LOOK: New mural in Baguio aims to celebrate Filipino and Chinese cultures
Baguio City has always been known for its cold weather and various green park spaces, but a new mural celebrating Filipino and Chinese cultures now adds to the many attractions you can see in the summer capital of the country.
The mural was painted by several artists as commissioned by the Baguio Filipino-Chinese community on a wall along Kisad Road, which is also on the path that goes to the new Chinese school in the city–the Baguio Patriotic High School - Elementary Class.
In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, artist and project head Chino Chow said that the large-scale street art was their way of “celebrating and paying tribute to the significant contributions our ancestors made to the development of the city.”
“The Chinese-Filipino community has been an integral part of Baguio since 1918, and we wanted to honor their heritage and presence in our city's history,” he shared.
A celebration of cultures
The massive 200-foot mural puts the spotlight on several figures and symbols that are significant to their community, such as mystical dragons, a Chinese actor and actress, the giant panda, a temple, and locals clad in indigenous clothing.
According to Chow, these images were meant to convey the rich cultural heritage of both the Filipino and Chinese communities in Baguio.
“Dragons are powerful symbols in Chinese culture, representing strength and good fortune, while the Chinese actor and actress symbolize the influence of Chinese cinema and culture. The panda represents China's national symbol and its connection to Chinese culture,” he explained.
He continued that the temple signifies the "spiritual aspect of Chinese culture" and the people represent the "indigenous peoples of Baguio, highlighting the diverse cultural tapestry of the city.”
As a proud Chinoy artist, Chow regards celebrating the cultures of both communities as having “immense significance,” highlighting that it promotes “understanding and appreciation among different cultural groups.”
“It honors the diverse heritage and identities that shape who we are. Embracing this blending acknowledges our roots and the contributions of both Filipino and Chinese ancestors to our identity and community,” he said.
“Celebrating this blending allows us to cherish our shared history, traditions, and values, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious society where diversity is celebrated and respected,” Chow added.
No political meanings
As the Philippines currently has an ongoing rift with China due to territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, political meanings around the mural couldn’t be avoided. But Chow stressed in a Facebook post that the artwork “has absolutely nothing to do” with the tensions between the two countries.
“This mural isn't trying to make a statement or push any political agenda about the West Philippine Sea tensions,” he wrote. “The mural tells the story of how the Cordillerans and Chinese communities have blended together in Baguio since before World War II. It's a celebration of our shared history and the contributions both groups have made to the city.”
“We strongly believe that art shouldn't be limited by politics. Artists should be free to express themselves and their cultures without worrying about being misunderstood or silenced,” he added.
Chow told L!fe that he and his fellow artists, including Edmund Andrada, simply hope to promote cultural appreciation and understanding among the residents and visitors of Baguio.
“We aim to spark conversations about the shared history and heritage of Filipino and Chinese communities in the city and foster a sense of unity and pride in our diverse cultural identities,” he said.
The mural also serves as a “visual reminder of the importance of celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.”
“We hope that when passersby see the mural, they are inspired to reflect on the rich cultures that make up Baguio's identity. We want them to think about the interconnectedness of Filipino and Chinese histories in the city and the contributions of both communities to its development,” Chow said.