Victory Liner’s Baguio Terminal Unveils Centerpiece Art
In a country where bus terminals often appear rundown, characterized by sparse benches, a solitary ticket counter, and a parking lot crowded with buses, the Victory Liner Terminal in Baguio City distinguishes itself from the rest through ample space and thoughtful design that caters to the needs and comforts of travelers.
"Wow, it's like a smaller NAIA Terminal 3," I overhear a young lady passenger exclaiming to her friends in Tagalog as they enter the station. Indeed, as you step inside the station, you’ll be greeted by a small pasalubong shop on the left side and several benches leading to the ticket counters. Additional seating stretches out in front while several LED screens display the latest bus schedules. A small area behind the counter features food kiosks, while the lower level has the departure gate and a spacious lounge area.
ALSO READ:
Ibagiw Creative Festival 2024 Champions Baguio's Art and Culinary Scenes
It truly resembles a scaled-down version of NAIA Terminal 3 and something that puts to shame even several downtrodden domestic airports and ferry terminals around the Philippines.
As passengers increasingly regard Victory Liner's Baguio Terminal as a benchmark for commuting facilities, the management of this major bus corporation consistently implements innovations to enhance the passenger experience, including the incorporation of aesthetics that reflect the local culture of the destination it serves.
Marivic del Pilar, President and General Manager of Victory Liner, articulates the company's objective of continuously enhancing the bus commuting experience through a focus on comfort, convenience, and accessibility.
"As leaders in the transportation industry, our mission at Victory Liner is to redefine the bus commuting experience for passengers across the metro and the country," she said.
Just when one would think there was nothing more to improve the station's amenities, the management unexpectedly introduces a striking artwork that connects the bus station with the city's local character, putting an artsy element to the station’s already remarkable vibe.
An Art Collaboration Cooked Up Over Lunch
A brief ceremony took place inside the Victory Liner Terminal in Baguio City on December 4, 2024, to unveil the art piece "Weaving the Heart of Victory." This large-framed artwork is a tribute to the rich weaving culture of the Cordillera region, completed just in time for the city’s role as host of this year’s World Ikat Textiles Symposium at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.
Bayo Foundation Executive Director Anna Lagon, French artist Francis Dravigny, Victory Liner President Marivic Del Pilar, and Creative Baguio City Council Co-chairman Marie Venus Tan unveil 'Weaving the Heart of Victory'
The artwork was created by French artist Francis Dravigny, one of the artists tasked to design the Philippines Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
As del Pilar introduces Dravigny, a voice from the crowd poses a valid question that the speakers didn’t hear: "Why not commission a local artist?"
Dravigny lived in the Philippines for over 30 years since he fell in love with the woven T'nalak cloth of the T'boli people in South Cotabato in 1993 and started exporting them to Europe before he opened a weaving center in Cebu. While it is ideal to have a local artist design the new centerpiece art, he can be considered as already close to becoming one.
Dravigny has harnessed the unique qualities of abaca fiber to produce exquisite textiles for an elite clientele that includes renowned brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, as well as fashion designer Rajo Laurel. Notably, his creations have graced the international red carpet, including a gown worn by Filipina actress Dolly de Leon at the 2023 BAFTA Awards.
Del Pilar, a third-generation descendant of Victory Liner founder Jose Hernandez, shared that the construction of the Baguio bus terminal in 2002 began as part of her master's degree thesis at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). "It was an 18-month project alongside Microtel."
In 2024, 22 years after its initial construction, the Victory Liner Terminal underwent renovations, and del Pilar aimed to infuse the new-look terminal with a unique element. "We wanted to have something different, an accent to cap the whole renovation. We aimed to create an iconic Cordilleran piece, not merely a decoration but an artwork."
A gathering in Cebu a few years ago paved the way for this collaboration over lunch and wine. Marie Venus Tan—a known figure in the tourism sector who has held various positions in the past, such as DOT Cordillera Regional Director and COO of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Philippines, and currently the co-chairman of the Creative Baguio City Council—wove the four personalities together for a collaboration that will add another layer of art to the city.
(From L to R) Francis Dravigny, Anna Lagon, Marivic del Pilar, and Marie Venus Tan hold a small version of 'Weaving the Art of Victory.'
"Nothing is ever accidental; everybody who has the same passion, same thinking, like-minded—we all gravitated to each other," Tan said of the serendipitous creative meeting between her, del Pilar, Bayo Foundation Executive Director Anna Lagon, and Dravigny.
Tan also echoed that with Baguio being recognized as a UNESCO Creative City for Craft and Folk Arts, this collaborative piece significantly enhances the city’s vibrant art landscape.
"The Victory Liner (terminal) is already a landmark in the city," Lagon said. "If you talk about Victory, you think of Baguio. This iconic piece we're unveiling today is not just a piece of art but a story of Cordillera."
What Does “Weaving the Heart of Victory” Symbolize?
Dravigny briefly described his creations: "This is a tapestry that involves a mixture of weaving and embroidery." He then pointed to a pattern resembling the scallop shells in Camino, or the way, which symbolizes Victory Liner's journey around the country from the north to the south.
Dravigny explains further that the artwork was woven using traditional materials and locally sourced fiber before he deconstructed it to fuse the other elements. The latter included abaca, copper, and other Cordillera symbols, like the lingling-o brass ring, which is a symbol of protection and vitality; lizards for prosperous livelihood; and hairs of a soft broom, which is a staple item in the region.
The artist describes the centerpiece art of the Victory Liner Baguio Terminal as a call for safe travels and journeys, infused with the beauty and art of Baguio City.
As one of UNESCO's Creative Cities, the City of Baguio is sure to benefit from Victory Liner's decision to dedicate a space for a giant artwork, which not only aligns with the company's mission and vision but also resonates with the rich culture and history of the Cordillera, as it could potentially inspire other companies and brands to incorporate art into their branding and business strategies. Hopefully, this initiative will create opportunities for more local artists to undertake similar endeavors or get the chance to collaborate with artists from other parts of the world. After all, the City of Pines is fast emerging as a global melting pot of artists.
Heads up, commuters coming to Baguio via Victory Liner: Don’t miss this artwork. Maybe take a selfie with it before you exit the terminal and flag a cab to your hotel.
