Bernadette De Los Santos a.k.a “Bidibidi.” Rinconada artist, farmer, philantropist . What a moniker. Reminds me of the sound Twiki (Buck Rogers of the 21st Century) makes everytime the midget robot pops off something.
She doesn’t actually know I exist and I believe we gatecrashed the place today supposedly to take a glimpse of Kristian Sendon Cordero’s still unfinished flick “Apocalypsis.” Turns out the lady artisan is more interesting than the movie and — eventually — I find it the place is larger than anything here.
It’s called Cafe des Artes. Artisan’s realm and the seat of visual arts exhibits in CamSur’s Rinconada area. One of those typical slowly vanishing colonial-era casas in the land (ought to be declared national heritage by now, IMHO). The house itself an allure: archaic exterior design, the prevalence of exquisite hardwood materials and, heads up, the claustrophobic low-hanging ceiling.
We entered through a mini courtyard that breathes of a pleasant bucolic ambience and immediately uncapped a bottle of that wicked Red Horse beer. This is one spot I would love to get drunk at. “We” refers to a bunch of Rinconada artists (Al Oliva, Frank Peñones Jr and so on).
Bidibidi was engaged with a bunch of guests at her workplace when we made it inside the house, so I took the opportunity to impolitely take photos of the place like freak. I always lose my courtesies everytime I am overwhelmed.
How come the place feels so right. That if I were in her place I would put everything in the same order, in the same harmony. For instance the cherry toned chandelier that compensates the low-hanging ceiling; a rustic entryway (left) also provides an excellent panel for the framed artworks. The BAAO signage (bottom left) seems like an old souvenir from the town’s whistle stop.
Across this gallery is another art wall which separates Bidibidi’s cave from the museum or.. the spotlight from the flourescent light. On the other side of the wall — adorning her craft room — is a network of boughs, Christmas lighting installation and a mesh of clashing colorful fabrics, and (now this is the Wall of Fame) a framed glory: a special feature of her from the Arts and Books section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer titled “Wild About Bidibidi’s Flowers.”
Whew. Like a boss.
I may have another opportunity to visit Bidibidi next time, an interview perhaps to fill out some gaps here. But what I really have in mind is to start a classic portrait shot of the craftswoman. For now I’m boasting this Cafe des Artes experience. Let me hear them say “Ah look he’s been there.”
Bidibidi’s casa-museo @Villa Esperanza, San Nicolas, Baao, Camarines Sur
What a cool place!
Yes and the place smacks fairly well with the cool sleepy town of Baao. Nice place nice people. And I haven’t been to her farm..
I would probably call Bidibidi as the mother of Bikolano artists, she supports all young artists in the region
Perhaps the Tandang Sora of Bikolano arts?
would appreciate it more if it were: “Batang Sora”? bwahahaha! thanks guys!
very very nice gallery
your write-up tells me i just have to pay her a visit when i come home next. the house of bidi-bidi’s right in my gallery of interests. i am so happy and proud for you bidi-bidi… d’end (there’s only one in the family, remember?)
manoy! omg! it has been ages! i definitely look forward to your visit. if you can make it on april 6, 5pm, i will be celebrating my gold, then, and opening my solo, it would be best! yehey! seeya! ps., i know there is only one in the family. bwahahaha! ♥
do i envy your talent! i happen to be about 9,000 miles away from you now but i will be cheering you on. congratulations, cuz!!!
Astig! Love artist’s homes, they’re always such an inspiring hybrid of harmony and passion. And eccentricity.
I’m astounded that I never met her, in the days when I covered the arts scene for Business World Online. BTW I spent a whole summer with the de los Santos clan of Iriga…any relation, I wonder?
I really wish I can tell,Nat. But I will try to have Ms. Bidibidi reply to you on this one. Ikaw ang astig, Business World Online? summer in Iriga City? I d like to know more bout u Nat
Hi! Thanks! my father was Leopoldo B. De Los Santos and was from iriga City. They had a house in front of the old Pantranco/Philtranco terminal in San Nicolas, the house however, was not able to withstand super typhoon reming in 2006.
Hi, Bernadette! (or Bidibidi?
) I must ask my old highschool classmate whether she’s related, and how. You have such an amazing home, the kind of mad and joyful environment I imagine Frida Kahlo must have created in. Thanks for getting back to me, and it’s lovely to ‘meet’ you here, at a virtual coffeeshop in Elmer’s Malate. 
xx Nat