Immortal Beauty: Photos from the photo exhibit

Tattooing has been regarded by the natives
as 'the highest form of beautification,' - an art which transcends
the physical world and goes on to the afterlife.
The natives believed that after death,
their souls would still bear the tattoos -
indeed a trace of eternal grandeur.

Cultural worker Ruel Bimuyag has been to most parts of the Cordillera,
met natives and has been tirelessly documenting their life and times

Kidlat Tahimik with Isa Lorenzo of Silverlens Gallery

Cultural worker Ruel Bimuyag with Frank Young

Kidlat Tahimik, almost in a trance - preparing coffee from the highlands
using his native coffee press.

The event became a spontaneous exchange
among filmmakers, photographers, and culture advocates.

Tatay Kidlat's Samorice, Ruel Bimuyag and Tommy Hafalla's Sedey,
and Ruel Lozendo's Simula were showcased that night
- turning the simple event into a mini film festival-of-sorts.

Immortal Beauty runs until 15 March 2007 at Cordillera Coffee Riverbanks Centre, Marikina. The shop is open Monday-Saturday 7am-3am (yes, the next morning) and Sundays 10am-10pm.

For inquiries, call CordiCoffee Marikina store at 4822515 or CordiCoffee Office at 4330634, or email cordilleracoffee@gmail.com.