the help of the signages, it makes it easier to locate. It is situated at 366-C Pinsao Proper Baguio City. One can take the Quezon Hill – Tamawan or Longlong via Tam-awan jeepney ride from Kayang Road at the Baguio City Market. There is an entrance fee of Php20 for adults and Php10 for kids.

This is a model village set up by the Chanum Foundation to make it accessible for the people to see. It has seven Ifugao huts and two Kalinga houses. A few of the traditional Ifugao huts were even knocked down and brought here. I was just amazed by the simplicity of the compact houses made up of indigenous materials such as hard word that lasts a lifetime, cogon and timbers. There were no nails nor hardwares used. There is a periodic re-roofing of the houses. In the interior, I observed that the beds were just near the stoves to serve as heater at the same time.

This is also a venue for art exhibits, workshops and cultural performances. The huts are also available for accommodations with a rate of Php500 per person. It would truly be a unique experience to stay in cool and traditional houses. It will certainly be a commune with nature as this village is endowed with mountains, plants, trees and spring. This village has almost touched the sky.