Paete - Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines

Summary

This video tells the story of Danilo, a Filipino woodcarver from Paete, Laguna, a town known for its rich history of wood carving. Danilo shares his journey, beginning with his family's tradition in carpentry and art, learning the craft from his brother, and becoming a skilled carver of religious icons. He reflects on the challenges faced by the industry due to wood scarcity and government restrictions, as well as his hopes to inspire future generations. Despite hardships, his passion for woodcarving remains strong, and he aims to preserve the craft and pass it on to younger artists.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ The town name 'Peppe' originated from a misunderstanding between a Spanish priest and a Filipino woodcarver, who was asked about the name of his tool.
• 🌳 Danilo, the speaker, comes from a family of famous woodcarvers in Paete, Laguna, Philippines, a town known for its craftsmanship.
• 🎨 Danilo began learning woodcarving from his brother after graduating high school, starting with carving ears and hands, progressing to full religious figures.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Danilo's first artwork featured his daughter, showing his personal connection to his craft.
• 🖼️ He specializes in religious wood carvings, especially icons like Mother and Child, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
• 🏡 Many homes in Danilo's hometown were once filled with woodcarvers, but this tradition is diminishing due to the rarity and government restriction of wood.
• 👷 Danilo hopes to pass down his craft to younger generations, although they often struggle with the difficulty and rarity of wood for carving.
• 🌍 The shortage of wood has made Danilo consider moving into stone carving and reforestation efforts to preserve the woodcarving tradition.
• 🎓 Despite the challenges, Danilo continues to create and sell his art to support his children’s college education.
• 💪 Danilo is determined to inspire and teach the next generation of woodcarvers, ensuring the art continues even as resources become scarce.

Q & A

What does the Filipino word 'Peppe' mean, and how did it influence the name of the town?

'Peppe' is a Filipino word that means 'chisel.' The story goes that a Spanish priest asked a wood carver the name of the town, but the carver, thinking he was being asked about the tool he was using, said 'Peppe.' The priest mistook this as the town's name, and it became known as 'Poetic.'

Who is Danilo Cards, and what is his connection to wood carving?

Danilo Cards is a Filipino wood carver born in Paete, Laguna, a town known for its wood carving traditions. He has a family history in woodworking, with his father and other relatives also being involved in carpentry and carving.

How did Danilo Cards begin his wood carving career?

Danilo Cards began wood carving after graduating from high school. His brother taught him the basic steps of carving, starting with sculpting small details like ears and hands. His early works were religious items, particularly mother-and-child figures.

What materials and techniques does Danilo Cards use in his wood carving?

Danilo Cards uses hardwood, such as mahogany, for his carvings. He applies oil paint and dry brush techniques to his work but prefers to maintain the natural beauty of the wood when the grain is particularly fine.

What challenges does Danilo Cards face in continuing his wood carving tradition?

One of the main challenges Danilo faces is the scarcity of wood, as the Philippine government has prohibited the cutting of certain trees. This has made wood harder to obtain, and he is considering shifting to stone carving in the future.

How does Danilo Cards intend to address the shortage of wood for carving?

Danilo is working on finding ways to reforest areas with the trees needed for wood carving. He hopes to start replanting wood in his hometown, ensuring the continued availability of materials for future generations.

What is Paete, Laguna, known for besides its wood carvings?

Paete, Laguna, is known for both its taka (papier-mâché figures) and wood carvings of religious icons and images. The town has provided many important religious pieces for the Philippines.

How does Danilo Cards balance his work as a wood carver with family responsibilities?

Danilo has to balance his passion for wood carving with supporting his children, who are in college. He continues to take orders for carvings to finance their education, despite being in his 50s.

What does Danilo Cards hope to achieve by continuing his wood carving work?

Danilo hopes to inspire younger generations to take up wood carving, passing down his knowledge and skills. He aims to improve his own abilities while helping others learn the art of wood carving.

Why is the younger generation in Paete less inclined to pursue wood carving?

Many young people in Paete are more interested in art forms like painting, which they find easier than wood carving. Additionally, the difficulty in obtaining wood due to government restrictions makes the craft less accessible.