Mavakes is a photographic documentation featuring the traditional practices of Ivatan women. The exhibit will open on May 26, 2018 at The Hotel at Green Sun along Chino Roces Avenue Extension in Makati City. It will run until June 4, 2018, free of admission.
Batanes has always been distinguished for its raw beauty which is evident among its seascapes and landscapes. This group of ten islands strewn like beads in the northernmost part of the Philippines is characterized by the intermittent coastline and undulating cliffs with a high level of endemism of flora and fauna. Its harsh weather condition shaped the natural landscape and the Ivatan culture as well. Complementing each other, the environment taught the Ivatans to respect it so they developed coping mechanisms and cooperative systems in farming, fishing, house building, weddings, and festivities to be able to survive. By shaping the character of the Ivatans through this condition, the natural landscape sustained its splendor beauty and ruggedness enjoyed through generations. Nevertheless, if there is one thing that sums its extraordinary form, it is the captivating culture of the Ivatans.
While it is true that the Ivatans boast of their daring fishermen and forbearing farmers, little attention has been brought to the equally sturdy virtues of Ivatan women. Mavakes is a testament to the indispensable role of these individuals in the hope that communities within and outside of Batanes may value their contribution to the society.
Mavakes is a product of a grant awarded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the official government agency for culture and arts in the Philippines. The exhibit will be hosted by Green Sun, one of the few in its industry that supports the preservation of indigenous culture and the cultivation of local artists’ talents. The second and last exhibit will be in Batanes where the framed photographs will be permanently installed at the Batanes Heritage Foundation, Inc. This initiative is the author’s way of giving back to the community who embraced her like family.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER / AUTHOR
Orange Omengan is a passionate story teller of pure Cordilleran descent. Although a licensed Psychometrician by profession, she is also pursuing a career in the field of documentary photography. Fascinated by Ivatans’ indigenous culture and touched by their generosity, Orange decided to make Ivatan women her subject for her first ever solo exhibit.
For more information about Mavakes, please contact the coordinator Johanna Erroba at johanna.erroba@gmail.com.
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