.png)
About Us
The Bahay Ugnayan Research Center is situated in the heart of Baguio City, a mountain town nestled in the Cordillera Administrative Region of Northern Luzon, Philippines and stands as a site for cultural preservation.
Established in 2021 by Mercedes U. Zobel and the Mahalina Foundation, the center serves as a hub for both independent and collaborative research endeavors within the region and beyond.
Initially, the center focused its efforts on the meticulous study and archiving of The Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippine Textiles & Objects. This extensive compilation of objects, which is comprised of artifacts sourced independently and in partnership with collectors, notably Ricardo Baylosis, Floy Quintos, and Patis Tesoro, required thorough documentation and preservation.
After both a physical and digital documentation process was complete, the research team embarked on crafting public engagement programs that use the collection to elevate the understanding and appreciation of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage and traditions, highlighting their harmonious synergies with nature and contemporary world relevance.
Beyond its role as a repository for the collection, the center serves as a dynamic research facility, accommodating a diverse range of individuals and institutions. Functioning as both a venue for residencies, presentations, dialogues, and collaborations, the site and staff aim to foster a vibrant ecosystem of intellectual exchange and cultural conversation.
The Collection
The Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippine Textiles & Objects is comprised of 756 objects in the following categories:
Textiles (217) Abra, Apayao (also known as Isnay / Isneg), Baguio City, Benguet, General Ilocano Region, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province.
Architectural Details (3), Basketry (137), Beadworks (60), Metalworks (30), Mindanao Artifacts (11), Ornaments (59), Pottery and Ceramics (29), Utilitarian Objects (88), Weaponry (6), Weaving Implements (2), Woodcarvings (124)
Learn more about each object by exploring the collection category menus below.
Sensitivity Disclaimer
The Bahay Ugnayan Research Center and The Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippine Textiles & Objects compiles digital and physical materials from diverse institutions and collections, including textiles, objects, and historical records. Some of this material may reflect colonial perspectives or the social attitudes of the time it was collected or documented, and may contain words, terms, or phrases that are inaccurate, derogatory, or harmful to Filipino and Filipino diasporic communities. These may appear in catalogue transcriptions, book titles, exhibition labels, object descriptions, or historical records, and have the potential to cause physical or mental distress or evoke strong emotions.
Due to the scope of our collection, the process of implementing sensitive-content warnings and ensuring the accuracy of all displayed data is ongoing. Our research is a work-in-progress, much of the current documentation is based on when and how items were acquired. While we strive for accuracy, some content may contain errors or reflect outdated perspectives that do not align with our current views.
The material within our collection does not reflect the stance of Bahay Ugnayan Research Center Staff or its connected parties. We maintain a strong anti-colonial and anti-racist position and are dedicated to centering the humanity of historically marginalized and disenfranchised communities.
We are actively collaborating with communities, scholars, and stakeholders worldwide to help us interpret the collections under our custody and seek to promote a deeper understanding of Philippine heritage.
Through consultation, we are committed to revising or removing information that is inaccurate or inappropriate.
We strongly welcome and encourage feedback from our site visitors, members of the public, community representatives, and researchers, please do contact us to confirm, clarify, or discuss data found in our collections.
Your insights are invaluable as we work to honor and responsibly steward this cultural legacy.
Thank you.