BOHOL — The National Museum of the Philippines–Bohol became a vibrant studio on June 20–21, 2026, as artists and community members gathered for BANSAY, a two‑day tie‑dyeing and stencil printing workshop. Part of the Sandugo sa Bohol festivities, the event invited locals and visitors to experience the island’s creative culture up close.
A Hands‑On Cultural Experience
Artist and facilitator Lester Ouano guided participants through the fundamentals of transforming plain fabric into colorful works of art. Using simple materials, attendees learned to fold, bind, and dye textiles into vivid patterns, then layered stencil prints for added depth. The sessions turned the museum into a lively classroom of expression.
Ouano, chair of the Bohol Pop Contemporary Visual Artists and a BACH Council member, shared techniques drawn from his years as a visual arts educator. Each participant left with a self‑made piece, a tangible memory of Bohol’s artistic energy. The workshop demonstrated that cultural tourism can be immersive and participatory, not just observational.
A Festival of Creativity and Inclusion
The workshop operated under the “Tabo” stream of Sandugo 2026, a festival arc that highlights traditional crafts, trade, and grassroots creativity. The provincial government shifted this year’s celebration toward practical, community‑driven events, redirecting resources to programs that directly engage residents and tourists. BANSAY exemplified that commitment.
Notably, the event welcomed participants from the Bohol Youth Home and the Bohol Crisis Intervention Center. Their presence underscored a deliberate effort to make the arts accessible to all, fostering healing and skill‑building. Tourists witnessing this inclusive approach see a destination that cares for its entire community.
Rooted in Pride Month and Artistic Growth
BANSAY formed part of Pabuhagay Tres, Bohol’s third annual Pride Month art exhibition, which runs from June 14 to July 4 at the same museum. The exhibition showcases 15 queer Boholano artists under the theme “Padayon sa Pag‑usbong” (Continuing to Grow). The tie‑dyeing workshop extended that celebration of identity into a shared creative act.
Visitors during this period experience a museum alive with color, dialogue, and movement. The integration of workshops into the exhibition transforms the National Museum into a dynamic cultural hub. For travelers seeking meaningful experiences, the combination of contemporary art and hands‑on craft offers a fresh lens on Bohol’s heritage.
Strengthening the Geopark’s Cultural Appeal
The event aligns with Governor Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, which integrates cultural preservation with sustainable tourism. As the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol leverages activities like BANSAY to enrich its tourism portfolio beyond beaches and hills. Craft workshops add depth to the visitor itinerary.
Sandugo sa Bohol 2026, running through August, features multiple activities across the island’s Geopark sites. The “Tabo” stream ensures that traditional and contemporary crafts remain a living part of the celebration. Tourists who join such workshops carry home not just souvenirs but a personal connection to the island’s living culture.
